1. Design and Appearance
When choosing a steam iron, opt for one with an adjustable height clothing rack, making ironing and storage more convenient. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the product before purchase, avoiding any with cracks, splits, or scratches on the body. It's especially recommended to prioritize models with a silicon steam iron head, as they not only withstand heat better but also last longer. Furthermore, a larger iron head will save time and effort for the user. Typically, the product will have a control panel or switch on the body and the steam iron head, making the operation smoother, quicker, and more convenient, with various steam settings for fabric customization. Additionally, some models come with self-cleaning and descaling features, ensuring pure steam output and extending the iron's lifespan.


2. Water Tank Capacity
In addition to power, which helps reduce time and energy consumption, the water tank capacity is another important factor in determining ironing time. If you choose an iron with a large capacity, it will handle a larger volume of clothes without requiring frequent refills. Currently, the market offers a variety of models with tank capacities ranging from 500 ml to 2 liters. Tests have shown that an iron with a 1-liter tank can steam clothes continuously for up to 30 minutes.
However, if your household is small and you don’t have a lot of clothes to iron, you should opt for a model with a water tank capacity of 1.5 liters or less. Additionally, look for models with a visible water level indicator, so you can easily monitor and refill the tank in time, ensuring an uninterrupted ironing session and extending the iron's durability.


3. Features
When purchasing a handheld steam iron, don't overlook the included accessories like the specialized ironing heads, which will help you quickly and efficiently press clothes on various fabrics. Also, make sure to choose a product that suits your grip for comfort while using it and pressing the steam button, preventing hand fatigue.
Moreover, the self-cleaning function is a key feature, as it facilitates quick cleaning, prolongs the iron's life, and ensures the water tank remains pristine. Opt for a steam iron with a self-cleaning feature to maintain pure, clean steam output, avoiding yellowing of clothes.


4. Choose the length of the power cord
The primary function of a handheld steam iron is to emit steam vertically, allowing you to iron clothes hanging on racks or hooks, and even to use it on sofas, cushions, and mattresses. Clothes often hang on racks or hooks that are placed at higher positions, and power outlets are not always easily accessible. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a power cord for your iron that is at least 1.5 meters long. This way, you can iron clothes still hanging, or even tackle sofas and curtains.
One important note: opt for irons with cords that can swivel 360 degrees to prevent breakage or electrical short circuits while in use. Also, make sure that the connection point of the power cord to the iron is insulated with a rubber coating to avoid electrical shocks while ironing.


5. Temperature
It is important to choose an iron that allows you to manually adjust the temperature. This feature helps you preserve the quality of various fabrics since each type requires a different temperature to smooth out wrinkles. Nowadays, many irons offer preset temperature settings for different fabric types.
However, having the ability to adjust the temperature is even more beneficial when the fabric is slightly damp or when you're trying to remove stubborn wrinkles. For instance, delicate fabrics like linen or silk require a lower temperature, whereas thicker fabrics like wool or flannel require higher heat to achieve a smooth finish.


6. Check for Electrical Leaks
It is crucial to check for any electrical leakage when purchasing an iron, as this can have serious consequences given the high power output of the appliance. If the iron has a leakage issue, it could result in severe electrical accidents for the user. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the power cord to ensure there are no exposed areas, and that it is not too thin or fragile.
Additionally, you should test the outlet to ensure there are no safety hazards. For irons with a two-prong plug, try inserting it in two different orientations. The plug's surface should be smooth, shiny, and free from rust or any irregularities. After plugging in, the iron's light indicator should function properly, and the soleplate should heat up consistently and quickly.


7. Non-Stick Soleplate Function
For certain fabrics, especially those with special coatings or adhesive layers, high temperatures may cause them to stick to the iron's surface. Therefore, it is advisable to select an iron with a non-stick and scratch-resistant soleplate. This feature eliminates the hassle of the iron's surface sticking and dragging, which could damage your clothes.
Additionally, the anti-drip feature prevents water leakage when the iron is set to low temperatures, ensuring that your clothes remain dry and free from water spots. Moreover, an anti-drip iron provides added peace of mind, reducing the risk of electrical shorts or fire hazards when in use.


8. Brand
To choose a high-quality iron, it is important to consider customer reviews of the brand, especially opting for well-known, trusted brands like Philips, Tobi, Goodway, Salav, and Kangaroo. Products from these brands not only offer excellent quality and energy efficiency but also come with modern, stylish designs. In particular, Philips handheld steam irons are highly favored by consumers for their impressive features, durability, and overall quality.
However, to ensure you're purchasing an authentic product, it's best to shop at reputable electronics stores or official websites. This will guarantee you get a high-quality product at a reasonable price with solid after-sales service. Handheld steam irons can range in price from 200,000 to 2,000,000 VND.


9. Công suất
Để một bàn là cây được hoạt động hiệu quả, bạn sẽ cần chọn loại có công suất cao từ 750 - 2000 W, giúp lực phun hơi nước được mạnh, đều và ủi nhanh, tiết kiệm điện năng cũng như tiết kiệm được thời gian làm phẳng quần áo, đồng thời còn có khả năng làm nóng bàn ủi chỉ trong thời gian rất ngắn (dưới 1 phút).
Bên cạnh đó, bạn cũng cần quan tâm đến các yếu tố khác như vòi phun hơi, thiết kế,... để đảm bảo lượng hơi nước được phun ra của bàn là cây. Vì thế, công suất cũng là một yếu tố quan trọng được ưu tiên khi bạn lựa chọn sản phẩm cho mình.


10. Weight
With the large volume of household tasks such as cooking, washing, cleaning, etc., many homemakers often feel exhausted. Therefore, when deciding to purchase a steam iron, it is essential to consider its weight, as women's wrists and hands tend to be weaker. If you frequently use a heavy iron for long periods, it may cause discomfort and pain in your arms, shoulders, and neck.
Hence, choose a compact and lightweight handheld model. Experts recommend selecting one that weighs less than 1 kg, and for women, it is best to choose an iron weighing 800g or less.

