Struggling to decide which ironing board to buy? Worry no more because things will get comfortable when you finish reading this handy guide. Ironing can be a little bit cumbersome to some people. For such individuals, using a poor quality ironing board could dull all their hopes of dealing with crumpled clothes. You can buy drip-dry shirts, but still, something that needs pressing could be in your laundry box. I’m merely saying you will need an ironing board whether you enjoy or detest the task. That said; you will soon discover that some boards could make your work easier. Possibly, they can make you start having some liking towards ironing.
Here, we discuss a few considerations that could help you in choosing the right type of ironing board to buy. Later on, we will recommend a few boards that could attract your attention and even impress you enough to consider ordering.
Choosing the Best Ironing Board
To reiterate, the best ironing board could determine whether the task will be difficult or fast and painless. If you regularly press your clothes, you might want to look for a board that is easy to install and use, and effortless to store. Board cover is also another ingredient for quick and painless ironing.
Thus you will need the best iron, the best ironing board, and the best ironing board cover. We’ll focus on the board for now. What ironing board is suitable for you?
• Should It Be Portable Or Built-In?
The beauty with a portable board is the convenience it gives you. You can rapidly take it from place to place as you desire and move out with it when you change residence. However, you will have to deal with the weight. Some portable models can be quite heavy. Besides, they can occupy too much space when not in use. It’s terrible news if you have limited space.
A Built-in board can be an excellent space-saving alternative. These types of ironing boards are usually installed within a wall cabinet or a drawer. When through with pressing your clothes, just tuck them away easily. Pulling them out when needed is also as effortless.
• What Size Fits Your Needs?
Boards for ironing come in five different sizes. Your ironing needs should be the determinants of the board size you choose to buy. For example, if you mostly iron shirts, a small board would suffice. Dresses and suits require medium-sized boards whereas bed sheets and other broad fabrics require full-size boards.
The largest boards in the market are 135 centimetres (that’s more than 4 feet 5 inches) long and 45-49 centimetres (17-19 inches) wide. A good example of a large board is the Brabantia Titan Oval Ironing Board. If you intend to buy this gigantic ironing board, make sure you have adequate space first.
A tabletop board is ideal if you have little garments that you only press occasionally. These ironing boards are incredibly light and easier to store compared to the full height models.
• Weight and Stability
Stability and weight are somehow reciprocal. So, there is a need to strike a balance here. Confirm the weight of the board before you can order for it. A lighter board is excellent for portability. You’ll also find it hassle-free to fold up and down and tuck away. A very light board may not be stable and secure.
Stable boards usually have strong legs and a sturdy frame. This way, it will not buckle under pressure or topple over, slip or slide during use. A board with excellent stability will be a little bit heavier, but manufacturers usually design their heavy models with wheels for easy handling.
• Ironing Box Cover and Mesh
A mesh board aims to allow steam to pass through it as you iron. Doing this stops moisture from accumulating. The Minky Apollo Ironing Board Silver has a unique mesh the brand calls the steam flow mesh that helps with faster crease removal.
Regardless of the type of ironing board cover you choose, you have to ensure it is a good one or your garments will be in ruin. At best, a poor cover would frustrate your ironing. The wrong cover is ill-fitting or lumpy. It will frustrate you because creases will stick.
Try finding a cover with equal dimension to the surface of your ironing board. It should have elastic edges to ensure it is tight against the mesh for smooth ironing.
Padding on the board surface should also be adequate. It should also be resistant to scorching and non-stick. Some manufacturers treat their covers with silicon to make them resistant to stain, too. A few top range covers have additional features to make the cover surface as good as possible.
For example, the Minky Ergo Ironing Board has a metallic reflective surface that significantly reduces the ironing time. The cover reflects heat back onto the garment you are ironing, resulting in a hotter surface that deals more efficiently with stubborn creases.
• What Is the Best Height for My Ironing Board?
Experts recommend that you use a board that is as high as your hip. If only you will use the board, then a built-in model could be the best option. Once set up, it will always remain at the same height. It can be a little bit of a challenge though if you are still growing and adding height. Your hip level will somehow increase, right? What about your durable built-in cover?
In case many people are using the iron board, you may find things more manageable with a portable board that allows you to adjust the height. You need to know that not all ironing boards are adjustable. Keep this at the back of your mind before you make a purchase. An excellent example of a flexible height board is the Brabantia Titan Oval Ironing Board that you can seamlessly adjust to your ideal working height (61 to 102 centimetres).
Extra Features of Convenience
Certain features may not be common to all iron boards. Different brands try to come up with a unique element to make their models stand out and more sellable than others. Some extra features that should spark your interest are:
• IronRest
Most, but not all ironing boards come with a rest for your iron. Called iron rest, it describes the metal part at the broad end of the board that helps with temporary holding the iron while not in use. In case your iron is a steam generator (meaning it is big and heavier than standard irons), you’ll need a rest that is wide and sturdy enough to hold.
I’d go for steam generators because they make ironing incredibly easy and quick. You will love them too. Brabantia Ice Water Ironing Board with Steam Iron Rest is perhaps an excellent description for the best steam iron with iron rest.
The Minky Expert Ironing Board has a unique iron rest which the manufacturer calls Steam Safe Angled Rest. It features a heat-proof plate and silicon grommets that prevent the iron from steaming when you are not using it.
• Child Locks
Children are highly explorative. However, child locks are not intended only for kids. This feature keeps your board from collapsing without intention. It also keeps the board close when you are moving it from one place to the next.
• Flex Guide
Flex guide is an optional attachment that you can clip or screw to your ironing board to prevent the cable of the iron from trailing on the floor or getting hooked.
• Non-Slip End-Caps
Top quality ironing boards usually come fitted with non-slip end-caps. If yours for any reason does not have them, be aware that you can purchase them separately. These caps will stop your board from sliding or slipping as you iron your garments.
• Sleeve Attachment
Sleeve attachment describes a smaller board that you can attach to the main one to help you with pressing collars, sleeves, pleats as well as other tiny items.
How Much Will I Pay To Get A High-Quality Ironing Board?
Ironing boards can range in price from a few tens of pounds to hundreds depending on brand, quality, and features. The bottom line is that you’ll get what you pay for and the features offer. Averagely, a decent board should set you back about £30.
As features performance determining features increase, so will the price. The features that will skyrocket the cost include child lock, non-slip feet, heat-resistant iron rest, and multiple height adjustments.
Choose an ironing board with a combination of features necessary to make your work easy and enjoyable. Do not go beyond your budget just to buy a board with high-end specs because they are promoted as best. You may realize that you do not even need some of those advanced features and accessories.
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered most, if not all the questions you had concerning how to choose an ironing board. Focus on what you need. Should it be portable or built-in? You now know which of the two to go for. Regardless of your choice, the board must be stable and light, with a good mesh and cover and the right height. You can also look out for advanced features and accessories, but ensure your budget within your means.
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