Best Rowenta Iron for Ironing [2022 Review]

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Ironing doesn’t always top the list of favorite chores. While it won’t suddenly make you love ironing, using a high-quality iron can make the job a little less tedious and perhaps even a little bit faster. We’ve reviewed three of ​the best Rowenta irons on the market to help you find what’s best for you. 

Which Rowenta Iron is the Best?

When shopping for Rowenta irons, one of the first things many people notice is that Rowenta irons are more spendy than an average iron, often ranging from $40 to well over $100. Is spending that much money on a Rowenta iron worth it?

Investing in a good Rowenta iron can indeed be worth it. Quality irons, like those that Rowenta makes, produce quality results. Consider several different things when you are thinking about purchasing the best Rowenta iron available: 

  • Trusted Name: The Rowenta brand been around for more than a century, and Rowenta has established itself as a brand that can be trusted. Rowenta has only a small handful of specialties, including Rowenta irons; therefore, Rowenta can focus developing these well.
  • Garment Care: You iron your clothes so they—and you—look great. Irons that become too hot or that heat unevenly have been known to discolor or scorch garments. Many of Rowenta’s irons distribute heat with a central aluminum core in the soleplate.
  • Efficient: When a Rowenta iron works well, it can save you time. A Rowenta iron with high wattage, for example, has the power to heat quickly and maintain its temperature. A stainless steel soleplate is better. A stainless steel soleplate like those on Rowenta irons, glade effortlessly and reduce ironing time.
  • Performance: Overall, you likely want a Rowenta iron that performs well, making clothes look crisp and easing your workload. We had this and the above criteria in mind as we scrutinized Rowenta irons.

​Read below for our Rowenta iron reviews:

We’ve looked at many Rowenta irons, checking out their features and price. Selecting the Best Rowenta model of the year was a bit challenging, as Rowenta manufactures outstanding irons. That said, we did identify Rowenta favorites among them, and we’re sharing them here with you now to help you make your Rowenta iron purchasing decision a bit easier.

Cost is an important consideration when purchasing any Rowenta product, and, admittedly, Rowenta irons are on the high end of iron prices. Still, you can buy a Rowenta in a range of prices. We’ve selected the best Rowenta iron in three categories: low prices, ranging from the $40 to $60 range; mid-range prices, ranging from $70 to $99; and high amounts of over $100.

Beginning with the low price range, proceeding to the mid-range, and ending with the highest priced Rowenta irons, here’s a look at our Rowenta favorites.

Brand
Best Overall
Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force
Best Partner of Fashion
Rowenta DW5197 Partner of Fashion Focus Steam
Best for the Money
Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam
Product
Rowenta Steam Force Stainless Steel Soleplate...
Rowenta DW5197 Partner of Fashion Focus Steam...
Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam 1600W 300 Hole Steam...
Microsteam Holes
400 holes
400 holes
300 holes
Weight
3.85 pounds
3.84 pounds
3.26 pounds
Best Overall
Brand
Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force
Product
Rowenta Steam Force Stainless Steel Soleplate...
Microsteam Holes
400 holes
Weight
3.85 pounds
Price
Best Partner of Fashion
Brand
Rowenta DW5197 Partner of Fashion Focus Steam
Product
Rowenta DW5197 Partner of Fashion Focus Steam...
Microsteam Holes
400 holes
Weight
3.84 pounds
Price
Best for the Money
Brand
Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam
Product
Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam 1600W 300 Hole Steam...
Microsteam Holes
300 holes
Weight
3.26 pounds
Price

Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam

Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam 1600W 300 Hole Steam...

This iron offers Rowenta quality at a lower price than many of their other models. What Rowenta has done with the Accessteam is removed some of the features of their more expensive models while retaining the components that make all Rowenta irons high quality.

The Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam is a fine little iron that is worthy of being called the Best Rowenta Iron of the year among the lower-priced models.

The Access Steam is a lightweight iron, making it an excellent choice if you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any other pain or movement difficulties in your hands, wrists, and arms. Many of Rowenta irons are heavier and harder to use if you have pain.

This iron features a scratch-resistant stainless steel soleplate for a smooth and easy gliding experience across different clothes. This stainless steel soleplate features 300 micro steam holes to make sure you have a thorough micro steam distribution; along with a high-precision tip for hard-to-reach areas.

This simple-to-use iron has a perfect steam system that senses the fabric you’re ironing and adjusts its continuous steam output per minute accordingly. There are three basic micro steam settings: delicate, normal, and maximum. You don’t have to guess what temperature is best or keep fussing with micro steam adjustments when you iron with  Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam .

Access Steam is a 300-hole, 1600 watt device. Therefore, it has less power and micro steam output than Rowenta’s fancier models. Still, 1600 watts is sufficient to make this iron do its job well. Other brands’ irons can have wattages of 1200 or, sometimes, even lower.

Why Buy?

This Rowenta iron may deliver a slower ironing speed and require more effort to remove wrinkles, but it it wasn’t designed for speed or heavy-duty ironing.

If you are looking for a high-quality Rowenta iron with a stainless steel soleplate that does essential ironing work well without costing a fortune, the Access Steam iron just might be the one for you.

Accessteam provides peace of mind as you iron. The anti-drip system keeps your clothes dry while you iron them. Along with the anti-drip system, you don’t have to worry about or deal with spots on your clothes thanks to the iron’s self-clean and anti-calc and anti-drip system. 

The iron has enough force for its vertical-steaming micro steam feature. This vertical-steaming feature, coupled with Its precision tip and micro steam holes along the entire stainless steel soleplate make the  Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam  the best Rowenta steam iron in its price category.

Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam Highlights

  • Rowenta quality at a reasonable price
  • Lightweight
  • Great anti-drip system to keep your clothes dry
  • Auto vertical-steaming adjusts micro steam levels for you, making your job simple
  • Stainless Steel Soleplate with Micro steam Holes
  • Vertical-steaming feature
  • Shares many safety features with Rowenta’s more expensive models
  • With 1600 watts, it doesn’t always reach high-enough temperatures
  • Light weight can work against you because you need to apply pressure to deep wrinkles
Rowenta DW2171 Access Steam 1600W 300 Hole Steam...
  • STAINLESS-STEEL SOLEPLATE W/ MICROSTEAM HOLES - Scratch-resistant stainless steel for smooth, easy...
  • CLEAN STEAM - Built-in Anti-Calc and self-cleaning systems for easily maintaining high level of...
  • SAFETY COMES FIRST WITH ROWENTA - 3-way auto-off feature shuts iron off after 8 Min. of inactivity...

Rowenta Partner of Fashion Focus Steam

Rowenta DW5197 Partner of Fashion Focus Steam...

This best Rowenta model is the Partner of Fashion for a reason. Thos Rowenta model was designed for use by people in the fashion industry, DIY crafters, sewers, and anyone who needs a high-powered iron that won’t turn off in the middle of a work session. This Rowenta model offers incredible features and capability whether you’re ironing your laundry for daily wear or tackling more substantial projects.

The Partner of Fashion Focus Steam boasts 1725 watts of power, which means that the iron heats rapidly and retains its heat through the duration of your project. The Focus Steam performs superbly, eliminating even deep wrinkles.

Steam features add much to the iron’s performance. The stainless steel soleplate contains 400 holes for micro steam operation. These bursts of steam from the stainless steel soleplate come in three distinct steam settings to penetrate your garments evenly. This thorough steaming action in the stainless steel soleplate coupled with the sharp, precision tip equipped with some of the 400 soleplate holes make ironing quick and effective.

Why Buy?

The Focus Steam is indeed the Partner of Fashion. If you are a crafter, do a lot of sewing, or are in the fashion industry—or want an excellent iron for everyday use, this iron will lighten your workload. Use it, walk away from it, and return. It will still be hot and ready.

One of the most straightforward features of the Focus Steam iron is also one of its most popular. This vertical-steaming iron has no automatic shut-off feature. You will no longer have to struggle with an iron that shuts down after a few minutes of inactivity but instead can use the iron, walk away from it to tend to something else, and return to the appliance, hot and waiting.

Rowenta Partner of Fashion Focus Steam Highlights

  • 1725 watts for quick heating and temperature retention
  • Crystal water tank with markings makes it easy to see water reservoir levels at a glance
  • Tackles even deep, set-in wrinkles easily
  • Fast and efficient
  • Excellent for those in the fashion industry, people who sew, craft, and more
  • Makes ordinary ironing of clothing less of a chore
  • Steam features mean that the water tank needs frequent refilling
  • At over 3 pounds, the iron can feel heavy to use
Rowenta DW5197 Partner of Fashion Focus Steam...
  • 1725-watt steam iron stays on until unplugged (no auto shut-off); ideal for fashion designers and...
  • Smooth-gliding stainless-steel soleplate with precision tip for hard-to-reach areas; 400 holes for...
  • Ergonomic, easy-to-read thermostat knob; auto-steam; burst of steam for stubborn wrinkles; vertical...

Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force

Rowenta Steam Force Stainless Steel Soleplate...

This professional steam iron is undoubtedly the best Rowenta model of this year. They call this best Rowenta iron the “Steam Force,” and it lives up to its name. With 1800 watts and an electric steam pump powering it, this iron removes even the most stubborn wrinkles and toughest creases in no time.

The electric steam pump emits an extremely potent burst of steam—up to 30% more than what most Rowenta irons can deliver. Further, the steam is emitted through the whopping 400 holes in the sole plate. All this means that as you iron, steam penetrates deep into the fabric for effective and efficient wrinkle removal.

The Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force also includes an anti-calc system. If you’ve ever had an iron deposit little white bits of minerals, specks that can sometimes make you throw the piece of clothing right back into your dirty laundry hamper, this feature could be something you greatly appreciate.

Why Buy?

This appliance will make ironing less of a chore. In a short amount of time and with little effort, you will produce crisp, professional-looking garments.

This iron offers other little features that add up to big conveniences. The iron is self-cleaning, a convenient way to maintain your iron and protect your clothes from water spots and rusty splatters or drips.

It has a 3-way auto shut-off mechanism for safety. In addition to the eight-minute auto shut-off after being left untouched in a vertical-steaming position, the Steam Force  shuts off in 30 seconds if it’s tipped or left lying horizontally, potentially saving your favorite shirt. 30 seconds is more than enough tiem to save your clothes.

This iron does a great job while considering you and your clothing.

Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force Highlights

  • Strong electric steam force eradicates deep wrinkles quickly
  • 1800 watts provide high energy to make the iron best efficient
  • Iron over wrinkles fewer times and with less effort than with other Rowenta irons
  • Precision tip reaches hard-to-iron areas
  • Extra-large water tank and extra-long, 7-foot cord add convenience
  • The long cord might be too long, getting in your way if it’s bunched near your feet
  • Expensive
Sale
Rowenta Steam Force Stainless Steel Soleplate...
  • 1800-watt steam iron with SteamForce technology for fast, effective removal of wrinkles from all...
  • Integrated electronic steam pump delivers powerful burst of steam (up to 210g). Water tank capacity:...
  • Pushes up to 30% more steam into material (compared to steam irons with no pump). Continuous steam...

Our Vote for the Best Rowenta Iron

​There are quite a few amazing steam Rowenta irons made by the strong Rowenta brand, which made our reviews difficult (to say the least). In the end, we give our vote to the ​Rowenta DW9280 for the best rowenta steam iron on the market. 

Yes, its the most expensive on our list, but for good reason. For a modest increase in price, you get some features that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s self clean and auto shut-off features make this Rowenta iron worth the price.

What to Look For in a Rowenta Iron

There’s a reason you don’t see any wrinkled clothes in fashion stores. They’re always crisp and clean, otherwise they’re not gonna sell. As much as you look for the most attractive-looking stock of the clothes you’re gonna buy, their appeal is only gonna last until the next wash if you don’t have a high quality iron.

There are so many qualities to look for yet so many people are clueless about them. Not anymore when you go through our list of features to look out for.

The dry iron is what we’ve known to use for years, and that familiarity may keep you from trying out the steam iron. However, some would use a separate water spray to sprinkle and dampen their clothes before using a dry iron. It’s just a similar concept to what a steam iron does anyway, which is much faster and effective.

Steam iron on an iron board

If you’re just planning to invest on this more convenient tool, these are the features you might want to keep in your checklist before deciding on what to get.

Soleplate

As the only portion that touches the clothes and does majority of the straightening work, the soleplate could be considered the most important part of a steam iron. Found on the bottom, it usually has a flat surface, is somewhat triangular, and when heated up to an appropriate temperature, could remove the clothes’ wrinkles gotten from the wash.

This is what most people would check out as the deciding factor whether a steam iron is good enough or not. In general, you might want to look for a soleplate that’s easy to maneuver with a powerful steam function, but also can be maintained for a long time. There are several soleplate steam options to consider and each has different features and characteristics:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is made of an alloy of steel characterized by being inoxidizable. Stainless steel is used for many household tools, especially those used in the kitchen. This is why a stainless steel soleplate is the most common out of the other types of soleplates.

Stainless steel is also popular for its durability. Stainless steel tools are easy to clean and can distribute heat evenly throughout the plate. That’s why for a budget steam iron, the stainless steel material is a strong contender.

Ceramic

Compared to stainless steel, ceramic soleplates are better conductors of heat. They are capable of regulating heat well and it’s also regulated throughout the soleplate. Ceramic is known to become hard when fired or exposed to high heat, that’s why ceramic soleplates are sometimes metal or plastic soleplates with a coating of ceramic on it.

Aside from spreading heat evenly, ceramic soleplates also avoid statics and prevent the steam iron from sticking to the clothes and burning them when it’s heated up to a high temperature.

Titanium

A titanium soleplate is usually an alloy that’s combined with either aluminum or iron. They’re known to be corrosion-resistant, which means they’re also easier to clean and durable to last a long time.

It’s shiny surface can achieve an even amount of heat and transfer it to straighten out clothes’ wrinkles fast. The material is also lighter than others, so this might be a perfect choice if portability is in your priority list.

Non-stick

When steam Rowenta irons are labeled as non-stick, it means the soleplate surface was coated with a non-stick material to reduce the chances of clothes sticking to it, especially when the temperature is high and perfect steam distribution. The coat might even help with the even heat and perfect steam distribution throughout the plate and will make it easier to clean with a rag with this steam distribution.

However, the non-stick coat might thin itself out or peel over time, which might also limit the lifespan of the steam iron itself.

Underside of a steam iron

Cast Iron

Cast iron soleplates are based from old methods and might not be as easy and effective as current technologies would allow nowadays. They are similar to old versions of ironing tools that don’t use electricity, so several issues like unregulated heat, rust, among many others quickly arise from this type of material.

Precision Tip

As mentioned, the soleplate of any kind of iron is usually triangular in shape. The pointed edge that is the topmost point of the soleplate is called the precision tip. It’s an essential detail to the making of ironing tools since it’s the only portion of the soleplate that can get to some parts of the clothes.

Some parts only the precision tip can reach are the area around the buttons and zippers. The precision tip can also reach the edges and corners of jeans and tops that can’t be completely flattened on the ironing board, pleats, and many more.

Weight

The traditional ironing tool with no vertical-steaming features are relatively known to be heavy. The heavy weight of irons without vertical-steaming features is sometimes attributed to the material used and the features put into the tool, but sometimes, they are made to be heavy intentionally because it helps flatten the clothes much faster.

Steam Rowenta irons nowadays don’t always follow the same amount of weight traditional ironing tools had. For some models, the steam can make up for the reduced weight since the heated water misted onto the clothes quickens the chore.

When thinking of the weight, consider the effectivity of the steam iron with and without the extra heaviness. It will depend on how it assists the tool in ironing out your clothes, and also to your preference since a heavier one will tire your arms quicker too.

Water Tank Capacity

Steam Rowenta irons are rarely ever without a water tank. It is what makes them a steam iron instead of just a regular one. The water tank is where it gets the water supply to spray onto your clothes, either automatically or with the push of a button.

Some Rowenta irons have bigger water tanks than others, but each micro steam iron is made for a specific way or method of use. A portable micro steam iron might have a smaller one, which will be lighter and easy to bring. On the other hand, bigger Rowenta irons will allow more water which will reduce the times you have to refill.

Ease of Refilling Water Tank

Sometimes you wouldn’t have a choice in the matter of the water tank’s capacity. It’s the one thing that is essential to a micro steam iron but can be compromised to make way for other more important features.

However, the ease of refilling a water tank is the only way to make up for that. The water tank may be small or large but when refilling the water tank is easy, the act of refilling it no matter how many times wouldn’t double up the time it takes to do the chore overall.

Pouring water in to a steam iron
Source: ajmadison.com

Wattage

The wattage of your micro steam iron will determine how much a vertical-steaming iron heats up in a certain amount of time for an effective steam production. There’s usually a limit to the temperature your micro steam iron can get to, but how fast the vertical-steaming iron reaches the maximum will be dependent on its wattage.

Though it’s not always the case, a higher wattage may mean your steam iron is able to heat up the soleplate much faster. With this, a good number to be a standard of your steam iron’s wattage is at least 1500.

Ergonomic Handle

A handle with an ergonomic design is a big part of the steam iron that is sometimes overlooked. Opposite to the soleplate, the handle of a vertical-steaming iron is the part that a person touches the most. In the same way that the soleplate needs to be flat to be able to straighten out clothes, the handle of a vertical-steaming iron needs to be comfortable to make the steam iron usable for a reasonable amount of time.

Though a steam iron may cut down the time it takes to iron clothes, the handle of a vertical-steaming iron makes sure you’re able to maximize the vertical-steaming iron iron’s capacity and your own abilities to lift and press down on clothes repeatedly.

For things to check on a steam iron handle, it must have a comfortable grip and help you avoid a steam burst. Look out for handles with contours that are shaped according to a human hand, so it will feel natural when held. If your hand tend to sweat quickly, make sure that the handle of your steam iron has a non-slip feature.

Controls

The wattage is responsible for the aspects you can’t change about the steam iron’s electrical functions, while the thermostat knob is the one that enables you to dictate the steam production temperature and other features that depend on the steam iron model.

Though not important, the thermostat knob should be placed in an area near the handle that doesn’t make it easy to accidentally change the steam production settings. However, it should still be easily reachable, even in vertical-steaming Rowenta irons. Just look for something that requires a little more push and effort to maneuver and control the steam production, so the iron wouldn’t unintentionally be heated up or down.

Close up of two irons controls

Steam Holes

Steam Rowenta irons usually have steam holes positioned strategically near the underside of the it or on the stainless steel soleplate itself. How much steam generated by your iron every time it releases some is dependent on the steam holes.

The number, size, and placement of steam holes or their distances between each other will determine the amount and steam distribution. More steam holes and larger steam holes might mean there’s more steam coming out but it might dampen your clothes too much. 

The right number of steam holes, proportional sizes and distances should be equally balanced out to get a sufficient amount and to maximize the burst of steam coming from the iron.

​Safety Features

As the steam iron is an electrical tool, there are some risks to using it. Technological advances have made electronic devices so much safer in general, but some extra features are still better just for safer measure.

The following features are not all that necessary, but they are incorporated to either prolong the lifespan of your steam iron or be a preventive feature to avoid accidents.

Anti-Scale Feature

The anti-scale feature is more of the former. It’s a feature that is for maintenance, but it protects your steam iron so that it lasts longer. Tap water usually contains some elements or chemicals that make it harder or harsher than the purified type. This is why tap water is usually not advisable to drink.

Since your steam iron uses tap water or distilled water and your stainless steel soleplate comes in contact with water a lot from the burst of steam, the chemicals in the hot tap water or distilled water might stick to the material and eventually weaken the performance of your steam iron or damage your ironing board.

Descaling is the method used to remove the tap water reservoir remnants which are called limescale. If you don’t want to make the extra effort of descaling, get a steam iron with an anti-scale feature or a limescale water filter.

Auto Shut-Off

Auto shut-off is a common feature nowadays and not just with steam iron Rowenta models. Auto shut-off is a reliable feature especially if you’re one to always forget to turn things off, especially electric devices and tools. Auto Shut-Off is incredibly useful.

The auto shut-off feature on Rowenta steam irons will specifically prevent potential fires. Auto shut-off feature can also prevent any damage on your clothes and ironing board.

A steam iron on the floor with tangled cords

Power Cord Length

The power cord is another part of the steam iron that is often overlooked. Sometimes it’s too late to realize that you have to stay close to the power outlet just to be able to use the continuous steam iron. It will limit the mobility of the iron and might take up time because of the adjustments you have to do while ironing your clothes.

In general, it’s good to have a longer power cord so you can use the continuous steam iron wherever is convenient. A good standard for the length is at least 6 feet, but some can reach up to 12 feet.

There’s something to learn from the advertising strategy of fashion brands of making their clothes look good on display. By being wrinkle-free and spotless, it automatically hikes up the appeal of the clothes to the buyer.

In the same way, when the clothes have the same flawless presentation while you’re wearing them, your outward appearance will have an instant steam boost even if you don’t feel as put-together on the inside. That’s the power of dressing up, but only with the help of a good continuous steam iron with these features.

Conclusion

All Rowenta irons deliver excellent ironing results, but the ones we found to be the best on the market are the Access Steam irons, the Partner of Fashion Focus Steam irons, and the Steam Focus. Consider your budget as well as the performance you want in your steam irons, and you’ll be poised to purchase your new iron.