Wherever you go, be it to your office, college class, or any function, interview, date, meeting, etc., you want to look good and dress properly. One of the simplest ways to look good is to wear ironed, sharp, and crisp clothes.
With an iron at your home, you can easily iron your clothes and wear sharp and wrinkle-free garments every day, making you look presentable and good every day. However, while purchasing an iron, you might have noticed two types of iron available in the market: steam iron and dry iron.
It can make you need clarification about which one to purchase. Hence, to make it easier for you to choose between a steam iron and dry iron, in this article, we will discuss what steam iron and dry iron are and the differences between them.
Table of Contents
What is Steam Iron?
Since the invention of steam burst technology in the iron, steam iron has become popular. Currently, it has the highest demand in the market, further outsmarting the traditional dry iron we all have in our homes. The steam iron comprises a steamer that emits steam from the small holes in the soleplates while ironing the clothes.
This type of iron creates a smooth press by sprinkling water on the clothes before ironing and thereby making the clothes moist. While ironing clothes using this type of iron, all the wrinkles can be removed effortlessly, and it works more efficiently on fabrics such as cotton and linen.
As mentioned before, they generate steam through the steam holes and are equipped with a water tank that produces the required moisture. They are also equipped with numerous amazing specifications, such as safety from overheating protection; they can also function as a dry iron, etc.
Pros
- Effectively and quickly removes the creases and wrinkles
- It can also be used as a dry iron
- It can iron clothes faster than the dry iron
- No chance of damage to the clothes
- It can iron clothes faster than the dry iron
- The steam and inbuilt spray mist option keeps the garments super crisp
- It does not require you to flip your clothes
Cons
- Ironing clothes using this iron can leave marks on the clothes
- There are chances of water dripping out from the units
- You will have to iron the clothes by applying extra energy
- It does not work effectively on all kinds of fabrics
What is Dry Iron?
The most popular and traditional type of iron we all might have in our house is the dry iron. This type of iron works on heating the soleplate when connected to an electric supply. It is the most commonly used iron which is suitable for everyday ironing.
The dry irons are light in weight and also very easy to use. Moreover, they also have basic control, which makes it more convenient for you to use them on any fabric.
Pros
- Dry iron is suitable for ironing any fabric
- It comes in varieties of soleplates such as ceramic, non-stick, stainless steel, and aluminium
- Easy to use and clean
- It has a very lightweight design
- Equipped with various temperature and fabric setting
- Available at an affordable price
Cons
- Can’t be used without electricity
- It does not comprise the feature of mist and spray
- Cannot work efficiently on the stubborn creases and wrinkles
- There might be a danger of burning the clothes
- The soleplate can often stick to the clothes
- It does not comprise extra features or any specifications than temperature control
Difference between a steam iron and dry iron
Soleplate
One of the essential factors determining the effectiveness of dry and steam iron is their soleplate. The soleplates of the steam irons and dry irons are available in various types. The soleplate of the steam irons consists of several holes, which are meant for the smooth passage of steam from the appliance.
These holes in the soleplates of steam iron generate heat, allowing it to spread over a larger area. The steam generated from the holes saves the hassle of re-ironing the clothes to remove the excess crease.
While on the other hand, the dry irons come with a flat soleplate and are available in various types such as ceramic, stainless steel, aluminium, and non-stick. Dry irons’ ceramic and stainless steel sole plates allow even heat distribution.
The non-stick soleplates offer a smooth ironing session on even the rough surface while ensuring the fabric does not stick to the base. In dry irons, while stainless steel, ceramic and non-stick soleplates have excellent functionality, the aluminium soleplates are not that effective and are difficult to maintain and clean.
Water tank
One of the significant features differentiating between a dry iron and a steam iron is the water tank. A steam iron employs steam for its functioning and requires a water tank. This water tank is the main source that generates steam from the iron.
The steam irons’ water tank facilitates proper steam generation, which offers effective and easy ironing. However, sometimes water can leak from the water tank if not closed properly, resulting in water stains on the fabrics.
While on the other hand, as the name suggests, a dry iron does not require a water tank. The absence of a water tank in the dry irons eliminates the risk of any water stains on the clothes.
Steam output
The steam irons work on the principle of steam that is generated from the small holes in their soleplates. Therefore the steam output of the steam irons is usually on the higher side, allowing smooth removal of creases. As the name suggests, dry iron does not require steam and therefore has no steam output specification.
Spray mist
An ideal steam iron model comes with a spray mist option which adds to its greater usability. The spray mist function dampens the fabric, which results in the easy removal of creases. This functionality offers the right amount of moisture which facilitates easy ironing.
The primary advantage of the spray mist function is that it cuts down on the ironing time of heavy fabrics. However, this option of spray mist is not available in a dry iron. While using a dry iron, you will have to press the iron on the fabric to remove wrinkles effectively.
Effectiveness
When it comes to effectiveness, the steam iron holds higher points than the dry irons. The steam iron uses steam as their main component to iron clothes. The steam generated from the steam irons results in effective crease removal.
Moreover, the steam irons have various advanced features and specifications that promise fast ironing. The steam irons are an ideal choice for all sorts of fabrics. While on the other hand, in terms of effectiveness, the dry irons are not that impressive. The dry coating of their soleplates is not suitable for heavy fabrics.
Versatility
In terms of versatility, the steam iron is a more versatile option than their dry iron counterparts. A prominent feature of a steam iron is that it can double up as dry iron. For delicate fabrics such as satin or silk that do not require steam, you can empty the water tank of a steam iron and use it in a dry form.
While if you plan to steam your laundry, you can refill the water tank and use the steam functioning of the steam iron. However, a dry iron does not feature versatility since it cannot function as steam when required.
Weight
Compared to steam irons, dry irons are lightweight. The light weight of the dry irons offers easy usage. While on the other hand, the steam irons are heavy because of their in-built water tank. However, certain medium-sized steam iron models are lightweight.
Easy to use
The steam irons and dry irons are extremely easy to use. In a steam iron, you have to fill the water tank and then press a button to enjoy an easy ironing session. The dry irons come with a single functionality and one control for temperature adjustment, thus ensuring easy usage.
Price
In terms of pricing, the steam irons usually come with a higher price rate because of their advanced specifications. On the other hand, dry irons typically come in an affordable price range.
Maintenance
The steam holes in a steam iron are prone to clogging because of calcium build-up. Therefore the steam irons require regular maintenance to keep them functional. While on the other hand, the dry irons are the ones that hardly need any care because of their simple build.
Conclusion
Hence, following our above discussion about the difference between a steam iron and a dry iron, it will be clear for you to choose between them easily.
Our above debate will provide you with comprehensive knowledge about steam and dry iron and the major differences between them. We have also discussed the pros and cons of steam and dry iron. It will help you to choose between any one of them easily.
