Many steam irons are created equal Beware confusing high prices with high quality in appliances

Dear Jim: I need to buy a steam iron. I saw models that use from only 1,000 watts to more than 1,600 watts of electricity. Are the more powerful ones better, do they cost more to use, and what features are best? – Carey M.

Dear Carey: Heating an iron is a very energy-intensive activity. As you have noticed, they are very high-wattage electric appliances. Although the heating elements switch on and off, it will cost about eight cents for each hour your are ironing clothes. Over an entire month, this can be a lot.

The iron wattage will neither affect its wrinkle-eliminating ability nor its operating cost to a great extent. A 1,600-watt iron will get to operating temperature quicker than a 1,000-watt one of the same size. Even though it draws more wattage, its elements are on less time.

The prices of steam irons range from about $20 to more than $125, so choose carefully. Many of the less expensive ones do an excellent job, but they may not have all the fancy features or sleek European styling.

Although most models have this, double-check to make sure you select one with automatic shutoff. This shuts off the power to the iron if it is motionless in the upright rest or the in-use horizontal position. Check the delay time especially for the in-use position, which can do the most damage.

The volume and force of steam output is important particularly if you iron mostly natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen and thick denim. The extra steam will reduce the ironing time and reduce the total electricity usage. This feature is often called “burst of steam” or something similar on the packaging. A water spray button feature can also help on stubborn spots.

The pattern of the steam holes in the soleplate has an impact on the effectiveness of the iron more than the number of holes. Rowenta, the most expensive irons, uses a unique hole pattern. The center holes are the ones used for the burst of steam. This is also effective for long horizontal shots of steam to eliminate wrinkles on a garment hanging on a clothes hanger.

If you generally use steam when ironing, the drag on most models is similar. When ironing without steam, there is more variation in the drag. A nonstick coating or a very highly polished one may be better than just a standard stainless steel soleplate and it will be easier to clean off residue.

Heavier irons are not always better. They range from about 2.5 to almost 4 pounds. A heavier iron can create more arm fatigue. Since you also push down with your hand, the extra iron weight does not help remove wrinkles faster.

The following companies offer steam irons: Black & Decker, (800) 544-6986, www.blackanddecker.com; Hamilton Beach, (800) 851-8900, www.hamiltonbeach.com; Panasonic (800) 211-7262 www.panasonic.com; Rowenta (781) 396-0600, rowentausa.com; Sunbeam (800) 458-8407, www.sunbeam.com.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.