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For others, only a hot iron delivers the crispness needed for dress shirts ordinner linens.
Credit:Southern Living / Dera Burreson
But even occasional ironing requires using an irons trusty companion: an ironing board.
It might be as essential as the iron itself.
I want an ironing board that feels stable, so not necessarily heavy, but well balanced.
Credit: Southern Living
Patric Richardson, aka The Laundry Evangelist, is the author ofLaundry Loveand host ofThe Laundry Guyon Discovery+.
Read ahead to find the ironing boards that stood out duringour testing process.
No steam escaped from the bottom of the board while ironing.
Setup is easy, and the Brabantia Size B board stays sturdy and stable under pressure.Credit: Southern Living
The built-in iron rest was a standout feature as well.
Setting up the board is simple.
Even with significant pressure applied, the board stayed sturdy and stablean essential quality for effective ironing.
The surface wasnt completely smoothwe could feel the frame through the cushion and fabric cover.
This didnt seem to affect the wrinkle removal, although the lower-quality fabric cover may show wear over time.
Still, height adjustments were easy to make, even mid-ironing.
We appreciated that the handle had a good grip and securely latched at each adjustable height.
The feet grips also left room for improvement, as the board could benefit from better floor traction.
While the fabric cover wasnt the most high quality, the board itself seems durable enough for regular use.
Its best features were the adjustable height and the secure latching of the levels.
We appreciated the attached holder that can hold an iron and its cord.
While this board offers ample surface area for ironing, its designed for tabletop use.
The surface was slightly bumpy, and we noticed that steam escaped through the wire holes underneath.
As a result, the frame of the board was hot to the touch and saturated with moisture.
The grippy caps on the legs of this board prevent the board from sliding around and ensure stability.
Overall, this board is sturdy, portable, and easy to store in compact spaces.
Its lightweight, compact, and folds up easilyperfect for packing in a bag and taking on the go.
When testing this ironing mat, we placed it on a table and proceeded to iron a shirt.
While a bit of steam escaped under the mat, it wasnt excessive and didnt damage the table underneath.
We appreciated the adequate surface area on the mat that easily accommodated the size of the shirt.
We felt that it was a fair value for a travel mat in place of a standard ironing board.
Once set up, the board felt secure and steady.
While it didnt creak during setup, the legs and undercarriage did produce a noticeable metal-on-metal banging sound.
The padding isnt very thick, but it provided enough cushioning for effective ironing without affecting performance.
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The smaller curves of this ironing board actually made it easier to work on these detailed tasks.
However, we ran into some issues with the folding mechanism.
The folding arm has a problematic locking mechanism.
The Amazon Basics Full-Size Ironing Board felt sturdy, with secure latches and adjustable height.Credit: Southern Living
On a positive note, the three tiny feet keep the board securely in place with no sliding.
Despite its flaws, the boards size and shape made it a useful tool for precise ironing tasks.
From the start, the folding system impressed usit opened and closed effortlessly with no squeaks or screeches.
Folding and unfolding were smooth, with multiple adjustable stops for easy positioning.
We found the cord keeper to be the only real disadvantage of this board.
It frequently got in the way while ironing, eventually broke, and ultimately proved more frustrating than helpful.
The price point of this board is on the higher end of the boards we tested.
It also easily folds and unfolds without too much noise.
For those seeking a more economical option, theAmazon Basics Ironing Boardshould be considered.
The board is durable enough, with 10 different height adjustments and a convenient iron rest.
Our Testing Process
We evaluated 16 different ironing boards in our lab.
For every test, we ironed a dress shirt to evaluate real-world performance.
We also checked the temperature of the pad after ironing to see how well it absorbed heat.
Additional features like iron rests, garment racks, sleeve boards, and cord holders were also considered.
Tips for Choosing the Right Ironing Board
Surface Size
Surface sizes of ironing boards vary.
Look at the weight of the board youre considering.
Be sure it’s possible for you to easily handle that weight and a little more.
That oversized board becomes less helpful if you cant handle the weight.
Credit: Southern Living
Many of these features, while convenient for some, might be unneeded or even a nuisance to others.
I personally never use the iron rest on the ironing board, Richardson says.
He feels like the iron rest gets in the way when ironing larger items.
The Joseph Joseph Pocket Board includes a built-in holder for storing the iron and cord.Credit: Southern Living
For many, its just a matter of feeling and preference, and what works for you.
This is also convenient for those who have high-volume ironing, such as a seamstress or an embroiderer.
Some may wish to sit while ironing during prolonged, laborious ironing jobs.
The board’s adjustability ensures maximum comfort during the ironing process.
Thankfully, there are smaller options.
The board is lightweight and has a thick, sturdy foam surface.
Its lightweight design made unfolding, refolding, and setup quick and hassle-free.
Credit: Southern Living
We placed the BNYD Portable Ironing Mat Blanket on a table and ironed a shirt.Credit: Southern Living
Credit: Southern Living
The Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board was perfect for sleeves, collars, and other detail work.Credit: Southern Living
Credit: Southern Living
The Bartnelli Heavy Duty Ironing Board absorbed steam well, keeping the shirt dry and surface cool.Credit: Southern Living
Smooth and stable, the Brabantia Board C impressed, but its price felt a bit steep.Credit:Southern Living / Dera Burreson
