You can find a lot of information on the Internet and other sources about such a question as how to choose an ironing board, but often these articles miss the really defining selection criteria.
It may seem to some housewives that this is not at all difficult, because the range of such products is simply huge. Often this opinion is shared only by those who were lucky enough to buy a really high-quality and easy-to-use product the first time. How responsibly you approach the choice of this thing will depend on:
1. The quality of ironing things from different materials.
2. The ease of doing this work.
3. Speed of preparation of a workplace.
4. Ease of use of ironing equipment.
back to index ↑Basic requirements
Every year the range of ironing boards from different manufacturers continues to grow rapidly. Arriving at any home appliance store, you can see a huge number of these products and it will seem to an inexperienced buyer that the only important difference is the cost. In fact, an inflated price will not guarantee high quality and ease of use, so other parameters will need to be analyzed.
Before buying, analyze all the parameters of the ironing board
First of all, you need to pay attention to weight, since the ironing board is often used by the fair sex. The lighter this device is, the easier and faster it can be prepared for use, and then removed. You also need to pay attention to the strength of the working surface. In no case should it be at least a little deformed or too thin. If the surface bends or loosens during ironing, then working with such equipment will be extremely inconvenient.
The surface of the ironing board must be strong and stable.
Modern models of the latest generation of boards are often foldable, which allows for maximum compactness. This is an important criterion at the stage of choosing such a thing, since if you purchase a miniature analogue, it can always be placed somewhere so that later it does not interfere in the living space.
Foldable board saves space
The working surface should be as wide as possible, which will make the ironing process as convenient as possible. Many prefer models that are initially equipped with special iron stands. Convenient to use and those boards that are equipped with a carrying mount into which the iron will be connected. As for the covering of the working area, it should be made of a soft material that does not deform under the influence of high temperatures.
Practical ironing board with iron stand
Many modern models can be adjusted in height and this is very convenient, because each housewife has a different height and it becomes possible to adjust the workplace so that it is as comfortable as possible to do ironing. It is recommended to choose those models where height adjustment and fixation of the selected position can be done quickly.
Height adjustable ironing board
When choosing this product, you need to pay attention to all the criteria that are written above, because otherwise it will be really problematic to acquire an easy-to-use and durable thing. Also one of the most important selection criteria is the cost. It is advisable to choose from the entire range the option that will differ in the optimal combination of price and quality.
back to index ↑Which countertops are best?
It is important to understand that it is the countertop that acts as the main element of this thing, while it can be made from different materials. If we consider the most budgetary products, here manufacturers use chipboard. As a result, a very significant drawback appears - when the surface comes into contact with moisture or a temperature drop, this material begins to deform, cracking and taking on a wave-like shape.
Mesh ironing boards can transform over time
More expensive boards for ironing a variety of linen are distinguished by a base in the form of a mesh, which can be solid or wicker. The latter option is notable for the presence of a large number of undoubtedly necessary holes for venting steam during ironing.
The basis of the ironing surface made of metal mesh
Models in which the working surface is made of a solid metal sheet are usually positioned as the most reliable in operation, since the base does not deform even with intensive use. It is recommended to pay special attention to the number of special holes, since with a minimum number of them, pairs simply cannot exit freely, which will lead to increased wear of the cover. Often, buyers prefer models whose work surface is made of high-quality metal and at the same time covered with natural wood.
Ironing surface made of a solid sheet of metal
Recently, more and more often you can see ironing boards on sale, the countertops of which are made of thermoplastic. In general, this is a unique material of its kind, which has not yet been widely used and was developed by Leifheit. Many people who have already tested these ironing boards note that they are very convenient to use, and the base of this material perfectly passes steam. Also, the product as a result has excellent strength indicators and, remarkably, has a minimum weight. The only drawback is the very high cost.
Thermoplastic ironing board top
Read more about the nuances of choosing ironing boards
Earlier we already wrote that an important selection criterion is the size of the main element - the countertop, that is, the base. The main problem is that there are simply no specific standards, and each manufacturer determines the parameters on its own, guided by the needs of customers. Most often, housewives prefer boards, the base of which has a width of at least 380 millimeters and a length of 1500 millimeters. It is difficult to say which choice to make for you, since this is an individual matter. Remember that the wider the working area itself, the more convenient and comfortable it will be for you to use the product.
Standard ironing board sizes
What should be the ironing cover?
This element also deserves special attention, since if it is of poor quality, then the service life will be significantly reduced in the end. It is important to know that this is not only a working element of each ironing device, but also a detail responsible for the aesthetic beauty of this item. A good ironing cover must be soft, otherwise you will have to constantly lay an additional cover, and this is very inconvenient.It is worth giving preference to models that have a double lining, which will greatly facilitate the process of ironing things.
When buying, give preference to a soft cover for an ironing board
If we consider inexpensive analogues, then they are made from cotton material. More expensive covers are made from synthetic and water-repellent fabrics that are highly resistant to moisture.
Ironing board cover with water-repellent surface
Most modern ironing board manufacturers include removable worktop covers so that they can be quickly replaced with new ones. If you choose this option, then you should pay attention to the fastening of the cover. It should, if necessary, be quickly removed and put back on, but at the same time, even during long and intensive work, it should not constantly slip or fidget.
Reliable fastening of the cover to the ironing board
At the moment, ironing covers are being produced, the main difference of which is the presence of a special innovative blotch on its upper part, which serves to effectively clean the iron after its use. Models with metal inserts are also common, allowing you to achieve the effect of double-sided ironing.
Ironing board cover with iron cleaning function
If we consider in detail the most inexpensive ironing boards, namely their base, then most often it is made of wood, and the cover is simply nailed to it with cloves or staples. If you use such a thing intensively enough, then very soon the cover will wear out and you will have to purchase a new ironing board or look somewhere for a cover to replace the old one. If initially the design of the product assumes the possibility of replacing the cover, then this will save a lot of money in the future. Often removable covers for boards are supplemented with rubber bands, through which they are fixed. On sale you can see many analogues, where they are replaced by ropes. It is advisable to give preference to them, since the latter option will not stretch over time.
Ironing board with removable cover
Pay attention to height and stability
At the stage of choosing a good ironing board, it is worth paying attention to the legs, as they must ensure proper stability. It is advisable to choose models where they slightly protrude beyond the edge of the board in width. This will lead to some loss of compactness, but such a thing will be much more convenient to use.
The legs of the ironing board must have good stability.
Ironing board legs can be made from a variety of materials, but you need to choose an option where they are as light as possible. One of the best options is aluminum. Also, these elements should have special tips made of rubber or similar materials, which will avoid damage to the floor covering during the operation phase.
Aluminum legs are light and quite stable
The legs can be fixed to the work surface by welding, rivets or screws. It is recommended to choose models where fixation is not carried out with rivets, since with prolonged use of this thing they will begin to loosen. If possible, choose bolted or welded construction models. As for adjusting the height of the working area, the method of fixing the base can be smooth or stepped.
Fastening the legs to the ironing board with bolts
It is recommended to choose models in which this mechanism is smooth, since in this case it becomes possible to make more detailed settings. There is also a drawback - with frequent use of the board, it will constantly loosen, so you have to sacrifice convenience and choose a more reliable analogue, that is, a stepped mechanism.Often, manufacturers provide three levels that the hostess can choose depending on her height and preferences.
Ironing board height adjustment mechanism
A little about additional accessories
If you analyze the range of modern ironing boards, you will notice their abundant equipment by manufacturers with special accessories. Sometimes it may seem that these improvements are not of particular interest and only increase the cost of the product, but in practice this is not always the case. As a result, you can significantly simplify the ironing process and make it simpler, while saving money, because all these elements will not have to be bought additionally in the future.
Iron stands have been added to ironing boards over the past few years, and this element really makes ironing much easier, since the iron will always be close to the working area. Often it is performed as a side mount and has a small size.
Iron stand on ironing board
The presence of a separate board for ironing sleeves will also be a great addition. The cost of the product will not increase significantly from this, but it will be more practical in use. You can iron shirt sleeves in just a few minutes without the slightest folds. When choosing an ironing board, make sure that this part is removable, otherwise it can significantly reduce the size of the working area.
Ironing board with sleeve ironing stand
A great addition is a stand with which you can fix the cord from the iron. Many housewives know that during operation, the cord from this electrical appliance constantly touches the edges of the ironing board, and it is this element that will help to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon. Also, modern boards are equipped with manufacturers with an outlet with an extension cord, which allows you to install the board in the right place and not be tied to the nearest outlet. Constantly using another carrier for this is extremely inconvenient, so it makes sense to choose just such models.
Ironing board with built-in socket
Also, a specialized shelf for ironed linen can become a convenient addition. Many housewives agree that in the absence of such an element, there are no special complications. But its presence will not be superfluous at all and will allow ironing as quickly, comfortably and efficiently as possible.
Ironing board with laundry shelf
Some models are supplemented with a special shirt bracket, the function of which is slightly similar to the previous board addition. The element is fixed on the side and makes it possible to immediately hang ironed things, which is very convenient. The absence of this accessory will not cause much trouble, but it will allow you to avoid constant trips to the closet to place the ironed item in it.
Shirt holder on ironing board
All these additional bonuses may or may not be present on the ironing board, but this does not change the function of the product. If you want to simplify your work as much as possible, then it makes sense to choose ironing boards equipped with the latest modern word. It is important to know the measure, as a huge number of accessories will eventually make the board bulky and heavy.
back to index ↑Summing up
If you want to buy a high-quality and durable ironing board, we recommend that you pay attention to all the nuances that were written above. It is also important to take into account the dimensions of your home. If there are no problems with free space, then it makes sense to give preference to modern models that are equipped with all additional accessories. If there is not so much space, then you can buy more simplified analogues.Their choice is quite large, so it will not be difficult to choose the copy that will not be heavy, durable and compact.
Choose an ironing board based on the dimensions of your home
The range of such products is simply huge and among all this variety there is a considerable number of worthy models that can be intensively used by you for many years. Remember that some additional options may not be useful to you during the operation of the equipment, so there will be no need to overpay for them. As for covers, we recommend choosing models where they are replaceable and initially made of high-quality material that will not burn when exposed to high temperatures. If you carefully approach the choice, then in the end you are guaranteed to be satisfied with the purchase.
Practical ironing board model with removable cover
You just need to choose the product that is distinguished by the optimal ratio of cost and quality, and also suits you in all other respects. Every year more and more modern ironing boards appear on the market, but by and large they differ in that they are made from materials that are lighter and more practical to use. Do not hesitate to ask questions to sales consultants, as the information provided may affect the choice. Do not try to save too much at the stage of buying an ironing board, as in the future you may encounter many troubles.
back to index ↑Video
