Dry Iron vs Steam Iron – Which One to Go For and Why?

Now that you are done with your old iron, it’s time to go for a new model that can offer better features within an affordable budget.

However, with so many options available, the decision to make the right choice becomes a bit difficult.

This is where you might need help and we are here for the rescue.

The guide today emphasizes the comparison of dry iron vs steam iron in terms of features, durability, and budget they come in.

You may want to read about: Best Irons In Australia

In addition to the differences between these two types, we’d also assist you in making the right choice at the end.

Sit Tight!

Give this article a thorough read and you’d be able to trust whatever Scarlett Dowden has written about dry and steam irons.

Dry Iron vs Steam Iron – The Major Differences

Dry iron, first of all, is what we call a simple iron with a flat soleplate and a temperature-setting knob. You can use it to remove wrinkles from different types of fabric, especially polyester.

In contrast, a steam iron is an updated iron that comes with steam holes and a water tank for storing water.

After you plug a steam iron in the wall socket, it will emit steam that could penetrate deeper inside the fabrics and make them wrinkle-free.

However, one thing to note here is that steam iron won’t work well with few fabric types such as polyester and suede, etc.

That’s all about what separates a dry iron from the one that offers steam.

Steam Iron vs Dry Iron: Breakdown of Different Qualities

Now that you’ve got an imaginary picture of what a dry and steam iron looks like, let’s talk about the qualities that differentiate both types.

Have a look:

Water Tank:

Water tank comes with a steam iron where it can store water that later on becomes steam when you plug in the iron.

Although it’s a good option, water tank could sometimes cause leakage and can ruin the pressing of clothes.

On the contrary, dry iron doesn’t need any water tank as it does not produce any steam. As a result, this type is resistant to water leakages.

To summarize, if you want to avoid the water spilling on clothes while ironing, then better choose a dry iron. Similarly, if you need a frequent flow of steam, then you’ll have no other option rather than to choose a steam iron.

Steam Holes and Output:

The soleplate of a steam iron is not flat or smooth. In fact, it contains tiny little steam holes that emit steam when the iron gets to its optimum temperature.

Utilizing this steam, it would become easier for you to remove stubborn wrinkles from the clothes you are ironing.

Dry irons, on the other hand, lack this feature. The soleplate is completely flat and smooth, meaning it could offer smooth glide over different fabrics.

In terms of functionality, dry iron meets the demands and needs of people who are into arts and crafts.

In comparison, steam iron is suitable for routine ironing where you have to focus on making the clothes look vibrant and wrinkle-free.

Side Note: If the steam holes of your iron ain’t working sufficiently, then it’s time that you clean them properly. Follow our cleaning steam iron hacks on Flash Reviews for more info.

Spray Mist Option:

Well, some advanced steam irons now offer the spray mist option. Basically, what happens is that there’s a small opening present on corner of the soleplate which emits water whenever you press the spray mist button.

Sounds cool, right?

Well, it’s a fun and easy way to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes.

A classic dry iron doesn’t include this option. In other words, you have to put pressure to remove creases and crinkles from the fabrics. You could also get yourself a spray bottle for better ironing.

Soleplate Difference:

Already discussed above, the soleplate of a dry iron is flat and smooth as it comes without any steam holes.

The steam iron does include tiny holes to ensure a continuous flow of steam.

In terms of better ironing, steam soleplate works better while removing hard wrinkles and creases.

However, the steam holes could get blocked due to lime buildup and in this case, you have to clean them one by one.

Flat soleplate in dry iron is suitable for casual pressing. But you cannot expect it to remove crinkles off clothes without putting pressure or using a spray bottle.

Versatility and Usefulness:

Good thing about owning a steam iron is that it ensures versatility.

Did you know?

A steam iron could be used both for steaming clothes as well as a dry iron.

How? You might ask!

Simply empty the water tank of a steam iron and turn off the steam feature. Doing this will enable the steam iron to convert into a dry one.

However, you cannot enjoy this versatility with a dry iron as they offer a typical ironing interface only.

Your Needs:

The type of iron you want to go with also depends upon your preferences.

If you have got a lot of clothes to iron every day, then a steam iron would be a good option as it comes with many features and is versatile enough.

More precisely, you can use a steam iron to remove wrinkles even from your furniture, curtains, or upholstery. So, that seems like a viable solution for home use.

On the other hand, dry iron is suitable for sewers who have to press delicate clothes every then and now.