The 10 Best Steam Irons in Australia

A steam iron heats a metal soleplate and forces steam through vents to relax fibres and press out wrinkles in one pass, working faster than a dry iron on most everyday fabrics. The best steam irons in Australia balance steam output, soleplate glide and tank capacity so a full basket of washing doesn’t turn into an hour at the ironing board.

Three main types are sold in Australia: standard steam irons with a soleplate and integrated tank, steam generator irons that pair a lightweight iron head with a separate pressurised water tank for continuous high-pressure steam, and hybrid iron-and-steamer units that rotate between a flat soleplate and an upright steaming position.

Continuous steam output is the number worth checking first: irons in this guide range from 30 grams a minute on entry models up to 150 grams a minute on steam generator units, with steam boost shots reaching as high as 210 grams a minute for a single stubborn crease. Beyond output, the details that matter are soleplate material, tank capacity, and whether the iron includes a vertical steam function for hanging garments.

This guide compares ten steam irons available in Australia, from compact standard irons to full steam generator stations, spanning budget and premium price points.

Quick Picks

The Best Steam Irons in Australia Compared

Product	Link	Type	Best For	Key Spec
Oliso Pro Smart Iron iTouch TG1100	Check price	Standard iron	Best Smart Auto-Lift Iron	Auto-lift feet
Advwin Standing Garment Steamer 2.7L	Check price	Standing steamer/iron	Best 2-in-1 Steamer & Press	2.7L tank
Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra Copper Iron	Check price	Standard iron	Best Copper Soleplate	45g/min, 210g boost
Tefal Ultraglide Plus Anti-Calc Steam Iron	Check price	Standard iron	Best Anti-Calc System	45g/min, 185g boost
Breville Turbo Charge Cordless Iron	Check price	Cordless iron	Best Cordless Iron	130g steam shot
Sunbeam ProSteam Sonic Iron	Check price	Standard iron	Best Steam Shot Output	180g steam shot
Braun TexStyle 3 Steam Iron	Check price	Standard iron	Best Everyday Iron	FreeGlide soleplate
Philips Steam Iron 3000 Series	Check price	Standard iron	Best Budget Pick	30g/min
Philips OneTurn Hybrid Iron and Steamer	Check price	Hybrid iron/steamer	Best Hybrid Iron & Steamer	Rotating head
Braun CareStyle 3 Steam Generator Iron	Check price	Steam generator	Best Steam Generator Station	150g/min

1. Oliso Pro Smart Iron iTouch – Best Smart Auto-Lift Iron

Oliso builds this iron around a patented auto-lift system: touch sensors in the handle raise the soleplate off the fabric the instant a hand relaxes its grip, then lower it again on the next touch, preventing scorch marks from an iron left sitting too long.

The same unit doubles as a garment steamer thanks to a hangable steam mode, giving genuine 2-in-1 functionality rather than a marketing label. A 376 millilitre tank feeds both vertical and horizontal steam, and an 8-minute auto shut-off, stepping down to full power-off after 30 minutes, adds a second layer of safety on top of the auto-lift feet.

Anyone who has scorched a garment leaving an iron face-down for a few seconds too long gets genuine value from the auto-lift feature, and quilters in particular tend to rate this brand highly for repeated touch-and-lift work. The trade-off is a 1.7 kilogram weight, heavier in hand than most irons in this guide.

Pros

• Patented auto-lift feet prevent scorching
• Genuine 2-in-1 iron and hangable steamer
• 8-minute auto shut-off plus 30-minute full power-down

Cons

• 1.7kg, heavier than most irons here
• Steam output in grams per minute isn’t published

Key specs: 376ml tank · Vertical + horizontal steam · Auto-lift feet · 8-min auto shutoff · 1.7kg

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2. Advwin Standing Garment Steamer 2.7L – Best 2-in-1 Steamer & Press

This unit trades the handheld iron shape for a standing steamer body with an enlarged ironing plate built in, giving both a flat pressing surface and a hangable steaming position from one machine.

A 2000 watt element powers 10 adjustable steam levels across three height settings, and the steam hose runs through a heat-resistant nylon braid, PVC insulation and fibreglass nylon layer for safety. The detachable 2.7 litre tank supports up to 60 minutes of continuous use before needing a refill, with a transparent body for checking water level at a glance.

Households doing a large ironing session or handling bulky items like curtains and coats get more from this standing design than a handheld iron, since the fabric brush and height adjustment suit larger garments well. A single shirt or small item is quicker to press on a compact handheld iron instead.

Pros

• Enlarged ironing plate for flat pressing plus vertical steaming
• 2.7L tank runs up to 60 minutes continuously
• 10 adjustable steam levels, 3 height settings

Cons

• Larger footprint than a handheld iron
• Better suited to bulk sessions than a single quick press

Key specs: 2000W · 2.7L tank · 10 steam levels · 3 height settings · Flat + vertical steaming

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3. Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra Copper Iron – Best Copper Soleplate

Russell Hobbs pairs a non-stick copper soleplate with a 350 millilitre tank on this mid-range iron, aiming for a glide surface that also resists scratching better than a plain ceramic coating.

Continuous steam runs at 45 grams a minute with a 210 gram steam boost for stubborn creases, and vertical steam handles hanging garments without a board. The copper finish is as much a visual differentiator as a functional one, though Russell Hobbs backs it with genuine non-stick performance across cotton and polyester blends.

This suits anyone wanting a dependable mid-range iron with a distinctive soleplate finish rather than the plainer stainless or ceramic plates on cheaper models. Buyers chasing the highest possible steam boost figure should compare it against the Tefal model below.

Pros

• Non-stick copper soleplate
• 210g steam boost for stubborn creases
• Vertical steam function

Cons

• 350ml tank is smaller than the steam generator units in this guide
• Copper finish is mostly cosmetic rather than a performance leap

Key specs: 45g/min continuous · 210g boost · 350ml tank · Non-stick copper soleplate · Vertical steam

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4. Tefal Ultraglide Plus Anti-Calc Steam Iron – Best Anti-Calc System

Tefal’s Durilium Airglide soleplate is designed to keep gliding smoothly even as scale builds up inside the iron, backed by a removable anti-scale collector that catches mineral deposits before they reach the soleplate vents.

Continuous steam sits at 45 grams a minute with a 185 gram boost, and a 270 millilitre tank keeps the iron reasonably light in hand. Anti-drip protection stops water escaping at low temperatures, useful when moving between delicate and heavier fabric settings in the same session.

Anyone in a hard-water area who has watched a soleplate degrade over a year or two gets real value from the anti-scale collector here. Buyers in a soft-water area may not need this specific feature and could save by choosing a similarly specced iron without it.

Pros

• Removable anti-scale collector
• Durilium Airglide soleplate
• Anti-drip protection at low temperatures

Cons

• 270ml tank needs more frequent refills than steam generator units
• Anti-scale feature adds less value in soft-water areas

Key specs: 45g/min continuous · 185g boost · 270ml tank · Anti-scale collector · Anti-drip

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5. Breville Turbo Charge Cordless Iron – Best Cordless Iron

This iron drops the cord entirely, reheating on a base station between strokes rather than trailing a cable across the ironing board.

A 2600 watt element and 130 gram steam shot keep recovery fast enough that the cordless design doesn’t noticeably slow down a session, and a 260 millilitre tank keeps the head light in hand without the cord’s drag. Fast charging on the base means only brief pauses when the iron needs to reheat between longer stretches of ironing.

Anyone who has fought a cord snagging on a board edge or an ironing basket will notice the difference immediately. Very large ironing sessions may still favour a corded iron or steam generator, since the base-reheat cycle adds brief pauses a continuous corded unit doesn’t need.

Pros

• No cord to manage or untangle
• Fast base recharging, 130g steam shot
• Lighter in hand than a corded equivalent

Cons

• Occasional reheat pauses on long sessions
• 260ml tank on the smaller side

Key specs: 2600W · 130g steam shot · 260ml tank · Cordless base charging

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6. Sunbeam ProSteam Sonic Iron – Best Steam Shot Output

Sunbeam fits a ceramic soleplate rated for high scratch resistance to this iron, aimed at buyers wanting a soleplate that stays smooth after repeated use on buttons and zips.

A 180 gram steam shot is the highest single-burst figure among the standard irons in this guide, backed by a 2400 watt element and a 300 millilitre tank. Auto-off adds a safety layer if the iron is left unattended mid-session.

Buyers who iron garments with a lot of hardware, like jeans and shirts with metal buttons, benefit most from the scratch-resistant soleplate here. Anyone prioritising tank size over steam burst should compare it against the Russell Hobbs or Tefal models above.

Pros

• 180g steam shot, highest among standard irons here
• High scratch-resistance ceramic soleplate
• Auto-off safety feature

Cons

• 300ml tank is mid-pack, not class-leading
• No anti-scale collector like the Tefal model above

Key specs: 180g steam shot · 2400W · 300ml tank · Ceramic soleplate · Auto-off

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7. Braun TexStyle 3 Steam Iron – Best Everyday Iron

Braun’s entry iron in this guide uses FreeGlide technology on a ceramic-coated soleplate, aiming for smooth glide at a lower price point than the brand’s steam generator models.

Auto-off and an anti-drip system cover the safety and mess basics, and the iron has built a strong review history for reliability at this price. It won’t match the steam output of the premium irons in this guide, but it covers everyday shirts and light fabrics without fuss.

This suits anyone wanting a dependable everyday iron from an established brand without paying steam-generator prices. Households ironing heavy fabrics regularly will get more from the Sunbeam or Russell Hobbs models above.

Pros

• FreeGlide ceramic-coated soleplate
• Strong review history for reliability
• Auto-off and anti-drip included

Cons

• Lower steam output than the premium irons in this guide
• Fewer features than the anti-calc or copper-soleplate models above

Key specs: FreeGlide ceramic soleplate · Auto-off · Anti-drip · Entry-level Braun

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8. Philips Steam Iron 3000 Series – Best Budget Pick

This is the most affordable iron in the guide, built around a ceramic soleplate and a straightforward feature set aimed at buyers who iron occasionally rather than daily.

Continuous steam runs at 30 grams a minute with a 140 gram boost, modest next to the premium irons here but adequate for light, regular use. A 300 millilitre tank and vertical steam function round out a genuinely capable budget iron rather than a stripped-down one.

Anyone ironing a few shirts a week rather than running a household’s full laundry through it gets solid value here without paying for features that would go unused. Frequent or heavy ironing will wear on a budget iron’s motor and soleplate faster than one of the mid-range or premium models above.

Pros

• Lowest price point in this guide
• Vertical steam function included
• Ceramic soleplate

Cons

• 30g/min continuous steam, the lowest output here
• Better suited to light, occasional use than daily ironing

Key specs: 30g/min continuous · 140g boost · 300ml tank · Ceramic soleplate · Vertical steam

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9. Philips OneTurn Hybrid Iron and Steamer – Best Hybrid Iron & Steamer

Philips built this iron around a rotating head that switches between a flat soleplate for pressing and an upright position for steaming hung garments, aiming to replace both a board-based iron and a separate garment steamer.

The rotating mechanism is the genuine point of difference here rather than raw steam output, which sits at a moderate 45 grams a minute from an 1800 watt element. No ironing board is required for the steaming position, and the brand markets it as a no-leak design when switching between the two modes.

Buyers without space or patience for a full ironing board setup, or who alternate between quick touch-ups and proper pressing, get the most from this hybrid design. Anyone wanting the highest raw steam output should choose the Braun CareStyle 3 below instead.

Pros

• Rotates between flat iron and upright steamer
• No ironing board required for steaming mode
• Genuinely differentiated design, not just a marketing label

Cons

• 45g/min output is mid-pack, not class-leading
• Premium price for what is still primarily a rotating standard iron

Key specs: 45g/min · 1800W · Rotating flat/upright head · No board needed for steaming

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10. Braun CareStyle 3 Steam Generator Iron – Best Steam Generator Station

This is the only true steam generator in the guide, pairing a compact iron head with a separate 1.8 litre pressurised water tank that delivers far more continuous steam than a tank built into the iron itself.

Continuous output reaches 150 grams a minute through Braun’s DoubleSteam technology, roughly three to five times the standard irons in this list, and the 1.8 litre tank means far fewer refills across a long ironing session. A fast heat-up time and 2200 watt element keep the unit ready quickly after switching on.

Households ironing large volumes of washing weekly, or fabrics that need sustained steam like heavy cotton and linen, get the clearest benefit from stepping up to a steam generator here. A household ironing a handful of items a week won’t use enough steam to justify the larger footprint and higher price over a standard iron.

Pros

• 150g/min continuous steam, far ahead of the standard irons here
• 1.8L tank means fewer refills on long sessions
• Fast heat-up, 2200W element

Cons

• Larger footprint than a standard iron
• Higher price and unnecessary capacity for occasional ironing

Key specs: 150g/min continuous · 1.8L tank · DoubleSteam technology · 2200W · Fast heat-up

CHECK ON AMAZON

How to Choose a Steam Iron

Match steam output to your ironing volume. A continuous output of 30 to 45 grams a minute suits most weekly ironing loads, while anyone ironing daily or working through thick fabrics like denim benefits from a steam generator rated closer to 100 to 150 grams a minute.

Soleplate material affects glide and durability. Ceramic and stainless steel soleplates glide well across most fabrics and resist scratching, while ceramic-coated finishes add extra slip on delicate fabrics at a lower price than the premium soleplates on steam generator models.

Consider a steam generator for heavy or daily use. A separate pressurised tank delivers far more continuous steam than a tank built into the iron head, at the cost of a larger footprint and a higher price than a standard iron.

Vertical steam matters for hanging garments and curtains. An iron that steams upright can freshen a shirt on a hanger or press curtains in place, removing the need for a board for quick touch-ups.

Cordless and hybrid designs trade some steam power for convenience. A cordless iron reheats on its base between strokes rather than trailing a cable, and a hybrid iron-and-steamer rotates between pressing and steaming without switching appliances. Households that also sew or alter their own clothes often pair a good iron with a reliable sewing machine for pressing seams flat during construction.

Auto shut-off and anti-drip are safety and mess essentials. Auto shut-off cuts power if an iron is left face-down or unattended, and an anti-drip valve stops water escaping the soleplate at low temperatures, both worth confirming on a budget model before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Across ten steam irons, the Oliso Pro stands out for its auto-lift safety feature and genuine 2-in-1 steaming, while the Braun CareStyle 3 suits households wanting steam generator output without a full ironing station’s footprint. Buyers wanting the lowest cost of entry should choose the Philips 3000 Series instead.