Electrolux Steam Iron Review

After Electrolux introduced a fantastic handheld clothing steamer, I was also excited to see the new Electrolux steam iron. Aptly named the Steady Steam iron, Electrolux state that this iron will provide continuous steam for up to 15 minutes.

In a nutshell, you can use the Steady Steam horizontally as an iron, or vertically as a steamer. Is this the best of both worlds? Let’s take a closer look:

The Electrolux Steady Steam Iron

At first glance this steam iron is stunning. Matte black and rose gold are a classy combination. With a touch control LCD screen and soft touch handle, this iron is lovely to look at.

Looks aside though, how is the practicality? Here are the specifications:

• Model Number: LX1650C
• Water Tank Capacity: 400ml (approximately 14 ounces)
• Heat Up Time: 30-60 seconds (depending on heat setting chosen)
• Cord Length: 10 feet
• Auto Shut Off When Upright: 8 minutes
• Auto Shut Off When Face Down: 30 seconds
• Dimensions: 7 inches long, 13 inches wide, 6 inches high
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Steam Output: 10 to 40 grams per minute
• Warranty: 12 months

Using the Electrolux Iron

Smooth gliding and not too heavy, as an iron I was quite impressed with how it felt. Heating up within 30 seconds it was ready to start ironing quickly and efficiently. With a 10ft cord and 180 degree cord rotation, I could maneuver the iron around without the cord getting in the way.

I initially was quite impressed with the design of the LCD touch screen and the 4 heat settings. I don’t have the most petite hands however. So when using the iron I would occasionally bump the heat settings and change them. If you’re not paying attention, you could accidentally set a higher or lower setting than you prefer.

Using the Electrolux Iron as a Steamer

There are 7 holes in the sole plate which push out steam when the button is pressed. You can choose from 4 levels of steam, quite like you would choose different steam settings with a clothing steamer.

The maximum steam output is around 40 grams per minute. This is a decent output of steam, better than some of the leading handheld garment steamers and full size clothing steamers on the market.

You need to ensure that the Electrolux iron has reached the maximum temperature for the setting you choose before activating the steam function. If you don’t, you will find that water drips out the holes rather than steam.

Electrolux recommend using the highest steam setting for the best results, for example, the cotton setting (number three) or the linen setting (the max setting).

When heating, the light on the iron will blink. Wait for the iron to stop blinking before activating the steamer.

To activate the steam function, press the button underneath the handle. The image below shows where this is located:

The slight annoyance for me here was that you had to continually hold down the button to allow the steamer to work. The steam will run for 15 minutes on the lowest setting, less time on the max setting.

The Electrolux handheld steamer has a better design than the iron here, with touch button controls and continuous steam.

Having said that, if you prefer an iron and like a decent steam function, or the ability to use as a fabric steamer here and there, this is a good choice. This is really where it comes down to personal preference.

The iron should be used in a vertical position whilst steaming. There is a similar level of functionality with the Electrolux iron as there is with the clothing steamer.

The iron can be tilted forward to a horizontal position and back upright again whilst steaming. This is helpful for steaming linen whilst on the bed and also steaming curtains whilst hanging.

Electrolux state that the iron cannot be turned upside down whilst steaming. I’m assuming by this they mean don’t face the sole plate towards the ceiling, and also don’t face the pointed tip to the ground whilst in use. This is most likely due to the steam pump and the movement of water within the tank.

I would imagine that the water would not be in the right position in the tank to used by the iron to create steam and would not work well in either of these positions.

What Do Customers Think About the Electrolux Steady Steam Iron?

Many customers had the same opinion as me about the space between the handle of the iron and the LCD touch screen underneath. If you have larger hands, you will likely bump the screen, change the heat settings or turn off the iron.

Most reviews of the Electrolux Steady Steam Iron were positive. Here is what one customer had to say in comparison to a Rowenta iron:

The sole pad on this machine may not look like much as compared to Rowenta’s ProSteam iron line, but I can assure you it blows all of them out of the water.

via Bed Bath & Beyond

Here is an overview of the feedback on the Electrolux Steady Steam iron:

If you’re thinking about purchasing, you can check the latest price on Amazon here. Alternatively, keep reading for my other recommendations below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Electrolux Steady Steam Iron?

The Electrolux Steam Iron is a device that has the ability to both flat iron clothes and produce steam horizontally and vertically in order to reduce wrinkles. This is done by heating up water and releasing it through small openings on the sole plate of the iron.

The steam can penetrate deep into fabrics and eliminate wrinkles by loosening the fibers. This is a great multipurpose iron that can also be used as a steamer.

How Do You Clean the Electrolux Steady Steam Iron?

If you find you have some scale build up, you can clean the iron as follows:

1. Fill the water tank with 200mls of white vinegar and 200mls of distilled water.
2. Turn on the iron and set it to the max (linen) setting.
3. In a well ventilated area, steam the water and white vinegar mix until the iron is completely empty. Any white particles that come out of the iron holes or land on the sole plate of the iron can be wiped off with a soft damp cloth – after the iron has cooled down. These particles are calcium and limescale build up from water.
4. I recommend using distilled water in your Electrolux iron for the best results, especially in hard water areas.

Can You Leave Water in the Electrolux Iron After Use?

You should not store your iron with water inside. This can cause mold build up and the iron and steamer to emit a musty smell when in use.

1. After you have finished ironing or steaming, empty all of the water out of the iron.
2. Then turn the iron back on and heat up to the highest setting.
3. Press the steam button for a few seconds, until all of the residual water droplets have been emptied from the tank.
4. Allow your iron to cool before storing back in the box. The original Electrolux box has a heat resistant lining.
5. The iron should be stored in a horizontal position.

Conclusion

Electrolux has been in the business for over 100 years and generally, their experience shows when it comes to making quality products for the home.

Whilst the steady steam iron has some great features – continuous steaming for up to 15 minutes being one – it also falls a little short in some areas too, namely:

• Anyone with larger hands will struggle with bumping the LCD touch screen. This is a bit of a design flaw unfortunately.
• If you’re a quilter or sewer, this iron auto shuts off after 8 minutes compared to the Chi iron with a 30 minute standby time or the Singer Steam Logic, also stays on for 30 minutes continuously.

Price wise, the steam iron is middle of the range, which is in keeping with the Electrolux brand. It’s not as expensive as a big steam iron station, but can’t be put in the cheap iron category either.

If you are looking for an iron with a vertical steam function, I believe the PurSteam Professional is a better choice. It is more cost effective, also has vertical steam, LCD panel with 11 temperature settings and a ceramic soleplate.

This is more than Electrolux offer with the Steady Steam iron, at less of a cost, if you are budget inclined.