These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (2024)

These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (1)

The best irons can banish stubborn creases in seconds. But, you don’t have to splash the cash on a premium buy to get the same results.

Many of the best cheap steam irons have the same useful features as their counterparts and can leave your wardrobe wrinkle-free, for less. Or, if you want to forgo ironing altogether, you can achieve a similar smooth effect with a nifty (and affordable!) clothes steamer.

Whether you can't resist the look of a freshly ironed shirt or bedsheet, or only get the steam iron out occasionally, this roundup is for you. Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have scoured the market and spent hours steaming various fabrics to ensure you don’t spend a penny more than you need to when buying the best steam iron or clothes steamer for your home.

What is the best budget iron or clothes steamer to buy?

We’ve rounded up our top-scoring crease-banishers for under £50 here, but scroll on for our detailed reviews.

If you’re replacing an existing iron or clothes steamer, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.

    Do I need an iron or a clothes steamer?

    Our expert buying guide details everything worth considering before you invest in a new iron or garment steamer. In a nutshell, though, if you have lots of delicate clothes, a steamer would be a safer bet. It uses steam to relax the fabric, making creases fall out. Unlike an iron, a steamer should never come into contact with the fabric, so there’s little risk of damage.

    If you usually have a large laundry pile, an iron is a better choice, as they have a bigger tank capacity than handheld garment steamers. This means you won’t need to keep refilling the water tank, saving you time.

    How we test budget irons and clothes steamers

    The GHI experts put a range of irons and clothes steamers through their paces in the lab, scoring them according to their performance, design, ease of use and instructions.

    They time how long they take to heat up, how effectively they remove creases from a range of garments and fabrics, and how long their water tanks last for. They also check for any spitting and water leakage, and assess how comfortable they are to hold, before awarding each a final score.

    These are our best-performing buys for under £50.

    Best budget steam iron

    Tower T22008 CeraGlide Cordless

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (12)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (13)

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (14)Cordless design
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (15)Excellent at removing creases
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (16)The cord isn't that long

    Score: 92/100

    This iron can be used with or without its cord. In cordless mode, it lasts for 35 seconds before needing a 15 second recharge. When you do need to plug in, just make sure you're near a socket as its cord isn't that long.

    It did an outstanding job removing creases though, and its tank lasted for 19 minutes. We found its temperature settings were accurate on test, but just watch out for the steam button – if you press it too much, too quickly, it can leak.

    Key specifications

    Weight1.2kg
    Tank capacity360ml
    Steam rate40g
    Steam shot180g
    Wattage2400W

    Runner-up budget steam iron

    Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Steam Iron

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (17)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (18)

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (19)The tank lasted over 21 minutes
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (20)The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (21)The spray and steam buttons are slightly stiff

    Score: 88/100

    This model ticks all the boxes if you like to get all your ironing done in one hit, thanks to its hefty water tank – one of the largest of all the steam irons we tested. The water goes a long way too, lasting for a whopping 21 minutes and 30 seconds, so you won’t need to keep topping it up.

    Our panel also found it easy to use thanks to the ergonomic handle and noted that only a sweep was needed to remove creases from cotton.

    Key specifications

    Weight1.4kg
    Tank capacity380ml
    Steam rate45g
    Steam shot140g
    Wattage2400W

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Joint best budget clothes steamer

    Steamworks Handheld Garment Steamer

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (22)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (23)

    Now 25% Off

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (24)Particularly effectively on polycotton fabrics
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (25)Tank lasts for over 2 minutes
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (26)Some fabrics were left slightly damp, so it's not one for last-minute steaming

    Score 87/100

    This trusty clothes steamer left all our clothes looking pristine. In fact, our polycotton shirt looked as if it had been ironed.

    Some fabrics were a tad damp after steaming though, so you’ll need to leave time to dry before wearing, and it also spat occasionally in use. However, it gave us two minutes of steam before a refill was needed, making it an overall reliable buy.

    Key specifications

    Tank capacity0.23L
    Transparent water tankYes
    Hanging equipmentNo
    Included accessoriesSteam brush
    Wattage1500W

    Joint best budget clothes steamer

    Tefal Pure Pop Handheld Garment Steamer

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (27)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (28)

    Now 30% Off

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (29)Scored full marks on viscose, silk and cotton
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (30)Compact design makes it good for taking on holiday
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (31)Some spitting

    Score: 87/100

    This proved a reliable de-creaser across most fabrics, surprising our tester with how many creases it removed from linen given its low steam rate. That did require more sweeps than the likes of viscose (for which it scored full marks), silk and cotton, but if you’re taking it on holiday, you can rest easy knowing it should competently tackle all your summer clothes.

    The handle is heavy and there was some spitting, so make sure you factor in drying times before getting dressed. Choose between one of three vibrant colours.

    Key specifications

    Tank capacity0.7L
    Transparent water tankYes
    Hanging equipmentNo
    Included accessoriesReversible head to cater to different fabrics and travel bag
    Wattage1300W

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Best lightweight steam iron

    Swan 360 Glide Steam Press Iron

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (32)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (33)

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (34)Can be used cordless
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (35)Heated up quickly
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (36)Leaked a bit when we used the steam boost

    Score: 86/100

    Another two-in-one iron that can be used cordless or corded, this lightweight buy heated up rapidly on all three dot settings, with the second and third proving most effective. The tank can be filled by placing its spout directly under the tap and it lasted for over 14 minutes in use.

    Note, the spray function dispersed a lot of water and the steam boost was leaky. The soleplate also scratched a tad when we ironed metal clasps, so be careful when navigating zips.

    Key specifications

    Weight1.45kg
    Tank capacity300ml
    Steam rateUnspecified
    Steam shotUnspecified
    Wattage2800W

    Best for easy storage

    Russell Hobbs Easy Store Wrap & Clip Steam Iron

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (37)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (38)

    Now 19% Off

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (39)Cable can be wrapped neatly around the base
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (40)Tank lasted over 20 mins
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (41)Linen needed an extra sweep

    Score: 86/100

    If you’re short on storage space, then this steam iron should squeeze into your cupboards nicely, thanks to the way its cable wraps neatly around the base and secures tidily in place with a clip.

    Pre-heating across all settings was quick and our experts found the iron plate glided smoothly across most fabrics (linen was a little tricky though, with some creases needing an extra sweep). Testers also liked its easy-fill, long-lasting water tank.

    Key specifications

    Weight1.4kg
    Tank capacity320ml
    Steam rate40g
    Steam shot180g
    Wattage2400W

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Best budget steam generator iron

    Beldray Mega Steam Pro BEL01483-150

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (42)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (43)

    Now 14% Off

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (44)Great for larger piles of laundry
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (45)Heats up quickly
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (46)Not suited to nylon or silk

    Score: 83/100

    This is slightly over budget, but bear with us – if you want a steam generator iron to tackle larger piles of laundry, this is as affordable as they come, and it was reliable on test as well.

    It’s compact and heats up quickly (it reached its lowest setting in 16 seconds on test) but it’s not well-suited to nylon or silk as it caught on the fabric. We also noticed that it needed to reheat frequently to keep up its steam output, but for a cheap steam generator iron, this is a great buy.

    Key specifications

    Weight3.15kg
    Tank capacity1500ml
    Steam rate40g/min
    Steam shotUnspecified
    Wattage2600W

    Best for quick ironing jobs

    Morphy Richards EasyCHARGE Cordless 303250

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (47)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (48)

    Now 10% Off

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (49)Compact and easy to use
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (50)Speedy heat-up time
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (51)Has to be recharged regularly due to cordless design

    Score: 81/100

    Ready to iron in a jiffy, this model heated up quickly across all three dot settings. It’s also compact and straightforward to use with clear labels and an easy-to-fill tank.

    It needs regular recharging, while temperature accuracy was best on the three-dot setting. We found steam output wasn’t consistent but it's ideal for quick ironing jobs every now and again.

    Key specifications

    Weight1.39kg
    Tank capacity350ml
    Steam rate30g
    Steam shot130g
    Wattage2400W

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Best budget garment steamer for travel

    Beldray Handi Steam Max Pro BEL0932

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (52)

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (53)

    Pros
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (54)Lightweight
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (55)The trigger switch is comfortable to use
    Cons
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (56)Sometimes required a second sweep to remove creases
    • These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (57)Clothes were left damp, so factor in drying time

    Score: 78/100

    This lightweight steamer is perfect for slipping into your suitcase. It heats up in 30 seconds, has two heat settings and a brush for delicate fabrics.

    It quickly removed creases from viscose linen, silk, cotton and polycotton, although a second sweep was required from time to time. The tank fills easily and the trigger switch is comfortable to use. Some clothes were a little damp after steaming, though.

    Key specifications

    Tank capacity0.27L
    Transparent water tankYes
    Hanging equipmentNo
    Included accessoriesMeasuring cup, fabric brush
    Wattage1500W

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (58)

    The verdict on budget irons and clothes steamers

    Our experts' winner, the Tower T22008 CeraGlide, can be used cordless or corded for maximum flexibility and left all fabrics crease-free in our tests. It also costs under £25.

    If you don't want to worry about refilling the tank as you tackle your laundry pile, we recommend the Russell Hobbs Colour Control Steam Iron, which lasted over 21 minutes.

    If you prefer the ease of a clothes steamer, the colourful Tefal Pure Pop has a compact design that lends itself to travel, ensuring your holiday wardrobe looks pristine. It even comes with a handy pouch.

    And if you want to tackle larger piles of laundry, a steam generator iron is best for speed, making the compact Beldray Mega Steam Pro a savvy buy for less than £60.

    Why you can trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

    We have tested hundreds of irons and clothes steamers at the Good Housekeeping Institute over the years, so we know what separates the reliable performers from the time-wasters.

    Blossom Boothroyd, our senior homes tester, has developed rigorous protocols to measure each one against, from timing how long they take to heat-up and use up their water tank, to assessing their crease-removal capabilities. Having reviewed hundreds of models, she knows what she's looking for.

    Our writers, Hannah Mendelsohn and Megan Geall, have also written up hundreds of reviews between them, so know what questions to ask to ensure they're giving you all the detail you need to make an informed decision.

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (59)

    Hannah Mendelsohn

    Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

    Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.

    Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (60)

    Megan Geall

    Homes Writer

    Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market. When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her cooking, running and exploring London’s foodie hotspots – or trying to make friends with every dog she passes. Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall and on X @megan_geall

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (61)

    Tested byBlossom Boothroyd

    Homes Testing Manager

    Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.

    These are the best budget irons and clothes steamers for under £50 according to the GHI (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6351

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

    Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

    Birthday: 2001-08-13

    Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

    Phone: +9418513585781

    Job: Senior Designer

    Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

    Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.