How to choose an ironing board for your home

Housewives often have a lot of chores: cleaning, washing, cooking and ironing. To simplify and facilitate this process, the best and most versatile irons are purchased. However, an ironing board will also be extremely effective. Today, developers offer similar products for every taste - from the simplest inexpensive devices to active models that help to iron the most delicate and “unyielding” fabric. To know how to choose an ironing board for your home, you should read the recommendations.

The principle of operation and the device of the ironing board

In fact, every ironing board has typical parameters - a simple curly table top, which is covered with fabric. Differences can only be found in the assembly of the supports and the folding mechanism or height adjustment.

There are ordinary folding products with scissor legs - they are adjusted only by 2-3 positions due to the support hooks on the back of the tabletop. There are also retractable or folding devices that do not have legs, but only exit from the cabinet or cabinet. Some of the integrated boards are hidden in furniture or a wall niche, for example, behind a mirror, and, if necessary, are folded back, taking a horizontal position.

In addition, for the comfort of the user, the developers have created products with various additional functions that make ironing comfortable. These options expand the capabilities of standard devices. These include:

• heat-resistant iron stand (reinforced for the steam generator);
• wire clamp;
• carrying with a socket;
• linen net;
• rollers or extensions for ironing sleeves and small items;
• fold-out wings for shirt ironing.

Ironing board selection options

The choice of such a device is often in doubt. This is due to the fact that the buyer will be faced with the task of combining functionality and compact dimensions, low weight and strength of the model. The ironing board must have a pleasant appearance and size, as well as have certain technical parameters.

Worktop material

The developers offer variations in cost and duration of operation:

• Pressed plates. Despite the name, such products have not been made from real boards for a long time. Today, models of pressed wood are in use: plywood, chipboard, MDF. In order for the tabletop to have sufficient strength, it becomes thicker, as a result of which the mass of the structure will increase significantly. Even under a thick layer of substrate, such plates absorb moisture over time, swell or delaminate under the influence of elevated temperature indicators.
• Plastic. Ironing boards made of this material are extremely lightweight, but quite reliable and durable. Thanks to the multiple openings, they effectively remove excess moisture that collects in the upholstery.It is important that only heat-resistant plastic is used for the manufacture of the countertop. It is optimal when it is characterized by heat-reflecting parameters - thanks to this, things are easier to iron. But in a similar situation, the price of the entire assembly also increases.
• Metal. Mostly it is steel or aluminum. In the first situation, a heavy, durable and extremely reliable material is obtained. Alas, over time, the passing wet steam provokes corrosion with negative consequences (rust on the substrate and cover). When choosing lightweight and water-resistant aluminum, you need to prepare for the fact that the board will require careful handling and careful storage.
• Mesh: woven and solid metal. In the second case, there are holes that guarantee proper ventilation, but poor stability and strength will be disadvantages.
• Wood. Such devices will cost more than metal, but they will last longer and are of better quality. Of the negative aspects, a significant mass should be noted. Positive: moisture resistance, the base is impregnated with a special solution. The iron should not be placed on the device, however, as a rule, metal stands are supplied with a board with a similar coating.

Working surface size

The choice of surface sizes will depend on the regular use of the board, the volume and dimensions of the laundry, and the free space that the user has. The developers offer countertops with different parameters, so it will not be difficult to find a suitable solution. Most popular parameters:

• A regular board comes with a working surface in the range of 1.1 by 0.3-1.2 by 0.38 m.
• New products are more overall - they are produced in sizes 1.3 by 0.35-1.5 by 0.45 m.
• The dimensions of the pedestal board or chest of drawers in disassembled form will reach 1.3 by 0.35 m.
• Integrated boards mainly come with a coverage of 1.28 by 0.38 m, however, in any situation, it is possible to make an order for custom-made production.
• Desktop devices are the most compact - 0.7 by 0.3 m.

Upholstery and cover

Certain types of fabrics are used for upholstering the board and sewing the cover. The cover is always in sight and will be in contact with the iron and things. The following varieties are used for sewing it:

• Canvas. The material should have a high density, uncolored, and optimally unclarified. It is an excellent solution for everyday use. Things with a similar material will not slip, the cover is also washed without difficulty, however, an overly hot iron will easily leave marks.
• Cotton fabric. Basically, budget thin cases of bright colors, which do not differ in long-term operation. They are made of natural material, add a bright appearance to the product, but when the developer saves on paint, steaming white clothes on such a coating will result in the formation of “decals” on things.
• Heat resistant synthetics. Today, such covers are more often found on a branded board. They are distinguished by non-stick properties, and some can reflect heat, making ironing easier.
• Carbon fiber. A technologically advanced and fairly durable material that reflects the infrared radiation of the iron, and also does not let hot steam through. Ideal for tricky fabrics like linen.

Regarding the packing, then it is necessary to take into account how various materials behave under the influence of steam and increased temperature indicators:

• The padding made of synthetic winterizer deforms over time, reducing the quality of ironing - it should not be used.
• Foam rubber. Sufficiently economical and short-lived material, has insufficient density.
• Batting. It has proper elasticity, but it accumulates moisture too easily. This stuffing is only suitable for planks made of plastic and metal with a perforated table top.

Other parameters

Choosing an ironing board is not easy enough, but it is possible to significantly speed up the process when focusing on such aspects:

• Product legs. It is an extremely important structural detail that is responsible for durability. Therefore, it is required that they are reliable. It is optimal when they protrude beyond the edge of the product in width. In such a situation, compactness suffers somewhat, but durability increases significantly. The material for production is lightweight, it is optimal to use aluminum. The mobility of the device will depend on the mass.
• Attaching the legs to the product. Methods are varied: bolted, various types of welding, rivets. Rivets are considered the most unreliable method, since they will loosen during use, which is why they will not sit tightly. Bolts are considered the most reliable solution.
• Fixing the height. There can be 2 types: stepped and smooth. When considering such a function, it is worth remembering that the presence of a smooth fixation will make it possible to clearly adjust the height. The disadvantage of smoothness is that the elements will loosen and become unusable soon enough. It is often suggested to use a stepped board that does not have this problem. Basically, such a product provides only 3 levels of height.

Additional features

Products from the most popular developers are often equipped with additional accessories. Initially it seems that this will not add any variety to the work, and such devices are not necessary. However, consumers have duly appreciated all the advantages of the extended functionality. Devices for more convenience:

• Special support for the sole of the iron. It is an additional device that will help to keep the iron nearby when it needs to be set aside and secured. Usually, this is an additional mount on the side (extends or folds).
• Fixing the extension cord. A large number of users faced difficulty when the wire got in the way under their feet. Such a design will make it possible to cope with such a problem, the cord will be securely fixed, hiding in a special shop so that it will not create inconvenience during work.
• A special board for ironing sleeves (or any other edges of clothing). When the user regularly ironing shirts, blouses, this function will be very useful. It is optimal to purchase a removable or folding board.
• Extension cord with socket. By no means in all cases is it possible to put the product next to the outlet; often you will need the help of an extension cord. In a situation where an extension cord is available as an option, this will save time on carrying and switching at outlets.
• Special compartment for ironed items. The presence of such a bracket will not be mandatory, but it is not superfluous, since it will make it possible to hang things directly at the board, without going to the closet. This option is present as a compartment and in the form of a special hanger, here a lot will depend on the product and the developer.

It is not at all required that the above elements be present in 1 fixture. Ideally, these functions will become parts that make the fixture easier to use. You should not get carried away with additional accessories, a product that is equipped with a large number of functions will be massive and uncomfortable for storage and use.

The best ironing board manufacturers - which company to choose

In the store you can find a large number of ironing boards, which are made of various materials, with a certain method of unfolding and characteristic assembly features. However, it is difficult to immediately determine how long a certain device can last. Therefore, first of all, it is required to focus on the name of the developer. Quality ironing devices are available from the following brands:

• Philips;
• Bosch;
• Hausmann;
• Nika.

To know which ironing board to choose, you should check out the best models of the manufacturers and choose the one you like best. It is important to find out all the nuances, and then choose the most comfortable product.

Types of ironing boards

Since modernization is constantly moving forward, this leads to the fact that today there are traditional products, as well as other devices with a special design. Each housewife chooses a model that suits her directly. Despite the rather simple design of the device in question as such, the developers are trying to improve the classic products, forming new varieties.

Floor

The standard and most popular type of fixture that expands to a high table. When assembled, it is compact, fairly simple and comfortable when the user is used to ironing while standing.

Earlier models have step height control - it is still possible to find it on inexpensive products today. Modern designs are supplied with a smooth folding, which will make it possible to set the height of the tabletop directly to the growth.

In addition, today there are hybrid models that can easily turn into linen dryers and ladders - an excellent solution for a small apartment where there is no place to store various devices.

Advantages:

• proper durability;
• compact dimensions of the table top;
• most models are equipped with a removable cover that can be washed or changed;
• the complete set almost always has an iron stand;
• rubber pads on the legs will not scratch the surface;
• in expensive products, a cord holder or a separate outlet is provided;
• functional hybrids with a dryer, linen net, etc. are available for purchase.

Disadvantages:

• massive when unfolded;
• considerable mass.

Tabletop

"Little sisters" of floorboards with rather shortened legs - 15 cm in height. As the name implies, such devices are installed on a table or some other even surface, and then used as conventional devices.

Here, the dimensions of the table top are much smaller than usual (often 0.7 by 0.3 m), therefore they are not very convenient for ironing bedding. However, tidying up a shirt or skirt on the device in question is real.

Advantages:

• extremely resistant;
• lightness and compactness;
• simple unfolding;
• comfortable to store - it is possible to hang on the wall on a special hook;
• transportation is possible.

Disadvantages:

• it is uncomfortable to iron bedding, curtains and other large bulky items;
• not too reliable and very bendable.

Embedded

Any housewife dreams of such a device. There is no need to look for a place for the device, there is no need to carry a massive product throughout the home. Such devices will not spoil the interior at all, turning into invisibility.

An integrated product can be part of the headset and hide in a separate niche behind a mirror or decorative door. Such models are comfortable to use and as practical as ordinary boards, however, they are not mobile - they cannot be transferred to another room or taken on the road.

Advantages:

• compact dimensions and unusual style;
• the same functionality as ordinary ironing boards;
• comfortable assembly / disassembly system;
• the option of choosing any design “inside out”;
• strong fastening in working order - such a device will not roll over;
• will withstand the mass within 20-50 kg, taking into account the selected fasteners;
• are often sold with an integrated socket.

Disadvantages:

• cannot be transferred to other places;
• there are no additional options (hanger, dryer, shelf for linen, etc.);
• overcharge;
• the assembly is massive and needs an extremely secure mount.

Transformers

This category includes hybrids that look like a cabinet or chest of drawers with a collapsible tabletop as an ironing board. Such a design will save space in the room, in addition, it is distinguished by functionality and practicality.

With a little effort, the cabinet will turn into a comfortable and reliable device, and it is possible to store things, iron and other accessories on shelves or in drawers. It is important to choose a style and color that is in harmony with other pieces of furniture in the apartment.

Advantages:

• extremely functional;
• extremely resistant;
• go well with the interior;
• it is possible to store various accessories on shelves and in drawers.

Disadvantages:

• immobile, although it is still possible to rearrange them;
• when the cabinet is placed too close to other pieces of furniture, it becomes difficult to unfold the device.

Which ironing board to choose

The question often arises of how to choose a good ironing board. To make the right choice, you should read the recommendations:

• For students and people who are always on the road, a tabletop model with a plastic or aluminum table top is suitable - small, mobile and extremely light.
• For spacious cabins or dressing rooms, it is possible to buy a transformable pedestal board or chest of drawers - this saves space and money. You need to choose products with a batting backing, a durable synthetic or canvas cover so that the device does not need to be pulled over after a year.
• An integrated board is suitable for small apartments. It can, for example, be placed in corridors or even in living rooms and decorated as a mirror. However, during the selection, you should purchase lightweight materials, for example, thermoplastic or aluminum, so that the fasteners can withstand the weight of the countertop.
• For large families in a private home or spacious apartments, it is optimal to purchase a full-size floor fixture with a metal or plastic tabletop with parameters of 1.5 to 0.4 m.It is optimal when it is equipped with a heat-resistant iron stand and a linen shelf. A similar product should be purchased by those who use a steam station instead of an ordinary iron.

How much does an ironing board cost

To know how to choose the right ironing board, you should familiarize yourself with the price range:

• A regular board with a wood fiber tabletop costs about 500-1200 rubles. For a base made of metal, you need to lay out 1,500-8 thousand rubles.
• Desktop models will cost 400-9000 rubles.
• Boards-pedestals and dressers cost at least 6,500-17,000 rubles.
• The integrated model will be released at a price of at least 12.5 thousand rubles. Much will depend on the size, installation method and interior design.

People often wonder how to choose the right ironing board. To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.