The soleplate of an iron is the part that comes into direct contact with fabric. It should glide smoothly over the material, leaving no marks while also being durable. Therefore, when choosing an iron, special attention should be paid to the soleplate. So, what types of soleplates are there, which iron soleplate is the best and which one will be the most effective for you?

Aluminum Soleplates

The cheapest material for making an iron’s soleplate has always been aluminum. Irons with aluminum soleplates are very light, heat up and cool down quickly, and glide easily over fabrics, requiring minimal time and effort. However, aluminum is prone to damage. Over time, such a soleplate develops small irregularities that can damage the fabric, leaving scratches and pulls. Moreover, if the iron overheats, it can easily stick to the fabric, ruining both the item and the soleplate surface. As a result, irons with aluminum soleplates are becoming less common on the market.

Stainless Steel Soleplates

Most budget models have a stainless steel soleplate. Stainless steel is more resistant to damage, heats up well, cools down quickly, and glides smoothly over the fabric. The advantage of stainless steel is that it is easy to clean.

However, all these benefits come at the cost of extra physical effort; such irons are generally quite heavy.

Ceramic Soleplates

Relatively recently, thanks to the Tefal company, irons with ceramic soleplates and irons with a metal-ceramic soleplate material entered the market. This coating provides easier gliding than stainless steel or aluminum. These irons don’t crease fabrics, handle dry wrinkled materials well, and don’t require much effort when ironing. Additionally, ceramic doesn’t scratch and is very easy to clean.

However, there is one significant drawback—an iron with a ceramic soleplate requires delicate handling. It’s easy to chip or break the fragile ceramic.

Teflon Soleplates

Less common are irons with Teflon soleplates. This coating prevents fabric from sticking, burning, or getting damaged. However, Teflon itself wears out quickly. Simply running the iron over a metal button or zipper carelessly can leave a scratch on the soleplate.

Removable Soleplates

To combine all the necessary properties, many manufacturers opt for another solution—producing irons with dual removable soleplates. Some soleplates are designed for working with delicate fabrics, while others are for smoothing heavily wrinkled fabrics. Heat-resistant covers are also very convenient, allowing you to put the iron away immediately after use in a closet or box.

Which iron soleplate is the best for you? Decide for yourself, keeping in mind the advice from our article.