Travel light but still look good at your destination with a travel iron in your bag. Even when you pack carefully, you're bound to end up with some wrinkled garments. Take care of those wrinkles with a quick pass of a travel iron. Some of them also double as steamers so you can de-wrinkle your clothes right on the hanger. Quilters also love an excellent small iron to get into tight spaces. Our all-around favorite is the Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron, perfect for travelers and quilters alike.
Best Overall: Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron
This 0.96-pound cutie has a 1.4-ounce water tank and a non-stick soleplate. It heats up in 15 seconds, has one-touch steam control, and three temperature settings for different kinds of fabric. A 7.5-foot power cord gives you room to move. It boasts 420 watts of power, and the voltage can be easily switched from 100 to 240 volts, depending on where you are in the world. A travel bag and plastic measuring cup are included, and it's backed by a two-year warranty.
Pros: Weighs less than one pound Dual voltage for international travel Use dry or with steam Cons: Not as powerful as some Best Overall Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron
$24 at Amazon
Best for most
Travel around the world with this dual-voltage mini iron that weighs less than a pound.
Best Value: Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron
This 800-watt, one-pound compact iron has a non-stick soleplate and dual-voltage system that goes between 120 and 240 volts. Get a shot of steam when you need it to remove stubborn wrinkles. The variable temperature control gives you flexibility for different kinds of fabrics. An indicator light lets you know when the iron is hot.
Pros: Great price Dual-voltage Steam shot Variable temperature control Heat indicator light Cons: Some users report rusting Best Value Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron
$17 at Amazon
Bargain
Sunbeam is a trusted name in small appliances, and this compact iron comes in at a great price point.
Best Anti-Drip: Ivation Mini Iron
This dual-voltage 420-watt mini iron features a non-stick ceramic soleplate and anti-drip design. It heats in just 15 seconds, has three temperature settings from 140 to 428 degrees Fahrenheit, and releases steam with a touch. The 7.5-foot cord wraps around the handle and clips into place. It weighs 1.08 pounds and holds up to 1.1 ounces of water.
Pros: Dual-voltage Three temperature settings from 140 to 428 degrees Fahrenheit Fast heat-up Anti-drip design Cons: Small water reservoir Best Anti-Drip Ivation Mini Iron
$27 at Amazon
No drip
Avoid getting hot water dripped on you and your clothes with this mini steam iron.
Best-Looking: SMAGREHO Mini Travel Steam Iron
You spend a lot of time choosing attractive accessories for your home, and travel, why not select a red-hot travel iron? But it's more than just hot-looking, it heats up in 15 seconds and has three temperature settings for your various fabrics. The heat indicator light lets you know when it's (temperature) hot. One-touch steam control enables you to iron with or without steam. Travel around the world; it's a dual-voltage iron that goes between 100 and 240 watts. It weighs just 1.15 pounds and comes with a travel bag and a plastic measuring cup.
Pros: Fabulous red color Quick heat-up Dual-voltage Three temperature settings Cons: Some users report quality issues Best-Looking SMAGREHO Mini Travel Steam Iron
$27 at Amazon
Red hot
Travel irons aren't the most exciting, but make it red? Much hotter.
Best Steamer/Iron: ABOX Travel Steamer Iron
Not sure if you need a steamer or an iron? Why not both? With the ABOX Travel Steamer Iron, you can steam your clothes while they hang, or iron them (dry or with steam) on a flat surface. Heat-up time is just 40 seconds, and the water tank holds 100 milliliters (3.38 ounces) for seven minutes of continuous steaming time. A ceramic soleplate prevents damage to your clothes even if you stay in one spot for too long. The retractable cord is eight feet long, and the steamer iron weighs just 1.4 pounds, so it's perfect for travel.
Pros: Steamer and iron in one Fast heat-up time Lightweight Cons: Pricier than most plain travel irons Best Steamer/Iron ABOX Travel Steamer Iron
$40 at Amazon
Two products in one
If you can't decide between an iron and a steamer, this is the perfect product for you.
Most Compact: debieborahtoys Folding Mini Iron
This cleverly designed mini iron works two ways. You can fold it and use it as a collar iron, or you can unfold it to use as a traditional iron. It weighs only 12.3 ounces, so it's easy to pop into your bag. There are six different heat settings for various fabrics, but no steam.
Pros: Lightweight (12.3 ounces) and tiny Folds up for collar use Unfolds for traditional use Six temperature settings Cons: No steam Most Compact debieborahtoys Folder Mini Iron
$28 at Amazon
Tiny
When space is at a premium, this ultra-compact folding iron is the one you want.
Which travel iron should you buy?
Ultimately, the travel iron you should buy depends on your needs. Do you need the triangular pointed shape to get into nooks and crannies (quilters definitely will)? Do you need steam? How about the option to steam your clothes on a hanger? What is your budget? How much space do you have? Do you care about looks? There is something for everyone on this list.
An excellent overall pick is the Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron. With three temperature settings for your various fabrics; this handy little iron heats up in just 15 seconds. A press of the button releases steam from the 1.4-ounce tank to take care of stubborn creases. A 7.5-foot power cord gives you plenty of room to work. Dual voltage switches between 100 and 240 volts, which means you can take this mini iron anywhere in the world. The handy travel bag, measuring cup, and non-slip handle are nice touches. It weighs less than one pound and measures just 3.1-by-2.9-by-5.3 inches, so it's easy to pop into your bag. A two-year hassle-free warranty gives you peace of mind.
Credits — The author of this guide
Karen S. Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel and wants to look her best while doing so. You know, for the 'gram.
