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Jul 25, 2023

Best Ironing Boards 2023

Ironing clothes is nobody’s favorite chore, to be sure. But since you have to do

Ironing clothes is nobody's favorite chore, to be sure. But since you have to do it so often, you might as well equip yourself with the most premium equipment available—namely, the best ironing boards. These workhorses offer smooth, sturdy surfaces on which to work, ultimately resulting in clean lines and less wrinkles. In other words, like the best washers and dryers on the market, they’re bound to make your cleaning duties a little more enjoyable and efficient. Our top pick for 2023 is the Brabantia Ironing Board C, which pairs durable construction and supportive features with a built-in iron rest.

The best ironing boards offer smooth, sturdy surfaces on which to work, ultimately resulting in ... [+] clean lines and less wrinkles.

By its very nature, an ironing board is simple, no-frills and somewhat utilitarian–meaning it isn't a tool that comes equipped with overly fancy features. Still, there are a few must-have qualities you’ll want to search for if you’d like to ensure that your board will work for you, says Katie Dills, senior vice president at The Cleaning Authority. For starters, "Check to make sure the board is sturdy enough to avoid it tipping or collapsing while in use," she says. The board should also be lightweight and the right size for your needs without hogging space in your home—and though it might not be considered a true "feature," it can be nice to pick a board with an iron rest.

Wayfair

The Brabantia Ironing Board B is a consistent favorite among regular ironers, and for good reason: It has a smooth, steady feel thanks to anti-skid footers. The board stays put—and stays firm—even under pressure from more aggressive users, and it has nice built-in features, too, like a helpful iron rest at one end and seven height adjustment options. You can also quickly lock the board to maintain your desired position. Finally, though you may not ultimately choose an ironing board based on looks alone, it's still good to know that the Brabantia B offers a slew of chic cover designs. The board comes with an impressive 10-year warranty, too.

Amazon

The Minky Homecare ironing board is on the pricier end, to be sure, but it has plenty of thoughtful features that you won't necessarily find in other boards—so the higher price tag makes sense. For starters, just like our Best Overall pick, it boasts an iron rest that works for both righties and lefties, allowing for a more natural flow while you work. The board also features a cover with a heat-reflective metallic coating, so you don't have to worry about accidentally burning yourself on the board itself (you’re on your own with that hot iron, though). An included "flex guide" helps keep your iron cord from tangling and getting in your way, while a lower level rack offers space for a steam generator, if you happen to use one.

Amazon

Whether you’re an infrequent ironer or just aren't looking to spend upwards of $100, this Amazon Basics board is a good option. Designed to be used on a tabletop, it features short legs that fold up for easy storage, and nonslip feet help keep the board in place while you get to work. The cover is machine-washable and comes with thick padding, meaning the surface dissipates heat fairly quickly. It's also relatively lightweight at just under 3 pounds, making it easy to tote from room to room or simply stow away at the end of the afternoon (at less than 24 inches long, this board can easily be kept in the bottom of a closet or even a drawer when it's not in use).

Amazon

Bartinelli's ironing board folds up into a relatively small package, despite offering a large surface area (48 x 15 inches) for you to work on. The board features an extra-thick pad and cover that absorbs excess steam to help you get that just-right level of smoothness. It also boasts a "parking zone," which is a special spot on the board where you can sit your iron down without burning the pad, along with a "turbo zone" where you can reset the iron when the plate isn't sliding well. Steel legs adjust from 27 to 38 inches and offer plenty of stability while you iron away.

Amazon

It can be tricky to fit an ironing board into small spaces—and that's where wall-mounted options come in. This particular board, for instance, secures directly to your wall and can support up to 25 pounds of weight. Featuring a retractable design with a locking mechanism, you’ll be able to seamlessly pull it out when there are wrinkles to be tackled and stow it away again when you’re done. The board also happens to boast a perforated steel tabletop and cotton cover to absorb and allow steam to easily escape. Finally, installation is simple. It involves drilling just four bolts into the wall—and they’re included.

Amazon

Mini ironing boards tend to be somewhat basic and no-frills, but the Honey-Can-Do folding tabletop board has a few surprisingly helpful features. For starters, it features criss-crossing legs to lend extra stability—a nice perk in a petite board. It also has padded feet to help protect your tabletop from scratches while you work. The board features a metal iron rest for when you need to pause between clothes. A particularly nice element for those short on space: It folds in the middle to make an incredibly compact package that can be tossed in a drawer when you’re done ironing.

The short answer: yes, but "expensive" might be defined a bit differently than you’d imagine. Keep in mind that even the most high-end ironing boards aren't likely to exceed $150. That said, if money really is no object, you might want to consider investing in a more expensive ironing board. "High-quality ironing boards tend to have a larger surface area, which allows for more efficient use," Dill says. "Typically, they are built with sturdier materials that makes them a little safer than the less expensive options."

Ironing boards have a reputation for wobbling and, historically speaking, that was a big issue—it can get dangerous working on an uneven surface, after all. However, today's ironing boards tend to be far sturdier than their predecessors. As you set out on your shopping expedition, though, consider this pro tip from Dill: "Models with sturdy metal frames typically won't wobble." Keep in mind that if you tend to be a fast or aggressive ironer, your board may move a little—but it shouldn't wobble or feel unsteady while you get to work. If you’re especially concerned about wobbling, consider the Minky Homecare Ergo Prozone Ironing Board: It has looped legs for extra stability.

The right size ironing board depends on your personal needs. If you’re planning to iron a few shirts here and there, you can likely get away with a mini board like the Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board with Iron Rest—it's 32 inches long. But if you tend to iron pants or other larger items, you may want to look into a longer board. The Bartinelli Heavy Duty Ironing Board is a lengthy 48 inches and our top choice, the Brabantia Ironing Board C, is roughly 49 inches long. It's also important to factor in storage space when choosing a board. "Look at your space and choose a board that fits comfortably in your home when in use, but can also be easily stored," Dill advises.