An iron is indispensable when crafting, particularly with fabrics. And even though the regular iron works fine, sometimes it gets too cumbersome for small jobs.
Its large base covers a broader area which makes precise pressing difficult; think of a doll’s dress. In such cases, a mini iron would be the better option.
A mini iron is a small-sized version of the regular iron. It functions the same way but has the advantage of pressing smaller, tighter spaces with ease and accuracy. It can be purposeful for other non-sewing applications like applying hot fix rhinestones, Perler beads, labels, tape adhesives, bias technique, HVT, etc.
So, what are the best mini irons? The best mini irons will be small enough to take with you traveling and not use up too much power but still be powerful enough to heat up quickly. They should be just as effective on your crafts as full-sized irons. Some even come with a steam function.
We’ll help you choose the right one for you by providing a detailed mini iron buying guide and reviews of the 11 best mini irons below. Let’s get started!
Choosing A Mini Iron – Buyer’s Guide
You won’t have to search far and wide for a mini iron. They are plenty to choose from in all sorts of shapes and sizes. However, it would be best to select your choice based on features that truly suit your needs. So then, what should you look for in a mini iron?
1. Size
A mini iron is smaller than a regular iron, but how small is small? Half the size? Maybe even less.
Mini irons come in a range of sizes, and it’s upon you to select a size that can handle your needs optimally. Bigger, broader ones will press a lot of fabric faster than small ones. But if you intend to purchase a mini iron that you can tuck away in a handbag to a craft class or craft party, go smaller.
2. Heat capacity
The next thing you want to check in a mini iron is the heat capacity. The ideal ironing temperature for different fabrics varies. Satin and other delicate fabrics have a low heat threshold compared to cotton or polyester.
It would be best if the mini iron had adjustable heat settings. This way, you can have an all-in-one iron for your diverse fabric pressing needs.
Models with a single temperature setting will limit you to certain fabrics, which would be ok if you primarily craft with those same fabrics.
3. Soleplate
The soleplate is one of the most significant parts of a mini iron, so you want to be meticulous here. Soleplate is the flat base that comes into direct contact with your material. Given the nature of its function, it needs to be of durable material.
Stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium are the three best candidates. They are hard-wearing, non-rusting, unwavered by extreme temperatures, and perfect at even heat distribution.
The shape choice also matters to a great extent. A mini iron with the traditional soleplate shape will save you time since it is rounder and wider.
A narrow pointy triangle, heart, or wedge-shaped soleplate will give you precision instead. It gets you to the furthest, tightest spots of oddly shaped crafts effortlessly.
4. Steam setting
Like the regular irons, mini irons may or may not have a steam setting. Dry heat usually does most of the jobs. However, you’ll get even better results with steam on some projects, like those extra wrinkly pieces.
If steam is your preference, you should look out for a steam function.
5. Safety features
Safety is a critical issue with any kind of heating device and should be taken seriously. A mini iron, though small, doesn’t mean it is less dangerous.
It is a fire hazard, and without proper measures, you could hurt yourself and others, mar your beautiful surface, or even ruin the project you’ve poured your heart into.
Thankfully, a lot of manufactures consider safety by including features that minimize accidents. These include anti-slip handles, resting stands, auto shut function, among others.
The 11 Best Mini Irons For Crafts
Finally, we get to the most exciting part of the post; reviews of the best mini irons for crafting. People always ask, what is the best mini iron? The best mini iron is lightweight, with a solid construction, has adjustable heat, and includes enough safety features.
And because not every product cuts the mark, we handpicked the most outstanding brands just for you. Have a look!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Steamfast Mini Steam Iron | 420W, quick-heat, steamer, 3 settings |
| 2. | Oliso Mini Project Steam Iron | 1000W, ceramic soleplate, adjustable heat |
| 3. | Rowenta Compact Steam Iron | 1000W, steamer, self-cleaning, folds up |
| 4. | Clover Mini Iron | Lightweight, heat control, 20W, |
| 5. | Clover Mini Iron II | 40W, 5 tips, precise, 3 heat settings |
| 6. | Dritz Petite Press Portable Mini Iron | Adjustable head, quick-heat, ceramic soleplate |
| 7. | Sunbeam Compact Iron | 800W, nonstick soleplate, steamer |
| 8. | EXSO Rigid Mini Iron | 2 heat settings, 10-20W, wand-shaped |
| 9. | Conair EZ Press Steam Iron | Steamer, travel-sized, 8' cable, dual voltage |
| 10. | Ivation Small Mini Iron | 3 heat levels, ceramic soleplate |
| 11. | Honoson Mini Craft Iron | Ceramic soleplate, several colors, tiny |
1. Steamfast Mini Steam Iron
Top on the list is Steamfast SF-717. This little iron will erase the memory of the standard heavy iron you’ve been using from your mind by how efficient it is.
Yes, it is little, weighing a little under a pound. You can fit it in your bag or the handy one it comes with to use on the go.
The quality of the craftsmanship is top-notch, right from the nonstick soleplate to the robust housing. It’s so smooth it glides like a dream.
Thanks to the 420 power wattage, the ironing plate is hot and ready within 15 seconds of turning it on, so you get to work immediately.
It has a steam function, too, with an easy-to-refill 1.4-ounce water tank and a precision cup to make refills mess-free. A one-touch steam control button allows you to adjust the size of the steam jet.
The mini iron also features three heat settings adjustable using a dial. So it can be your only for different fabrics. Its 7.5-foot power cable is long enough not to be restrictive. You can move about and work anywhere and not necessarily close to the power source.
If you rarely remember to bring a converter while traveling, don’t worry, you won’t need it. On the rear of the iron is a dual voltage setting that enables you to choose the correct voltage. With a flip of the switch, you can match the power to the standards of your location.
You’ll appreciate the non-slip handle, but there is no automatic shut-off feature, which is quite a bummer.
2. Oliso Mini Project Steam Iron
The oliso mini project iron is the exact definition of small yet powerful. The 1000W mini iron functions like a full-sized iron but in a compact, travel-friendly size.
It features a diamond-plated nonstick ceramic soleplate that is smooth and indestructible. It heats up rapidly and evenly within 45 seconds.
The front is detail-tipped to allow access to tight spots and corners like collars and in-between buttons.
At the bottom are micro holes that act as steam release outlets for a wrinkle-free press. The steam function button is conveniently located at the side near the handle.
It also has a fabric selector dial to adjust the heat from low to medium and high heat. There’s an additional switch to change from American to European power supply.
The solemate compensates for the lack of an auto shut function. It is an industrial-grade silicone stand for resting the hot iron face down, preventing you from scorching the surface under.
The iron sits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is weight-balanced for precise movement and minimum wrist strain. It is fitted with a supporting 8-foot 180° cable for a complete range of motion.
3. Rowenta Compact Steam Iron
Rowenta is a high-end brand, and if you are looking for a forever mini iron, this is it. You get what you pay for: value, reliability, and performance.
The device has a 1000W power rating. It also has a stainless-steel soleplate that is scratch-proof and a heat increment dial that goes to cotton/linen setting.
Beneath the soleplate is 200 micro holes that produce a lot of steam per minute. You can also use it in an upright position for a vertical burst of steam.
Although it lacks the fancy features of other Rowentas like auto shut anti-calcium and self-cleaning, it gives the same classic experience
Weighing only 1.5 pounds and with a handle that folds down flat and dual voltage, this Rowenta is the perfect travel partner or ironing companion for your little blocks and appliques.
4. Clover Mini Iron
If you are looking for a seriously tiny iron for intricate work, the Clover MCI-900 mini iron might impress you.
It separates itself from the traditional iron with a wand shape and a mini soleplate on one end.
This design is intended to really get in there when pressing things like small seams, pleats, ribbons, or hems, quilting, applique, paper crafts, labels, and so on.
The mini iron is ultra-light with a comfy thick handle that provides for smooth crafting. The stainless steel soleplate glides around smoothly.
A slide heat control button is conveniently located for easy switching between low and high temperatures and turning it off.
Safety is catered for by a red light indicator that shows you the device is still on. There’s also a miniature stand for the iron. Unfortunately, it is the entire shaft and not just the head that gets hot, so you must be cautious not to burn your fingers.
The device is only 20W, which is expected for a miniature iron, but you’ll be surprised at how much it can achieve. The voltage is 120V which is compatible with the US power supply, and comes with an 8-foot long electric cord for unrestricted movement.
5. Clover Mini Iron II
If you thought the Clover MCI 900 was fantastic, you should meet the Clover mini II adapter set. The 40W 120V device is twice as powerful and super versatile thanks to its Interchangeable tips.
The new tiny iron comes with 5 tips, a small and large ironing wedge, a slim stick, a ball, and hot knife tips.
The wedge is for general ironing or flattening seams. The straight stick is suitable for pressing seams to one side, pushing corners out, or straightening seams turned right-side-out like pockets.
The ball tip would be ideal for pressing rounded seams like dolls’ heads. The blade is handy and for different applications.
A screwdriver for changing the attachments and an iron stand are all included in the package.
Unlike its predecessor, this mini iron has a medium heat setting of 390°F in addition to the low 220°F and high 560°F. The other adapters have a different temperature range.
Though the cage design is slightly more secure at the shaft, you still have to be extra careful with it. Investing in some finger guards or snap-on rollers will minimize the chance of burns.
Other than that, it is one of those must-have craft tools that get in the tightest of spaces.
6. Dritz Petite Press Portable Mini Iron
The Dritz Petite Press is a small, portable iron that’s ideal for multiple crafts, including but not limited to sewing, quilting, and iron-on vinyl.
It is cleverly constructed with an ergonomic handle, adjustable head, and a flip-out/fold-in stand for safety.
Dritz is a bulkier choice than Clover but still lightweight and heats up much faster. There’s also less exposure for flesh burns.
The ceramic soleplate is smooth and doesn’t stick to surfaces. It measures a mere 1 inch wide and 2.25 inches long.
It features a 4 position heat adjustment setting that are fully digitized. So there’s a temperature for the delicates and tough cookies.
The 20watt 110V mini iron comes with an 8-foot electric cord. As an added safety measure, the mini iron will go into an auto shut off mode within 60 minutes.
7. Sunbeam Compact Iron
Sunbeam is a handy dandy mini iron that is impressive in every possible way.
The 800W mini iron offers dual voltage (240/120v). Beneath is a nonstick resistance-free soleplate and on top a soft handle where the controls are built-in.
There’s a dry iron and steam switch, a temperature control dial, and a red light indicator for when the iron is on.
It has everything to offer without being bulky and cumbersome and is affordably priced too.
8. EXSO Rigid Mini Iron
Another mini iron option for small surface ironing such as pet and doll clothes, seam tape bonding, quilting, pushing corners, smoothing filament, and paper crimping is this one.
It is a wand-shaped type of mini iron with a 1.5inch triangular soleplate. On the handle is a temperature adjustment switch with two heat positions; 10 watts which is hot, and 20 watts which is extra hot.
It comes with a 6 foot 110V power cord and a little stand too. Being lightweight and small, it fits in any bag and is a perfect addition to craft tools.
9. Conair EZ Press Steam Iron
Another suitable compact-sized iron for your crafts is the Conair. The 800-watt mini iron provides enough power and functionality for home crafting while being tiny enough for travel, class, or craft retreat.
It has all the cool features you may want; a silky smooth stainless steel soleplate, a steam burst for difficult creases, and an anti-slip heel to boost safety.
Its lightweight design combined with the 8-foot cable gives you more ironing flexibility. It also has a heat-changing dial, dual voltage, but no auto shut function.
10. Ivation Small Mini Iron
Another tiny yet mighty mini iron is the Ivation No-Drip Mini Steam Iron. It is small and lightweight but performs as well as more costly and oversized irons.
It has an ergonomic grip, 3 heat power levels, multi-voltage with a voltage selector, and a sleek, non-stick ceramic soleplate that produces wonderfully smooth results.
The cable is incredibly long at 7.5 feet, allowing you to iron regardless of outlet placement, and it wraps and snaps around the handle for easy on-the-go mobility.
It is not significantly tipped at the front, so you may struggle in small areas. Otherwise, it is a simple and functional option.
11. Honoson Mini Craft Iron
Finally, we have this mini iron by Honoson. It is itsy bitsy small, smaller than palm-size, but does the job in small areas.
It has a ceramic soleplate and one heat setting, which is hot enough for most fabrics, fixing hotfix rhinestones, and other crafts.
The cord is relatively short, and the unit doesn’t stand well on its own. But if you want a cheap model to get by with quick small jobs, it will serve its purpose.
Plus, look at that face. Who wouldn’t want a mini iron that’s both cute and incredibly handy?
Up Next: Best Mini Irons For Sewing
