Whether you are a professional seamstress, or just enjoy the occasional project on the side, having the right tool for the job is vital. Although it is not a must-have for sewing, having a mini iron will make your sewing project much more manageable.
Not all irons are created equal. Finding the one that suits you best can be difficult, especially if you’re a beginner in sewing and want to purchase your first mini iron.
So what are the best mini irons for sewing? The best mini irons for sewing are lightweight and designed to be easy to maneuver and adjust while working. Ideally, they should have adjustable temperature settings, a steam setting, and a well-made soleplate with a pointed end to allow for greater precision.
In this article, we will walk you through the best mini irons currently on the market and what features to look for when you purchase a mini iron.
Buyer’s Guide
You may think that sewing is just about using stitches to attach pieces of fabric together, but an essential step in sewing is to make sure that the final projects have the proper structure, shape, and form. A mini iron is a useful tool in this process.
Ironing is not just to get rid of wrinkles. Some stitches are never quite finished without pressing it in place. Sometimes, ironing will help you hold the seam in place before sewing.
Of course, you can use a regular-sized iron for these purposes as well, but many people prefer using mini irons because of how compact and light they are. For small, intricate designs like handbags or hats, however, a mini iron is much easier to maneuver and add just the details that you need.
If you are looking to buy a mini iron, here are some of the features you should look at to choose the best option for you.
Temperature Settings
Does the mini iron allow you to adjust the temperature? As you work with different types of fabric, each with different levels of heat tolerance, it’s important to be able to adjust the temperature setting in your mini iron to fit the type of fabric you are using.
Many mini irons only have one temperature setting, which ranges from around 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 130-180 Celsius). This temperature range is safe for you to work with common types of fabric like cotton, polyester, or polyester blends.
If you only intend to work with these types of fabric, having a mini iron with just one temperature setting shouldn’t be a big concern. However, if you want to work with more delicate materials like silk or linen, you should consider getting an iron with an adjustable temperature setting.
Steam Function
Does the mini iron have a steam function? It may not seem like a “nice to have” function, but it’s actually quite useful, especially if you are pressing wrinkly fabric or potentially sewing handknit textiles.
Many steam irons don’t have a steam function to make the design more compact, so you’re only working with heat, which is less effective depending on the type of fabric. If this function is important to you, look for a mini iron with a steam function.
Soleplate
The soleplate is the surface of the iron that will get hot and be in direct contact with your fabric. The soleplate’s material is quite important. You want to pick a soleplate material that will glide on your fabric and will not rust after some time. Most mini irons have ceramic or stainless steel soleplates.
The design of the soleplate will also decide the ease of use as you work with your sewing. Some soleplates have pointed tips, which will help you get into small corners and be more precise while ironing.
Other irons may have a more rounded soleplate, which is designed to press a larger area in a shorter time, but may not be as friendly when you work with fine details.
Safety Features
Because of a mini iron’s compact size, many may not have the safety features that will help you avoid any accidents. Common safety features include auto-shutoff when unused, temperature lock, and a safe resting position.
Many mini irons come with a built-in stand, while others can be rested comfortably on their side. You will also find mini irons that come with a stand, which allows you to place the iron face-down to rest without scorching your working area.
The iron’s resting position will decide how seamless it is to pick up and put down the iron as you work on your project. An auto-shutoff feature will also help you work without having to worry about damaging your fabric or working area.
User-Friendly Design
The design of the mini iron is especially important if you are looking for something that’s easy to use and convenient.
Is the iron lightweight enough for your liking? Can you easily adjust the settings while working? Is the iron cordless? If not, is the cord long enough for you to work with without getting in the way? Is the design of the handle comfortable and user-friendly?
These are the questions you need to ask while looking for a mini iron to make sure you have the best experience while sewing.
Most mini irons are not designed for extended use, but it’s important whether you can use the iron safely and easily. Mini irons are often very lightweight, so they are easy to pick up and maneuver around your sewing project.
Best Mini Irons For Sewing
Now that you know what to look for, below are some of the best mini irons on the market:
| Rank | Product | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rowenta Compact Steam Iron | Best materials, settings, and power (1000W) |
| 2. | Oliso M2 Pro Mini Project Iron | Fabric selector adjusts heat to best temperature |
| 3. | Conair EZ Press Steam Iron | Best power for light weight |
| 4. | Cohotek Mini Steam Iron | Steams items while hanging |
| 5. | Sharper Image SI-755 Mini Steam Iron | Versatile, dual voltage for travel |
| 6. | SMAGREHO Mini Travel Steam Iron | Palm-sized |
| 7. | PurSteam Mini Iron | Ideal for steaming |
| 8. | Cirago Mini Garment Steamer | 1300W power, steams vertically |
| 9. | Vivianer Mini Electric Iron | Portable and versatile |
| 10. | Dritz 29500 Petite Press Mini Iron | Tiny and ergonomic |
| 11. | CLOVER MCI-900 Mini Iron | Ideal for intricate works |
We have also included a full review of each mini iron, so read on to pick the very best for you and your sewing needs!
1. Rowenta Compact Steam Iron
This Rowenta Compact Steam Iron is highly rated in the craft community because its compact design has all the functions that a full-sized iron can offer. This iron has an adjustable handle, which can be folded in for storage or travel.
This 1,000-Watt iron can heat up quickly and gets as hot as a regular full-sized iron. You can adjust the temperature setting to fit the requirements of your fabric
The iron comes with a two-ounce water tank, which you can fill up to activate the steam function. You can use consistent steam or even bursts of steam to iron out any stubborn wrinkles.
The ironing plates are made of stainless steel, which slides on the fabric smoothly while you work. This material also means that the soleplate won’t rust over time.
The sleek, thin design and the pointed tip also means that you can work with small sewing projects and get into any small corner that requires ironing, which is amazing if you are looking for a versatile and highly accommodating mini iron.
2. Oliso M2 Pro Mini Project Iron
The Oliso M2 Mini Iron is so small it can fit comfortably into the palm of your hand, but it’s just as powerful as a full-sized iron (1,000 Watts). You can adjust the temperature settings using the dial located conveniently by the handle, and the iron heats up to its highest setting in just 45 seconds!
This mini iron comes with an eight-foot cord that can swivel 180 degrees, so it’s super easy for you to maneuver without the cord getting tangled. The iron plate is coated with ceramic, so it can glide around the fabric easily. The triangular tips allow you to get into small corners without any problem.
For such a small design, this mini iron manages to also include a water tank and a steam function to help you work with stubborn fabric. The tank can be opened with a small valve by the handle, and you only need to press a small button on the side to activate the steam function.
Our favorite thing about this design is the solemate that comes with the iron. Solemate is the dock that helps you rest the iron face down without the risk of burning anything. This docking station means that you can easily pick up and put down the iron as you work, and you don’t have to worry about any safety issues!
3. Conair EZ Press Hand-Held Steam Iron
This sleek hand-held steam iron is another great option if you are looking for a lightweight design that pacts all the necessary functions. The soleplate is made of stainless steel, so it glides perfectly on the fabric surface.
You can adjust the temperature setting using a knob on the body of the iron, and you can choose dry or steam options. If you want to spray the fabric with a steam burst, the button is conveniently placed at the handle to help you work easily.
The rubber feet and the plastic handle form a triangle to help the iron rest comfortably on its side as you work. Picking up and putting down the mini iron will be easy, but be careful of the hot surface as you can brush against it if you are not careful.
One minus point about the Conair EZ Press Steam Iron is the fact that it’s only 800 Watts, which means that it doesn’t get as hot as full-sized irons. However, this heat setting is enough for you to work with common types of sewing fabrics, so depending on your needs, this mini iron may be the perfect one for you.
4. Cohotek Mini Steam Iron
This Cohotek Mini Steam Iron has a unique design that offers quite a lot of versatility when it comes to sewing. What’s amazing about this steam iron is how the handle can rotate so that you can transform it from a dry/steam iron working on a flat surface to a steamer used on hanging items. It is perfect not just for sewing but even for everyday use.
The water tank can hold up to 40 milliliters of water, but you can use it as a dry iron when you run out of water. This is an amazing, compact design that offers so much versatility.
When you use it as an iron on a flat surface, you will appreciate how easily the plate glides on the fabric thanks to the stainless steel soleplate. When you put the iron to rest, you will need to turn it off to avoid scorching your surface.
There are only three heat settings that allow you to work with delicate fabric like silk or thicker fabric. Its power is only 700 Watts, so it won’t get as hot as bigger irons, but it heats up quite quickly – in under a minute.
The rotatable handle also means you can switch the handle around to a position that’s most comfortable for you to use. Overall, we recommend this mini iron because of its versatility and ease of use, perfect whether you want to use it for sewing or any other everyday use.
5. Sharper Image SI-755 Mini Steam Iron
The Sharper Image Mini Steam Iron leaves a first impression with its bulky rounded handle, which makes it quite comfortable to wrap and easy to maneuver. This mini iron has both steam and a dry setting, so it’s perfect to work with a wide range of fabric types.
The cylindrical handle also helps the iron rest on one side while you work, so it’s convenient to pick up and put down as you work.
There are three temperature settings, which you can adjust with a knob on the iron’s body. You can also fill up the tank to use the steam settings, which has quite a large capacity. You can use the steam function for six continuous minutes without the water running out.
This lightweight iron can heat up in under a minute, although its power is only 350 Watts, suitable for simple, straightforward ironing jobs. As an added bonus, however, this steam iron functions with two voltage outputs, 120 or 220V, so it will work in many countries and function as a travel iron as well.
6. SMAGREHO Mini Travel Steam Iron
This mini steam iron is so small, it can fit in the palm of your hands. Because of its compact size, all the knobs that help you adjust the setting are located at the handle, where you can adjust the steam and temperature settings.
There are three different temperature settings to help you work with almost every kind of fabric, from delicate to heavy-duty. The water tank can heat up in 15 seconds, so you can use the steam function to remove any stubborn wrinkle.
The non-stick Teflon soleplate helps the iron glide smoothly on any fabric surface without rusting. This mini iron can heat up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although the handle portion is quite bulky compared to other types of mini irons because it has to host all the control knobs, the iron’s lightweight means that it is not at all difficult to hold comfortably or maneuver around your fabric.
Overall, this compact design offers all the functions you would need for sewing, which makes it a great investment for your craft kit.
7. PurSteam Mini Iron
This mini iron from PurSteam has quite an interesting design, with an arched handle and a rounded rectangular soleplate. It is very lightweight and compact. Its smooth soleplate and small size allow it to work with small garments and simple ironing jobs.
This mini iron is quite powerful – 800 Watts – so it almost has the capacity of a full-sized iron. Keep in mind that there is only one temperature setting, so you will only be able to work with common materials like cotton, cotton blend, or polyester. You may damage natural, delicate materials like silk when you use this iron.
The steam option offers up to 50% more steam flow than other similarly sized irons, so this is a huge plus if you want a powerful steam iron. Despite the iron’s small size, its ergonomic handle is quite comfortable to grab and maneuver. All of the iron’s controls are located on the handle for easy access.
Depending on your needs, this iron may just be enough to help you with your everyday sewing projects. If you want a powerful iron to work with basic types of fabric, this iron is definitely an option worth considering.
8. Cirago 1300W Mini Garment Steamer
This powerful little gadget leans on the steamer side, but it offers all of the functions that you would need in a steam iron. You can use it as a vertical steamer for hanging clothes or as a dry/steam iron for fabric on a flat surface.
The water tank can hold up to 3.5 Oz, which can heat up in just 40 seconds to offer powerful steam. It is designed with powerful steam, supported by 1,300 Watts, so it can remove any stubborn wrinkle.
When you want to press the fabric to add structure, you can use the dry or steam iron setting. The ceramic soleplate can get up to 150 degrees Celsius. The soleplate is only as big as a phone, so you can imagine how compact and lightweight this mini iron is.
Unfortunately, there’s no temperature setting to help you adjust the temperature while dry ironing, but this temperature is safe enough to work with fabrics from delicate to heavy-duty.
If you are looking for a mini iron to support your sewing as well as your everyday use, this versatile device has all the functions that you would need.
9. Vivianer Mini Electric Iron
This Vivianer Mini Electric Iron is designed to be portable – it takes up very little space but is still highly effective. It is the preferred tool of many crafters because of how accessible it is, and it can accommodate basic ironing needs while you sew.
Keep in mind that although there’s only one temperature setting, this mini iron can get up to 180 degrees Celsius (about 350 Fahrenheit) in under two minutes. The iron houses a high quality ceramic heating element, and the soleplate can glide on the fabric surface quite seamlessly.
This tiny iron can fit in the palm of your hand, so you don’t have to wonder about its ease of use. You can easily work around small projects and add touch-ups and small details to your sewing project.
Because there’s no steam function and only one heat setting, you should consider your sewing needs before buying this mini iron. It can satisfy very basic needs if you are mainly working with common types of fabric. However, you should consider other options if you are looking for a more versatile mini iron.
10. Dritz 29500 Petite Press Portable Mini Iron
This cute little portable mini iron from Dritz is another petite design that can satisfy your basic sewing needs. This small iron is amazing for sewing and quilting, with a small ironing plate that can get into even the smallest of corners.
The plastic handle is quite comfortable to grab and its size is just enough to help you navigate the iron around your work. The handle also comes with a flip-down stand, so you can put the iron to rest and pick it up with ease while you work.
Although this iron is quite petite, there are four different temperature settings for you to choose from, perfect to help you work with a wide range of fabrics. It takes a few minutes to heat up.
Due to its small size, there is no steam function, but it is still quite practical if you are just looking for a mini iron to satisfy simple needs while sewing.
11. CLOVER MCI-900 Mini Iron
The CLOVER MCI-900 Mini Iron is the perfect mini iron for quilters and tailors, but it’s so easy to use, even complete beginners can enjoy its perks. This mini iron has an interesting look, with an elongated handle and a very small ironing plate, perfect to get into small nooks and crannies of the most intricate designs.
This mini iron is super lightweight – only 90 grams – so it’s incredibly easy to maneuver and use. It comes with an eight-foot cord, a little long for a mini iron, so some people may find that it will get in the way.
There are only two heat settings – high and low, which are just enough to work with the most common types of fabric. There is no steam function, so if you are working with stubborn wrinkles, you will need to steam the fabric separately.
This mini iron comes with a small stand, so you can easily pick it up and put it down as you work. Overall, we recommend this iron because of its super compact, lightweight design, which is suitable for smaller, more intricate projects.
Up Next: How To Line A Knitted Hat With Fleece
