7 Best Ironing Boards, According to Our Experts
Whether you need compact or full-size, we’ve rounded up ironing boards to suit your needs.
Tested by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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Wrinkles have a way of sneaking into a laundry load, which can keep your button-up shirt or tablecloth from looking fresh and crisp. That's where an ironing board comes in, and when paired with a powerful steam iron, it helps smooth out crinkles to keep fabric looking polished. The best ironing boards are wobble-free and may have a place to rest your iron.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we test a lot of appliances to keep your clothes clean and looking their best, from washing machines to clothes steamers and much more. When we test ironing boards we rate them for weight, how smoothly they open and close and how easy they are to store. We also evaluate the washability and quality of the pad and cover and the functionality of any features.
Brabantia Size C Ironing Board
Pros
- Non-slip caps on board legs
- Built-in rack holds ironed clothes and linens
- Long and wide ironing surface
- Can replace board cover with fun patterns
Cons
- Heavier than other ironing boards
Brabantia's Size C board has everything we look for in a quality ironing board: stability, sturdy construction, an adjustable iron rest, a rack to hold your freshly ironed garments and an almost 10-inch adjustable height range. Non-slip caps on the board's legs ensure it stays in place and it has locks so it won't collapse while ironing or inadvertently open in storage.
It is virtually identical to our Lab favorite, Brabantia's Size B ironing board, except with the Size C you get an extra 3 inches of ironing surface, making it useful for ironing extra large items such as sheets or tablecloths. For a pop of color, you can purchase the brand's ironing board cover in tons of fun patterns when you're ready for something new.
TAKE NOTE: This ironing board is pricey but worth it.
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| Weight | 18.6 lbs |
| Ironing surface area | 49" x 18" |
| On-board iron rest | Yes |
Household Essentials Ultra Ironing Board
Pros
- Affordable price at under $50
- Has a mesh top to release steam and heat
- Includes rack to hang pressed garments
- Double-leg construction for sturdiness
Cons
- A little narrow
Our pros picked this ironing board because it offers all the essential features at an affordable price. We like the V-shaped, double-leg construction and the iron rest with a rack to hang the items you've just ironed, something many basic boards don't include.
It didn't skimp on the materials either, it has a mesh steel top that allows heat and steam to pass through fabrics, just like more expensive boards. Plus, it's about four pounds lighter than our best overall board.
TAKE NOTE: This board is slightly narrow at 14 inches wide.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 14.5 lbs |
| Ironing surface area | ~49" x 14" |
| On-board iron rest | Yes |
Joseph Joseph Pocket Plus Folding Ironing Board
Pros
- Compact and foldable
- Sturdy
- Can hang on door or wall to save space
Cons
- Ironing board doesn't have a tapered end
Space constraints make having a full-size ironing board difficult, which is why we appreciate this ironing board that's compact, measuring 18 x 13.5 x 6.25 inches when it's closed. Our experts found it easy to set up right out of the box. They also found this space-saving model from Joseph Joseph sturdy and well-made with rubber feet to prevent sliding.
When you're done ironing, fold it back up to store and hang it on a door or wall for extra space saving. There's even a space to store your iron on the board.
TAKE NOTE: We found the board doesn't have a tapered edge which can make ironing trickier, but the trade-off is that there's more surface area to iron on.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 5.9 pounds |
| Ironing surface area | 13" x 35" |
| On-board iron rest | No |
Reliable The Longboard 350LB
Pros
- 7 height settings
- Heat resistant up to 700°F and flame retardant
- Includes storage bag and iron rest
- Extra-large ironing area
Cons
- Heavy and large
- Does not have a tapered tip
Our experts were so impressed by this ironing board's extra-large surface and range of convenient features that they gave it a GH Cleaning and Organizing Award. It comes equipped with a removable iron rest and a retractable storage bag, plus the board has seven height settings ranging from 27 to 37 inches. While it's designed for crafters who sew or quilt, anyone who often irons curtains, tablecloths, and bed sheets will appreciate the wide surface area.
When we tested the board in Lab, we found it was easy to set up—although we experienced some difficulty adjusting it to the tallest setting. The heat-resistant zone at the end of the ironing board is designed to be resistant up to 700°F as well flame retardant. To test this out, we placed the Reliable 270IR iron on its highest heat setting (374°F) face down for 5 minutes. We didn't observe any marks or damage.
TAKE NOTE: Due to the larger size, it's heavier than some of the other ironing boards we tested and can take up quite a bit of space. That said, it may not be the best fit if you live in an apartment or have a small laundry area. Also, since it isn't meant for ironing clothing, it lacks a round and tapered tip.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 25.5 lbs |
| Ironing surface area | 52" x 19.5" |
| On-board iron rest | Yes |
Brabantia Adjustable Ironing Board, Size D
Pros
- Large ironing surface
- Heat-resistant resting zone for iron
- Can adjust to any height
Cons
- No clothing shelf or iron rest
Whether you’re tall or on the shorter side, this Brabantia ironing board can raise or lower to just about any height to accommodate your body. It's even able to sit lower than most boards, so you can sit while ironing if standing for a long period is uncomfortable.
You won't find extras like a clothing shelf or an iron rest here, but the end of the board features a heat-resistant parking zone, so you can place the iron soleplate down without any fear of damaging the cover. This Brabantia boasts one of the largest ironing surfaces we've seen.
TAKE NOTE: It is pricey, but we think it's worth it for the convenience and we love all the products we've tested from this brand.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 8.6 lbs |
| Ironing surface area | 53" x 18" |
| On-board iron rest | No |
Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board With Iron Rest
Pros
- Retractable iron rest
- Can be hung for easy storage
- Sits high off the table
Cons
- Small ironing area
For those times when you just need to de-wrinkle a shirt collar or press a pants hem, a full-size ironing board may be overkill. This small and light tabletop model is much easier to pull out and setup. Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté especially likes this one since it sits higher off the table, meaning your clothes are less likely to wrinkle as they hang over the board.
Unlike other ironing boards this size, it also has a retractable iron rest to keep your iron handy and off the table while working. When you’re done ironing, it comes with a hook so the board can be stored over a door.
TAKE NOTE: It's much smaller than a full-size board, but it's perfect for touch-up ironing. Or if you're not a frequent ironer, it could suffice as the only board you need.
| Weight | 5.3 lbs |
| Ironing surface area | 36.5" x 12" |
| On-board iron rest | Yes |
IRON-A-WAY Built-in Ironing Center
Pros
- Board pivots and folds away for storage
- Includes a timer, light and an electrical outlet
- Good for small or tight spaces
- Has shelf to store an iron
Cons
- Must be built-in or wall mounted
- Expensive
Iron-A-Way's all-in-one ironing center was installed after a renovation to our Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab years ago as a way to keep our ironing board out of sight. Boy, was that a great decision! It helped to keep our laundry test area looking neat and in order.
The cabinet holds an ironing board that folds down and pivots. There's also a 60-minute timer, a light, and an electrical outlet built into the cabinet so you can iron even without a wall outlet nearby.
It has a shelf to store your iron and the door has a rod to hang clothes up after ironing. “It's so sleek, self-contained and invisible!” said Forté.
TAKE NOTE: This requires installation and needs to be wall mounted onto or recessed into the wall.
| Weight | 67.5 lbs (entire cabinet) |
| Ironing surface area | 46" x 15" |
| On-board iron rest | No |
How we test ironing boards
Our Cleaning Lab experts have logged hundreds of hours ironing fabric swatches for steam iron testing, cotton shirts for evaluating the wrinkle-preventing performance of clothes washers and dryers, and even the Good Housekeeping Institute Lab coats we wear, so we know a great ironing board when we see one. In recent years, we've tested high-end and no-frills models as well as full-size and tabletop designs.
When we test ironing boards, we assess how easy they are to open, close, set up and adjust. We also evaluate how smoothly they operate, if they are stable or wobbly, how many pounds of force it takes to topple them and the weight and bulkiness of the board while carrying it.
We look at how much ironing surface they provide, the amount of padding, and how well the cover handles steam and moisture. Helpful add-ons like iron rests, sleeve boards, cord holders and clothes shelves are also taken into account.
What to look for when shopping for the best ironing board
Here are a few things to consider when you're in the market for a new ironing board.
✔️ Material: Steam irons get very hot, so you want to be sure that your ironing board is not made from a material that can be easily damaged by heat. Plastic iron rests are a big no-no. Instead, opt for ones with metal iron rests coated with heat-resistant silicone to withstand high temperatures. The same goes for the board itself: While the top cover is usually made of sturdy cotton, there should be a thick layer of padding underneath and then a final metal mesh frame underneath that.
✔️ Size: There are several size considerations to take into account when shopping for an ironing board. You not only want to make sure that you have the space in your home to use and store an ironing board, but also that the ironing surface is big enough to comfortably iron clothing on. Most standard ironing boards have an ironing surface that is about 15 inches wide and at least 49 inches long and they adjust up and down to accommodate users of various heights. Ironing boards with retractable or removable iron rests, tabletop options and even ironing mats are great options for homes with limited available space. Wall- or door-mounted ironing boards, like our picks from Iron-a-Way and Honey-Can-Do, are also practical, out-of-the-way options that won't take up any precious floor or closet space.
✔️ Adjustability: If you prefer ironing while sitting down or are a sewer and like to do your craft seated, look for an ironing board with unlimited height adjustability. Some boards may have a fixed height, but it's a good idea to check the dimensions so you find a model that is comfortable. Leg and height adjusters ensure you'll find a setting that suits you best.
✔️ Stability: For a little extra money, you may consider an ironing board that features child and transport locks to help keep the ironing board in place. Boards with metal legs can also be more stable and durable, though they tend to be pricier. Those with double-leg construction are more affordable, yet still stable.
✔️ Storage: Some ironing boards have extra storage features that aren't absolutely necessary, but are nice to have, like a shelf underneath the board to hold your to-be-ironed or freshly ironed clothing. An iron rest is great for placing your iron on when not in use, instead of taking up space on the actual board. You may also see ironing boards with cord holders to help keep the iron's cord out of the way and not mess up what you've already pressed.
Is an expensive ironing board worth it?
If you find yourself ironing quite often, investing in a high-quality ironing board with convenient features may worth the splurge. While it can be a somewhat high upfront cost, in the end a durable ironing board will save you trips to the dry cleaners. "Expensive boards are usually made of higher quality metals and materials and are stable, sturdy and durable," explained Forté.
Some models may have wheels for easy moving, a shelf for ironed clothes and non-slip or adjustable legs. Still, if you only iron here and there or don't want to spend the extra money, we have under-$50 ironing boards that will do just the trick.
How often should you change your ironing board cover?
How often you change your ironing board cover depends on how often you use your ironing board. A board that is used more often will require more frequent changes to the cover. According to Brabantia, an ironing board used once a week will need its cover changed about every three years.
Some covers may be machine washable, but always check with your brand to be sure and do so only on a gentle cycle in warm or cold water. If no laundering instructions come with your cover, wash it by hand. Let it air dry (skip the dryer), and put it back on the board while it's still slightly damp so it's easier to tighten into position.
Iron the cover to finish drying it and smooth out any remaining wrinkles. Always replace an ironing board cover if it's scorched, burned or torn.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté is the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. With over 40 years of experience testing household products, Carolyn is a trusted expert in laundry and ironing—from detergents and dryers to irons and steamers. She’s reviewed hundreds of laundry tools and brings both lab-tested insights and everyday know-how to every recommendation.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in the areas of product development and manufacturing. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she has tested products and written reviews across dozens of categories, including cleaning, textiles and kitchen appliances.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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