Steam irons

The Hamilton Beach Smart Lift with Built-in Stability 14401 is part of the steam iron test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, steam iron models like the Smart Lift with Built-in Stability 14401 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Steaming rate:

Steaming is calculated over a period of 10 minutes, except for the cordless which are evaluated over a 3 minute period.

Ironing fabric:

Based on: ironing a linen table cloth, thermostat set point, temperature swing and uniformity of soleplate thermal pattern.

Ease of use:

Rates a number of factors, including how easy it was to set, fill, and empty the iron, and to see water levels and markings and indicator lights. Other factors include leaking and how well the iron steamed at low settings.