The 7 Best Ironing Boards To Elevate Your Laundry Routine, According to Our Rigorous Testing (2024)

An ironing board is the essential companion to your iron, providing a smooth, heat-safe surface to tackle pesky wrinkles and creases. While it’s not the most exciting purchase, you should still take some time to figure out the best type of ironing board for your needs.

To find the best ironing boards, we tested 16 popular options in our Des Moines lab, evaluating them on design, durability, ease of use, and value. We also consulted two experts: Jenna Shaughnessy, a laundry expert and creator of the blog Jenna Kate at Home, and Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. They shared their tips on deciding what type of ironing board suits your household’s needs.

Whether you need an extra-wide ironing board for your family’s endless laundry or a compact pick you can fit in a cupboard, we found ironing boards to suit any space and need.

Our Top Picks

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What Stands Out

  • This board can adjust between seven heights, allowing you to iron in any position.

What Could Be Improved

  • It’s one of the heavier models on our list.

This ironing board stands out for its design and durability, making it well worth its “best overall” award. Thanks to its ergonomic design, you can adjust between seven different heights, with a child lock ensuring it stays secure in any position. We appreciate this versatility, which allows you to iron while sitting, standing, or even alternating between the two. Better yet, adjusting the height is simple—just lift the lock and let it click into place.

This board is one of the most padded we tested—even when applying pressure to the surface, we could hardly feel the wiring beneath. Plus, we particularly love the metal iron rest attachment on the side, which keeps the iron accessible as you take breaks. Like the board’s height, the attachment is similarly adjustable, catering to both right-handed and left-handed individuals. The board feels sturdy and secure, even when the iron rests on the attachment.

Weighing almost 19 pounds, this unit could be a hassle to move from room to room. However, despite its weight we still found it easy to fold and store. The machine-washable cover proved easy to remove and clean, adding an extra layer of convenience. While it’s one of the pricier models on our list, we think this pick’s adjustability and ease of use make it a worthy investment.

Dimensions: 49 x 15 inches; height adjustable from 27-38 inches | Weight: 18.6 pounds | Cover Included: Yes

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What Stands Out

  • The lock securely latches at each of the adjustable heights, making it easy to toggle between.

What Could Be Improved

  • It wobbles a bit.

If you’re in search of an effective ironing board that won’t break the bank, this Amazon Basics board does just the trick. With 10 heights to choose from, the adjustment process is surprisingly smooth, with the easy-to-grip handle able to latch securely at each height. The board’s cushioning is thin enough that we could feel the frame beneath the fabric, though this didn’t impact its effectiveness. It also comes with a chevron cover with a gray zig-zag pattern, which may or may not be a positive depending on your style.

This board effortlessly folds and unfolds, boasting a lightweight design for portability. Plus, the 60-inch board length provides ample space. Our one concern, however, lies in its stability. Despite never tipping over, the plastic foot caps, designed to keep the board in place, felt a bit uneven, leading the board to wobble a bit as we ironed. The metal iron rest was a bit too large as well, but adjusting the size made it more adequate.

Though we question the durability of this board, we think the affordable price makes up for it. If your household has light ironing needs, this model is a suitable choice.

Dimensions: 60 x 14 inches; height adjustable up to 38 inches | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Cover Included: Yes

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What Stands Out

  • It boasts a seamless folding and unfolding process.

What Could Be Improved

  • The cord holder is weak and poorly constructed.

If you’re used to dealing with massive laundry loads, this Bartnelli model is an easy-to-use, durable ironing board choice. Some of us even referred to it as the “Volkswagen” of ironing boards because it’s smooth, sleek, and functional. We were amazed by the effortless set-up process—the board glides open and closes seamlessly, and once you fold it shut, a notch keeps the legs securely in place.

The board cover has three patterned sections, all of which feel smooth. Its “Park Zone” fabric section is crafted with a blend of steel and cotton, allowing you to rest the hot iron for up to 10 minutes without discoloration. The four-layer cushion feels thick, and the smooth cover allowed our iron to move effortlessly.

e appreciate the iron’s adjustable height settings, ranging from 27 to 38 inches, which encourages ironing in any position. It also has an adjustable arm to hold the ironing cord, though we found this arm to be flimsy and poorly constructed. Available in five different designs, this pick will add a stylish touch to your ironing routine.

Dimensions: 48 x 15 inches; height adjustable from 27-38 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Cover Included: Yes

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What Stands Out

  • The small surface size allows for increased control and precise targeting of smaller garments.

What Could Be Improved

  • The folding design isn’t very intuitive.

While large ironing boards are spacious, a full-sized board may be unnecessary for lighter ironing needs. Fortunately, this sleek tabletop board is compact and easy to store. Though we initially expected the small surface area to feel limiting, there were surprising perks to the smaller space. The curves actually allowed us to target smaller garments, like cuffs and collars, more precisely.

Three button-sized grippy feet keep the board secure on the table, preventing it from sliding back and forth. Though the padding doesn’t feel particularly thick, the cover is more than suitable for ironing, staying tight without shifting.

We are impressed by this board’s durability, and are confident that it will remain stable, even during rushed ironing. However, despite its stability, we noticed a few design flaws. The board’s middle leg made the folding process a bit confusing, and a plastic piece designed to catch the arm wouldn’t lock in, leading the undercarriage to stick out. Once we mastered the functionality, though, the operation was easy.

Dimensions: 30 x 12 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Cover Included: Yes

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What Stands Out

  • It includes a bucket to store accessories.

What Could Be Improved

  • Moisture collects on the wires, which could cause mildew if not stored properly.

If you live in a small home or apartment, a foldable ironing board like this Joseph Joseph model maximizes valuable space. The board comes equipped with an attached bucket to store the cool iron and any other accessories, along with a hook and screws to mount it to the wall. The option to mount the board, either in its folded or unfolded form, makes it ideal for storing in areas with limited space.

The board folds and unfolds smoothly, and makes no noise. We would have liked it to have a locking mechanism to keep the legs in place once folded, though the process was still relatively seamless. The grippy caps on the legs are super secure and prevented the board from sliding around as we ironed. Just keep in mind that, since this is a tabletop board, its surface area isn’t as spacious as heftier options on our list.

We found the surface to be somewhat bumpy, and the cushioned cover felt thin yet dense enough to iron on. Still, the frame felt hot as we ironed, and the moisture from the steam collected on the wires. In fact, the wireframe accumulated so much moisture that our fingers felt wet afterward. Given this condensation, we recommend giving the board ample time to cool off before storing it to prevent mildew from forming.

Dimensions: 35.5 x 13 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Cover Included: Yes

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What Stands Out

  • The board's spacious surface area fits twice as many garments as typical boards.

What Could Be Improved

  • The 25-pound board is difficult to lift and doesn’t have wheels.

Avid ironers know the importance of having ample surface area, and the Reliable 2-in-1 Premium model can’t be beaten. This unit serves as a classic ironing board and a pressing surface, with an attachment that slides onto the frame to create an extra spacious, rectangular area. Measuring 60 by 19 inches, the oversized board allowed us to iron twice as many shirts as usual. And since you don’t need to reposition items, you don’t have to worry about the garments re-wrinkling as you go. The large space made it challenging for us to reach all areas when ironing in a sitting position, though we think this is a small price to pay.

We found the board incredibly secure, so much so that we wouldn’t be surprised if it could function as a massage table. It didn’t move at all as we ironed, and the iron rest proved similarly durable. The foam pad felt stiff enough to be durable, yet soft enough to be cushiony. The bottom laundry rack was an extra convenient touch, though it lacked support, so we suggest limiting the number of items you store there.

A trade-off for the board’s large surface area is its heavy weight. We noticed some resistance as we set the board up, and it required effort to lift. The iron rest also scraped the floor when we moved it, so we do wish it had wheels. This pick is the priciest one we tested, so if you have mild ironing needs, this choice may feel unnecessary. However, for those seeking a professional-quality ironing board, we think it’s worth the splurge.

Dimensions: 60 x 18.9 inches; height adjustable from 30-38 inches | Weight: 25 pounds | Cover Included: Yes

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What Stands Out

  • It can easily be packed into a suitcase or backpack for travel.

What Could Be Improved

  • Some steam escapes beneath the mat, so you should only use it on relatively heat-resistant surfaces.

When you don’t want to deal with a cumbersome ironing board or need something portable for travel, this portable ironing mat is a great alternative. It converts flat surfaces like desks and countertops into makeshift ironing boards, giving you crisp, wrinkle-free garments from anywhere. The foldable mat is ideal for on-the-go ironing, and the cotton cover can handle temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. We did notice some steam escaping to the table, though the heat dissipated quickly. The table never felt overly warm, but we still recommend choosing heat- and moisture-resistant surfaces.

The surface provided ample space for ironing a shirt, and the convenient magnets on the corner can keep the mat in place when used atop a washer or dryer. While we don’t think this is the ironing board for everyone, for quick tasks, it’s a portable option at an affordable price.

Dimensions: 18 x 31 inches | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Cover Included: N/A

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Final Verdict

Our top pick for the best ironing board is the Brabantia Ironing Board B, which impressed us with its durable design, padded surface, and seven adjustable heights. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Amazon Basics Full-Size Ironing Board, which boasts 10 different height settings and a lightweight, easily portable frame.

Our Testing Process

We tested 16 ironing boards in our lab, evaluating each on design, durability, ease of use, and value.

To start, we set up each ironing board for use. If the board was foldable, we observed how smoothly it folded and unfolded, taking note of any noise generated throughout the set-up process. If it was adjustable, we positioned it at the most comfortable height for ironing while standing. To assess resistance, we pushed our hand into the cushion, paying attention to whether we could feel the wire or frame beneath the padding. For ironing blankets and mats without wiring, such as the Portable Ironing Mat Blanket, we considered the cushioning of the surface.

Next, we tested durability. For standing boards, we unfolded them and used both hands to rock them back and forth. By pushing the board, we observed whether it had a tendency to tip over or if it stayed level on the ground. If the board had an ironing rack, we turned it off and placed the iron on it to assess sturdiness. For removable racks, we evaluated the ease of detaching and reattaching them to the board.

Now, onto the main event—the ironing itself. We evaluated how much surface area each board provided, taking turns ironing a shirt’s collar and cuffs, back side, front side, and sleeves, considering the cushioning on the board, surface area, steam release, and stability. When testing ironing mats, we also took note of how much heat passed through to the table surface.

For ironing boards with adjustable heights, we adjusted the height for comfortable sitting and replicated ironing motions in this position. We also noted the ease of folding foldable models, the smoothness of wheeled models on the lab floor, and the hanging models’ hanging process.

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How to Shop for Ironing Boards Like a Pro

Type

Common ironing board types include freestanding, wall-mounted, tabletop, and over-the-door models. While most people will do just fine with a freestanding model, “a wall-mounted or over-the-door ironing board might be the best option if you have limited space,” says Sokolowski. “[They] can be folded up and stored away when not in use. This can be helpful if you have little room to spare.”

If you want a portable ironing board you can toss in the back of your car or tuck away into a small closet, then a tabletop style is your best bet. We recommend two tabletop styles: the Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board and the Joseph Joseph Pocket Folding Ironing Board.

Sokolowski says that freestanding ironing boards are her favorite because “they are stable, adjustable, and can be easily moved from one location to another.” She adds that they also come in different sizes and can be adjusted for height.

Size and Weight

While ironing boards come in many sizes, the average size is estimated to be about 54 inches long and 15 inches wide. “The size of the ironing board you choose would depend on your individual needs and preferences and the size of the space where you plan to use it,” says Sokolowski. “It's important to choose an ironing board that is large enough to accommodate the items you will be ironing but not so large that it becomes difficult to maneuver.”

The largest ironing board we recommend is the Reliable 2-in-1 Premium Ironing Board, which acts as both an ironing board and a pressing surface. It’s best for those with heavy-duty ironing needs, like quilters who need an extra-large surface area.

Storage

Most ironing boards fold into a slim profile to save space and fit in a cleaning closet or under the bed when not in use. If you’re short on space, consider a tabletop ironing board or folding ironing board like the Joseph Joseph Pocket Folding Ironing Board, which is ultra compact. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to be limited to small options—even large, freestanding ironing boards “can be folded up and stored in a closet, corner, or behind a door,” says Sokolowski.

“Regardless of the type of ironing board you have, make sure it is fully cooled down and dry before storing it,” says Sokolowski. “This will prevent any moisture or heat damage to the board or cover.”

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More Ironing Boards to Consider

ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board: This ironing board’s adjustable height settings allow for comfortable ironing in any position, and its durable design keeps it stable during ironing. However, it’s somewhat heavy, and the folding and adjusting process proved challenging.

Household Essentials Long Ironing Board: We appreciate this board’s portability and are particularly fond of the hassle-free storage and set-up process. It’s a bit pricey, though, especially considering that it wobbled during use.

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Questions You Might Ask

How much should you expect to pay for an ironing board?

The price of your ironing board will depend on its quality, features, and size. You can pick up an affordable ironing pad for around $20 or splurge on a wall-mounted one for $300 or more. The most affordable options are tabletop ironing boards, but if you’re looking for a less expensive freestanding ironing board, we recommend the Amazon Basics Full-Size Ironing Board, which costs just under $50.

How often should you change your ironing board cover?

Ironing board covers require maintenance and should be cleaned or replaced depending on how often you use your board. “It's a good idea to change your ironing board cover every six months to a year,” says Shaughnessy. “A worn-out cover can make ironing more difficult and may not provide the same level of heat resistance.”

Sokolowski adds that you should always check the care label for instructions before cleaning or washing the cover. “In most cases, you can remove the cover from the board and wash it in the washing machine using a detergent and cold water,” she explains. "Dry the cover thoroughly before putting it back on the ironing board to prevent mold or mildew growth.”

How long do ironing boards last?

Most ironing boards—especially high-quality ones—are designed to be sturdy and should last a long time with proper care and maintenance. “If you wash and replace the cover regularly, your ironing boards can last dozens of years,” says Sokolowski.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple, and Nor’Adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. We tested 16 ironing boards in our Des Moines lab, evaluating them on design, durability, ease of use, and overall value. We also received tips from laundry experts Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean, and Jenna Shaughnessy, a laundry expert and owner of Jenna Kate at Home.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed aReal Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned theReal Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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