Psssst ... best irons from recent tests.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)(Product/service evaluation)

Here's a factoid for anyone who hates pressing clothes: Eighteenth-century ironers used a delta-shaped cast-iron slab, heated in the fireplace. Its name was the sadiron.

Today manufacturers are trying to make ironers happy, with water reservoirs that are bigger than before, nonstick soleplates, auto-shutoff (after a minute or so when left upright; faster when face-down), digital displays, and a self-cleaning feature that flushes mineral deposits from vents.

Our latest tests, in which we used 16 irons to press linen, cotton, and a blend of wool and polyester, demonstrate that you don't have to spend a lot to get very good performance. An iron selling for $35 scored higher than some that cost $100 or more.

The chart at right lists the best of the bunch. Those took less time to do the job, without the need to apply extra steam or spray, had useful features, and were convenient. All have a shot-of-steam button and auto-shutoff. All but the Black & Decker have an antidrip feature designed to prevent leaks when you steam at lower-temperature settings.

How to choose. Check the Ratings for top performers. When you're in the store:

* Look for burst-of-steam and spray features if you often iron natural fibers such as linen or heavy ones like denim.

* Buy corded. The cordless iron we tested was only fair and needed to be reheated in its base every few minutes.