Black Friday: Is an Automatic Ironing Machine Worth It?

Black Friday is when a lot of people finally buy the thing they have been thinking about all year. If an automatic ironing machine is on your list, this guide will help you decide whether it is worth it for you, before you get caught up in the countdown timers.

What an automatic ironing machine actually does

An automatic ironing machine dries and irons clothes at the same time. You put a damp garment onto an inflatable form, choose the time and temperature, and warm air fills the garment from the inside. As it dries, the fabric is gently stretched smooth, which is what removes the wrinkles.

On the Scanovus Automatic Ironing Machine 4.0, a shirt takes around 8 to 12 minutes. It works with shirts, t-shirts, polos, blouses and trousers, fits sizes up to 3XL, and comes with a rack for drying shoes.

When it is worth it

• You or your partner wear shirts most days. Five shirts a week is a lot of ironing, and this is where the machine saves the most time.
• You hate ironing. The machine does not make ironing easier, it removes the job, because you are not standing there while it works.
• You are short on time in the mornings. You can start it and get ready while it runs.
• You want to wear more of your wardrobe. Many people only wear the shirts that happen to be ironed. When ironing stops being a chore, the rest of the wardrobe comes back into rotation.

When it might not be for you

We would rather you bought it for the right reasons, so here is the honest side.

• If you rarely wear shirts, a simple steamer may be all you need.
• If you expect a razor-sharp crease, like a professional hand-pressed shirt, know that the finish is smooth and wrinkle-free rather than pressed flat. One customer described it well: "It's not a human ironing but it saves your time."
• It works best on damp clothes. Straight from the washing machine gives the best result. For dry garments, mist them first with the included atomizer.

How to judge any Black Friday deal

Whatever you buy this November, a few checks protect you from a disappointing purchase:

1. Check the returns policy. A satisfaction guarantee means you can try it at home. Scanovus offers 30 days.
2. Read real reviews, not just the star rating. Look for reviews that mention the limits as well as the good points.
3. Check delivery times if it is a Christmas gift, because carriers get busy in December.
4. Ignore the countdown pressure. If it is right for you, it will still be right after you have slept on it.

The verdict

If you wear shirts regularly and ironing is a chore you put off, an automatic ironing machine is one of the few household gadgets that saves real time every single week. If you only iron now and then, a cheaper steamer will probably do. Our side-by-side comparison can help you choose.