I swapped my 15-year-old iron for the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose and ironing is now less of a chore
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After 15 years with the same iron, I upgraded to the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose to see whether a modern steam iron could make ironing quicker and easier. Here's my honest verdict after tackling many ironing piles.
Though I am a millennial and that means I have basically replaced my iron with a clothes steamer now, there are times when the steamer just won’t cut it.
That’s either when I’ve got a large pile of ironing that has built up, and so the small water tank on the steamer just won’t be up the task without the need for frequent refilling, or when I’ve got a more . . . . complex item of clothing. Think something with several frills or a really full skirt. Then, the iron just has to out again.
I'd been using the same iron for around 15 years and, although it was still working, it was definitely past its best. Like most electrical appliances, I knew technology had moved on considerably over that time, so I decided it was finally time for an upgrade and I purchased the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose iron.
The biggest thing I was looking for was a lighter iron. My old one always felt quite heavy to use, particularly when tackling larger piles of ironing that took a couple of hours or more to complete, so I wanted something that was easier to manoeuvre without compromising on performance.
The Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose iron seemed to tick all the right boxes. And, as anyone who regularly reads my articles will know, I'm a huge fan of anything pink, so I was immediately drawn to its attractive pearl rose finish. Pair that with the dependable Russell Hobbs name and it felt like an easy choice.
After several weeks of using it, did it live up to expectations?
What I like about the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose iron
I'm very pleased with this iron overall. The first thing I noticed was how much lighter it felt than the one I'd been using for years. It has a reassuring weight that still felt sturdy and well made without feeling cumbersome.
After a few times I use I really noticed how much easier it was to use this without my arm feeling tired halfway through the ironing basket.
The ceramic soleplate is excellent. It moves effortlessly across different fabrics and never felt like it's dragging or sticking, something I had started to notice with my previous iron due to its age.
The steam performance has also impressed me. The continuous steam is more than enough for everyday ironing, while the extra steam boost comes in handy for more difficult creases - though more on that below. I find myself using the steam function on almost every item because it works so efficiently and noticeably speeds up the whole ironing process.
Another big plus is how quickly it heats up. There's very little waiting around before you can start ironing, and once it's ready it maintains a consistent temperature throughout.
It also doesn't stick to fabrics or leave scorch marks. I've ironed everything from shirts and T-shirts to bedding to test this out, made from cottons to more silky materials, and I haven't had any concerns about damaging anything.
The generous water tank also means I'm not constantly stopping to refill it, which is particularly useful when working through a larger pile of laundry. Extra features like the anti-drip system and self-clean function are also welcome additions and I hope they will mean my new iron will last for a long time and keep performing well.
Considering everything it offers, I think it's exceptionally good value for money at £34.99. It feels and looks far more premium than its price and has made ironing feel much less like a chore.
What I don't like about the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose iron
My biggest frustration actually isn't unique to this iron, but it is something I'd love manufacturers to address.
Like so many modern electrical appliances, the cable is quite short. I really wish companies would start making products with cables of at least three metres as standard. Because of the limited length, I have to position my ironing board in a very specific place and often end up standing with my back almost against the wall just to reach the plug socket comfortably. It isn't a fault exclusive to Russell Hobbs, but it's something that definitely affects the overall experience.
I also found that particularly stubborn creases occasionally needed a couple of extra goes before disappearing completely. Most everyday wrinkles come out with ease, but heavily creased fabrics sometimes require a little more patience. It's certainly capable of getting the job done, but don't expect every crease to disappear instantly with a single glide.
My Verdict
The Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose iron has been a very worthwhile upgrade. It delivers exactly what I wanted from a modern iron. It's noticeably lighter than my old model, heats up quickly, glides beautifully over clothes and produces plenty of steam to make ironing faster and easier.
The attractive pearl rose finish is an added bonus, and it's great to find an appliance that's both practical and looks good too. Combined with Russell Hobbs' reputation for reliable household appliances, it has given me confidence that it should last for years.
While I'd love to see a much longer power cable, but it still does the job extremely well regardless.
If you're also looking to replace an ageing iron or simply want a new lightweight steam iron that performs well without costing a fortune, I'd happily recommend the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Rose iron. It's proof that even one of the least exciting household jobs can become a little easier with the right appliance.
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