10 of the best ironing boards of all sizes

Best ironing boards at a glance

• Best lightweight ironing board: Habitat Small Ironing Board, £17
• Best sturdy ironing board: Brabantia Ironing Board, £89
• Best compact ironing board: Joseph Joseph Pocket Ironing Board, £90
• Best ergonomic ironing board: Minky Ergo Ironing Board, £37.50
• Best large ironing board: Argos Home Extra Wide Ironing Board, £32
• Best table top ironing board: Russell Hobbs Table Top Ironing Board, £16.99
• Best ironing blanket: Lena Ironing Blanket, £10
• Best budget ironing board: White Ironing Board, £15
• Best ironing board for tidy cords: Bright Blooms Ironing Board, £69.99
• Best mounted ironing board: Flip Down Ironing Board Over the Door, £45

Next, you'll want to think about the fabrics. There are lots of covers with fun designs, but you'll also want to make sure that cover is durable and completely heatproof so it lasts you a good few years.

Finding the right fit for you can be difficult especially if you have a large family or live in a flat with limited space. To help you find the ironing board most suitable to you and your family, we've broken up our list into the best ironing boards for all different situations, whether that's for ironing large items, ironing whilst travelling or if you only iron occasionally.

For more laundry products take a look at our best washing machines and best washing powders as well as the best clothes steamers, heated airers and tumble dryers (which could actually save you having to iron in the first place). We've also got a list of the best laundry baskets available for families.

What to look for when choosing an ironing board

Weight – It's likely you're going to have to carry your ironing board around the house unless you use it right where you store it. You need to be sure that it's light enough for you to be able to safely carry around the house without any issues.

Size – Be mindful of how deep or wide the ironing board is. You may want a big one to make ironing bedding and other large items easier, but be realistic as you need to be able to store the ironing board away too. Although the legs fold down, a large ironing board will still take up quite a lot of room.

Height – It's important that you can stand comfortably at your full height whilst ironing, as bending down can cause back pain. Most ironing boards have adjustable heights, but some have more height options than others. When it comes to table top ironing boards, the height is not adjustable, it just lays on a work surface, so make sure you have the right surface for this.

Machine washable covers – It's useful to get an ironing board with a machine washable cover so that you can easily clean it. Some are not machine washable but you can easily wipe them clean which is just as easy.

Steam generator suitability – Depending on the size and sturdiness of the ironing board, some are not suitable for a steam generator iron. Make sure you check this before purchasing, or check our list of specifications.

Our pick of the best ironing boards

1. Habitat Small Ironing Board, £17

– Best for a lightweight ironing board

Dimensions: H72cm-88cm x W34cm x D5cm | Weight: 3.4kg | Ironing surface: L97cm x W34cm | Folded height: 144cm | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: Yes

A lightweight ironing board is a brilliant idea if you have to move your ironing board around a lot. This ironing board weighs just 3.4kg making it easy to transport around the house.

It's also a great option for if you lack storage space as it's a relatively small ironing board which folds away compactly. The fun Dalmatian print cover is padded to give you a smoother iron and is machine washable so it's easy to keep clean.

The height of the ironing board is adjustable too, so you should be able to find the most suitable height for you to be able to iron comfortably.

This ironing board is suitable for both irons and steam generators thanks to its metal iron rest.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to transport, compact for storage, adjustable height, machine washable cover, fun print, suitable for irons and steam generator
Cons: Small ironing space may not be suitable for large items

Available from: Argos

2. Brabantia Ironing Board, £89

– Best for a sturdy ironing board

Dimensions: H75cm-98cm x W48.5cm x D7.5cm| Weight: 8kg | Ironing surface: L124cm x W38cm | Folded height: 159cm | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: Yes

Unlike the lightweight Habitat Ironing board, this one is much heavier, weighing 8kg. This does mean it's a very sturdy ironing board which should last you a long time, but that durability is reflected in the price. Parent tester Laura has a Brabantia ironing board and said, "I love that it's really sturdy and it has 7 adjustable heights. There's also a little bar to hold the legs in place so you can hang it up when storing away."

The ironing board feet have non-slip caps which prevents it from scratching your floor. The variety of adjustable heights help you comfortably iron without causing back pain as you should be able the find the height that's just right for you.

You don't need to worry about children running around and accidentally closing the ironing board and getting their fingers trapped as there is a child lock. As parent tester Laura stated, it comes with a transport lock which makes carrying and storing it easy as it secures the legs tightly to the back of the board.

This ironing board comes with a denim print machine washable cover and is suitable for irons and steam generators.

Pros: Sturdy and long-lasting, 7 adjustable heights, transport lock, non-slip caps, child lock, machine washable cover, suitable for irons and steam generators
Cons: Heavy, quite large to store, one of the most expensive options

Available from: Amazon, Very and John Lewis

3. Joseph Joseph Pocket Ironing Board, £72

– Best compact ironing board

Dimensions: H45.5cmx W34cm x D15.5cm| Weight: 2.62kg | Ironing surface: L90cm x W33cm | Folded height: 45.5cm | Machine washable cover: No (wipe clean only) | Suitable for steam generators: N/A

If you really don't have much space then this is a great option. This board has an innovative design, folding in half with its own hanging hook that means it can be stored or hung anywhere. It even has a compartment to store your iron, saving you even more space.

Its quick-release locking toggle and folding legs with non-slip feet make it really quick and easy to set up in a hurry. Even though it's super compact, once you open it up there's a fair amount of ironing surface area.

The cover is not machine washable but it does wipe clean and it's easy to change. Under the cover is a thick padded felt underlay to ensure smooth ironing.

This board is not designed for steam generator irons as the storage compartment can only hold a steam iron. However, as you put it out on a worktop surface, you could put the steam generator next to the ironing board.

Pros: Compact, easy to store, innovative design, stored the iron, can be hung, easy to set up
Cons: Not designed for steam generator iron, may not be suitable for larger items, need to place on worktop

Available from: Joseph Joseph, John Lewis and Amazon

4. Minky Ergo Ironing Board, £37.50

– Best ergonomic ironing board

Dimensions: H92cm (max) x W38cm x D145cm| Weight: 6.6kg | Ironing surface: L122cm x W38cm | Folded height: 158cm | Machine washable cover: No | Suitable for steam generators: No

This ergonomic ironing board aims to ensure you have a comfortable ironing session, and with its infinite adjustable heights up to 92cm it's suitable for both tall and short people.

The ergo rest has been specially designed to follow a natural arm movement and avoid unnecessary arm and shoulder strain for both left-handed and right-handed use.

The cover speeds up ironing thanks to its Prozone cover featuring a heat reflective metallic coating which heats up and removes creases quicker.

To avoid cords tripping you up there's a flex guide which you can clip wherever you like on the board.

Unfortunately, this ironing board is not suitable for steam generators and the cover included is not machine washable.

Pros: Ergonomic design, infinite height adjustments, flex guide, Prozone cover for fast ironing
Cons: Not suitable for steam generators, cover not machine washable, quite large to store

Available from: Amazon and Argos

5. Argos Home Extra Wide Ironing Board, £32

– Best large ironing board

Dimensions: H77cm - 93cm x W45cm x D6cm| Weight: 6.2kg | Ironing surface: L120cm x W45cm | Folded height: 157cm | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: Yes

For big items such as bedding and table cloths it can be useful to have a large ironing board. This ironing board has an extra wide surface area and non-slip feet.

You can adjust the height for your comfort. The ironing board comes with a colourful block print machine washable cover too.

It's suitable for both steam irons and steam generators.

Pros: Extra large surface area, adjustable height, non-slip feet, machine washable cover, suitable for steam iron and steam generator
Cons: Large to store

Available from: Argos

6. Russell Hobbs Table Top Ironing Board, £16.99

– Best table-top ironing board

Dimensions: H14cm x W80cm x D30cm| Weight: 1.2kg | Ironing surface: L80cm x W30cm | Folded height: 80cm | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: N/A

If you don't iron much a table top ironing board like this Russell Hobbs one may do the job. It has 2 collapsible legs for a secure and stable platform once folded out.

It's lightweight and very easy to store away without taking up too much space. The board comes with a stylish grey and white starry abstract cotton cover which can easily be washed.

For hanging the board up, it comes with a hanging hook. Although, small and lightweight, it's still durable with its powder coated steel frame.

The ironing board does not have an iron rest so a steam iron or steam generator would have to be placed to the side.

Pros: Small, compact, lightweight, stylish cover, comes with hook for hanging
Cons: May not be appropriate for big items, no iron rest

Available from: Amazon, Very and Littlewoods

7. Lena Ironing Blanket, £10

– Best for travel

Dimensions: W100cm x L55cm| Weight: N/A | Ironing surface: L55cm x W100cm | Folded height: N/A | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: N/A

If you need to iron while away it's not very convenient to take an ironing board with you, try the ironing blanket.

The blanket can be rolled up into a small cylinder and secured with clips to keep it together. When the blanket is laid flat it can be hung on the door or rested on any flat surface for steaming and ironing.

The blanket is thick with 5 layers so it should protect any surface underneath. The non-slip base will ensure a secure ironing base too.

If the blanket gets dirty you can pop it in the washing machine. As it's a blanket it doesn't have an iron rest, so you would have to put your iron next to it. The benefit of this is that it should be suitable for a steam iron or steam generator iron as long as you have the surface space.

Pros: Compact, great for travel, can be folded away, good for steaming too, machine washable
Cons: No iron rest, need worktop or flat surface to use

Available from: Dunelm

8. White Ironing Board, £15

– Best budget ironing board

Dimensions: H68cm-83cm x W97cm x D34cm| Weight: 1.2kg | Ironing surface: L97cm x W34cm | Folded height: 144cm | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: No

This plain ironing board from Dunelm is a good budget option. It has a plain machine washable cover with an 8mm felt underlay for a smooth glide.

At the side of the ironing board is a metal rest station suitable for a steam iron.

There are 4 adjustable heights so you should be able to find a suitable height for you.

Pros: Affordable, felt underlay, adjustable height, machine washable cover
Cons: Not suitable for steam generator, quite large to store

Available from: Dunelm

9. Bright Blooms Ironing Board, £69.99

– Best for tidy cords

Dimensions: H75cm - 97cm x W120cm x D40cm| Weight: 6.5kg | Ironing surface: L120cm x W40cm | Folded height: 167cm | Machine washable cover: Yes | Suitable for steam generators: No

This brightly patterned ironing board will keep your iron cord tidy and out of the way when ironing thanks to its flex holder. The colourful cover is machine washable and can easily be wipe cleaned if needed.

It's got a sturdy steel frame which is height adjustable with a sliding mechanism rather than a step one so you can choose the exact height.

For storage the legs lock onto the board. The iron rest is suitable for a steam iron but not a steam generator.

Pros: Keeps iron cord tidy, brightly patterned, machine washable cover, sliding height adjustment, legs lock
Cons: Not suitable for steam generator, quite large to store

Available from: Lakeland and Amazon

10. Flip Down Ironing Board Over the Door, £45

– Best mounted ironing board

Dimensions: H132cm x W28.3cm x D20.5cm| Weight: N/A | Ironing surface: L28.3cm x W20.5cm | Folded height: N/A | Machine washable cover: No | Suitable for steam generators: N/A

Another nifty space-saving ironing board is this over-the-door one. It can be used as a table top ironing board or you can have it hanging on the door and the ironing board flip down with a little hanging rack on top to hang the ironed clothes.

The ironing board is fairly small, so you may not be easy to iron large items but it takes up no room at all to store if you hang it on the back of the door and is great for occasional ironing.

The plain grey ironing board cover is not machine washable and there's no iron rest so you would need to find space to put the iron or steam generator.

Pros: Space-saving, innovative design, has hanging rack
Cons: No iron rest, cover is not machine washable, fairly small ironing board

Available from: Dunelm

Top Tips for choosing an ironing board

Lisa Williams, Executive Housekeeper at The Grand, York shared her top tips for choosing the best ironing board:

• "A sturdy ironing board is key, as you don't want it to collapse during use, especially when using a hot iron! Most people keep their ironing boards hidden away so try and go for one that's lightweight yet sturdy. Ironing boards are often adjustable, but before purchasing check it can be adjusted to your height as comfort is key.
• "Pick your ironing covers wisely to ensure longevity. Muslin cloth is popular as it's easy to wash but silicone ironing covers can help speed up the ironing process by reflecting the heat of the iron to the other side of the item, plus they're also scorch resistant!"