Features

Folded (L x W x D): 164cm x 47cm x 10cm. Height: Maximum: 97cm Minimum: 75cm. Ironing area (L x W): 140cm x 45cm. Features: unlimited height options; padded, removable, elasticated cover; retractable / removable iron rest; metal mesh ironing area; clip to hold folded shut; angled legs;  wheels; 10 year guarantee. Replacement covers available from Vileda.

Comments

This has the largest ironing area of all boards tested. The wheels can be used to manoeuvre it when folded. The iron rest is large enough for a steam generator iron but is a little wobbly. The cover is easy to remove and can be tightened using the toggle.

Stockist: 0845 7697356 www.vileda-springclean.com

GHI Test Report - Mar 08

Features

Folded (L x W x D): 161cm x 44cm x 9cm. Height: Maximum: 95.5cm. Ironing area (L x W): 124cm x 44cmFeatures: unlimited height options; padded, removable, elasticated cover; metal mesh ironing area; built in linen rack; extra cover and sleeve board supplied. Replacement covers are available from Lakeland priced £8.50.

Comments

This board has a useful laundry rack underneath for ironed and folded laundry. The board has no lock to keep it shut and can spring open if picked up when folded. It has a good pointed end for shirt shoulders and smaller items. The cover cannot be washed but a replacement is included with the board, along with a useful sleeve board. The iron rest could be stronger especially if using a steam generator iron.

Stockist: 015394 88100 www.lakeland.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Mar 08

Features

Folded (L x W x D): 160cm x 45cm x 9cm. Height: Maximum: 102cm. Minimum: 63cm. Ironing area (L x W): 135 x 45cm. Unlimited height options; padded, removable, tied on cover with heat resistant iron rest area; mesh metal ironing area; clip to hold folded shut; angled legs; child safety lock; 10 year guarantee. Replacement covers available to buy online from brabantia.com

Comments

Ideal for tall users, this has the highest maximum setting of all the boards tested. The height lever can be locked to stop it collapsing on a child. It has a useful heat resistant iron rest area at one end instead of a metal iron rest so there is plenty of room for a steam generator iron. A clip holds the board firmly closed when folded. Easy to open and fold shut this ironing board is a good size for general use. Lack of care instructions. The legs are angled to enable the user to sit at the board.

Stockist: 0870 240 7641 www.brabantia.com

GHI Test Report - Feb 08

Features

Folded (L x W x D): 157cm x 38cm x 8cm. Height: Maximum: 92cm. Minimum: 71cm. Ironing area (L x W): 124cm x 38cmFeatures: 4 height options; padded, removable, tied on cover in metallic heat reflective fabric; adjustable iron rest; metal mesh ironing area; clip to hold folded shut; 10 year guarantee. Replacement covers are available from John Lewis priced £10.

Comments

The heat reflective cover means you can rest your iron anywhere temporarily whilst ironing. Silky items cling to the cover without sliding off. The board and legs clip securely shut when folded. The iron rest has a pull out bar to rest the iron on and can be switched over for left or right handed users, but is not quite large enough for a steam generator iron.

Stockist: 08456 049 049 www.johnlewis.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Mar 08

Features

Folded (L x W x D): 160cm x 45cm x 12cm. Height: Maximum: 99cm. Minimum: 80cm. Ironing area (L x W) 124 x 45cm Features: 4 height options; padded, removable tied on cover; plastic ironing area10 year guarantee. Replacement covers available to buy online from brabantia.com

Comments

Designed to be used with a steam generator iron, the iron rest can be lowered so the steam generator tank is held securely. The aqua bowl is a small plastic bowl suspended under the board to collect any water which runs through the board from the steam. Quite a bulky and heavy design more suited to a large household or one with a separate laundry area.

Stockist: 0870 240 7641 www.brabantia.com

GHI Test Report - Mar 08