PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W Review

Our test team was really impressed by the all-around great performance of the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W. From its ability to work out stubborn wrinkles on a wide range of materials, including polyester, to good heating performance and overall ease of use, this model is up to any ironing task.

Performance Comparison

Ironing Performance

The PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W proved to be quite the workhorse in our ironing performance tests, which sample each model's ability to iron cotton, linen, silk, and polyester and accounts for 40 percent of each model's overall score.

While a few other models scored higher than the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W in our ironing performance tests, including an 1800-watt PurSteam model, the scoring was exceptionally tight amongst top models with the Scratch Resistant 1700W, slightly underperforming those models in either cotton or silk.

When ironing out wrinkles on cotton fabric, most deep wrinkles required two to three passes, with minor wrinkles easily eliminated in two. We did notice the sole plate wouldn't always glide as nicely as on other fabrics, especially with the addition of steam. However, in general, removing wrinkles from cotton requires a moderate amount of effort to achieve good results.

In our ironing test on linen, ironing out wrinkles was effortless to get great results. The iron quickly glides over linen materials and only occasionally requires going back over an area to smooth out the deeper wrinkles. Moving swiftly, which is possible by the sole plate's smooth glide on linen, made it easy to eliminate even the most deeply set wrinkles easily and efficiently.

Silk proved to be another fabric at which the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W excelled. It took our testers just a few passes over each section of fabric to get the wrinkles out. The most stubborn wrinkles were more easily lifted with the occasional use of steam. Overall, this was the least amount of time and effort required in our testing to achieve as good a result on silk, with the exception of the Beautural 1800-Watt.

The PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W lacks a polyester-specific setting, so our testers simply dialed in a temperature slightly higher than we had used on silk. This model was able to get most of the wrinkles out with two to three passes, but needed the occasional steam burst to tackle the deepest wrinkles. Using the steam burst also left no water drips or splashes behind, as many models annoyingly do.

Steam Output

The PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W didn't exactly vaporize the competition in our steam test metric, but it did finish our tests with a score that was well above the average for the test group.

We found the steam burst feature to produce ample amounts of steam. Unlike other models, we didn't notice this unit produce any large droplets in our testing, nor did it ever leak.

Heating

The PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W is capable of really strong heat output and performed exceptionally well in our heating tests, where we recorded average temperatures at five different locations on the sole plate of each iron for a period of five minutes.

The average temperature of the group was brought down to around 298 degrees Fahrenheit by some rather underwhelming irons, with the more typical heating average hovering around 325 degrees Fahrenheit, but the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W averaged an impressive 343 degrees Fahrenheit across five independently measured points on the sole plate after five minutes.

We also recorded averaged temperatures as high as 393 degrees toward the middle of the sole plate. It's almost needless to say that this iron is capable of getting hot, which will help you loosen fabric fibers and smooth out tough wrinkles.

Detailing

Due to its larger size, we were pleasantly surprised at how well the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W did a great job in our detailing test metric, worth 10 percent of each model's overall score.

The PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W handles well, regardless of its size. The top portion of the handle has rubberized plastic to help with grip and allows you to control the 2.1-pound iron into tighter spaces. While it doesn't have an accentuated nose, it is more pointed and longer than most models, allowing you to detail those otherwise difficult-to-access parts of garments.

Ease of Use

The PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W continued scoring high marks in our ease of use test metric, ticking nearly all the boxes for what our team looks for in an easy to use iron.

The cord length on this model is just a little shorter than other top models at 7 feet eleven inches. An area under the soleplate is slightly inset, so the cord has somewhere to be wrapped and stored.

The circular one-inch water fill hole is noticeably bigger than on other irons and is located at the top of the iron, with a lid that flips open to about 90 degrees, making it exceptionally easy and mess-free to fill.

Temperature lights on the top of the handle are easy to see and change colors to indicate whether the iron is coming up to temperature or has achieved the right temperature. The iron beeps and a temperature light indicator flashes green if the internal safety switch is activated. The temperature settings dial is clearly labeled with words and dots, and it is easy to tell both the status of the iron as well as the setting that is selected.

A Burst of steam can be used once the iron has reached a minimum temperature. The flow is strong and steady, although you have to wait four seconds before you can use it again. The spray nozzle for the spray feature is at the front of the iron, just above the nose, and can be operated at any temperature. If you press it slowly, it functions like a jet, and if you press quickly, it's more like a mist or burst of moisture.

Our only real complaint about using the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W was the quality of the spray. It broadcasts droplets over the material rather than a more desirable fine mist, and the materials in our tests were noticeably wet after using it.

Should You Buy the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W?

If you want the best all-around iron and like getting great value out of your purchases, then absolutely you should buy the PurSteam Scratch Resistant. We were impressed by its performance, as well as its economical price tag. As such, we strongly recommend it to anybody looking to purchase a brand-new iron.

What Other Irons Should You Consider?

While the PurSteam Scratch Resistant 1700W is our top pick and strongest recommendation, a few other models stood out for slightly stronger performances in specific test metrics. For example, if maneuverability in an iron matters to you the most, then you'll want to consider Black+Decker D3030 Allure. Or if the fabrics you frequently iron require lots of steam, then you'll want to look at the Hamilton Beach Durathon 19803 for its strong steam output. Likewise, if garments you iron require higher and consistent heating performance, then the Rowenta DW2459 Access deserves some attention. Lastly, if ease of use is your number one requirement in an iron, then you'll want to mull over the incredibly easy to use CHI Steam Titanium.