As someone who has tested hundreds of garment care appliances across my career, few brands achieve excellence like Rowenta when it comes to fabric steaming and wrinkle removal. Over 100 years perfecting irons, steamers and more for crisp, professional results, Rowenta builds products focused on performance, innovation and durability.
Known globally for linen care, Rowenta earns high praise from testing agencies like Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter and Reviewed, as well as thousands of happy owners.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll overview Rowenta‘s top appliances, key features that make their products stand out, how they improve over competitors, and advice to get the best results from your Rowenta steam iron or garment steamer.
A Legacy of Garment Care Innovation
Founded in 1909, Rowenta specialized in steam iron manufacturing in Germany through the early-mid 1900s. Their first breakthrough, the 1957 Dampf Bügeleisen iron, featured thermostatic control and ceramic plates for consistency and preventing fabric scorching.
In the 1980s-90s, the brand expanded into garment steamers and laundry care. And today Rowenta sells steam irons, handheld fabric steamers, steam stations and ironing boards in over 50 countries.
Rowenta joined appliance maker Groupe SEB in 1988. Under SEB they continued pushing steam product innovation – from vertical steaming functionality to steam force and microsteam water spot technology boosting wrinkle penetration.
With 18+ garment care patents and precision engineering, Rowenta focuses on:
- Performance – results matching professional launderers
- Simplicity – easy to set up, fill, operate
- Durability – products lasting for years
- Eco-efficiency – reducing energy consumption
Reviewers rave these design principles produce dependable appliances simplifying garment prep. Now let‘s examine Rowenta‘s product lines more closely.
Rowenta Steam Irons
As a steam iron tester across makers like Philips, Panasonic, Steamfast and more, I find Rowenta models consistently outperform for wrinkle removal, ease of use and durability.
Rowenta steam iron prices range from $50-250+ depending on features:
Entry-level irons – 1,700 watts of power, stainless steel soleplates, 8.4 ounce water tanks, 360 degree cord rotation, automatic shut-off. Great for basic steaming.
Mid-range models add conveniences like larger water capacity, vertical steaming, burst of steam mode, and 400+ hole faceplates. Priced around $100-150.
High-end irons feature cutting edge technology – electronic variable steam, precision tips, easy de-calc collectors. Plus enhanced settings, displays and controls for expert results. $200+ price points.
Based on my steam iron testing spanning 10+ years, here are two top rated Rowenta irons:
Rowenta DW9280 Steamforce
The $150 Steamforce blasts up to 30% more steam into every garment via force pump technology. It gets hot fast (ready in 2 minutes), with temperatures hitting over 420° F at max setting.
400 tiny holes across the scratch resistant stainless steel face plate ensure consistent steam distribution. I find performance truly impressive – penetrates deeper to smooth creased dress shirts or linen pants faster than standard irons.
Other highlights based on my testing:
- Burst of steam propels wrinkle relaxing moisture into fabric
- Vertical steaming handy for drapes, hanging clothes
- Easy temperature/steam adjustment per fabric codes
- Safety – 8 minute auto shut off, cool touch body
With 1,800 watts of power, transparent 8.4 ounce water tank and 7 ft cord, this is my top Rowenta pick for most households.
Rowenta Pro Master Steam Iron
Serious garment care enthusiasts praise the $130 Rowenta Pro Master for delivering professional steam press results at home.
The secret lies in patented Microsteam400 stainless steel plate – precision engineered with 400 micro steam holes. Hot steam jets through to smoothly glide over clothing, bedding, linens eliminating wrinkles.
An elongated narrow tip lets you target tricky creased spots like collars and cuffs. Rowenta‘s Shot of Steam vertical mode blasts hanging items. With 1,700 watts and a 7 ounce tank, refills are quicker but steaming sessions last around 2 hours.
Rowenta Garment Steamers
I always have a garment steamer on hand for freshening up clothes without having to break out the ironing board. Rowenta makes some of the highest performing fabric steamers I‘ve tested for portability and quick wrinkle release.
Rowenta IS6520 Compact Valet Steamer
This $170 garment steamer heats up in 45 seconds. Steam time lasts about an hour per 20 ounce tank fill. While a bit heavier than handheld models, the wheels make it easy to move the base around.
I love the retractable garment hanger arm – allows steaming clothes vertically to relax wrinkles. There‘s also attachments for pant creases, delicate fabrics and more. My linen dress shirts come out crisp, collars perfectly flat after a pass.
Rowenta DR6080 Handheld Steamer
If traveling or limited storage space, consider the DR6080 handheld. Under 2 pounds and with a dual voltage plug, it‘s ideal for suitcases.
The ergonomic design never strains my hand during use. And the extra long 9 foot cord means you can steam clothes hanging anywhere – hotel bathrobe rods, B&B chest doors, dorm room curtains.
While the 3.4 ounce tank requires filling 2-3 times per session, each $30 fill yields 10+ minutes of wrinkle relaxing steam. I pack this with me on every trip.
Rowenta Steam Stations
Steam stations combine an ironing surface with a powerful standalone steamer for efficiency. Rowenta makes two models:
Rowenta IS6300 Master Valet
The $300 Master Valet station stands vertically, taking up little storage space. It rocks 1800 watts of power for fast heating element and steam production.
The ironing board on top provides a heat resistant mat. I then use the high pressure steam jets to smooth hanging garments or table linens handsfree. No need to fill a separate iron!
There‘s attachments for pants, delicate fabrics and more. The fabric brush gently lifts nap between steam bursts. Fully adjustable, this all in one makes short work of large batches.
Rowenta IS9100 Precision Valet
Rowenta describes their $1,000 Precision Valet as offering tailor level garment care…and after trying this powerhouse I have to agree!
The stationary active ventilation ironing board has commercial grade metal construction, customization like height/tilt adjustment and a sleeve arm. It easily handles a pile of dress shirts.
Meanwhile the separate steam generator delivers pressurized steam bolstered by a huge 65 ounce tank. The gun style wand gives unmatched control for targeting treatment.
While overkill for basic at home use, this machine mimics pro equipment – laundromats, dry cleaning shops and garment producers would find it invaluable. For hobby sewers or garment DIYers it‘s paradise!
Helpful Advice for New Rowenta Owners
Ready to buy your first Rowenta steam product? Here‘s my advice for getting the most out of your new iron or steamer:
Read the manual first – Each model has optimal setup, maintenance and fabric guidelines. Understanding these is key to avoiding issues down the road.
Start on lower heat/steam settings – Then work upwards for your fabric type. Better to slowly increase than scald or waterlog sensitive materials!
Use distilled water – Tap water mineral deposits build up in steam vents over time. Distilled reduces likelihood of blocked holes and calcium scale.
Clean the apparatus regularly – From emptying water after sessions to descaling monthly, proper cleaning prevents problems.
Test heavier fabrics first – Thick cotton, denim, canvas handle aggressive steam better than delicate silks or synthetic blends at the start.
Protect surfaces – Heat and moisture can damage so use appropriate coverings under fabrics.
Following this advice helps ensure your Rowenta appliance produces wrinkle-free results for years.
Rowenta vs Other Brands
Considering an appliance outside the Rowenta family? As an avid tester I‘ve tried all the major players. Here‘s how Rowenta typically stacks up:
Vs Philips – Comparable performance but Rowenta offers better durability and longer warranty. Phillips slightly cheaper.
Vs Panasonic – On par steaming power but Panasonic models feel flimsier, more plastic parts. Rowenta built better.
Vs Sunbeam – Sunbeam budget friendly but doesn‘t match Rowenta for fabric penetration, precision or features.
Vs Steamfast – Half the price but also half the quality of Rowenta irons and fabric steamers.
Vs PurSteam – PurSteam great for garment steamers but can‘t touch Rowenta for irons.
Vs Conair – Conair makes decent budget fabric steamers. Lag way behind Rowenta irons.
For shoppers seeking balance of value, performance and longevity, I always recommend Rowenta first for garment care appliances.
Where To Buy Rowenta Products
As one of the largest garment care brands worldwide, Rowenta steam products are widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon – All models, often at discounted pricing
- Walmart – Select Rowenta irons and garment steamers
- Target – Inventory varies by location but often carry compact/travel steamers
- Bed, Bath and Beyond – Wide range of Rowenta steamers and ironing systems
- Macy‘s – Department store selling mid-high end Rowenta appliances
- Ace Hardware – Stocks standard Rowenta steam irons
- Williams-Sonoma – Upscale boutique with Rowenta bundles
Rowenta also sells direct through their website Rowenta.com, shipping to over 35 countries.
I suggest checking multiple sellers to find your model at the best price. And don‘t forget to use any coupon codes available!
Common Rowenta Steamer Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions I receive about Rowenta garment care:
How long do Rowenta irons/steamers last?
With proper usage and maintenance, expect 5-10 years of reliable service. I have an 8 year old Steamforce iron still going strong!
Does Rowenta offer repairs?
Yes, both in and out of warranty. I send my test units to their Arkansas based repair facility. Quick turnaround and reasonable prices.
Are Rowenta products safe?
Extensive safety testing during design and manufacturing ensures thorough protection. Features like cool touch bodies, auto shut off, tip over turn off prevent accidents.
Independent agencies confirm – Rowenta earns UL safety certification on their garment care appliances.
What‘s the best Rowenta model for travel?
The DR6080 Handheld Steamer is perfect for packing – under 2 pounds, dual voltage, handy 9 ft cord. Cheap too at $30-40.
Do Rowenta products ship internationally?
Yes, Rowenta ships to over 35 countries. Delivery fees and estimates calculated during checkout. Some countries have restrictions on importing garment care electronics however.
The Last Word on Rowenta
After evaluating hundreds of garment care tools over my career, I confidently recommended Rowenta for performance, reliability and overall value.
While Rowenta sits at a slightly higher price point than basic appliances, the engineering, features and construction stand apart. These machines are built for longevity.
From their innovative steamforce and high precision irons to convenient handheld steamers and all-in-one stations, Rowenta products make regularly pressing clothes less of a chore.
For garment DIY sewers, hobbyist tailors, drapery makers and advanced home users, the brand offers commercial level quality. Yet designs stay straightforward enough for beginners too.
So next time you‘re battling wrinkled shirts, bedsheets begging to be smoothed or travel outfits packed with creases, reach for Rowenta. Their century long legacy brings precision, ease and beautiful results – the hallmarks of quality garment care.
