The History of the Iron: From Hot Coals to High Tech
Early History to the 15th Century
Ancient China (1st century BC): Metal pans filled with hot coals were used to press clothes smooth.
Ancient Greece (around 400 BC): Greeks used a heated, round bar called a goffering iron to create pleats on their robes.
Ancient Rome: Romans used a hand mangle to beat wrinkles out of garments.
10th Century (Vikings): Viking households used mushroom-shaped glass tools, known as linen smoothers, to flatten fabric.
Charcoal and Flat Irons
15th Century: The charcoal iron was invented — a box-shaped metal container filled with glowing coals.
17th–19th Centuries: Charcoal irons became widespread across Europe. Around the same time, the solid metal flat iron, also called a sad iron (from the Old English word meaning “solid”), became common. These were heated directly on a fire or stove.
Mid-19th Century: Designs improved with hollow metal boxes that held coals and vents to keep them burning. Wooden handles were added to prevent burns.
Electric and Modern Irons
1880s: The first electric irons appeared, revolutionizing household chores.
1920s: Early cordless irons were introduced, though they didn’t gain popularity until decades later.
1926: The first steam iron was invented.
1940s: Steam irons became popular — a major improvement over the old method of ironing damp clothes or sprinkling water by hand.
1984: The automatic shutoff feature was added for safety.
1995: Nonstick coatings on the soleplate made ironing smoother and easier than ever.
Early History to the 15th Century
Ancient China (1st century BC): Metal pans filled with hot coals were used to press clothes smooth.
Ancient Greece (around 400 BC): Greeks used a heated, round bar called a goffering iron to create pleats on their robes.
Ancient Rome: Romans used a hand mangle to beat wrinkles out of garments.
10th Century (Vikings): Viking households used mushroom-shaped glass tools, known as linen smoothers, to flatten fabric.
Charcoal and Flat Irons
15th Century: The charcoal iron was invented — a box-shaped metal container filled with glowing coals.
17th–19th Centuries: Charcoal irons became widespread across Europe. Around the same time, the solid metal flat iron, also called a sad iron (from the Old English word meaning “solid”), became common. These were heated directly on a fire or stove.
Mid-19th Century: Designs improved with hollow metal boxes that held coals and vents to keep them burning. Wooden handles were added to prevent burns.
Electric and Modern Irons
1880s: The first electric irons appeared, revolutionizing household chores.
1920s: Early cordless irons were introduced, though they didn’t gain popularity until decades later.
1926: The first steam iron was invented.
1940s: Steam irons became popular — a major improvement over the old method of ironing damp clothes or sprinkling water by hand.
1984: The automatic shutoff feature was added for safety.
1995: Nonstick coatings on the soleplate made ironing smoother and easier than ever.
The History of the Iron: From Hot Coals to High Tech
Early History to the 15th Century
Ancient China (1st century BC): Metal pans filled with hot coals were used to press clothes smooth.
Ancient Greece (around 400 BC): Greeks used a heated, round bar called a goffering iron to create pleats on their robes.
Ancient Rome: Romans used a hand mangle to beat wrinkles out of garments.
10th Century (Vikings): Viking households used mushroom-shaped glass tools, known as linen smoothers, to flatten fabric.
Charcoal and Flat Irons
15th Century: The charcoal iron was invented — a box-shaped metal container filled with glowing coals.
17th–19th Centuries: Charcoal irons became widespread across Europe. Around the same time, the solid metal flat iron, also called a sad iron (from the Old English word meaning “solid”), became common. These were heated directly on a fire or stove.
Mid-19th Century: Designs improved with hollow metal boxes that held coals and vents to keep them burning. Wooden handles were added to prevent burns.
Electric and Modern Irons
1880s: The first electric irons appeared, revolutionizing household chores.
1920s: Early cordless irons were introduced, though they didn’t gain popularity until decades later.
1926: The first steam iron was invented.
1940s: Steam irons became popular — a major improvement over the old method of ironing damp clothes or sprinkling water by hand.
1984: The automatic shutoff feature was added for safety.
1995: Nonstick coatings on the soleplate made ironing smoother and easier than ever.
