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Ironing Board vs Ironing Mat – Which One To Choose?

Ironing is fun for some people and a daunting task for others. Remember a good companion for ironing is necessary to enjoy this chore.

Ironing board and an ironing mat are two equipment, which makes the process of ironing convenient and efficient.

An ironing board is big and comes in different designs and sizes. On the other hand, an ironing mat is like a pad which can be placed on the top of any surface.

Both of these things are really beneficial. There are some shortcomings as well. To understand what exactly these things are and why should one have it, you will need to read to the end.

If you want to know what is an ironing board and an ironing mat, their types, and ironing board vs ironing mat, which one to choose? You stopped at the right spot.

Stay to the end to find the right ironing equipment for yourself.

Ironing Board
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
Ironing Mat
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
-
Ironing Board
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
-
Ironing Mat
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is an Ironing Board?

Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
11,997 Reviews
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
  • T-Leg steel frame ironing board provides a stable ironing foundation with non-skid feet to protect your floors;...
  • Solid perforated steel ironing surface evenly distributes heat and steam onto garments, eliminating wrinkles...
  • Smooth 100-percent cotton fitted board cover and polyurethane foam pad allow your iron to glide across your garments;...
  • Large 53-inch long by 13-inch wide ironing board surface provides enough space for garments of all types including...
  • Easy to store iron board folds to fit in slim spaces; Patented leg lock system ensures the ironing board is folded...

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It is a flat surface covered with the cloth used for ironing the clothes. The basic purpose of an ironing board is to iron the clothes.

Apart from that, people also use it for ironing the sheets and some other paper products. Most of these boards are cloth-covered. However, you can also find ironing boards made of some other materials.

To have the best ironing experience and to make your clothes a lot crisp, the surface on which you are ironing should be comfortable and smooth.

Some ironing boards make the process really quick and efficient as they are straight and come with an iron stand.

Types of Ironing Boards

Ironing boards are usually classified into three types depending upon the place where they are kept.

The most popular one among these boards is the portable ironing board.

1

Portable Ironing Board

Bartnelli Rorets Ironing Board Made in Europe | Compact Space Saving Smart...
5,528 Reviews
Bartnelli Rorets Ironing Board Made in Europe | Compact Space Saving Smart...
  • 4 LAYER BOARD COVER PAD - HEAT-RESISTANT - GREAT IRON EXPERIENCE - 3-Layer Blend of foam, felt, and fabric to ensure...
  • CONVENIENT FOLDING – One click to get the unit folded, there is no need to bend yourself or pick up the board to fold...
  • MANUFACTURED IN THE EU - BUILD TO LAST – STURDY 4 STEEL LEGS Not another china wobbling board! this unit is...
  • STORAGE HANGER - LIGHTWEIGHT, Special designed hanger to hang the ironing board in closet, lightweight easy to carry and...
  • SIZE- This Rorets Ironing Board with Smart Hanger features a working area of 43 x13 inches,

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You can move this board to anywhere in your house. It is best for those people who are facing a shortage of space in their houses.

Portable ironing boards  are always lightweight, having foldable and extendable legs. You can set this board in almost no time.

Also, it is really easy to carry it anywhere.

2

Wall-Mounted Ironing Board

Wall Mounted Ironing Board--by Superior Essentials
302 Reviews
Wall Mounted Ironing Board--by Superior Essentials
  • Mounts to Wall
  • Board Dimensions (approx) 37x12 Inches, Must mount into studs or mounting plate, cannot be mounted directly into drywall
  • Made of High Quality Steel to last a lifetime
  • Board can be moved and locked in multiple angles
  • Includes Wood Mounting Plate for easy Installation

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These boards are also well suited to people who do not have much space. As the name suggests, it is attached to the wall. It can be folded when not in use.

Wall-mounted ironing boards   are usually constructed with high-quality material. You can fix it in your closet at any angle you like.

3

Table-Top Ironing Board

Sale
STORAGE MANIAC Tabletop Ironing Board with Folding Legs, Extra Wide Countertop...
2,479 Reviews
STORAGE MANIAC Tabletop Ironing Board with Folding Legs, Extra Wide Countertop...
  • Extra Wide Panel & Dimension: The compact ironing board of overall size: 23.62 x 14.17 x 7.08 inches, the portable...
  • Space-Saving & Sturdy Frame: The Folding tabletop ironing board stores easily in most small places, folded when not in...
  • Removable & Washable Cover: 100% cotton cover and thick felt pad of mini ironing board provide a resilient and roomy...
  • Reinforced Steel legs & Cooling Porous Pad: the portable ironing board of reinforced steel folding legs are stable,...
  • Durable Panel & Multi-Use: The ironing board panel is not easy to rot like particleboard, it can breathe and dissipate...

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These ironing boards are meant to be placed on the table. Compared to portable boards, table-top boards have shorter legs. You can place the board on the counter, bed or the table.

Table-Top Ironing Boards  are lightweight and very easy to carry. You can easily take this equipment anywhere in your house. However, it has one drawback.

Due to its small size, you will face some difficulty in ironing long clothes.

Why should I have an Ironing Board?

A stable ironing board will help you in ironing the clothes efficiently. The one with the right material can last long.

Portable ironing boards are best in the sense that their legs can be folded and extended to wherever you want.

Some ironing boards have an iron holder as well. You can purchase the one with rails, drawers and organizers. This depends upon how much complexity you want in your ironing board.

Among them all, it is necessary to purchase the ironing board that is stable. This will ease the process of ironing, and it will prevent accidents as well.

PROS:

  • Ironing boards have a firm surface.
  • They are usually portable.
  • They are available in several designs that you can select according to the available space.
  • Most of the ironing boards also come with rails, organizer, and storage hooks.

CONS:

  • Some of them are really heavy.
  • You need to have some space to store them.



What is an Ironing Mat?

Sale
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48'x28') with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
2,439 Reviews
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
  • SIZE: Large size (48"x28") Ironing Mat for use on Dining Table and Bed. Easily foldable for storage. The width is almost...
  • QUALITY: Pure Cotton Printed fabric laminated with fibre pad for soft and quick ironing. Silicon Mat attached in one...
  • NO IRONING BOARD: No need of cumbersome and space consuming Ironing Board any more. Just spread the mat on any surface...
  • WASHABLE: Fabric is washable so lasts for long time. Hand wash in cold water.
  • MANUFACTURER: Supplied directly from manufacturer so price is lowest. No middlemen.

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As the name suggests, an ironing mat is a relatively thick mat that provides you with a smooth and straight surface so that you can iron clothes easily.

The mat is made of heat-resistant material that does not burn with the heat of an iron.

Ironing mats can be placed anywhere you want. You need to have a flat surface over which the mat can be set up. You can place it on the counter, table, floor, or on the bed.

Some of the mats are even designed to be placed on the washer and dryer. It is nothing strange to iron clothes on it. You will get used to an ironing mat in no time.

Types of Ironing Mats

You will see different ironing mats with distinct features. Normally ironing mats are of two types. These are insulated ironing mats and magnetic ironing mats.

Let us have a look at each one of them.

1

Insulated Ironing Mat

Ironing Blanket,Second Generation Upgraded Thick Portable Travel Isolate Heat...
4,903 Reviews
Ironing Blanket,Second Generation Upgraded Thick Portable Travel Isolate Heat...
  • ★ The second generation upgraded ironing mat,thicken 20% than before,fabric weight increases from 450g/㎡ to...
  • ★ Upgrade double sides fit for different garments,one side without square stitching on the surface-will not leave a...
  • ★ Include a silicone iron rest pad,ensure protect the counter top,a reliable and easy way to store a hot iron on...
  • ★ There are three sizes for you to choose, please choose the appropriate size before purchase, Small (19 x 33 inch)/...
  • ★ Risk Free Purchase.If you are not satisfied with this ironing mat,contact us at any time, we are here to help!

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These mats are way too thick than the magnetic ones. Insulated mats are really useful in ironing a large variety of clothes. These mats are really good at absorbing moisture and steam.

With insulated ironing mats , you can keep the surface safe. If you are keeping it on a wooden table or bed, a wool insulated mat is great to protect such surfaces from the heat of iron.

2

Magnetic Ironing Mat

Gorilla Grip Ironing Mat, Portable Ironing Pad, Magnetic Ironing Blanket for Top...
22,611 Reviews
Gorilla Grip Ironing Mat, Portable Ironing Pad, Magnetic Ironing Blanket for Top...
  • DURABLE FOR LONG LASTING USE: heavy duty ironing pad with extra thick padding is scorch, water, stain and heat resistant...
  • STAYS IN PLACE: this ironing pad is designed to stay in place; 6 heavy duty magnets embedded in the lining easily attach...
  • SILICONE COATED: the silicone surface of the pad is reflective; while other materials absorb heat, silicone reflects the...
  • LARGE SIZE AND PORTABLE: the pad measures 28 by 24 inches; great fit for on top of washers and dryers, or most surfaces;...
  • EXTRA THICK PADDING: pad is extra thick and provides a durable barrier between clothing and your surface; enjoy more...

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This type of ironing mat contains magnets inside it. This is why it is suitable to be placed on the dryer or a washer. The magnets cling easily to the surface of the washer.

The magnetic iron mat  also has a silicon iron rest where you can place the iron when it is not in use. With this mat, you don’t need to struggle with moving it around.

Just keep it over the washer or dryer and continue the ironing.

Why should I have an Ironing Mat?

Ironing mats are small and portable. This means you can effortlessly carry it with yourself while travelling. It is made such that you can iron the clothes very well with complete stability without any problem.

Due to its small size, you can roll it up and store it anywhere in the cupboard or drawer. The magnetic ironing mat works astonishingly on metallic surfaces.

The magnets inside the mats have a really strong grip, so the mat stays in its place, and it works almost like an ironing board.

Ironing mats are good for you if your house is not spacious. You can press all types of clothes on them without any problem.

PROS:

  • Ironing mat is washable with detergent and water.
  • It absorbs moisture and steam.
  • You can easily take it with yourself while travelling.
  • It can be placed anywhere.
  • It doesn’t consume space.

CONS:

  • Not all ironing mats have iron rest.
  • They do not come with hanging rails and organizers.



Ironing Board Vs Ironing Mat – Which One Should I Use?

People who find the task of ironing fun also want to have the proper tools. If you do not have a good ironing equipment, then there are chances that you would get frustrated by this chore really quickly.

Sometimes the space is not available to place a proper ironing board. Other times, people think that an ironing board is just an additional expense.

Although ironing boards are usually portable but they are quite heavy weighing between 9 to 20 lbs.

Ironing boards are available in diverse designs with a lot of accessories like organizers, hooks, iron stands, and hanging rails.

This makes the whole process of ironing quite efficient and convenient. Though an ironing board adds to the convenience, but it is space consuming.

People who live in apartments almost always face the problem of space, and they cannot have an ironing board at their home. An ironing mat will do for them in this case.

An ironing mat is simply a mat which might be magnetic or insulated. You can place it anywhere you want.

Make sure the surface is straight and smooth. It usually comes with an iron rest where you can easily place the iron when it is not in use.

If you are having the problem of space in your house, get yourself an iron mat right away. It is made up of insulating material that traps the heat and moisture, thus preventing the surface from iron.

Ironing Board
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
Ironing Mat
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
-
Ironing Board
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
Homz T-Leg Clothes Ironing Board, Portable Compact Foldable Standard Size...
-
Ironing Mat
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...
Encasa Homes Ironing Mat/Pad (Large 48"x28") with 3mm Padding & Silicone Iron...

Last update on 2023-09-27 at 14:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

After a good long debate on ironing board vs ironing mat, the conclusion is simple.

If your house is spacious and you want to have accessorized equipment for ironing, then go for the ironing board. You can pick the right one according to your choice.

You have the choice of table-top, wall-mounted, and a portable ironing board.

On the other hand, if your house is confined and you face the problem of keeping an ironing board, then go for the ironing mat.

You will be stunned to see how you can press a variety of clothes on it without damaging the surface.

With that said, we reached the end of this article. I hope that you picked the right ironing equipment for yourself by now.

Happy ironing!

Queen of Chores
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