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We’ve all had bad straighteners that conk out after a few uses. Not fun! You’re likely here because you want to hear about the best steam flat irons, or you’ve had one that was giving you a hard time and need some new recommendations.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a trustworthy “best of” list for you to per use.
Summary of the Best Steam Flat Irons
- Best all-around steam flat iron: Steam Flat Iron by Magicfly. “My hair type is between a 4b/c…so I didn’t think it would work for me but I love love love this straightener!” – VerNicia
- Best Brand Name Steam Straightener: Infiniti Pro by Conair. “I don’t have time to fool around before work in the mornings, so I wanted something that heated up in a minute and did one pass straightening.” – seachild123
- Best for Saving Time: Professional Hair Salon Steam Styler, by SOLOFISH. “…my best friend who has extremely kinky curly hair, with a traditional straightener it takes about four hours to do her hair, with this it took less than an hour!” – Jessica
- Best Water Tank: Professional Hair Steam Straightener by MKBOO. “This straightener has something most of them don’t and that is the 40mL water tank. I never had to stop and refill the tank.” -Tina B.
- Best Packaging: Steam Hair Straightener by FURIDEN. “The case is great too! It comes with a nice thermal safe liner, a slot for the cord to keep it contained, and 2 hair clips. Such a great buy!” – Ardena
- Best for Travel: Steam Flat Iron Hair Straightener by xtava. “The xtava Time to Shine Steam Straightener is the perfect solution for my hair styling needs when we are on the go.” – Woman of Many Roles
- Best Beginner Steam Straightener: Professional Vapor Flat Iron by Kealive. “Fast heating and done your hair really fast. also u can use it as a hair curl for turning into a certain angle. this is my daily use thing now!” – Ivy
- Best for Overall Design: Infrared Straightener by SWAN STAR. “This baby cut my straightening time by way more than half!! It leaves my hair perfectly straight and super shiny in minimal time.” -AmandaGrace
Reviews: 8 Best Steam Flat Irons
1. Magicfly Steam Flat Iron
Get your hair sleek and shining without losing hours in the morning. This time-saving steam flat iron comes with a full package, ceramic tourmaline included, that will make you feel like you dropped into the salon.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 1.9 pounds |
| Size | Normal |
| Tank | Water only |
| Steam Settings | Off / Medium / High |
| Heat Settings | 300 / 340 / 370 / 410 / 430 / 450 |
Pros
- Six different heat settings
- Three steam settings
- Professional grade results for natural hair
- Steaming saves time
- An inexpensive option with extra stuff
Cons
- Careful with the steam!
2. Conair Infiniti Pro Ionic Steam Flat Iron
This Conair steam straightener has a fast-acting heat up so it’s ready for you the moment you need it.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Size | 2.5” x 5.8” x 12.5” |
| Tank | Water (distilled recommended) |
| Steam Settings | Off / Low / High |
| Heat Settings | 285 / 310 / 330 / 360 / 395 |
Pros
- Built in comb is nice, also adjusts to three different positions.
- 30 second heat up
- Love the three steam settings
- Heat settings are not too hot
Cons
- Refilling the steam cup can be a little annoying
3. Solofish Professional Hair Salon Steam Styler
Here’s a reliable steam styler that’s been a pretty popular option for those who want a steam straightener that comes with all the perks.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 4.6 pounds |
| Size | 2.8” x 3.2” x 14.6” |
| Tank | Water; 10 ml |
| Steam Settings | Off / Medium / High |
| Heat Settings | 300 / 340 / 370 / 410 / 450 |
Pros
- Does wonders to damaged hair
- The extras included make the package worth it
- Lasts for days
- Easy to use if you have yet to use a flat iron steamer
- Better than some regular straighteners
Cons
- The water reservoir is fragile, so it’s something to keep in mind to ensure longevity.
4. MKBOO Professional Steam Straightener
What we love about MKBOO’s steam straightener is that it has a water tank that’s larger than the other reviewed products. So if you’re looking for a steam straightener with the best water tank, this is the one to get.
Also, this straightener works well with layered hair.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Size | N/A |
| Tank | Water; 40 ml |
| Steam Settings | Off / On |
| Heat Settings | 300 / 340 / 375 / 410 / 450 |
Pros
- Water tank is larger than other brands
- Sleek design that boasts a few great features
- 4b and 4c African American hair looks incredible with this straightener
- Cuts hair straightening time in half
- A budget friendly alternative to a professional salon straightener
Cons
- The comb can fall out
- Heavier than other products
5. FURIDEN Steam Hair Straightener
You may have noticed that a few of these steam flat irons are limited to generic white or black colors. If you love rose gold, you’ll find FURIDEN’s product to be a welcome match.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Size | 12.1” x 2” x 1.6” |
| Tank | N/A |
| Steam Settings | On / Off |
| Heat Settings | Rotating Temp Adjustment (320 – 450) |
Pros
- Adjustable temperature is a huge bonus
- Heats up quickly and accurately
- The rose gold color is familiar, yet modern
- Has a lock to prevent any accidental burning, also an auto shut off.
- Comes with a fun glossy case and clips
Cons
- It’s a bit pricier than similar items
6. xtava Steam Steam Hair Straightener
When you’re on a budget, the xtava steam flat iron is an ideal snag. It’s a simpler option and you might find it ideal to use as a travel straightener.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 1.6 pounds |
| Size | 11.2” x 1.2” x 1.4” |
| Tank | Water only |
| Steam Settings | NA |
| Heat Settings | 350 / 450 |
Pros
- Great for travel
- Its design makes curls easier to achieve
- Simple settings
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Have to point the steamer down to activate steam, which can sometimes get tricky
7. Kealive Professional Vapor Flat Iron
While the Kealive flat iron is one of the more simple products we’ve found, it does feature a few conveniences that were common with the higher-priced items.
This flat iron works well on layered hair.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Size | 12.8” x 3.8” x 2.2” |
| Tank | Water only |
| Steam Settings | Low / High |
| Heat Settings | Low / High |
Pros
- Heats up in 15-30 seconds
- Lock/Unlock 360 degree swivel cord is a helpful option for those flexible moves
- Floating plates keep from any uncomfortable pinching and pulling
- Extra glove, clips, and water injecting bottle are nice add-ons
Cons
- Could use more accurate heat and steam settings
8. SWAN STAR Infrared Hair Straightener
Who doesn’t love a fun looking product? SWAN STAR’s fast-heating ceramic tourmaline straightener is well designed and does a great job dispersing steam evenly.
Product specs
| Shipping Weight | 2.3 pounds |
| Size | 2” wide |
| Tank | Water only |
| Steam Settings | On / Off |
| Heat Settings | 300 / 340 / 370 / 410 / 430 / 450 |
Pros
- Accurate heating and very fast
- Steam is evenly distributed
- One pass is great
- Fun colors and design
- Comes with a bonus water reservoir, a couple clips, a glove, and even a bag
Cons
- Water reservoir is small and can be tricky to fill
FAQs
Steam flat irons and straighteners are better for your hair when you’re dealing with high temperatures (450 degrees). As we add high temperatures to our hair, we want to avoid accidentally damaging our hair and what a steam straightener does is it adds moisture to avoid that problem.
Steam hair straighteners are usually regular straighteners with a steam option. When you’re using your flat iron at a hotter temperature, the steam helps to maintain moisture in your hair.
There’s a minor difference between the two: the biggest difference is that a straightener can be a brush whereas a flat iron relies on two flat “irons” to straighten hair. They’re often marketed as one and the same but the slight difference could be what makes you prefer one product over another.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gotten a better idea as to which steam flat irons are best for you, available to you, consider exactly the flat iron or straightener that fits your needs.
If you’re in the market for a different straightener or other hair related items, check out these articles: best steam flat irons, hot tools brush dryer, and best hot air brush.