CHI Steam Iron Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord suits regular home ironing if you want vertical steam and a cord that stores in the base. Choose the dial-control CHI if you prefer simpler settings, or compare Rowenta and T-Fal for their steam and care features.
On this page (6 sections)
The CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord is a strong fit for regular home ironing if you want electronic temperature control, adjustable steam and a vertical steam burst. Its 8-foot cord retracts into the base, and it weighs 3.5 lb.
The main choice is between this model's illuminated electronic control and the dial on the other CHI iron. Rowenta and T-Fal offer different care and steam features, so compare those if anti-drip protection or vertical steaming matters more.
CHI Steam Iron review: what stands out?
The CHI Steam Iron stands out for electronic temperature control, a retractable cord and vertical steam in one household iron. It has a titanium-infused ceramic soleplate and more than 400 steam holes.
CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord: Best for electronic temperature control
- 1700 watts
- 400+ steam holes
- 8-foot retractable cord
- Titanium-infused ceramic soleplate
A CHI iron with electronic temperature control, adjustable steam and a vertical steam burst. The cord retracts into the base for storage.
Pros
- Illuminated electronic temperature control
- Adjustable steam from no steam to full power
- Vertical steam burst
- 3-way auto shutoff
Cons
- Weighs 3.5 lb
- Temperature control is electronic rather than a simple dial
CHI says the soleplate uses the same titanium-infused ceramic technology behind its CHI G2 flat iron. The steam lever moves from no steam to full power, and the iron includes 3-way auto shutoff.
The control is illuminated and electronic, which may suit you if you want temperature selection without a traditional dial. Consider whether that interface feels straightforward for everyone who will use the iron.
What does the vertical steam burst do?
The vertical steam burst lets you freshen hanging garments without an ironing board. CHI describes it for suits, drapes and delicates.
It can help with quick touch-ups, but it does not replace a dedicated garment steamer. For whole outfits or longer sessions with clothes on hangers, see our guide to how to steam a suit jacket at home.
How does the retractable-cord CHI compare with the dial model?
The retractable-cord CHI has electronic temperature control, while the second CHI model uses a large one-hand dial. Both have 1700 watts, a titanium-infused ceramic soleplate, vertical steam burst and an 8-foot retractable cord.
CHI 1700W Steam Iron: Best for dial controls
- 1700 watts
- 400+ steam holes
- 8-foot retractable cord
- Titanium-infused ceramic soleplate
A related CHI model with a temperature dial, adjustable steam, burst of steam and vertical steam burst. Its retractable cord stores in the base.
Pros
- Large one-hand temperature dial
- Burst and vertical steam features
- 3-way auto shutoff
Cons
- Weighs 4.2 lb
- Uses a dial instead of electronic temperature control
The dial model weighs 4.2 lb, compared with 3.5 lb for the electronic-control version. If you iron several garments in one sitting, weight and handle comfort may matter as much as the control style.
Choose the electronic model if its illuminated setting system appeals to you. Pick the dial model if you prefer a large manual control and want the same basic CHI steam and cord features.
CHI vs Rowenta vs T-Fal: which features matter?
Rowenta emphasizes anti-drip and cleaning features, while T-Fal specifies continuous steam and vertical steam settings. Both CHI models combine vertical steam burst with a retractable cord.
| Iron | Temperature control | Steam and care features | Soleplate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord | Illuminated electronic control | Adjustable steam, vertical steam burst, 3-way auto shutoff | Titanium-infused ceramic |
| CHI 1700W Steam Iron | Large temperature dial | Adjustable steam, burst and vertical steam, 3-way auto shutoff | Titanium-infused ceramic |
| Rowenta Focus Excel | Variable steam settings | Anti-drip, self-cleaning, anti-calc, auto-off | Stainless steel |
| T-Fal Ultraglide | Not specified here | 30 g/min continuous steam, up to 100 g/min boost, vertical steam settings, anti-drip, auto-off | Durilium AirGlide |
Rowenta Focus Excel Steam Iron: Best for anti-drip protection
- 1725 watts
- Up to 135 g/min steam boost
- Over 400 active holes
- Anti-drip feature
A Rowenta alternative with variable steam, anti-drip protection, a precision tip and self-cleaning and anti-calc features.
Pros
- Anti-drip feature
- Variable steam settings
- Self-cleaning and anti-calc features
Cons
- No retractable cord is specified
- Does not offer the CHI titanium-infused ceramic soleplate
Rowenta has a steam boost of up to 135 g/min and continuous steam up to 35 g/min. It also has more than 400 active holes, a precision tip, anti-drip protection, self-cleaning and an anti-calc system.
T-Fal Ultraglide Steam Iron: Best for vertical steaming
- 1800 watts
- 30 g/min continuous steam
- Up to 100 g/min steam boost
- Vertical steam settings
A T-Fal option with vertical steam settings, a precision tip, anti-drip protection and auto-off.
Pros
- Vertical steam settings
- Steam boost up to 100 g/min
- Scratch-resistant Durilium AirGlide soleplate
Cons
- No retractable cord is specified
- No titanium-infused ceramic soleplate
T-Fal has 30 g/min continuous steam and a boost of up to 100 g/min. Its vertical steam settings, precision tip, anti-drip feature and auto-off may suit you if those functions matter more than a retractable cord.
Is the CHI Steam Iron right for your routine?
The CHI is a sensible match if you iron clothes horizontally most of the time and want vertical steam for occasional touch-ups. Its retractable cord stores in the base between sessions.
Think about your usual garments and ironing setup. If most of your work is shirts and pants on a board, CHI’s horizontal steaming features are relevant; our guides explain how to iron a dress shirt and how to iron pants with a sharp crease.
If your main goal is removing wrinkles quickly, choose the tool around the garment and the space you have. Our comparison of a steamer or iron for clothes covers the trade-offs.
What should you know about water and upkeep?
Follow the care instructions for the exact iron and empty or maintain it as the manual directs. Water quality and mineral buildup can affect steam appliances over time.
CHI does not specify a self-cleaning or anti-calc feature for these two models. Rowenta has both, while T-Fal has anti-drip protection and auto-off.
If your iron spits or leaks, check the heat setting, steam setting and water level before assuming it needs replacing. Our guide covers why an iron leaks water, and how to clean and descale a steam iron explains general care steps.
Is the CHI Steam Iron worth choosing?
Choose the electronic-control CHI if you want illuminated temperature selection, vertical steam burst and a retractable cord. The dial CHI fits if you prefer a large manual control and its higher listed weight is acceptable.
Consider Rowenta if anti-drip, self-cleaning and anti-calc features are priorities. T-Fal is worth comparing if its continuous steam output and vertical steam settings better match your routine.
For a broader look across steam irons and steamers, see the best CHI steam irons and steamers. Check the care instructions for your fabrics and the model before ironing.
Frequently asked questions
Can the CHI Steam Iron freshen hanging clothes?
Yes. Both CHI models here include a vertical steam burst for freshening hanging garments.
Follow the garment care label and iron instructions.
For a dedicated steamer, compare the options in our handheld steamer guide.
What is the difference between the two CHI irons?
The retractable-cord model has illuminated electronic temperature control, while the other CHI uses a large temperature dial. Both are 1700-watt irons with titanium-infused ceramic soleplates, adjustable steam, vertical steam burst, 3-way auto shutoff and an 8-foot retractable cord.
Is the CHI Steam Iron suitable for delicate fabrics?
CHI describes both irons as suitable for cotton, wool, silk, linen and synthetics. Check the garment care label, select the matching temperature and use a lower steam setting for delicate items.
Test an inconspicuous area first if the fabric label permits ironing.
How should you choose between CHI and Rowenta?
Choose CHI if its titanium-infused ceramic soleplate, vertical steam burst and retractable cord fit your routine. Rowenta has anti-drip protection, a precision tip, self-cleaning and an anti-calc system.
Compare the care features you expect to use, then check the instructions for your preferred model.
