Offering an ironing surface of 80cm x 30cm, you will need to reposition items often but the upside is that it’s small enough to use on a coffee table.

The underside of the cotton cover has a metalized foil layer that reflects steam and heat back into the clothes making it more efficient when steam ironing. Each system is designed to work for at least 10 years and will be repaired for free if there’s an issue before then – and that includes its ironing boards.For consistency, we used the same steam iron each time so that we could truly see what effect switching the board had on the speed and quality of the finished results. Sturdiness was a big factor, and we also took a close look at any additional features that might make a certain board better suited to different iron types, such as steam generators or cordless irons. This ironing board is one of the sturdiest we tested, featuring extra-wide feet and multiple height positions to ensure it’s comfortable to use however tall or short you might be, too. Some users found the angled iron rest took a bit of practice to perfect, but with a spacious board and 7mm foam liner, it's well padded and provides plenty of space for even larger items of clothing and bed linen.

It’s worth noting that the lighter shade covers can discolour over time, so you may want to opt for a darker or patterned shade if you’re keen to keep it looking pristine. The job will be done faster if the cover is reflecting heat back onto the surface of the fabric that you’re de-wrinkling. Conversely, if you rarely iron then our favourite compact board has to be the Joseph Joseph pocket plus table top ironing board thanks to its sturdy legs and fold-up design.There’s something about the range of covers available for this board that makes us feel a little more stylish when ironing. The surface is padded and layered over a mesh metal surface so when you're ironing, especially when using steam, the heat diffuses through these layers and doesn't get trapped on the surface. There are many other things to consider when purchasing a cover for your ironing board, including ensuring that it is the right size to fit your board. With a metal holder strong enough to hold your steam unit, an adjustable, sturdy frame, and the renowned Brabantia quality, this XL board is a great addition to your life.

Molly is the Ecommerce Editor for Ideal Home, covering all things appliance related - including irons and ironing boards. Before then, though, I asked Boardmann what to do about it, and they sent me a replacement cover - which is handy for my new XL which I bought direct from Boardmann. Smaller, compact ironing boards can be picked up for less, however, these models are better suited to more occasional use. From cord clips to iron storage and even child locks - check out the full specifications to see what else your choice has to offer.The board should not have failed in this way and would be covered by our no quibble money back guarantee. So if you want to reduce the amount of time you spend on it, or at the very least, make the process slightly more enjoyable, choosing the right ironing board could make a massive difference.

It’s well padded too, with a taut 100% cotton cover that ensures you can smooth out creases with ease.It also adjusts better than other boards as you can choose exactly what height you want up to a maximum of 1m which makes it more pleasant for those of us with longer legs. Our boards have a no Quibble guarantee so if you are not happy with any part you can always contact us to get your problem resolved. If there’s no table or desk space free, this is compact enough to place on top of a washing machine and yet offers a decent size surface area to make shirts look crisp and fresh.