Braun vs Russell Hobbs Irons

Braun and Russell Hobbs both sell steam irons and garment steamers, but Braun sits higher on price. Braun's range runs from the SI5008BL TexStyle 5 steam iron at £54 and the QuickStyle 5 and QuickStyle 7 garment steamers at £59 each, up to the Pro TexStyle 7 iron at £71. Russell Hobbs covers £28 to £40, from the 23972 Pearl Glide Rose 2600W iron at £28 to the 23260 Supreme electric steam iron at £34 and the 20630 3100W Power Steam Ultra at £40.

Braun's signature is FreeGlide 3D soleplate technology, which stops the iron snagging on buttons and zips. The Pro TexStyle 7 pairs it with an EloxalPlus soleplate, 50g per minute continuous steam and a 250g per minute boost, while the SI5008BL offers 2600W, a 300ml tank, 180g per minute steam and an anti-drip system. The QuickStyle steamers add FastSteam, quick heat-up and iCare technology. Russell Hobbs relies on a ceramic soleplate on the 20630 with 3100W output, a 350ml tank and automatic shut-off, while the Pearl Glide Rose offers 40g per minute steam with anti-scale protection and the Supreme delivers a 155g per minute steam shot.

Russell Hobbs suits buyers who want reliable everyday ironing at a low price, particularly the Pearl Glide Rose at £28 or the 3100W 20630 at £40 for heavy cottons. Braun suits people who iron often and want smooth gliding on delicate fabrics, or who prefer a steamer for hanging garments such as suits and dresses. Both brands suit everyday domestic use, so the decision is mostly about soleplate feel and budget.

Bottom line: choose Russell Hobbs if you want a ceramic soleplate iron with 3100W at £40 or a budget iron at £28. Choose Braun if FreeGlide 3D gliding on the Pro TexStyle 7 at £71 matters to you, or you want a QuickStyle garment steamer at £59.