Road Test: Laurastar Lift

IT'S the "latest revolution in the field of ironing", according to the manufacturer.

WHAT is it?

It's the "latest revolution in the field of ironing", according to the manufacturer.

I never knew ironing was a "field". I thought it was more of a "chore".
Fair point. But at least this portable steam generator iron takes the hard work out of it.

How does it work?
Simply fill the machine's reservoir with water and turn it on; the iron takes three minutes to heat up.

What's the point of it?
Your bog-standard steam iron is like an old, flatulent uncle: it lets off when it feels like it. With the Laurastar Lift, buttons on the iron control when and how the steam comes out, from a fine, diffuse pulse to a full-on blast.

Verdict:
With a steam hose connecting the iron to the machine, and a power cord connecting the machine to a socket, and the long warm-up, it's all a bit of a palaver for doing a shirt. This is for people who are very serious about the field of ironing. It's a telling detail that the iron has a rounded base, which stops you - tut, tut - lazily standing it up, instead of using the special cradle.

Laurastar is a Swiss company, right?
Yes, and this is a very Swiss product: beautifully made, a bit odd, and super expensive.

Price: $799, laurastar.com.au