Electric Iron Market Size, Share, Forecast, 2033

Electric Iron Market Overview

The Electric Iron Market size was valued at USD 1014.13 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1539.48 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2033.

The global electric iron market has expanded significantly in recent years due to rising demand for convenient, energy-efficient fabric care solutions. As of 2023, over 142 million electric irons were sold worldwide, with steam irons accounting for 58% of total unit shipments. The household segment dominated usage, making up approximately 81% of the total user base. Increased urbanization and lifestyle changes across emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil have contributed to the rise in electric iron adoption. In 2023, more than 56 million electric irons were sold in Asia-Pacific alone.

Technological upgrades have also contributed to growth, with over 47% of models launched in 2023 featuring advanced features such as auto shut-off, anti-drip technology, and digital temperature control. Garment steamers and cordless irons have seen accelerated demand, particularly among younger urban consumers in metropolitan areas. Energy efficiency standards and compact design preferences continue to influence purchase decisions, especially in Europe and North America. Manufacturers are increasingly introducing lightweight, fast-heating irons with smart temperature sensors to enhance safety and usability. The electric iron market remains highly competitive, with global and regional players offering diversified product portfolios to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing urbanization and rising demand for energy-efficient garment care appliances.

Top Country/Region: China accounted for over 28% of global electric iron sales in 2023.

Top Segment: Steam irons led the market with a 58% share in total global electric iron sales in 2023.

Electric Iron Market Trends

The electric iron market is experiencing a shift driven by consumer preferences for technologically advanced and portable ironing devices. In 2023, steam irons maintained a stronghold in the market, with over 82 million units sold globally, driven by their ability to handle a wide range of fabrics and offer better results in less time. Integrated steam burst, vertical steaming, and calc-clean functions are now featured in over 63% of newly launched models. These innovations have resonated well in regions like Europe and Southeast Asia, where quick and efficient garment care is essential for dual-income households.

Travel-friendly irons, including foldable and mini steamers, witnessed a 21% year-over-year growth in unit shipments in 2023. These were particularly popular in the U.S., Japan, and Germany, where business travel and tourism rebounded strongly post-2022. Additionally, cordless irons gained market share, representing 11% of global sales due to consumer preference for maneuverability and safety. More than 5.8 million cordless models were sold globally, with strong uptake in urban apartment markets in North America and South Korea.

Aesthetic and ergonomic design has also become a purchase priority. In 2023, over 34% of consumers cited product design and weight as primary decision factors when buying electric irons. Anti-scratch soleplates, ceramic and titanium-coated surfaces, and transparent water tanks became standard in over 42% of models sold globally. Smart features such as touch-sensitive controls, fabric-type presets, and automatic power-off were present in more than 22% of premium electric irons launched in 2023.

Eco-conscious consumers increasingly demand energy-efficient products. In response, more than 38% of models released in Europe in 2023 featured energy-saving technology that reduced electricity consumption by up to 20%. Innovations in rapid-heating systems allowed new steam irons to reach optimal temperature in under 30 seconds, increasing convenience and energy savings. The surge in online retail and direct-to-consumer platforms enabled manufacturers to introduce exclusive SKUs for e-commerce, resulting in over 41% of electric iron sales being recorded through online channels in 2023.

Electric Iron Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growing urban population and rising demand for convenient fabric care appliances.

Urbanization continues to drive the growth of the electric iron market globally. In 2023, over 56% of the global population resided in urban areas, resulting in increased demand for compact, time-saving household devices. The working population, especially in developing countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia, contributed to a 19% rise in sales of steam irons in metropolitan regions. More than 28 million units were sold in Tier 1 cities across Asia-Pacific alone. Increased female workforce participation and the need for fast and efficient garment care solutions have made electric irons a staple in modern homes. Convenience, quick setup, and energy efficiency were cited by over 44% of first-time buyers as key product attributes.

RESTRAINT

Durability issues and product saturation in developed markets.

One of the main restraints in the electric iron market is product durability and saturation in mature markets. In 2023, over 11% of customer complaints recorded in Europe were related to reduced lifespan and water leakage in steam irons. Product life cycles in developed countries such as Germany, the U.S., and the UK have stabilized at 3–5 years, leading to slower replacement cycles. Moreover, the market in these regions is highly saturated, with penetration rates exceeding 85%. Consumer preference is shifting toward multi-function appliances like garment steamers and smart fabric care systems, reducing reliance on traditional electric irons. Additionally, increasing product returns due to quality issues impacted brand loyalty in Western markets.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding middle-class population and e-commerce penetration in emerging economies.

The rapid growth of the middle-class population in emerging economies presents a major opportunity for electric iron manufacturers. In 2023, over 640 million middle-income households globally sought affordable home appliances, with electric irons among the top five essential household items. In countries like Nigeria, Vietnam, and the Philippines, first-time purchases accounted for 22% of total electric iron sales. E-commerce penetration reached 36% in appliance retail across Southeast Asia, enabling brands to access remote and untapped markets through online channels. Companies offering feature-rich, low-cost models under USD 30 saw a 29% increase in unit sales in 2023. Additionally, bundling with related fabric care products such as ironing boards and steam brushes has proven effective in increasing basket size and brand stickiness.

CHALLENGE

Rising raw material costs and energy price fluctuations.

The electric iron market faces challenges from the fluctuating costs of raw materials and energy. In 2023, the cost of copper rose by 17%, impacting the production of electric heating elements used in irons. Steel and plastic components also saw price increases of 9% and 14% respectively, which affected manufacturing margins, particularly for low-end product lines. Furthermore, energy price volatility in regions such as Europe and Latin America affected consumer usage patterns, with over 18% of users reducing iron usage during peak pricing hours. Manufacturers are under pressure to develop cost-effective designs without compromising performance. This has resulted in higher demand for modular components, recyclable materials, and more efficient production systems to manage cost and maintain price competitiveness.

Electric Iron Market Segmentation

The electric iron market is segmented by type and application, with each segment tailored to meet specific user preferences and usage scenarios. The segmentation helps manufacturers target consumer demographics with customized features, pricing, and marketing strategies.

By Type

Dry Iron: Dry irons are simple, low-cost devices that accounted for 24% of global electric iron sales in 2023. Over 34 million dry irons were sold, especially in markets like India and parts of Africa where steam iron usage is limited. These irons are favored for their lightweight build and ease of use, especially among elderly users and small families.
Steam Iron: Steam irons dominate the market with 82 million units sold in 2023. They offer better fabric results due to steam burst and spray functionalities. Europe and Asia-Pacific led in steam iron usage, with China alone consuming over 25 million units. Multi-featured models with anti-drip, vertical steam, and anti-calc systems are preferred.
Travelling Iron: Travel irons recorded sales of 6.3 million units globally in 2023. Lightweight, dual-voltage designs and foldable handles are common features. The U.S., Japan, and Germany were top buyers, with business travelers accounting for 72% of purchases.
Garment Steamer: With 9.2 million units sold globally, garment steamers are increasingly popular for delicate fabrics and vertical steaming. They are widely used in North America and Southeast Asia by younger consumers and boutique owners.
Cordless Iron: Cordless irons comprised 11% of total sales in 2023, with 5.8 million units shipped. The segment is growing rapidly in urban homes and small apartments, with strong traction in South Korea and the UK.

By Application

Home Use: The home-use segment constituted 81% of electric iron sales in 2023. Over 115 million units were sold to individual consumers across all income brackets. Features like variable temperature control and anti-scale systems are in high demand. Urban families and single professionals are key contributors.
Commercial: Commercial use accounted for 19% of the market, with 27 million units sold in 2023. Hospitality, laundromats, and dry-cleaning services across the U.S., UAE, and India drove demand. Heavy-duty models with higher wattage (above 2200W) and durable soleplates were preferred in these settings.

Electric Iron Market Regional Outlook

North America

recorded electric iron sales of over 29 million units in 2023, with the U.S. accounting for 24 million. Steam irons were the top choice, with 68% of households owning one. Cordless models gained popularity in apartments and student accommodations. Online sales accounted for 51% of total retail sales in the region.

Europe

followed closely, with over 37 million units sold in 2023. Germany, France, and the UK were key markets. Energy-efficient and anti-drip steam irons dominated preferences, with 73% of consumers opting for premium brands. Regulation-driven energy labeling increased demand for eco-friendly models.

Asia-Pacific

led global sales, contributing 56 million units in 2023. China, India, and Indonesia were the largest markets. Steam irons were the preferred type, but dry irons still dominated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Regional manufacturers offered over 420 unique models across all price points.

Middle East & Africa

recorded sales of 20 million units in 2023. Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa were major markets. Dry irons and garment steamers were particularly popular. Urbanization and electrification programs contributed to 17% growth in first-time buyers compared to 2022.

List of Top Electric Iron Companies

Philips
Bajaj Electricals
Usha Electricals
Panasonic
Electrolux Home Products
Tefal

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Philips: led the market with over 38 million electric irons sold globally in 2023. The brand dominated Europe and Southeast Asia, offering steam and cordless irons with smart temperature control and ergonomic designs.

Bajaj Electricals: held the second-highest share, with 22 million units sold in 2023, primarily across India, Bangladesh, and Middle Eastern markets. The company’s affordability and wide range of dry and steam irons contributed to its strong market position.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2023 and 2024, over USD 2.6 billion was invested globally in electric iron manufacturing, product development, and distribution infrastructure. Asia-Pacific attracted more than USD 1 billion in investment for setting up smart appliance production lines. India alone saw over 28 new manufacturing facilities and assembly units established across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. These facilities increased production capacity by 19% year-on-year.

E-commerce platforms offered investment opportunities for global players to penetrate new demographics. Brands invested over USD 520 million collectively in online sales campaigns, logistics partnerships, and influencer-based marketing strategies. More than 230 new online-only electric iron models were launched between 2023 and 2024 to cater to digitally active customers.

The growing demand for premium and smart irons in Europe and North America triggered strategic investment in research and product certification. Over USD 430 million was allocated toward R&D in features like self-cleaning systems, lithium-ion battery-powered cordless irons, and auto-sensing fabric technology. Sustainability-driven companies received government grants worth over USD 180 million for developing recyclable product components and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Collaborations between appliance manufacturers and smart home ecosystem developers created joint ventures in 2024. These aimed at integrating electric irons with IoT platforms for app-based control, real-time monitoring, and power optimization. Commercial segments also received significant investment, with 14 multinational hotel chains signing bulk contracts for heavy-duty irons equipped with continuous steam generation.

New Product Development

In 2023–2024, the electric iron market saw the launch of over 430 new models globally, with a focus on smart technology, portability, and energy efficiency. Philips introduced the SmartCare range featuring adaptive temperature control and Bluetooth pairing with fabric management apps. Over 120,000 units of this model sold in the first quarter post-launch.

Bajaj Electricals released a rapid-heating dry iron with ceramic soleplates capable of reaching ironing temperature in under 20 seconds. It was launched in five countries and recorded sales of 980,000 units within 12 months. Panasonic introduced a dual-function steam iron with detachable water tank and vertical steam capability, aimed at both home and commercial users.

Tefal developed a cordless steam iron with a 360-degree base for recharging in under 5 seconds. The product received strong adoption in Europe, with 420,000 units sold in France and Germany alone in 2023. Electrolux unveiled a hybrid iron-steamer that combines high-temperature steam and ozone-based fabric refreshment, reducing the need for detergent-based cleaning.

Garment steamers evolved into multi-function tools with vertical support systems and fabric sanitization modes. Usha launched a compact garment steamer targeted at mobile professionals, with 12 temperature presets and a collapsible hanger system. The unit sold 180,000 units in its debut market, India, in 10 months.

Five Recent Developments

Philips launched SmartCare Pro, integrating temperature sensors with a mobile app for automated fabric recognition.
Bajaj Electricals established a new R&D center in Pune to develop next-generation heating elements and smart control systems.
Panasonic partnered with Amazon India to roll out AI-powered customer support for electric iron troubleshooting and usage guidance.
Tefal introduced a sustainable packaging initiative, reducing plastic use by 42% across all product lines in Europe.
Electrolux opened a new distribution hub in Dubai to serve the Middle East and North Africa with faster delivery times and localized inventory.

Report Coverage of Electric Iron Market

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global electric iron market, covering production volumes, consumption trends, competitive positioning, and consumer preferences across segments and regions. It includes detailed segmentation by type—dry iron, steam iron, cordless iron, garment steamer, and travel iron—and by application, covering both home and commercial use cases.

The report presents in-depth analysis of regional demand patterns in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. It highlights the influence of urbanization, energy costs, raw material prices, and digital retail trends on market dynamics. The study includes company profiles of top players such as Philips, Bajaj Electricals, Panasonic, Tefal, Usha Electricals, and Electrolux.

Investment trends, partnership models, and e-commerce strategies are covered, with insights into product innovation, design trends, and sustainability initiatives. The report documents recent developments from 2023–2024, including product launches, factory expansions, joint ventures, and technology collaborations.

This report equips industry stakeholders, appliance manufacturers, investors, and policy-makers with the strategic intelligence required to navigate the evolving landscape of the global electric iron market.