Abstract: The invention is directed to a steam iron (1) equippped with an electrically heatable soleplate (9) and having a residual heat warning device (16) which operates preferably independently of the line voltage and issues a flashing warning signal via a light emitting diode (17) when the temperature of the soleplate (9) exceeds a threshold temperature of about 60° C. Due to a capacitor which is chargeable during operation of the iron, a preferred warning system is operable also when the iron is disconnected from the supply after use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ironing shoe with a fastening device for fastening and releasing the fastener of a pressing surface of an electric steam iron, with a soleplate base having soleplate openings for the discharge of steam, the underside of which is used for ironing the article needing to be ironed and the upper side of which has disposed thereon an insert arrangement having insert openings for the passage of steam from the steam iron to the soleplate openings. In order to improve the utility characteristics of the ironing shoe and in particular of the insert arrangement, it is proposed providing the insert arrangement with a capillary layer made of a moisture-absorbing material on the side close to the upper side of the soleplate base, and with an impermeable layer on the side close to the steam iron.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a steam iron with a water reservoir for the supply of water to an evaporation chamber in which the fed water is convertible into steam and which is connectable to at least one first and one second steam discharge port (18, 15), with a heating element (14) for heating both the evaporation chamber and a soleplate (1-12, 46), said soleplate having an ironing surface (39) and a nose (20) at its forward end when viewed in the direction of movement, and said first steam discharge port (18) being arranged in such close proximity to the iron's nose (20) that the steam propagates in the area adjacent to the iron's nose (20). The first and the second steam discharge port (18, 15) are formed in the soleplate (1-12, 46) such as to be at a height of less than 10 mm relative to the ironing surface (39). Further, the first and the second steam discharge port (18, 15) are in balanced pressure communication with each other. Provision is made for distinct steaming and drying zones.