How it works
A steam iron is a hot plate with a water tank on top. The first drawing shows one from the side; the second turns it over to show the holes the steam comes out of.
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Heat, water and steam
The soleplate is the flat plate that heats up. The temperature control dial sets how hot it gets, and an indicator light shows while it is heating. Electricity arrives through the cord at the back. Water goes in through the fill opening and waits in the water tank. The steam control sets how much steam leaves through the steam vents in the soleplate. The spray button sends a mist out of the spray nozzle at the front.
Holding and resting
You move the iron by its handle. Between strokes it stands upright on the heel rest, the flat back end, so the hot plate touches nothing.
- Makers give the extra steam button different names, so it is drawn here and not asked.
- The quiz accepts sole plate, reservoir and power cord.
Questions and answers
What are the parts of a steam iron?
A soleplate with steam vents, a water tank with a fill opening, a spray nozzle and spray button, a steam control, a temperature control dial with an indicator light, a handle, a heel rest and a cord.
What is the bottom of an iron called?
The soleplate, sometimes written sole plate. It is the flat metal plate that heats up and touches the cloth. On a steam iron it has small holes, the steam vents.
What is the heel rest on an iron?
The flat back end of the iron. The iron stands upright on it when you put it down, which keeps the hot soleplate off the board.
Where does the steam come out of an iron?
Through the steam vents, small holes in the soleplate. The second drawing shows them from below.