Rowenta DW7180 Vs. DW9280: Which Steam Iron Is Right For You?

Rowenta is a leading brand when it comes to steam irons, known for their high-quality build and impressive performance. The DW7180 and DW9280 are two of their most popular models for home use. But how do you choose between the two?

A Quick Comparison Table

Aspects	Rowenta DW7180	Rowenta DW9280
Soleplate Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Soleplate Size	10.25 x 4.5 inches	9.5 x 4.75 inches
Steam Output	35g/min	130g/min
Variable Steam	Yes	Yes
Steam Boost	Yes, up to 210g	Yes, up to 470g
Anti-Calc System	Self Clean	3-Way Smart Calc Clean
Vertical Steaming	Yes	Yes
Auto Shutoff	After 8 mins	After 8 mins
Cord Length	7.5 feet	8 feet
Wattage	1700W	1800W

Overview of the Rowenta DW7180

The Rowenta DW7180 is a mid-range steam iron ideal for everyday use. Here are some of its notable features:

• Stainless steel soleplate – Provides excellent glide and is highly scratch-resistant. The 10.25 inch length makes it suitable for ironing large surfaces.
• 35g/min steam output – Generates constant steam to efficiently remove wrinkles from garments.
• 210g steam boost – Blasts through tough wrinkles on thick fabrics like linen.
• Variable steam control – Lets you adjust steam output based on fabric type. More delicate fabrics need less steam.
• Vertical steaming – Steam iron can be held vertically to remove wrinkles from hanging clothes or curtains. Helpful for touch-ups.
• Self clean function – Regularly flushes out mineral deposits to maintain peak performance.
• 7.5 foot cord – Provides ample reach to move around your ironing board or table.
• Comfort grip handle – Stays cool while ironing to prevent accidental burns.
• 1700 watts of power – Heats up quickly and maintains high temperatures.

The DW7180 delivers professional grade results without a professional grade price tag. It’s easy to use and lacks any complicated settings. The self clean system also minimizes maintenance.

Overview of the Rowenta DW9280

The Rowenta DW9280 is a premium home iron aimed at more demanding users. Here are its main features:

• Stainless steel soleplate – Glides effortlessly over all fabrics. 9.5 inch width for ironing most household items.
• Powerful steam output – 130g/min of constant steam tackles wrinkles fast. 470g steam boost for thick seams.
• Precision steam tip – Directs a concentrated steam burst for collars and buttons.
• 3-way Smart Calc Clean – Removes mineral buildup, extends life, and restores steam performance.
• Eco setting – Uses less energy when iron is stationary. Saves electricity.
• 8 foot cord – Provides extra reach so you can iron larger pieces of fabric.
• Ergonomic design – Comfortable handle and easy button controls reduce strain.
• 1800 watts – Achieves higher temperatures for faster heating. Maintains heat well.
• Carry lock – Locks iron upright for safe, hands-free carrying.

The DW9280 combines speed, convenience and customization for the ultimate ironing experience. It’s the iron to choose when performance matters most.

Also Read: Comparison Between Jiffy J-2000 and J-4000

Comparing Ironing Performance

When you’re deciding between the Rowenta DW7180 and DW9280, ironing performance should be a top consideration. Here’s how the two models compare:

·         Soleplate Material

Both irons use stainless steel soleplates. Stainless steel is durable, scratch-resistant, and offers excellent glide across all fabric types. The main difference is size – the DW7180 has a 10.25 inch soleplate while the DW9280’s is 9.5 inches wide.

The larger DW7180 is better suited for ironing big pieces like tablecloths. But the narrower DW9280 is more maneuverable for sleeves, collars and other garment detail work.

·         Steam Output

Steam output is where these two irons differ significantly. The DW7180 puts out a constant 35 grams per minute of steam. This is decent for everyday ironing.

But the DW9280 boasts an impressive 130g/min constant steam output. That’s nearly 4x as much! Such powerful steam allows the DW9280 to plow through wrinkles much faster.

Both irons have a steam boost function. The DW7180 produces a 210g burst while the DW9280 ups this to 470g. Again, the higher-end DW9280 provides more intense steaming action to tackle thick or heavy fabrics. For clothes like linen suits, the extra steam power gets far superior smoothing results.

·         Precision Tip

A major advantage of the Rowenta DW9280 is the precision steam tip. This nozzle concentrates the steam into a narrow jet.

You can then directly target wrinkles on hard to reach areas like collars, pockets and buttons. It gives you surgical control over the steam. The standard tip on the DW7180 lacks this level of precision.

·         Vertical Steaming

Hanging items like curtains or dresses are difficult to iron. Both the DW7180 and DW9280 offer vertical steaming so you can essentially iron garments right on the hanger. Just hold the iron close and the steam relaxes wrinkles. For touch-ups between wearing, vertical steaming is invaluable.

·         Auto Shutoff & Cord Length

Safety and convenience features are similar on these models. They automatically shut off after 8 minutes of idle time to prevent accidents and save energy. The power cords are 7.5 feet on the DW7180 and 8 feet on the DW9280 – plenty of length to easily move around your ironing surface.

·         Comfort

Thanks to cool touch handles and smooth steam and temperature controls, both irons provide a comfortable ironing experience. The premium DW9280 does offer slightly better ergonomics. But the DW7180 still delivers a perfectly comfortable ironing session as well.

Performance Winner: Rowenta DW9280 – With 4x the steam output and advanced features like a precision tip, the DW9280 is clearly the more powerful iron. For serious ironing of lots of fabrics, the extra performance is worthwhile.

Comparing Anti-Calc Systems

Hard water that contains limescale minerals is the enemy of steam irons. These mineral deposits can build up and clog internal components, reducing steam output over time. Both Rowenta models have anti-calc systems, but they work differently:

Rowenta DW7180

The DW7180 uses a self clean function activated by a push of a button. Every couple weeks, fill the water tank and set the iron upright on its heel rest. Press the self clean button and let the iron run for about 10 minutes.

This heats the iron up to a high temperature which causes any limescale to loosen. Then the loose particles flush out through the vents.

Rowenta DW9280

The higher-end DW9280 features a more thorough 3-way Smart Calc Clean system. Here’s how it works:

• Reduces Scale Buildup: The Anti-Calc filter in the water tank traps mineral particles so less scale enters the iron.
• Removes Existing Scale: Every few months use the included Cleaning Cartridge. This draws a cleaning agent through the iron to dissolve built-up scale.
• Maintains Steam Performance: The Smart Calc Clean indicator tells you when performance is reduced so you know it’s time to clean again.

The dual filter and cleaning cartridge keep the interior of the steam iron much cleaner for better longevity. You avoid a gradual loss of steam power over time.

Anti-Calc Winner: Rowenta DW9280 – The DW9280’s 3-way system is more automated and effective at preventing scale buildup. It’s the low maintenance choice.

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Comparing Durability

Steam irons take a lot of wear and tear. You want one that will hold up to daily use without failing prematurely. Let’s compare the durability of these Rowenta models:

The stainless steel soleplates are quite durable on both irons. Stainless steel is corrosion and scratch-resistant. It will maintain a smooth gliding surface even after years of use. Both irons also have thick internal metal plates to withstand high steam temperatures.

In terms of housing, the DW9280 may have a slight edge. It features a full metal rear housing. This dissipates heat better to protect inner components. The DW7180 has more plastic around the base which could be more prone to cracking from the heat. But both are reasonably well-made.

One other difference is the power cord. The DW9280 is more resistant to kinks and fraying over time. So the cord may last longer than the DW7180’s cord.

Overall, there are no major red flags for premature failure on either model. Both should provide at least several years of reliable steaming before parts need replacing. With proper care and maintenance, a lifespan of 5+ years is reasonable.

Durability Winner: Draw – While the DW9280 has some improved material qualities, both irons are solidly built for home use. With good owner care, either model should be a lasting appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

For an all-around high performing iron at a reasonable price, the Rowenta DW7180 is a great choice. It provides strong steaming power paired with convenience features like self cleaning. Ease of use is also excellent.

For more demanding ironing and faster wrinkle removal, spend a little more for the DW9280. Its precision tip and incredible steam output make short work of all types of fabrics. And the efficient 3-way anti-calc system maintains that strong steam performance year after year.

Whichever model you choose, Rowenta makes some of the finest home steam irons you can buy. Treating yourself to a Rowenta means you may actually look forward to tackling the laundry pile.