Thankfully modern irons are much more convenient than those used many years ago. These were basically a triangular iron slab with
a handle. They had to be heated on a stove and then quickly carried to the garments to be ironed, once cooled the process had to be repeated.
Modern day irons are based on the same principles as the ones used many years ago. The modern electric steam iron generates heat and steam at the same time so that it can efficiently iron many types of different materials.
This form of iron has an electrical element which heats the sole plate (the solid metal base) and the container of water. The water is discharged by pressing a lever which releases it. When this fluid comes into contact with the sole plate, it turns into steam. The steam passes via gullies, out of the base and then onto the fabric being ironed.
Because different types of fabric require ironing at different temperatures, all irons are fitted with an adjustable thermostat which directly controls the temperature of the sole plate.
