The main difference lies in how they remove wrinkles and the types of fabrics they’re best suited for. A dry iron uses only heat from its soleplate to smooth out wrinkles. It’s typically more affordable, easy to use, and durable, making it a good choice for sturdy fabrics like cotton and linen.
A steam iron, on the other hand, uses both heat and steam to press clothes. It comes with a built-in water tank that releases steam (or a burst of it) to soften fabric and remove wrinkles more quickly. This makes it ideal for delicate fabrics and blended materials, as it helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of fabric damage or fading.
A dry iron uses heat only, while a steam iron includes spray and steam functions for better wrinkle removal.