Portable Iron Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Iron Type (Dry, Steam), By Soleplate Type (Stainless Steel, Ceramic, Others), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Perfectly ironed clothing is considered as a measure of tidiness and is therefore highly significant in professional as well as personal life. The portable iron is a handy and a personal gadget that can serve the purpose of keeping clothes neat and clean where an individual does not have to rely on outside ironing services. Being compact, the mini iron does not acquire much space in the bag; moreover, a carry pouch is also provided to hold the product. This sleek device, therefore, can be easily carried along anywhere, which in turn, is boosting its demand.

The number of players is offering irons that can function in both the modes dry as well as steam by which the same iron can be used for different clothing types such as silk as well as cotton. Manufacturers are making new models which are more useful such as having lighter weight, greater power with foldable handles, cordless nature, and non-stick soleplates to cater to varied demand of customers. For instance, Panasonic offers, ‘Cordless 360° Freestyle Steam/Dry Portable Iron’ which is a cordless type appliance intended to be used by a quilter, sewing groups and crafters.

Travelling has been tremendously increased among the population for various reasons including corporate as well as holiday tours. And, mini ironing device is a perfect machine for people who have to travel frequently and do not find time for sending their clothes to the laundry. For instance, according to the ‘U.S. Travel and Tourism Overview (2019)’, published in March 2020 by the U.S. Travel Association, in the U.S., in 2019, the domestic leisure travel, as well as business travel, has been increased by 1.9% (1.9 billion person-trips) and 1.1% (464 million person-trips) respectively as compared to 2018. An individual does not have to be worried regarding the availability of the hotel’s laundry and ironing service when he/she is on the tour for a longer period. Moreover, manufacturers are designing this device with a dual voltage setting by which it can be operated anywhere around the world eliminating the need for a voltage converter. For instance, ROWENTA S.A.S offers ‘FIRST CLASS DA1510’ portable iron which can be used anywhere internationally as it can operate on both voltages 240V, as well as 140 V.  Such developments, are increasing product demand from the consumers.

However, lower operation capacity as compared to standard irons and water leakage issues for steam irons are expected to hamper the market growth

Key Players Covered:

The key companies operating in the global portable iron market are, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Panasonic Corporation, Conair Corporation, Sunbeam Products, Inc. ROWENTA S.A.S, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., Spectrum Brands, Inc. (RussellHobbs), Bajaj Electricals Ltd., PurSteam USA, and Vornado Air, LLC (Brand Steamfast).

Based on iron type, the market is segmented into dry and steam. The dry segment is expected to hold a major share as this type is more convenient to take on-the-go as a steam-based product has the built-in water tank and sprayer which increases its weight and also poses leakage issues. However, a steam iron is projected to grow at a rapid rate as it offers greater performance in removing wrinkles and creases on clothes.

Based on the soleplate type, the market is segmented into stainless steel, ceramic, and others. The stainless steel segment is expected to hold a major share as steel is a good conductor of heat, is more resistant to wear & tear and therefore has more durability as compared to other materials. Whereas, the use of ceramic and titanium plates is projected to increase in the case of portable iron as these plates are lighter in weight as compared to steel and thereby are more beneficial for the iron which needs to be carried along.

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented as offline and online.  An offline segment is expected to hold a major share as people can check the weight of the product as well as other functionalities such as the operation of a water tank, and steam generator in offline stores. This factor makes it easier for the consumer to decide on the purchase. 

Regional Analysis:

North America is estimated to be dominant in the global market during the forecast period 2019-2026. People staying in this region are more inclined towards using technologically advanced appliances which offer ease and convenience and they are also ready to pay more for the same. For instance, according to the ‘Survey of Household Spending' published in December 2018 by Statistics Canada, the average expenditure on household appliances per household in Canada was about US$ 420.68 in 2013 which increased and reached about US$ 517.90 in 2017. Moreover, product demand is higher in the region owing to greater use of formal wear. Wearing formal attire is mandatory at various occasions such as meetings, conferences, corporate parties as well as weddings and funerals. Additionally, students staying alone and away from home are increasing in the region which is propelling product demand as they need to be dressed properly for college presentations, events and various competitions.

The Asia Pacific is projected to witness burgeoning growth in the global market. This can be attributed to increasing globalization which has resulted in strong growth for several businesses across the region. This factor is responsible for increased international tie-ups of companies and thereby has an increased number of business tours. For instance, according to the ‘2018 Survey report on Business Travel in China' published by Carlson Wagonlit Travel Management Company, in 2017, spending on business travel witnessed a year-on-year rise of 8.4% to reach US$ 344.6 billion in China. Therefore, as this product is useful at the time of traveling, this factor is likely to foster product demand in the region.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In July 2017, Rowenta launched ‘Steam ‘N Press’ portable iron having both capabilities of ironing as well as garment steaming


• In September 2017, Spectrum Brands, Inc. filed a patent for its new portable steam generator for iron.