Review of Lakeland Limited Ultima Plus ironing board

GH Institute

Ironing boards

Features

Folded (L x W x D): 161cm x 44cm x 9cm. Height: Maximum: 95.5cm. Ironing area (L x W): 124cm x 44cmFeatures: unlimited height options; padded, removable, elasticated cover; metal mesh ironing area; built in linen rack; extra cover and sleeve board supplied. Replacement covers are available from Lakeland priced £8.50.

Comments

This board has a useful laundry rack underneath for ironed and folded laundry. The board has no lock to keep it shut and can spring open if picked up when folded. It has a good pointed end for shirt shoulders and smaller items. The cover cannot be washed but a replacement is included with the board, along with a useful sleeve board. The iron rest could be stronger especially if using a steam generator iron.

Rating: 86/100

Price: £49.99

Stockist: 015394 88100 - http://www.lakeland.co.uk

GHI Test Report - March 2008

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Other products in Ironing boards

Review of Rayen Folding ironing board

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 84cm x 39cm x 14cm. Height: Maximum 89cm. Ironing area (L x W) 121cm x 39cm. Features: unlimited height options; padded, removable, elasticated cover; metal mesh ironing area2 year guarantee. Replacement covers available from Lakeland, Empire and House of Bath priced £5.99.
Comments
Clever folding mechanism means this can be stored in a drawer or on a shelf - the legs fold in half and the two ends of the board fold inwards. The convenience of being able to fold it up means it has a small ironing area. The cover is not as taught as some of the others and the padding rather thin. Slightly unstable when ironing with a tendency to tip up when putting pressure at the pointed end of the board. The iron rest is not large enough to accommodate a steam generator iron. Ironing board cover is washable and but instructions recommend it must be ironed on a 2 dot setting!

Rating: 60/100

Price: £39.99

Stockist: 0560 1731486

GHI Test Report - March 2008
Review of Vileda Park and Go 850/0320 ironing board

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 154cm x 40cm x 7cm. Height: Maximum: 90cm Ironing area (L x W): 122cm x 39cm. Features: unlimited height options; padded removable elasticated cover with temporary iron rest area; metal mesh ironing area; angled legs; 2 year guarantee. Replacement covers available from Vileda.
Comments
The stand end of the cover is metallic to provide an area to rest the iron temporarily during ironing which is a really useful feature. The iron stand is large enough to accommodate a steam generator iron. The board height is a little stiff to adjust and the model we tested was a little wobbly on its feet during use. The legs are angled to enable the user to sit at the board.

Rating: 78/100

Price: £29.99

Stockist: 0845 7697356 - http://www.springclean.com

GHI Test Report - March 2008
Review of Brabantia Green Spring ironing board 321382

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 156cm x 38cm x 8cm. Height: Maximum: 92cm. Minimum: 71cm. Ironing area (L x W): 124cm x 38cmFeatures: 4 height options; padded removable tied on cover; metal mesh ironing area; clip to hold folded shut. 10 year guarantee. Replacement covers available to buy online from brabantia.com
Comments
A slimline board which clips securely shut like all the Brabantia boards tested. Smaller ironing area than others tested which makes it an ideal choice for a household with little storage space. The iron rest can be switched over for left or right handed users.

Rating: 81/100

Price: £54

Stockist: 0870 240 7641 - http://www.brabantia.com

GHI Test Report - March 2008
Review of Brabantia Steam Control ironing table with Aquabowl

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 160cm x 45cm x 12cm. Height: Maximum: 99cm. Minimum: 80cm. Ironing area (L x W) 124 x 45cm Features: 4 height options; padded, removable tied on cover; plastic ironing area10 year guarantee. Replacement covers available to buy online from brabantia.com
Comments
Designed to be used with a steam generator iron, the iron rest can be lowered so the steam generator tank is held securely. The aqua bowl is a small plastic bowl suspended under the board to collect any water which runs through the board from the steam. Quite a bulky and heavy design more suited to a large household or one with a separate laundry area.

Rating: 82/100

Price: £126

Stockist: 0870 240 7641 - http://www.brabantia.com

GHI Test Report - March 2008
Review of John Lewis Silicon ironing board

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 157cm x 38cm x 8cm. Height: Maximum: 92cm. Minimum: 71cm. Ironing area (L x W): 124cm x 38cmFeatures: 4 height options; padded, removable, tied on cover in metallic heat reflective fabric; adjustable iron rest; metal mesh ironing area; clip to hold folded shut; 10 year guarantee. Replacement covers are available from John Lewis priced £10.
Comments
The heat reflective cover means you can rest your iron anywhere temporarily whilst ironing. Silky items cling to the cover without sliding off. The board and legs clip securely shut when folded. The iron rest has a pull out bar to rest the iron on and can be switched over for left or right handed users, but is not quite large enough for a steam generator iron.

Rating: 83/100

Price: £50

Stockist: 08456 049 049 - http://www.johnlewis.co.uk

GHI Test Report - March 2008
Review of Lakeland Limited Ultima Plus ironing board

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 161cm x 44cm x 9cm. Height: Maximum: 95.5cm. Ironing area (L x W): 124cm x 44cmFeatures: unlimited height options; padded, removable, elasticated cover; metal mesh ironing area; built in linen rack; extra cover and sleeve board supplied. Replacement covers are available from Lakeland priced £8.50.
Comments
This board has a useful laundry rack underneath for ironed and folded laundry. The board has no lock to keep it shut and can spring open if picked up when folded. It has a good pointed end for shirt shoulders and smaller items. The cover cannot be washed but a replacement is included with the board, along with a useful sleeve board. The iron rest could be stronger especially if using a steam generator iron.

Rating: 86/100

Price: £49.99

Stockist: 015394 88100 - http://www.lakeland.co.uk

GHI Test Report - March 2008
Review of Brabantia Steam Ironing Table 345685 ironing board

Features
Folded (L x W x D): 160cm x 45cm x 9cm. Height: Maximum: 102cm. Minimum: 63cm. Ironing area (L x W): 135 x 45cm. Unlimited height options; padded, removable, tied on cover with heat resistant iron rest area; mesh metal ironing area; clip to hold folded shut; angled legs; child safety lock; 10 year guarantee. Replacement covers available to buy online from brabantia.com
Comments
Ideal for tall users, this has the highest maximum setting of all the boards tested. The height lever can be locked to stop it collapsing on a child. It has a useful heat resistant iron rest area at one end instead of a metal iron rest so there is plenty of room for a steam generator iron. A clip holds the board firmly closed when folded. Easy to open and fold shut this ironing board is a good size for general use. Lack of care instructions. The legs are angled to enable the user to sit at the board.

Rating: 86/100

Price: £79

Stockist: 0870 240 7641 - http://www.brabantia.com

GHI Test Report - February 2008