Back to Guides

National Iron Guide: Dry vs Steam, Watts & Care

by Ice Age National

02CLOTHES CARE

Choose for your laundry routine, then use the right heat for the garment.

For homes in PakistanFact-checked 24 October 2026

Dry iron or steam iron: which suits you?

Dry and steam ironing compared
Question Dry iron Steam iron
How does it work? Heated soleplate and pressure Heated soleplate with a steam function
What is the routine? Straightforward pressing; separate dampening only if the garment allows Fill and maintain the water system as its manual specifies
What should I check? Weight, balance, dial and soleplate Steam controls, weight and descaling routine
Can it damage clothes? Yes, if the heat or technique is wrong Yes, if heat or steam is unsuitable for the garment

The store lists the NI-560 as a dry iron with an adjustable dial, 1000W input and a 2.5kg net weight. Consider handling comfort before choosing a heavy model. Check the current listing and appliance label for your unit. View the listed model specifications ↗

How much electricity does a 1000W iron use?

Energy is power multiplied by time: kWh = watts ÷ 1000 × hours. A 1000W heater drawing that power continuously for 30 minutes uses 0.5kWh, commonly called half a unit. A thermostat cycles the heater, so actual session use can be lower.

1000W: time versus energyCalculated continuous-power examples; not measured appliance results.
15 min
0.25 kWh
30 min
0.50 kWh
60 min
1.00 kWh

Assumption: exactly 1000W throughout. Multiply measured kWh by the applicable electricity rate; taxes and other bill charges are separate.

How to avoid shine, scorch marks and a dirty base

Read the garment’s care label before setting the dial. Start with lower-heat items and test an inconspicuous area. A fabric name alone is not a reliable temperature instruction. Understand garment care labels ↗

For cleaning, follow the model’s manual. A cautious starting point for a coated base is to unplug it, let it cool and use a soft damp cloth. Avoid scraping and abrasive pads; never immerse the iron. Ask service before using a chemical cleaner. General coated-soleplate care ↗

Quick answers to common iron problems

My National iron is not heating. What should I check?

Check that the supply is on and the dial is set as the manual requires. If it still does not heat, contact service. Stop using it if the cable or plug is damaged, it sparks, or it smells burnt; do not open the casing.

Does higher wattage always give a better result?

No. Wattage describes power input. Fabric suitability, temperature control, technique and the soleplate also affect the result.

Can I put water inside a dry iron?

Do not pour water into a dry iron. Only fill a designated water tank on a model designed for it, following that model’s instructions.

Sources & fact check

Product and policy information checked on 24 October 2026. Consult the linked pages for the latest model details and terms.

The external cleaning reference provides general technique; it is not a model-specific National manual.