Isn’t it great when a product far outlives its warranty period?
Especially when it is a product that is essential in most households and frequently used. Such as the humble steam iron.
This one is different though and labelled as a steam station. We’re talking about the Swiss Laurastar.
We’ve been using a Laurastar LIFT model for over 10 years now and it still works perfectly fine.
Today, we’re introducing the latest iteration of the Laurastar LIFT series, the Xtra Titan which can come bundled with a very handy Steam Cart.
Courtesy of Laurastar Australia.
And we’re also glancing back at the past decade of having “Laura” in our family.
If the name Laurastar doesn’t ring a bell for you, have a quick look at our original review here, where we honoured this appliance with our Editor’s Choice Award.
So, this is a bit like a 10 Year Anniversary Review…
Here are some highlights.
The Company
Laurastar is certainly not a newcomer on the fabric care scene.
This Swiss company has over the past 3+ decades sold more than 3 million products worldwide.
As you know, Swiss are known for their penchant for perfection and this is clearly illustrated by the innovative Laurastar product range, which is arguably the most awarded around the world.
The Product
Laurastar LIFT Xtra’s main claim to fame is the 3D soleplate which delivers the automatic pulse steam, ensuring perfect ironing and saving time.
If you wanna know how that all works, there are a few short videos on the Laurastar website that explain this very well.
By all accounts, this is a professional steam iron that will be equally appreciated in busy households.
The Comparison
The LIFT Xtra and the LIFT Plus from 10 years back – How do they compare?
There’s actually very little that differentiate the two.
Sure, the 3D soleplate on the Xtra is now completely aluminium for better heat distribution and the temp dial is gone, making for a sleeker appearance, but other than that?
Well, in my books that’s a good thing.
Many high-quality products don’t have to bring out a new model every year.
Just some slight refinements over time.
Like that temp dial.
Your Laurastar knows the perfect temperature for all your ironing.
And if you need to do delicate items, such as printed T-shirts with a transfer or viscose or dark velvety material, there is a clip-on Teflon-coated sole plate included, that fits the iron like a shoe and immediately reduces the temperature by about 100 degrees.
So there is no need for radically new models or styling when the product has just one job: in this case – ironing.
Years ago, Laurastar perfected that task and they’re not about to change a winning formula.
What is different – and pleasingly so – is the colour of the unit. We have a preference for the matte black Titanium look, and that is the unit under review.
There is also an aluminium colour with other models available in red or white.
The old Laurastar unit was a glossy black.
The Advantages
There are several great advantages to owning a Laurastar.
For starters, you’ll be hard pushed to find an appliance that gives a better end result when you’re done ironing.
The steam is a DRY steam. Why is that important?
The boiler heats up the water and it cools down somewhat through the long hose but is re-heated again in the iron.
The result is that garments are almost completely dry rather than still wet as with conventional steam irons.
Surprisingly, the steam is not dangerously hot that it might inadvertently scald you.
In fact, you can even put your hand in the steam without any harm (just don’t get too close, like closer than 30cm from the soleplate).
You can do VERTICAL steaming. Great for doing dresses, shirts or jackets. Even curtains.
If vertical steaming is the bulk of your ironing, there is also a more specialised steam station: the Laurastar Izzy.
The steaming also disinfects pillows and toys very effectively.
Lastly, the iron itself is very lightweight.
A feature that people with arthritis or limited wrist movement certainly will appreciate.
This, plus the fact that ironing is done much faster, makes it much less of a chore.
The Downside
If there is any downside, it has to be the price.
At $1399, the Laurastar LIFT Xtra Steam Station is not for everyone.
But if you value your garments or do a fair bit of ironing, and want to save time, this is an investment well worth considering, taking into account the longevity of the appliance.
Fortunately, Laurastar Australia offers a 10% off your first order if you “join the club”.
They also have regular promotions which would save you hundreds of dollars.
And, of course, there are other models in the LIFT range as well that may suit your budget better.
The Testing
Well, we have had 10 years of testing behind us with all sorts of materials.
The new LIFT Xtra also has been put through its paces extensively.
Every garment, jeans, or delicates had the Star treatment from our new “Laura”.
The Steam Cart
Other than a great ironing board to complement your Laurastar, one accessory we find extremely handy is the Steam Cart.
This Cart is not only a place to store your Steam Station or to wheel it around, but it has an extendable rack to hang garments on.
That’s nice for when you’ve finished some ironing to be able to hang it up right next to you so it doesn’t crease again, but its main use is for vertical steaming.
Hang up a jacket and steam it whilst barely touching it. Quick and easy.
Also, the Steam Cart folds away nicely if you don’t want to store your Laurastar with it.
The Steam Cart retails at $349.
By the way, the colour match with the LIFT Xtra Titanium is perfect.
The Findings
One of the aspects of working with a tool or appliance that is in every way perfect for its job, is the joy of working with it.
I guess there are not many people who really love to iron, but I have heard repeatedly over the last 10 years from a trusted source – my wife – how happy she is with her Laurastar.
She loves the lightness of the iron, the consistent, perfect results, and being the perfectionist she is, that makes the Laurastar a real winner!
And a great time saver!
Highly recommended!
Please have a look at the Laurastar website for more info and videos and see the full range of products.
Check them also for the promotions which they regularly have.
We thank Innovative Home Solutions, the Aussie importer for the Laurastar and HIZERO (which we reviewed recently as well) for making the LIFT Xtra available for review.
