Black & Decker Cord Reel Iron with Nonstick Soleplate

Why I picked up this iron

I brought the Black+Decker cord‑reel iron into my laundry rotation because I wanted something light, quick to heat, and simple enough for everyday pressing without fussing with multiple sliders and buttons. The promise of a single dial for heat and steam, a nonstick soleplate, and a retractable cord hit the right notes for a compact, grab‑and‑go iron.

Over the past few weeks, I used it on a typical mix: cotton dress shirts, linen napkins, a polyester‑blend blouse, and a set of drapes that needed a quick vertical refresh. Here’s how it fared.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, the iron feels noticeably light—around a pound—so it’s easy to maneuver and less tiring during long sessions. The body is compact (roughly 11.8 x 5.5 x 6 inches), and the spring‑loaded cord reel keeps storage tidy. The retractable mechanism isn’t a novelty; it genuinely cuts down on cord clutter and makes it easier to stow in a small cabinet.

Build quality is typical of budget‑friendly appliances: mostly plastic with a clear, lightly tinted water tank. The fabric guide printed on the top plate is a nice touch and makes the single‑dial approach more foolproof. I wish the water level were easier to see; unless I held it up toward a window or bright light, I had to squint to judge the fill line.

Heating and control

This iron heats quickly. From cold to a cotton/linen setting takes under a minute in my experience, and it stabilizes fast enough that you’re not waiting around between garments. The SmartSteam single dial combines temperature and steam output, which keeps things simple. The trade‑off is precision: if you like fine control over steam independent of temperature, this unified approach can feel a bit blunt.

On synthetics and delicate blends, the dial needs a lighter touch. The iron runs on the hotter side of what the markings suggest, so I had better results starting a half‑step lower than I would on a pro iron and nudging up as needed. With cotton and linen, it’s confident—plenty of heat, consistent steam, and crisp results.

Glide and soleplate

The nonstick soleplate lives up to its billing on most fabrics. It glides smoothly on cottons and synthetics and doesn’t snag on seams or buttons. At higher temps with starch or sizing, I did notice residue building more readily than on ceramic or stainless plates. A quick wipe on a damp cloth while the plate was warm (not hot) took care of it, and an occasional use of a soleplate cleaner kept it looking new. If you’re a heavy starch user, be mindful—nonstick surfaces tend to collect gunk faster when overheated.

Steam performance

Steam output is solid for this class. Continuous steam keeps pace on shirts and napkins without sputtering once the iron is fully up to temperature. The burst function delivers a useful shot for stubborn creases, and vertical steam helps smooth hanging garments and drapes in a pinch. It won’t replace a dedicated garment steamer for deeply set wrinkles, but it’s enough for quick touch‑ups.

The anti‑drip system helps, but physics still applies: if you try to use steam below the proper temperature range or overfill the tank, you’ll get the occasional spit. Two habits minimized this for me:
- Wait for the iron to reach full temperature before engaging steam.
- Keep the fill slightly below maximum.

Usability and safety

Ergonomically, the handle is comfortable for small to medium hands, and the light weight reduces fatigue. The tip is reasonably pointed, which is helpful for getting between buttons and along plackets. I appreciate that the body balance lets the iron rest securely on its heel without feeling tippy.

There’s no dedicated on/off switch, so power is controlled at the outlet. That’s common at this price and not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you prefer a hard switch. For storage, the cord reel does its job; I found it best to guide the cord back with one hand as you press the release so it doesn’t whip. The spring tension is moderate—enough to retract fully without feeling aggressive.

Auto‑clean and maintenance

The auto‑clean function helps purge mineral buildup from the steam chamber. I ran it after a week of daily use with tap water and saw the expected mineral specks flush out. Use distilled or filtered water if your tap water is hard; it reduces maintenance and keeps the soleplate cleaner.

One minor gripe: the auto‑clean button feels a bit flimsy. It worked as intended, but the action is shallow and plasticky. I’d press it gently and avoid mashing it while the iron is hot. Long‑term durability of small trim pieces is where budget irons often show their price.

Performance across fabrics

• Cotton shirts: Excellent. Fast heat, reliable steam, and a smooth glide produced crisp collars and cuffs with minimal passes.
• Linen napkins: Very good. With the dial at the higher end, steam and weight together flattened creases well, though the iron’s light mass means you sometimes need an extra pass.
• Polyester blends: Good if you err on the cool side. Start low; this iron’s “synthetics” zone runs warm. A pressing cloth helps if you’re worried about sheen.
• Silk and delicate blends: Adequate. Use low heat, minimal or no steam, and keep the iron moving. A pressing cloth is advisable.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Lightweight and quick to heat, which makes it ideal for frequent short sessions or tight spaces.
- The retractable cord keeps storage tidy and genuinely improves day‑to‑day convenience.
- The nonstick soleplate glides well on common fabrics.
- Simple control scheme lowers the learning curve for casual users.

Limitations:
- The single dial trades precision for simplicity. If you want granular control over steam at a fixed temp, you won’t get it here.
- Water level visibility is poor unless you hold the tank to a bright light.
- Nonstick plates can collect residue if used hot with starch; light maintenance is required.
- Trim pieces feel budget, and the auto‑clean button lacks a robust feel.
- No dedicated on/off switch.

Tips for better results

• Start a little cooler on synthetics and step up as needed; this iron runs on the warm side.
• Wait for full heat before using steam, and don’t overfill the tank to reduce spitting.
• Use distilled or filtered water if you live with hard water; run auto‑clean periodically.
• For starched items, wipe the warm soleplate after use to prevent buildup.
• Guide the cord during retraction to avoid whipping and to help the reel last longer.

The bottom line

This Black+Decker iron delivers on the essentials: it heats fast, glides smoothly, and offers convenient cord management in a light, compact body. It’s a straightforward tool for everyday ironing and quick touch‑ups, with enough steam to handle cottons and linens and a vertical mode for hanging items.

It’s not a precision instrument. The simplified control, average steam nuance, and budget build mean it’s best suited to occasional to moderate home use rather than heavy, exacting workloads. If you prioritize convenience, light weight, and a clutter‑free cord, it’s an easy iron to live with. If you need pro‑level control, heavier soleplate pressure, or maximum durability, you’ll want to step up a tier.

Recommendation: I recommend this iron for budget‑minded users who value light weight, quick heat, and a retractable cord for tidy storage. It’s a solid everyday performer for cottons and blends, provided you’re mindful with synthetics and willing to do light maintenance. If you demand finer control, heavier build quality, or plan to iron high volumes weekly, look for a more robust model.