not available
Good Housekeeping's top performer in almost every category, with a wide 200-450°F range and a very long cord. It has no ready chime, and Wirecutter preferred a $30 Remington. Make sure you buy the digital PRO version.
Top complaints
- No ready chime
The display shows the temperature rising, but there is no sound when it is ready. Reviewed lists this as a con, and Good Housekeeping's pros wished for an audible tone.
Source: Reviewed, Good Housekeeping (via AOL) - Pricey; lost to a budget iron
Reviewed lists 'Expensive' as a con. Wirecutter's panel liked how it glided, but it was edged out by the about $30 Remington.
Source: Reviewed, Wirecutter (NYT) - Lookalike fixed-heat version
The CHI Lava 1-inch listing on Amazon (B07L37WXVC) has an on/off switch and no temperature settings. In its review summary, owners flag the lack of heat control (73 of 83 mentions negative) and some say it doesn't get hot enough.
What owners love
- Top lab and panel results
Good Housekeeping says it ranked best in almost every category, and testers saw noticeable shine in one pass. It reached 96% of its maximum temperature in 60 seconds.
Source: Good Housekeeping (via AOL) - Wide, fine-grained heat range
200-450°F in 10° steps, about 39 s to heat, smooth 4-inch plates and an 11-foot cord, the longest Reviewed tested. Reviewed names it best for thin hair.
Source: Reviewed - Glides, handles coils
Wirecutter's panel liked how quickly it glided. One tester said it was hot enough to straighten super coily hair.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
- You want an audible 'ready' signal
- You want the best value (Wirecutter preferred the Remington)
- Fine or thin hair that needs low heat
- Shine in one pass
- Bathrooms where the outlet is far away (11-ft cord)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping (via AOL): Top pick (2023-09-19, from 90+ irons tested over time): best in almost every category. The only wish was an audible ready tone.
- Reviewed: Best for thin hair (updated 2024-12-02): durable, wide heat range, smooth plates. The cons are no chime and price, and it was listed as unavailable at the time.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Finalist, not a pick: it glides fast and handles coily hair, but the Remington edged it out.