How hot does an iron get?

The temperature that an iron is capable of reaching depends largely on its wattage capacity; used correctly, a high wattage iron is capable of achieving 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the wattage capacity of an iron, the greater the temperature it can achieve.

To get the most effectiveness from an iron, it should be allowed to reach the selected heat setting by waiting 10 to 15 minutes after selecting the temperature before use. To aid in retaining heat instead of allowing it to quickly dissipate, a sheet of aluminum foil placed under the item being ironed redirects the heat back into the fabric, increasing the applied temperature.