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Verdict: the Black+Decker Easy Steam IR40V is a good budget iron for students, small apartments and anyone who irons a few shirts a week. It is compact and light (about 2.3 lb), with a TrueGlide nonstick soleplate, spray mist, anti-drip and motion-sensitive 3-way auto shut-off. At 1200W with a small tank, it is not built for linen or big piles of bedding.
This is a research-based review. We have not tested the IR40V hands-on. Specifications come from Black+Decker and the Amazon.com listing, compared with the other irons we cover. Figures Black+Decker does not publish are marked “not published”.
The IR40V is our budget pick in the best steam irons guide and the cheapest model in our Black+Decker irons roundup.
At a glance
- Our verdict Black+Decker Easy Steam IR40V ($). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications and the Amazon.com listing for each model (sources: Manufacturer product page and Amazon.com listing (checked October 2026)). Where a maker does not publish a figure, we say “not published” rather than guess. We checked that every product was on sale in the US when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Full review
Our verdict
Black+Decker Easy Steam IR40V: Our verdict
- Power: 1200W
- Steam boost: not published
- Continuous steam: not published
- Soleplate: TrueGlide nonstick
- Weight: 2.3 lb
- Auto shut-off: 3-way
- Anti-drip: Yes
- Cord: not published
- Tank: not published
If you only iron a few shirts a week you do not need 1800W. The Easy Steam is compact and light, with a nonstick soleplate, spray mist, anti-drip and motion-sensitive 3-way auto shut-off. Do not expect it to power through linen or a big pile of bedding.
- Budget price tier
- Light and compact
- 3-way auto shut-off
- Anti-drip
- Only 1200W
- Small tank
Our verdict: Students, small apartments and occasional ironing.
Key specs explained
1200W. At the low end for a full-size iron. It heats and steams well enough for shirts and blouses, but the plate takes longer to recover on long sessions and with heavy fabrics.
TrueGlide nonstick soleplate. A nonstick coating helps the iron slide and makes starch residue easy to wipe off. Keep it away from zips and rivets to avoid scratches.
Motion-sensitive 3-way auto shut-off. The iron switches off when it has not moved for a while, whether it is flat, on its side or upright. That is a useful safety feature in a dorm or shared apartment. The exact timings are not in the listing we checked.
Anti-drip and spray mist. Anti-drip stops water leaking at low temperatures; the spray mist dampens stubborn creases.
Weight. About 2.3 lb on Amazon, so it is easy to handle and pack away.
Not published: steam output, cord length and tank capacity. Black+Decker describes the tank as small.
Who should buy it
- Buy it if you iron occasionally, have little storage space, or want a light iron with 3-way shut-off for a student.
- Skip it if you iron every day, press lots of cotton and linen, or iron for a family; a 1500W or 1800W iron will be faster.
Pair it with a compact board; see our best ironing boards. For fabric settings, see the iron temperature guide.
Alternatives
- Hamilton Beach Durathon 19803: 1500W, a durable nonstick soleplate and an 8 ft retractable cord, still in the budget tier. Read the Durathon review.
- Black+Decker Allure Professional: 1600W with Auto Clean. Read the Allure review.
- Black+Decker Light ‘N Easy IR1020S: a stainless steel soleplate in a compact, cheap iron; see the Black+Decker guide.
- More cheap irons: the best budget steam irons.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Black+Decker IR40V a good iron?
Yes, for light, occasional ironing. It is compact, light and has 3-way auto shut-off. At 1200W it is not a match for heavier irons on linen or bedding.
How many watts is the IR40V?
1200W.
Does the Black+Decker IR40V turn off automatically?
Yes. It has motion-sensitive 3-way auto shut-off for when it is left flat, on its side or upright.
How much does the IR40V weigh?
Amazon lists about 2.3 lb.
Related guides
Sources: Manufacturer product page and Amazon.com listing (checked October 2026). Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.