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Verdict: the Hamilton Beach Durathon is our favorite budget iron. The model sold today is the 19803: 1500W, a Durathon nonstick soleplate that Hamilton Beach says is 10x more durable than traditional nonstick, an 8 ft retractable cord, vertical steam and 3-way auto shut-off. It is heavier than compact budget irons, but it is the strongest all-rounder in the budget tier.
This is a research-based review. We have not tested the Durathon hands-on. Specifications come from Hamilton Beach and the Amazon.com listing, compared with the other irons we cover. Anything not published is marked as such.
19800 or 19803? This page originally covered the Durathon 19800. The Durathon iron listed at Amazon.com today is the 19803, so this refreshed review covers that model. It is the top pick in our best budget steam irons and retractable cord irons guides.
At a glance
- Our verdict Hamilton Beach Durathon 19803 ($). 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
Hamilton Beach Durathon 19803: Our verdict
- Power: 1500W
- Soleplate: Durathon nonstick
- Cord: 8 ft retractable
- Vertical steam: Yes
- Auto shut-off: 3-way
- Weight: 3.2 lb
- Continuous steam: not published
- Tank: not published
The most power and the best soleplate claim in the budget tier. Hamilton Beach says the Durathon coating is 10x more durable than traditional nonstick, the 8-foot cord retracts into the body, and 3-way auto shut-off switches off after 30 seconds flat or on its side and 15 minutes upright.
- 1500W
- Durable nonstick soleplate
- Retractable 8 ft cord
- 3-way auto shut-off
- Heavier than compact irons
Our verdict: A cheap iron for regular family ironing.
Key specs explained
Durathon nonstick soleplate. Hamilton Beach’s own coating, which it says is 10 times more durable than traditional nonstick. Nonstick plates glide easily and wipe clean; a tougher coating should resist the scratches that make cheap irons drag over time.
1500W. Strong for the budget tier, where many irons sit at 1200W. The extra power helps the plate stay hot while you use steam.
8 ft retractable cord. The cord winds into the body of the iron. Eight feet is a useful length, and there is nothing to coil when you put the iron away.
3-way auto shut-off with published timings. The iron switches off after 30 seconds if left flat or on its side, and after 15 minutes upright. Many budget irons do not publish these figures.
Vertical steam. Hold it upright to refresh hanging clothes and curtains.
Weight. About 3.2 lb on Amazon: heavier than compact irons such as the 2.3 lb Black+Decker IR40V, which some people find helps press creases.
Not published: steam output figures and tank capacity.
Who should buy it
- Buy it if you want a cheap iron for regular family ironing, tidy cord storage and clear safety shut-off.
- Skip it if you want the lightest iron possible, or if you press heavy linen daily and want published steam figures.
For the right setting on each fabric, see our iron temperature guide.
Alternatives
- Sunbeam SteamMaster 4275-200: 1200W, also with an 8 ft retractable cord, plus self-clean. Read the SteamMaster review.
- Black+Decker Allure Professional: 1600W with Auto Clean and a stainless soleplate. Read the Allure review.
- CHI retractable-cord iron: 1750W with a ceramic soleplate, in a higher tier. Read the CHI 13102 review.
- More power and steam: see the best steam irons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Hamilton Beach 19800 and 19803?
The 19803 is the Durathon model currently listed at Amazon.com and the one this review covers. Hamilton Beach does not publish a side-by-side comparison with the older 19800 in the listing we checked.
Does the Hamilton Beach Durathon have a retractable cord?
Yes. The 19803 has an 8 ft cord that retracts into the body of the iron.
When does the Durathon 19803 turn off?
After 30 seconds if left flat or on its side, and after 15 minutes if left upright.
How many watts is the Hamilton Beach 19803?
1500W.
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.