THE HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES THE BEST STEAM IRON.

New York, NY, November 1st, 2008 - Hammacher Schlemmer announces the selection of The Best Steam Iron, chosen over other models in tests by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute for its superior wrinkle removal, steaming, ease of use, and features.

The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1983 to research, test, and rate products objectively and without commercial bias. After extensive side-by-side comparison testing of leading products within a specific category, the Institute awards the coveted "Best" title to the model that outperforms all other candidates.

The Best Steam Iron removed wrinkles from a 100% cotton shirt on the first pass, while lesser models required as many as 27 passes. The unit only needed two passes to flatten wrinkles on a silk scarf, unlike other irons that needed 15 passes to smooth out wrinkles.

The Best Steam Iron emitted steam at 345º F (44º F hotter than other models) and produced steam on the highest setting for 32 consecutive minutes--the longest duration of any model tested. The Best Steam Iron produced 1,280 steam bursts before its boiler was empty, far superior to a competing steam iron that could only muster 180 bursts.

"One of the Best Steam Iron's most impressive features was its consistent temperature across the entire sole plate," stated Tara-Ann Dugan, Product Research Manager for the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute. "Some models demonstrated temperature variations up to 38º F from the top to the bottom of the sole plate."

The system's boiler and iron have independent heat controls, allowing dry ironing of delicate fabrics, and the unit also removes wrinkles from curtains and dresses. The steam hose can be attached to either side of the iron to accommodate left-handed or right-handed users, and a natural cork handle stays cool to the touch.

The Best Steam Iron is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $199.95. For more information, please visit www.hammacher.com or call 1-800-543-3366.

About Hammacher Schlemmer
Hammacher Schlemmer is America's longest running catalog, offering the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected since 1848. The company provides unique products that solve problems or represent the only one of their kind, and backs its products by a rather famous Lifetime Guarantee of Complete Satisfaction. Hammacher Schlemmer's innovative offerings are available through its catalog, online at www.hammacher.com, and at its landmark store on East 57th Street in New York City.