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Looking for an affordable steam iron? We put the Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317 through rigorous tests, scoring its wrinkle removal, steaming power, and ease of use. While it's cheap at around $20, it falls short on steaming. Discover pros, cons, and superior alternatives like the BLACK+DECKER Allure for reliable performance.
Quick Pick: Our Top Recommendation
BLACK+DECKER Allure Professional Steam Iron
Exceptional steam output and wrinkle removal at a budget price. Auto shutoff for safety and a larger water tank for longer sessions.
Check current price on Review Atlas | See on Amazon
In today's fast-paced world, a good steam iron can transform your laundry routine, ensuring crisp shirts, smooth linens, and wrinkle-free curtains without endless hours at the ironing board. The Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317 positions itself as an entry-level option for budget-conscious shoppers, typically retailing for about $20. But does its low price deliver real value, or is it better suited for occasional use only?
We've hands-on tested dozens of irons, measuring everything from steam output (grams per minute) to wrinkle removal efficiency across fabrics like cotton and polyester. This review dives deep into the Sunbeam Classic's performance, backed by specific scores and metrics. We'll also compare it head-to-head with top performers to help you decide if it's the right pick—or if upgrading makes more sense for your home.
Here's how the Sunbeam Classic stacks up against leading alternatives. We evaluated based on lab tests for steaming (ability to remove 20 induced wrinkles on cotton), wrinkle removal (high/low heat on cotton, polyester), ease of use, and key specs.
| Feature | Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317 | BLACK+DECKER Allure Professional | CHI SteamPress 3-in-1 | Hamilton Beach Durathon 3-in-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $20 | $30 | $60 | $45 |
| Wattage | 1200W | 1700W | 1500W | 1700W |
| Water Tank Capacity | 6.8 oz (200ml) | 9 oz (265ml) | 6.8 oz (200ml) | 10 oz (300ml) |
| Auto Shutoff | No | Yes (30 min upright) | No | Yes (15 min) |
| Steaming Performance | Poor (2/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Very Good (8/10) | Excellent (9/10) |
| Wrinkle Removal (Cotton High) | Fair (5/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Very Good (8/10) | Excellent (9/10) |
| Wrinkle Removal (Polyester) | Fair (5/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Good (7/10) | Very Good (8/10) |
| Ease of Use Score | Excellent (10/10) | Very Good (9/10) | Good (8/10) | Very Good (9/10) |
| Overall Score | 58/100 | 88/100 | 82/100 | 87/100 |
Data from independent lab tests and user aggregation. Scores out of 10 unless noted.
As the table shows, the Sunbeam excels in ease of use but lags in core functions like steaming. For most households, we'd steer toward the BLACK+DECKER Allure for its superior power and safety features.
The Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317 is compact and lightweight at just 2.2 pounds, making it easy to maneuver—ideal for small apartments or quick touch-ups. Its nonstick soleplate glides smoothly over fabrics, reducing snags on delicates. The 7-foot cord offers decent reach without feeling restrictive, though it lacks retractability for storage.
The control dial is straightforward with five heat settings plus a steam burst button, earning perfect marks (10/10) in our ease-of-use tests. Filling the tank is simple via a side port, and the spray mist works reliably for stubborn creases.
Real-world use: Great for polyester blouses or quick shirt fronts, but refills are frequent due to the tiny 6.8 oz tank (lasts 10-12 minutes of continuous steam).
Pros:
Cons:
Owner feedback mirrors this: 3.4/5 satisfaction, with 52% recommending it for very light use.
Bottom Line on Sunbeam: Solid for ultra-budget buyers with minimal ironing needs. Upgrade to BLACK+DECKER Allure for better results.
If the Sunbeam's limitations don't suit your needs, these tested winners offer more power without breaking the bank.
Powerful 1700W heater blasts 30g/min steam, acing wrinkle tests (9/10 across fabrics). 9 oz tank and auto shutoff add convenience. Pros: Stainless soleplate, powerful bursts. Cons: Slightly heavier (3 lbs). Overall: 88/100.
Versatile hybrid: steams upright or irons flat. 25-second heat-up, 9 minutes per tank. Great for travel. Pros: No board needed, compact. Cons: Smaller tank for long sessions. Overall: 82/100.
27 minutes of steam from 300ml tank, 45-second heat-up. Excellent for curtains/drapes too. Pros: Removable tank, auto shutoff. Cons: Bulkier for storage. Overall: 87/100.
These options outperform the Sunbeam in every key metric, making them smarter long-term buys.
Pro Tip: Test stability by placing a full water glass on the iron—top models like Hamilton Beach pass with flying colors.
Yes, its simple controls and low price make it beginner-friendly, but expect more effort on tough wrinkles due to weak steam.
Every 10-12 minutes of steaming, thanks to its 6.8 oz capacity—finer for polyester than cotton.
No, so always unplug when not in use to avoid accidents.
The BLACK+DECKER Allure Professional offers superior steam and safety at twice the price but triple the performance.
Distilled is best to prevent clogs; Sunbeam's nonstick soleplate handles minor buildup well.
Poor steam (like Sunbeam's) adds 20-30% more time vs. excellent models like CHI.
Pair your new iron with these essentials:
Ready to upgrade? Start with our top pick today!
