Electric and Steam Irons

Unicorp supplies a comprehensive range of professional irons from two leading brands: Due Effe (Italy) and SilverStar. The range includes gravity-feed irons for lightweight continuous pressing, all-steam irons for heavy-duty commercial use, steam-electric combination irons for versatile fabric handling, speciality open irons for seam and pleat detail work, upright garment steamers for delicate fabrics and quick touch-ups, compact mini presses for collars and cuffs, professional vacuum ironing tables, and standalone steam generators to power multiple pressing stations. This means we can equip any operation from a small tailoring shop to a large industrial laundry.

Gravity-feed irons (like the SilverStar Gravity Iron) use water fed from an elevated bottle to generate steam on demand. They are lightweight because there is no water tank in the iron body, provide unlimited steam duration without refill interruptions, and are preferred for long pressing sessions where operator fatigue is a concern. Electric irons (like the SilverStar Steam Electric) heat the soleplate electrically and are better suited for operations that need precise dry-heat temperature control for heat-sensitive fabrics, or that want the versatility of both dry pressing and steam pressing in one unit. If your operation primarily involves continuous steam pressing of standard garments, a gravity-feed iron is typically the best choice. If you handle a wide mix of fabrics including delicates that need careful temperature control, a steam-electric combination iron offers more flexibility. Contact our team for a recommendation based on your specific garment types and workload.

Steam requirements depend on the type and number of irons in your operation. Gravity-feed irons generate their own steam internally and only need a water supply and electrical connection. All-steam irons (both Due Effe and SilverStar models) typically connect to an external steam generator or boiler that provides consistent high-pressure steam. The SilverStar Steam Generator is available in various capacities and can power multiple irons simultaneously from a central unit. For larger operations with multiple pressing stations, a centralised steam boiler (such as a Reverberi industrial boiler) may be more efficient. Our team can assess your pressing line layout and recommend the right steam supply configuration based on the number of irons, iron types, and your daily throughput.

Due Effe is an Italian manufacturer known for innovative, specialty iron designs. Their standout products include the Iron Master (a premium professional iron with precision temperature control) and the Apripiega (a unique open-type iron for seam opening and detail work that has no equivalent in the SilverStar range). Due Effe irons are particularly valued by dry cleaners and tailors handling high-end garments. SilverStar offers a broader product system covering the full ironing workflow: gravity-feed irons, all-steam irons, steam-electric combination irons, upright garment steamers, mini presses, vacuum ironing tables, and steam generators. SilverStar is the better choice when you need to equip a complete pressing line from a single brand with compatible components. Many operations use both brands — SilverStar for their core pressing line and Due Effe specialty irons for detail finishing work.

Yes. Unicorp stocks key spare parts for both Due Effe and SilverStar irons locally in South Africa. Commonly replaced items include heating elements, thermostats, soleplates, steam valves, water tank components, hose fittings, and iron handles. Having parts available domestically means significantly faster repair turnaround compared to ordering directly from overseas manufacturers. We also supply accessories such as replacement ironing board covers, silicone iron rests, and water filters. For any parts not held in local stock, we coordinate directly with Due Effe and SilverStar to source components as quickly as possible. Contact us with your iron model number for specific parts availability and pricing.