Metaltex Alhena Ironing Board, Various Colours

My previous ironing board was 30cm across at its widest and covered in a thin wrinkly padding that we usually had to iron flat before pressing our clothes. I purchased this new board after I'd irresponsibly left our iron on and it burnt a hole through the padding and partially through the old board. Luckily we returned home and sniffed the burning before the house caught alight. OK...back-story over. I bought the Metaltex on the basis on several adverse reviews of its competitors (thin pads, heavy, difficult to adjust, etc.) and just one lonely, yet very positive review of this board that ticked my brief list of requirements (makes you enjoy ironing and has a large ironing area), see above.

Ironing area: Upon unwrapping the board, my partner's first comment was "I thought you were buying an ironing board, not a small country" - for the ironing area is huge. I can now iron my 6 year old daughter's clothes in one go compared to my previous "iron a bit-lift/pull item-iron a bit more" cycle. Duvet covers and sheets take half the time to iron than previously and so I am starting to recoup the time I had previously wasted on several tedious "iron a bit-lift/pull item-iron a bit more" cycles. Heck, last week I, a hater of ironing, was singing while pressing a king-sized flat sheet probably because I knew that it wouldn't take me very long. (And those listening to my singing were relieved too).

Build: The board is very sturdy. No wobble at all when used. The ironing area is huge compared to my previous board (yes, I know that I've said that before) and capable of doubling up as a rigid, but dangerously high, sleeping area for a child up to the age of about 8. The pad wasn't as thick as I thought it would be, but it does its job very well - I get smooth results with no ironing pad wrinkle effects in my clothes. The board is heavier than my previous one, but not adversely so. The linen shelf is useful when you remember it is there. If it's important for you, the pad has a contemporary pattern and so, if you are pushed for storage space, you can hang the board on the wall and declare it a piece of modern art.

Adjustments: The board is very easy to set up and adjust. The iron tray neatly slides under the board so the board has a reduced height when stored vertically. The tray took a bit of getting used to as it has an odd hole in it, which is just a tad too small for your standard sized iron to drop through to the floor (though not recommended for wee, handbag-friendly travel irons). "What's this about?" I wondered and then the investigator in me kicked in and I surfed the 'Net looking for images of the ironing board tray "in action". Turns out that you rest the iron in the hole at an angle roughly 30 degrees up from the horizontal. This is a nice, easy to grab angle that probably prevents dripping (if you have one of those old-fashioned irons that dribble rudely on your clothes). The iron rests in the hole on 4 rubber grommets that I had worried would melt when they contact with the iron base, but don't.

Instructions: The instruction card with the board is, to put it bluntly, a bit pants. I expected some reassuring advice to show me how to correctly use the oddly-designed iron tray. Instead, there's a photo showing the tray neatly sliding under the board - which I had worked out myself by accident. The card, which had doubled as part of the wrapping for the board, is about 3ft long and has images of the board being adjusted and minimal text. I decided that I didn't want a life-sized poster of ironing board images so, after I had absorbed the images, the card went into recycling. Besides, it's only an ironing board not a control panel for a nuclear reactor.

In summary, an excellent ironing board with a huge, smooth ironing area and slick ergonomic design. It won't cure the common cold or bring about world peace, but it'll greatly assist you in getting your ironing done in minimal time with no fuss.

Strangely enough I actually enjoy the ironing again. The slide out iron tray is great for fitting my steam generator and the ironing area fits for my clothes perfect, reducing my ironing time. Only downfall is that it does feel slightly lower than my last ironing board, but I am learning to live with that, better that than have to return this ironing board.....

I read Carmody's review, smiled & decided this was the ironing board for me.
It arrived quickly & is making ironing the best it could be.
Many thanks Carmody for helping influence my decision!

I also purchased a cover for it as the supplied pale yellow cover was a little thin & pale and so will easily show the dirt. JML Fast Fit Ironing Board Cover - Retro Design Sold by: Lake Home and Leisure in purple.JML Fast Fit Ironing Board Cover - Retro Design

Overall a GREAT PRODUCT & GREAT SERVICE.