IRONS: COMPACT vs CLUNKY

OLD: 1960s Hoover 4004 steam iron, estimated cost: £3 5s 4d (around £50 today)

NEW: Hoover AirFlow steam iron, £59.99, hoover.co.uk When I hold the old iron, I have a flashback to my childhood: the hiss of steam and drops of condensation on the windows of the family kitchen as my mother made her way through a pile of my father’s shirts.

Though it is old, it is also, in a way, new, as it has never been used — according to the seller on website preloved.co.uk, from whom I bought it for £50.

She very kindly changed the plug from the original out-of-date 1960s model to a modern one, and checked that it worked before posting it to me.

When I put the two irons next to each other, they don’t look very different — though the newer one is slightly larger.

The 1960s version has a simple heat dial that takes you from synthetics to cottons (cool to hot), while the new iron goes from nylon to denim cotton — which seems marvellously specific (and terribly modern).

The AirFlow also has a stand set into the back so you can rest it upright, and a nifty-looking fan to cool it down.

The steam is adjustable, while in the 1960s it appears you had steam or you didn’t.

The new iron heats up within seconds and steam hisses out. It feels clunky, but it sweeps over a pair of cotton pyjamas and swiftly leaves them neatly pressed. The vintage version takes around a minute to heat up, but I’m surprised to find that I prefer the lighter feel and smaller base as I whizz it over another pair of cotton pyjamas, with very similar results.

I can see that the newer one gives a smoother finish, but my nostalgia sways me towards the old iron.