Flatiron timeline

1st Century CE (China)
➤ Earliest known ironing tools: Metal pans filled with hot coals used to press and smooth fabric.
➤ These early devices were more like heated pressure tools than what we'd call irons today.
Middle Ages (9th–15th Century, Europe)
➤ People used glass, stone, or wood "smoothers" to press clothes, especially linen.
➤ No heating involved — simply used pressure.

17th Century (Europe)
➤ Introduction of "flatirons" or "sad irons" ("sad" meaning solid or heavy).
➤ These irons were made of cast iron and heated on a stove or open flame.
➤ Multiple irons were used in rotation — one heated while the other was in use.
18th Century
➤ Box irons gained popularity — hollow irons filled with hot coals or a heated slug.
➤ More efficient than solid flatirons, but bulky and smoky.

Mid-19th Century
➤ Sad irons became more refined, with detachable handles and improved designs.
➤ Mary Florence Potts patented a reversible sad iron in 1870, with a detachable wooden handle and multiple bases that could be swapped as they cooled.
➤ Flat irons used in hotels and other lodging accommodations by guest services and housekeeping staff. Staff used flatirons to press linens, napkins, tablecloths, etc. Hotels also provided flatirons to guests so they could press their own clothing.

1882 (USA)
➤ Henry W. Seeley of New York patented the first electric iron.
➤ Known as the "electric flatiron," it used a carbon arc for heating.
➤ Heavy and slow to heat, but a major technological leap.