For most of us, ironing is a chore we actively avoid—a tedious cycle of refilling water tanks, battling stubborn creases, and dodging water drips. But what if you could cut that time in half and achieve results comparable to a professional dry cleaner right in your own laundry room? Enter the Laurastar Smart U. As the flagship model of the Swiss brand's "Smart" range, this isn't just an iron; it is a comprehensive "All-in-One" fabric care system designed to bridge the gap between domestic appliances and industrial pressing tables. At BIKMAN TECH, we have analyzed the engineering behind this behemoth to see if it truly transforms the ironing experience from a burden into a breeze.
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1. Product Overview
The Laurastar Smart U is an integrated system comprising a steam generator base, a specialized "active" ironing board, and a lightweight professional iron. Unlike a standard steam station where you place a heavy unit on a flimsy board, the Smart U is a cohesive unit where the board and iron communicate. It is designed for "prosumers"—textile enthusiasts, sewists, and large families—who require volume processing with precision. The system connects via Bluetooth to a mobile app, claiming the title of the world's first connected iron, though its mechanical prowess is its true selling point.1
2. Key Feature: Dry Microfine Steam (DMS)
The crown jewel of Laurastar's technology is its proprietary Dry Microfine Steam (DMS). While standard irons often produce "wet" steam that leaves clothes damp and prone to re-wrinkling, the Smart U heats water twice—once in the boiler and again in the iron's soleplate. This superheating causes the steam to expand 1,600 times its liquid volume, creating a high-velocity jet that penetrates deep into fibers.2
We found that this "dry" steam relaxes fabrics instantly, setting them permanently without leaving moisture behind. Beyond aesthetics, this technology is a powerhouse for hygiene. Independent laboratory tests confirm that DMS eliminates 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and 100% of dust mites, making it an excellent tool for sanitizing bedding, curtains, and baby clothes without chemicals.3
3. The Active Board: Vacuum and Blower
What truly separates the Smart U from a standard high-end iron is the Active Board. Integrated into the table is a 4-speed reversible fan that offers two distinct modes:
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Vacuum Mode: This suction feature holds the garment flat against the board, which is essential for pleats and preventing light fabrics (like silk) from slipping. It also pulls steam through the fabric to cool and set creases instantly.4
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Blower Mode: By reversing the fan, the board inflates a cushion of air under the fabric. This allows you to iron on a curve, preventing seam allowances, pockets, and buttons from pressing through and leaving unsightly marks on the front of your garment.5
4. Performance and SenSteam Technology
The "Smart" in the name refers largely to the SenSteam technology. Sensors in the handle detect your movement; steam is automatically released when you push the iron forward and stops when you halt or pull back. While this takes a moment to get used to, it significantly reduces wrist strain during long sessions.4
Combined with the Active 3D Soleplate—which features a raised aluminum bar to tension the fabric ahead of the steam vents—the system allows for single-pass ironing. This efficiency supports the manufacturer's claim of halving ironing time.2 For users in North America, it is worth noting that the 120V model operates at approximately 1500W-1600W, which may result in a slightly longer warm-up time (around 10-12 minutes for full saturation) compared to the rapid 3-minute start on European 220V models.4
5. Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically, the Smart U is striking. With its matte finish and the premium "Universalcover Black," it looks more like a piece of high-tech furniture than a laundry tool. The specialized "Easyfolding" mechanism is a patented design that allows the entire system to be collapsed and set up by a single person effortlessly.5
However, users should be aware of its heft. Weighing in at 19 kg (42 lbs), this is a substantial unit. While it features integrated wheels for rolling across flat surfaces, carrying it up and down stairs is a workout.6 It is best suited for homes with a dedicated laundry space or single-level living.
6. Technical Specifications
Below is a breakdown of the key technical data for the Laurastar Smart U:
| Steam Pressure |
3.5 Bar (Constant) 6 |
| Device Power |
2200W (EU) / ~1600W (US) 4 |
| Iron Weight |
1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) 4 |
| Total Weight |
19 kg (42 lbs) 6 |
| Water Tank Capacity |
~1.2 Liters (Removable) |
| Board Dimensions |
125 x 42 cm (49.2 x 16.5 in) 4 |
| Height Adjustment |
83 - 104 cm (6 positions) 5 |
7. Connectivity and App Integration
The Smart U connects via Bluetooth to the Laurastar Smart App. The app tracks your ironing time, water filter status, and offers maintenance alerts.6 It also includes video tutorials on how to iron complex items like dress shirts or silk blouses. While we found the tutorials helpful for beginners, the "smart" connectivity is largely a maintenance aid rather than a daily necessity. The core value remains in the hardware's performance rather than the software.4
8. What's in the Box?
Laurastar ensures you have everything needed to start immediately. The package typically includes:
- The Smart U System (Iron + Board)
- Universalcover Black (High-resistance board cover)
- Anti-scale water filter granules and holder
- Steam cord holder (to keep the cord off your clothes)
- Protective 3D soleplate for delicate fabrics
- Drain tray for boiler maintenance 7
9. Real-World Use and Ergonomics
In practical use, the lightweight iron (just 1.1 kg) is a relief for those with wrist issues, as the heavy water boiler is located in the base, not the hand unit.5 Vertical steaming is another highlight; the powerful, dry steam allows you to refresh suits, curtains, and dresses directly on the hanger without wetting them.8
Noise is a factor to consider. The "active" nature of the board means you will hear the hum of the fan and the hiss of the high-pressure steam injection. Some users describe it as a "steampunk" experience—not silent, but indicative of the power at your disposal.9
10. Sustainability and Maintenance
In an era of disposable appliances, Laurastar stands out with a commitment to fight planned obsolescence. They offer a 10-year repairable guarantee, ensuring that spare parts remain available for a decade after production ends.10 The system requires regular maintenance, specifically changing the anti-scale granules and rinsing the boiler, but the app effectively nags you to perform these tasks to prolong the machine's life.
Final Thoughts
The Laurastar Smart U is undeniably a luxury investment, but for the right user, it is a game-changer. If you are a sewist who needs precise pressing, a professional who wears suits daily, or a household manager drowning in laundry, the efficiency and finish quality are unmatched. It trades money for time and garment longevity. While the weight and space requirements are significant, the ability to achieve dry-cleaner quality results at home makes it a standout product in the fabric care market.
At BIKMAN TECH, we recommend the Smart U for those who take their textiles seriously. If you have questions about how it compares to other systems or need tips on usage, drop a comment below!
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