How do flat irons work?

You will know that an electric toaster has "elements" in it which become red hot and toast your bread. Well an electric iron has an element inside it which is located close to the flat bottom surface (sole) of the iron. It will also have a thermostat to control the temperature of the iron by switching the current off if it's too hot, or by switching the current on again if it becomes too cool. Modern irons also have a knob which controls the temperature of the iron so that the user can turn it to different heat settings for ironing different kinds of material.

Some also have a small water tank which will be made to boil so that steam escapes through holes in the sole of the iron. Clothes iron better when they are slightly damp.