© A base (10) has a fixed ironing plate (11) and a head (13) carries a movable ironing plate (14). A compression spring (15) applies ironing pressure and an ironing handle (43) is hinged to the head (13). Via a bell crank (45) and a connecting rod (46), the handle (43) is connected to a fork (29) having a slot and pin coupling (30, 31) to a bracket (23) forming a support for spring (15). At the upper end of the bracket (23) is provided a locking hook (32) and a further locking hook (37) is mounted on head (13) for engagement with the first hook (32). Hook (37) is externally movable to operate electrical switches.