The Russell Hobbs Colour Control 19840AU is a discontinued steam iron with a colour-coded temperature indicator and practical functions including spray mist, steam shot and automatic shut-off. Its manual explains how the indicator and safety features work, but the available public evidence does not establish a current price or a complete independent test verdict. If you find one for sale, confirm the exact model, condition and warranty before buying.
What the Colour Control indicator means
The iron’s thermostat light changes colour to show its temperature range. The Russell Hobbs manual maps the colours to the familiar garment-care dot system:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Green: one dot, cool.
- Yellow: two dots, warm.
- Purple: three dots, hot.
- Red: maximum; do not iron.
These colours are a guide, not a substitute for checking the garment label. The manual says to follow the label if its instructions differ. It also recommends starting with lower-temperature fabrics and moving to higher-temperature ones; lowering the setting takes time, so let the soleplate cool before switching from hot items to delicate fabric. Read the Russell Hobbs 19840AU instructions and warranty.
Recommended Free Tools
What it can do
The manufacturer’s manual documents dry ironing, steam ironing, spray mist, a steam shot, vertical steaming and self-cleaning. For steam, set the thermostat to the steam setting or higher and wait until the thermostat light glows steadily. The manual also describes a 25–45-second return to operating temperature after lifting and resetting the iron; that is a manual specification, not an independent performance test.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Safety: automatic shut-off and restart
The manual specifies automatic shut-off after 30 seconds without movement with the soleplate down or the iron on its side, or after 8 minutes upright. It explains how to resume operation after shut-off. These are the manufacturer’s stated intervals, not a guarantee that an unattended iron is safe; unplug it when you have finished.
Specifications and what the sources establish
| Item | Published detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Model and type | 19840AU Colour Control steam iron | CHOICE model listing |
| Stated power | 2400 W | CHOICE and Appliances Online |
| Soleplate | Ceramic | CHOICE and Appliances Online |
| Cord | 3.3 m | CHOICE and Appliances Online |
| Weight | 1.4 kg | CHOICE |
| Automatic shut-off | 30 seconds soleplate-down or on its side; 8 minutes upright | Russell Hobbs manual and CHOICE |
Appliances Online gives the water tank capacity as 0.35 L in its specifications and 300 ml in its feature list. Because those figures differ in precision, they do not establish a single exact capacity. The retailer page also contains a purchase area for a different product, so its displayed current price should not be read as the price or availability of this iron.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Does it have a strong independent review record?
CHOICE has a listing for the exact model, but its public page does not expose the detailed test scores, pros and cons, or reliability and satisfaction fields. The listing supports specifications and discontinued status; it is not enough to claim that the iron performed well or poorly in CHOICE testing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →ProductReview displays three reviews and a 3.4 rating at retrieval in 2026. One reviewer describes a heating failure and a warranty replacement; other reviewers report good results. Appliances Online displays eight customer reviews with mixed comments, including praise for glide and criticism of steam strength and water visibility. These are small, self-selected platform samples, not controlled tests or a failure rate. See the ProductReview owner feedback and Appliances Online listing.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Maintenance and care
- For hard-water areas, the manual says distilled water suitable for irons may be used. Fill the unplugged iron slowly and do not exceed the tank’s maximum mark.
- Use the self-cleaning function regularly: the manual recommends at least monthly in normal-water areas and more often where water is hard. Its procedure uses a basin to catch water.
- Do not use descaling solution; the manual warns it can destroy the iron’s incorporated anti-scale agent.
- After ironing, empty the water, unplug the iron, let it cool fully and store it on its heel to help avoid soleplate damage or corrosion.
Availability and buying checks
CHOICE and ProductReview both identify the 19840AU as discontinued. That does not prove that no individual unit remains for sale, but it means a live listing should be checked carefully. Before buying, verify that the product is the exact 19840AU, whether it is new or used, the seller’s return terms and what warranty applies. Do not assume an old listing or a price shown beside another product confirms current stock or a manufacturer-backed warranty.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
