What is the flat part of an iron called?

Question

What's the word for this part of an iron?

Answer 1

According to this it is called the sole plate:

The sole plate, or base, of the iron is flat and roughly triangular in shape. The modern metal of choice for sole plates is aluminum coated with a non-stick material. The sole plate, which is heated and applied to wrinkled clothing, allows a user to concentrate on small areas that need extra attention.

Merriam Webster agrees. The Oxford English Dictionary adds that it was first used in 1744.

Answer 2

I would also understand this as the face of the iron.

It's hard to find evidence of whether this is an accepted usage or not, but a quick Google search does show some instances of the term being applied to this kind of iron.

Answer 3

Sometimes, it is referred to as the "flat" of the iron (although both "sole plate" and "face" are more common).