SonjaG

Thanks everyone for educating me on the difference. I just thought an iron is an iron. I do have to say, I like steam for the seams. Maybe I will get both.

Silver Needle

I prefer to spray than use steam. I haven't found a steam iron yet thar doesn't spit. Think I might invest in a dry iron with a solid sole plate.

patchsamkim

I prefer to use steam when I do my pressing of seams...seems to make them lay flatter. Just need to be careful to not stretch the fabric.

Jan in VA

30+ years of using, preferably, a steam iron and I've never had trouble with the steam holes. I believe that the steam doesn't cause distortion, the presser does.

Jan in VA

cjtinkle

I'm definitely a steamer. I use a steam generator versus a standard iron because I use so much steam!

jcrow

I have the Velocity by Reliable and it hasn't ever spit or dribbled once. I applique quite a bit and it's never left a mark in any of my work. I love steam. I don't distort my work. I know how to press. I couldn't do quilting without my steam. The Velocity actually "roars" when you press the steam button. It's awesome!!

TanyaL

Definitely steam! I don't want the bother of having 2 irons and I use a steam iron all the time to press my clothes. I have never had my iron spit and I never stretch my fabric. I press when I want to press and iron when I want to iron.

ckcowl

as bellaboo stated- the difference is the sole plate- steam-holes-dry- flat no holes.
and cost- the dry iron tend to be much less expensive.
you can still have steam with a dry iron- just use a spray bottle of water- (which some of us prefer anyway- no sputtering/leaking from an iron filled with water)
and no holes to leave marks on our fabric

rebeljane

The iron I use is a plain dry iron with no Teflon just shiny metal surface. I don't like the drag of Teflon.

hemanigill

A steam iron is an iron that uses superheated water to eliminate wrinkles in clothes and fabrics which may not be suitable for traditional dry ironing. Interpreting from the name a dry iron it an iron that work simply by it’s adjusting the temperature of the iron depending upon the type of fabric. But nowadays dry irons are rare to find. So if you are planning to buy a dry one go for a one with dual function which has the dry and steam mode. I have also bought Philips steam iron only as they are a much better and wise choice as compared to the dry iron.

I hope so it will help you.