Help! I'm at my wit's end!
 

Irons - can't live without one, can't find one to last!

Since I have been quilting, I go through an iron in less than a year, usually 8 to 10 months. Tried many different brands but nothing seems to last. Is it the reduced quality of irons, or is it because when you quilt, they are on for hours at a time. And I quilt almost every day.

Any suggestions? Don't suggest Rowenta -- they are too heavy for my poor arthritic hands! Thanks for any help you can share with me.

I just get a plain 'ol inexpensive Black & Decker or GE from Walmart or Target. Mine has held up for years.

ali

Judy, if you're going through so many irons I have to wonder if you have "dirty" power like we do here. It fluctuates constantly, so many things burn out quicker than they should. Do you have them plugged into a surge protector? If not, try that. And if it doesn't help, I would say buy the cheapest iron that does the job. If they won't last, no sense spending a lot of $ on them.

Good luck.

Is the iron leaking or spewing water but still heats up? I bought this one and so far it's been great. http://www.always-free-shipping.com/...-dry-iron.html

I bought a really cheap one and did not put any water in it.....so far that has lasted longer than my previous irons. I now use a spray bottle of water or Mary Ellen's Best Press when I press my blocks/seams. (Love Best Press!!!)

I agree. I have a Black and Decker that I've had for a number of years that I paid $30 for at Walmart. It doesn't leak, is on for hours nearly every day. Doesn't spit and holds a lot of water. I like it a lot.

I bought a cheap $6 iron at Dollar General, and it is working a year later..So cheap I dont care if I have to replace it..The last one ran for 5 years, and I am sure it was the cheapest one available at the time

I feel for you. I've gone through 3 or 4 in the last 10 years (different brands). As a teen when I ironed in the 60s mom always put distilled water in it. I don't remember it 'spitting' like they do now, but my mom used to put vinegar inside to get the gunk out. I bought a Rowenta a couple of months back (never had one before). I now use no water in it but just use the Best Press. I personally find the iron saga very frustrating...

Picked up an vintage GE Iron at a resale shop and the thing works wonders. Better yet it was 4 BUCKS!!!

I also have a Black & Decker that I have had for years. I only use a spray bottle; no water in iron.