Michael, for what it's worth....go to thrift shops or check out ebay. I have purchased excellent irons from thrift shops for $2.00 - $5.00. They are the older ones that most people don't want because they are not new. They are the best. On ebay you have to be careful and check out the seller, and read the descriptions really well. I have paid a lot more money for some of my irons in my collection on ebay but most were like brand new and heat like a dream. Irons are easy to clean with a bit of elbow grease. I use "Nevr Dull Wadding Polish" which comes in a can. It is actual wadding that you pull small pieces out of and rub the iron clean and it works like a dream. It can be used for so many things and doesn't scratch your iron at all. My old Betty Crocker iron from the 40's or 50's (maybe earlier) has the water container you have to attach if you want steam and works like the day it was made. I would be ashamed to tell you of the newer irons I spent a fortune on only to go into the trash heap. It might take a bit of searching but the older irons are so worth it and free of frustrations and none of them have those blasted automatic turnoffs.

My iron is a Black and Decker that I paid $30 for and I love it. Had a Rowenta and it was the worst piece of crap I ever bought. I won't buy an iron that cost $8, but $30-35 isn't that bad and I've had this one for a year and a half and still love it. $250 will buy me lots more fabric and other stuff so I would never spend that on an iron. I have priorities that do not include spending that much on an iron.

I'm afraid I can't give you any advice on expensive, high end irons. I replace mine every few years with another cheap one.

I got a Rowenta iron similar to that one from JoAnn's. If I remember correctly I paid about $120 with my coupon. I love it! It never turns off, has a separate water well that lasts a long time, is a steamer and doesn't spit water. The book recommends regular tap water unless your water source has a lot of minerals in it and if it does, simply use spring water you can buy from the grocery store really cheap but it definately says not to use distilled water. I did have a problem with my tap water but once I started using the spring water I had no problem! Just be careful--some brands of spring water had added minerals for "taste". This is probably true for the cheaper irons also.

I don't think irons last as long as the ones made prior to the 70's :roll:
Also, I don't think they are made to be used the way we quilters use them. Mine can be on for the whole day, day after day. I think we literally tend to "burn them out" quickly.
I still stick to the cheaper models, replace them every few years and I am way ahead of the game. I would not be happy to have one that spendy that did not last atleast 10 years :D:D:D

I love my cheap Black & Decker iron - no steam and no mess. :)

I keep a small Conair iron on my sewing table, and a Quilter's Cut-n-Press under the table. The cut-n-press is easy to grab when I need to iron a seam. The iron heats very quickly, and doesn't turn itself off. I just use it for ironing seams. I've had it for a couple of years and it is still going strong. I have never used it for steam, however.