My cheapo iron bit the dust last week after 6 or 7 years of quilting. Shopping for an iron that does NOT have "auto off" was futile unless I opted for the cheap, basic WalMart irons that were around $10. Well, I bought one. YUK!! ONly 1100 watts and even though it had a nonstick surface, it stuck. It pulled my fabric every time I moved the iron - AND it leaked. I returned it and went to Target. Nothing there for me, either. I went to Bed Bath & Beyond and checked out their irons. All are auto shut off but some stay on 30 minutes, some 15 minutes, some 10 minutes, etc. They have a "back to school" special on a Rowenta DW2070 and I had a 20% off coupon so I purchased this iron. It is a powerful 1600 watts and has steam holes all over the iron surface - not just in a couple lines down the edges. It holds a LOT of water, too! I have found that if it has shut off, all I have to do is tip it slightly and it heats up really fast. Also, the steam holes don't have the "ridges" in them. I found that the ridges would also pull my fabric; my seams getting caught in them. This iron is smooth as a baby's behind!! I do like it and with the discounts and tax, it was a bit under $36. I know many people don't like Rowentas as they leak, but so far, this one hasn't leaked one drop.
So, for what it's worth, that's my iron recommendation to all the quilters!!!
Have a great day everyone!

I just bought my best quilting iron ever .... $8 at a yard sale!

I haved that iron. I bought it at K-Mart. It was around $50.00, but it is the best iron I have ever used. I love all the steam, so many holes in sole plate. It has some really nice features. Oh yes, and it is not a really heavy iron. I have never had any problems with it shutting off frequently. You will love it. It takes wrinkles out so easily too.

I've had a Rowenta for years and never had a problem with it. It is used very little and I've never put water in it. I have a little crafty size that I use for piecing but do use the big iron for final pressing on tops. Hope you are as lucky as I've been. I do like a heavier weight iron as well.

I've had a Rowenta for 11 years and never had a moments problem with it. It's a good heavy iron, steams well and doesn't have the auto shut-off. However, I might be better off if it did. I have been known to leave it on for days--and it still works just fine. I now have it and a lamp plugged into a power strip to remind me to turn it off when I leave the room! I'm fortunate I haven't burned the house down.

I have that one too. It's the BEST I've found.

I have it as well, thank goodness for the auto shut off! I seem to forget to turn it off,lol. It does reheat very quickly when neede to.

Exactly why we have auto shut offs. Not sure we can buy them without now?

I did have problems with my Rowenta, the first time while it was still under warranty (absolutely terrible customer service getting it replaced) and the last time - well I just threw it out. I bought a Reliable V100 Digital Velocity iron. You can put it out of auto shut-off mode, or you can leave it in that mode - the choice is yours. The steam is great with this iron and the design is supposed to be such that it will never leak. I prefer a heavier iron, and this one is. There are some things I don't care for about it, such as the controls being located right where my hand goes. I'm mentioning it only because it does seem to meet your requirements, of a hot iron without auto shut-off.

I have had several Rowentas and I love them! You did good getting a Rowenta at that price!