What iron do you use?
 

I am debating whether it would be worth it to get a special iron just for quilting. I use a Black & Decker for general ironing, and it does fine for my sewing (at least, I think it does- I'm a newbie to quilting, and I have nothing to which to compare it). My question is- is it worth it to get a "special" sewing iron, like a Rowenta (or any other brand you may suggest)? What are the benefits? Thank you!

I bought an expensive iron from a quilt show vendor called the EuroSteam. I like the fact that it doesn't sit up on end like most irons. It rests on a Teflon pad and doesn't shut off after a few minutes like most. This saves alot of wrist action. I have carpel tunnel, and anything that minimizes wrist movements is worth it to me.

The one I had before this is an inexpensive Shark. It worked fine too.

I have a black and decker that I use just in my sewing room. My husband has another iron he uses just for his dress shirts (he has his own board as well) because he uses heavy starch, which leaves a residue on the iron and the board cover....

I love my Black and Decker with the long cord. Have had it a long time, however, it just started shutting off while ironing and I can't get it to stay on. So today it found it's way into the trash and I will go get another.....probably another Black & Decker.

I had a B&D for over 25 years which I loved, until it started to drip rusty water. Oh well...

I bought a Rowenta made in Germany. It puts out a lot of steam - almost too much. It's hard to control on my model - at one setting - too much, at the next lower setting, not enough. I would not buy it again. It doesn't leak as lots of people have mentioned but it makes a lot of funny noises.

Our LQS uses Sunbeam irons. If I had to buy a new one, I'd look at them. Check Consumer Reports as well. You don't have to spend a fortune. If you decide on a Rowenta, Bed Bath and Beyond will let you use a 20% off coupon on them.

If you like the iron you're using, then there's no reason to get another. Some people love their Rowenta, others (including me) had major problems and poor service with them. Lots of people buy irons at thrift stores. I have the Reliable Digital Velocity iron now. I think it's largely personal preference.

If you are happy with your current iron then I agree with dunster - keep going with it. After all, you could buy fabric or some other quilty stuff with whatever money you might spend on a new iron ...

I love my Rowenta. It replaced a light weight plastic Sunbeam about 8 years ago. I've not had any problems with the Rowenta but it is noticeably heavier than the Sunbeam. I like the additional weight but I realize heavier irons are not an option when one has carpal tunnel or other arm/shoulder/wrist/hand injuries or issues.

I have an ancient GE. It has a cloth covered cord. It's heavy and it gets hotter on the cotton setting than most new irons get on linen. I bought it NIB about 6 years ago from ebay. If I was going to buy a new iron I'd hunt for an iron with a polished, stainless sole plate and no steam.

I use a B & D Classic. Have had it for years, and love it. Tho I am thinking of adding an iron with a solid sole plate to my sewing area, for a few special projects.

I went to Consumer Report to find out which was the best iron to get and it was the Black and Decker Plancha Digital advantage. They said it did a much better job than the more expensive brands. I ordered it from Amazon and it is excellent. For my steaming jobs, holds a nice amount of water and it does automatically shut off when not in use. Now, it does come back on really quickly, if I have been sewing, it will shut down but by the time I remove the pins and get the piece ready to sew, it is back on. Love it.