My first Rowenta steam generator iron lasted 6 years. It would sputter when it was first turned on. I learned to let it sputter a few seconds on a thick folded up muslin before using it on an actual project. I got this iron because the steam control was on the underside of the handle and I all needed to do was press my fingers upward to get the steam going. Perfect for those with arthritis in the thumb joint. When DH was helping me do a periodic cleaning of the iron (it's heavy!) something came loose inside, and out it went. Then I bought a new one, a slightly different model and lighter weight. This time the instructions explained that water will condense in the hose after not being used for a while. The manual says to press the trigger for a few seconds to remove the condensation before using it. So far it's been working and I have had this iron over a year.