Have 3 Rowentas- two Focus's and an older Professional- and love them all. Started a few years back with one Focus, that one leaked but I was able to fix it myself. Wanted a second one to keep upstairs for regular ironing. That leaked, but I contacted Rowenta and as it was within a 2 year period of purchase, they paid postage to send it to them to repair or replace at their discretion (I simply corresponded via email. They were fantastic!) Within 2 weeks I received a new version of the Focus. Had for a year now and no problems whatsoever. I use tap water only, drain out the water after unplugging for the day, and I clean it by shooting the steam out before using it to iron-every time it is turned on. I make sure to not begin ironing until the 'steam' noise has stopped when standing the iron upright, a 'must' before making a pass with the iron flat on the fabric. Never had spitting, never had leaking, iron always clean. We have hard water here-no water softener.