I've had good luck with my Bernina iron that I bought over 15 age years ago and still going strong. It was about $100 but well worth it. I recently purchased a Shark to use with applique because I liked the point in front and a lighter weight with sharper edges. I purchased it at Best Buy for $29 and bought a 2 year protection/replacement plan for another $6. I just dug out a very lightly used Rowenta yesterday and the sole plate was rusty. I never even put water into the tank! How does that happen?