I started out using nice pricey ($50-60) irons, found out they don't last any longer than the $10-15 ones. I guess we're all a bit clumsy as I think we have all knocked or drug it off the board at least once, some of us (who shall remain nameless) at least once a week! I like a heavy iron as it seems to work better but if ironing yardage it makes my arm tired pretty quick. The one I'm using now is Black and Decker Classic, paid $20 in March and so far so good. my only complaint is if you have water in it but not using steam and keep the iron on steay for 30-40 minutes without it shutting off and cooling a bit, when you lay it down to iron the water comes boiling out the top. first I thought I had it over filled but it wasn't.