Someone once told me that any iron will last forever, if you don't put water in it. After throwing out many irons, I tried this. I'm using a cheap panasonic with auto shut-off & cord winder reel. I don't put water in it. I keep a spray bottle near the ironing board and use it for wrinkles. Works like a charm. I'm also getting to be a huge fan of spray sizing or spray starch. It has improved my cutting and piecing.