I had a B&D for over 30 years. It worked and I thought it was great. Then I took my first quilting class and the LQS had several Rowenta ProMasters. I was hooked! I absolutely love it and wouldn't trade for anything BUT it's only 6 mos old so my fingers are crossed! I clean it every two weeks and part of the cleaning process involves letting it leak so that it cleans out those little white particles... but I've had no trouble and so much steam!! It does say "made in Germany" on the side.