Several years ago I used a friends Rowenta at a retreat. I loved it and bought one when my old cheapy died. That was about 10 yeas ago - that Rowenta was fantastic - made ironing almost pleasant!! But it was dropped several times and finally died. Let my 4-H kids use it. Bought another one - leaked starting at about 6 months on - and just got worse. Just did not work right including the cord issues. One day it just sparked and died. So went to a garage sale and they had 3 old models - bought all 3 for $5.00. They are great back ups for the 4-H kids and retreats. One is very old from the 40's - in great shape and on the internet, valued at about $75.00.
I did buy an Oliso for my studio - so far absolutely love it. Very nice features and well designed.
I do like irons with stainless steal base - not Teflon, it eventually comes off and leaves specks on the clothes. So I have had luck with both inexpensive and costly irons, but so far my favs was my OLD Rowenta and now the Oliso.