I use many of the items already mentioned but my favourite and most useful item is my barrel shaped wallpaper seam roller. It sits beside the machine. As I am piecing I use it to press the seams. No running to the iron and I save on electricity. I press finished blocks and tops with the iron.
Try it. I think they come in wood but I could only find plastic for about $4.00. Make sure the roller is barrel shaped and not flat.