I've had my Rowenta Pro Master for over a year with no problems. I love the amount of steam it gives off. If I press the steam button with the iron turned off or before the iron is hot (light goes off), I get some spitting but I should not do that and when I don't I don't have a problem. The only think I don't like about the iron is that the dark blue makes it difficult to see the water level. After using it so much and for over a year I can actually feel when it is light on water and you can see the level just not as easily as I would like.
I have read a lot of negative comments too but I love this iron and am glad I purchased it.