if you pay for a pricier iron, how long might you expect it to last? I wait until i see a cheapie on sale, so 5-7 dollars. if i have to replace it every 2-3 years, i feel i'm ahead of the game. i did invest in a cordless iron several years ago. it had been packed away for a move and never unpacked. i'll have to get it out and give it a try again. thanks for bringing up this ironing thread.