Funny you should bring up irons...just had to replace mine today, too! I had one of the auto off but it sprang a leak. Spots all over the ironing board cover so I got another B & D auto shut off. I have my iron plugged into a surge protector and then into the wall. I shut the surge protector off every evening after ironing or finishing the sewing.
I sure didn't spend as much today as I did on the last one. I only had it for a year and a half. Crazy things just don't last long enough!!
Hugs,
Sharon