Bettyboop could you please give us a link for checking to see what models of Rowenta irons have had problems? As stated before, I've just replaced my 10 year old Rowenta steam generating iron with a DG8430 Pro Steam Station. And the answer to ptquilts and quiltjoey is - no not gold plated and not a status symbol for me 'cause the station never leaves my ironing room. It never leaks and a burst of steam (it has 400 steam holes) will actually lift the iron off the ironing surface.