I bought a Rowenta, it started leaking soon after purchase. Then one day it started steaming like mad, then pop, it died. It was 2-3 years old. I have another Rowenta, I bought it at a charity silent auction at work for $1.00. The sole plate was all brown and cruddy but I cleaned it and it's been great since, about 3 years now. However, I will not buy another Rowenta. Probably a cheap one I can throw away with no regrets when it dies. Nothing lasts anymore things are made too cheap.