Any steam iron can develop incontinence. Having said that, I do prefer the steam function. I use an arm sleeve ham and place my seam over it then iron. No wrinkles or distortions as the fabric automatically is wrinkle free this way.
As for a clapper - even though it wasn't in your question - I use the bottom of a point shaper/tailor's board I bought at an estate sale. I would think any finished piece of wood would do.