Passing along what I learned from Anita Grossman. She uses dry irons because they don't stretch the fabrics like steam does. When she needs steam she sprays water or starch on the fabric. She recommends picking the irons up used and she likes the heavy weight and the sharp point of the old irons. I really enjoy her conservative and efficient way of sewing. She may have a steam iron, but from what I've seen in her Craftsy and youtube classes she uses the dry iron. I'm going tomorrow to get one. Like most of you I've had trouble with the spewing and auto shut off.