I have had Rowenta's, black & deckers, etc......... Personally they all last about the same amount of time nowadays..... Some like steam, others don't, personal preference. I found a small iron at Habitat for Humanity for $2 that is a much older model and works like a dream. I use that for retreats, etc. right now I have a Rowenta that is not steaming ....so I might be looking again real soon too.