I have had a Rowenta steam generator for 25 years. The first one I had lasted 12 years and then the next one didn't last two! I ruined it by using tap water and we had a water softener. I got another and it has lasted over ten years. I use filtered water and not soft water or distilled water and have had no trouble at all. Love it! I don't use steam on most of my quilt pieces until they are all constructed, though. I just use a little dry iron, but for weekly ironing, you can't beat the Rowenta.