Check ebay or garage sales for an old smooth plate one with a good cord. Use a spritzer bottle when you need steam.
Today's irons regardless of price seem to be destined for a 1-2 year life cycle once we use water in them. I think the auto shutdown process isn't that good for longevity either.
I read some years ago turning on an iron takes the same btu's are running a dryer. It would be nice to come up with some verifiable statistics.