I don't know why, but we quilters seem to go through irons rather rapidly!! I NEVER buy one new any more. Whenever I see an iron at an estate/yard/garage sale, I always get it. They are usually from $1-$5. When these irons cease to work, they go to my recycle container. Last fall I was lucky enough to find a Rowenta for only a couple of dollars STILL IN THE BOX!!!