I don't use a steam iron, because so far, every brand and model I've gotten eventually leaks. Like citruscountyquilter, if I need to dampen the fabric, I spritz with water or Best Press which has been diluted 50% with water. I have a Continental dry iron (Amazon $45, but someone said they bought theirs at Home Depot for $30) with a stainless sole plate. I originally bought it to use with fusibles because I didn't want the little unfused places where the steam holes are. It does not have an auto shut off, which I also wanted. And best of all, it gets hot and stays hot. If I ever decide to get a steam iron, it will be the Reliable Velocity. My sister loves hers, and I noticed that Fons & Porter have switched to it. Doug Leko, a young quilt designer and teacher, swears by them. He says that the company guarantees the iron 100% and has replaced his iron twice.