My first quilt class we were told to wait until the iron was at the hottest temp before tuning on the steam to prevent splutters. This is why the auto shut off is a pain. You are suppose to turn off the steam while it's reheating. I use Black and Decker classic old stye when I want a lot of steam and a cheap $6 iron for when I want low steam. I have a no steam solid sole plate iron for fusible and applique. I got rid of all my auto shut off irons in the sewing room. The laundry room has those.