Just pitched my iron I got at a shower back in 1971. It spit and sputtered brown and black after I turned it on (luckily I just turned my back) and it was sitting on my iron rest. Flames started shooting out of it. I unplugged it and threw a wet towel on it. The silicone rest never flamed. Keeping it. Bought a Sunbeam right after that couple years ago. Saw a smaller iron for $15.00 at dollar store. it's light weight and gets really hot. I use water from spray bottle and sometimes use a damp cloth and press jwith my hands over the fabric. It's effective. I like using the smaller iron for piecing and the larger iron for pressing the yardage.