I have an auto shut off iron which I really like. I know a lot don't like them. I am always afraid I will forget to turn the iron off and unplug it when I am finished for the day. I don't necessarily get time to sew every day so if I would forget to unplug and turn it off it could be on for days. Also my sewing room is next to my DS bedroom and I have taught him to look in there as he goes past it. WHen it is dark it is really easy to see the red flashing light. It just makes me feel safer. I also installed a smoke detector in there just for safety.