I do not use steam. My iron has never had water added to it. I have read, that even though these irons are manufactured to have water and make steam, the life of the iron is greatly lengthened if you don't add water. But even if that wasn't the case, I probably still wouldn't use steam. I have a spritz bottle to lightly mist the fabric if I have really stubborn wrinkles. I have no problems making precise blocks and flat seams.