my timed shut off iron (Shark) if left plugged in is always warm. The point being that quick reheat. So it is like anything electrical that is quick start, tv's come to mind, they are drawing power and running up the electric bill.
My iron doing that irritated me enough that I put it and the overhead light on a power strip like the members above, and shut the whole thing off when I'm finished for the day.
I'm surprised something with exposed lead can be sold in the US.
I mean it would have to be exposed to require hand washing wouldn't it?