I found a steam iron like this at a thrift store, much smaller size. It didn't get hot to the touch and only put steam when on the fabric. It was Swiss made in the late 50's or early 60's. It is too small for fabric pressing but great for block pressing. I saw the demo at Paducah and was impressed. It did the same as my thrift store iron did but of course much more modern. This type of iron had been around for decades but never really caught on until it was revised to be for quilters. I almost bought this newer version.