This happened to me a couple of years ago. The cord of the iron just burst into flame where it attaches to the iron. I had had a group of ladies in for a sewing day and we were just getting started when it happened. Someone had the presence of mind to turn the serge protector off rather than pull the plug out of the device. It all ended well but it was a scare for all of us. I borrowed an iron from someone who lives nearby. So, another iron purchase became necessary. I do not have good experience with iron and coffee makers!