While I really love my Panasonic cordless for paper piecing when I'm ironing one or two pieces at a time at the machine, it does not stay hot for long enough that I'd use it as my main iron. I'm a chain sewer, and typically iron 75-150 pieces at a time. The Panasonic requires multiple returns to the base to reheat during longer pressing like I typically do, including full pressing of floppies before going on the LA. No comment on steam function as I don't use it on any of my irons.