fireworkslover

My Rowenta Powerglide 2 is also about 10 yrs. old and I've not had any problems with it, but know it might be on it's last legs. They don't make this model anymore, since it does not have the auto-off feature.
I looked up the Reliable iron someone mentioned and their irons seem to be made well, if they do what they say. A bit pricey but if they work for a long time, I'd say 10 plus yrs., they're worth it. The Digital Velocity V 100 is the model for home use. It has a auto shut-off which can be disabled. It has a demineralizing anti-scale system w/ changeable filter (once a yr.). Their webste is www.reliablecorporation.com. They also have a steam generator with a removeabe water tank, which you use tap water in. It doesn't have the pressure cap to open the water tank, which is hard to get off on other styles of steam generators. This is lots more than Rowenta's steam generator, so don't know if people want to spend that much on a steam iron system. I guess it depends on your needs and your pocketbook.

Paula Z in AZ

I have two irons, one purchased at estate sales for $1 and it's been going strong for at least 4 yrs now. It's an older (olive green - gives it's age away) :lol: Sunbeam, dry iron with a Point!

When I was 7 or 8, while ironing my dad's handkerchiefs (remember those?) I sat the iron up and it fell back down on the top of my hand!! Dad took me to the ER they wrapped it up and when I got home dad gave me some ice cream to make it all better... LOL But, I still have issues with standing an iron up.

My newest (3 yrs old now) is my Oliso, which I also like a lot because it does have an auto-off as well as "lifter legs". When I touch the handle the iron is hot in a matter of seconds. The "lifter legs" are great for me because I've always (repeat always) had a problem with lifting up the iron to stand it on-end, when I take my hand off the handle the iron "lifts up" ... love it - one drawback is the POINT is rounded :roll:

Quiltsbybarb

In my workroom I have an overhead light that is plugged innto a surge protector. I plug the iron and the sewing machine into the same surge protector. When I leave the room, I turn off the light by turning off the surge protector and I know that everything else is turned off.

cindyg

I've had expensive cordless irons and $10 irons and everything in between. They all start spitting and then leaking. I decided to just get a spray bottle with water and to quit putting water in my iron. I hated that method so now I will buy a $19.99 Black and Decker and when it starts leaking in 4 to 6 months, I'll get a new one. I like steam and I need the auto-off feature because I'm an airhead. IOW I've given up on finding an iron that will last.

Jim's Gem

I have to share about this Iron I bought.
I got the Digital Velocity Iron that I mentioned. It was expensive. The Jury is still out.
I have to say it is a very heavy iron. In the past, one of the things that I really like about an iron was the weight. I would usually look for a heaver one. However I recently had shoulder surgery and this one is tough for me to use right now. I know things will get better in time, but this is the heaviest iron I have ever used!!!
I have figured out really quick how to disable the Auto off. Each time you start the iron it will reset to the Auto off but you can disable it. It does not have an on/off switch. I wish it did. I currently have it plugged into a surge protector so I can just hit the switch, but the Bose Ipod Dock is plugged into same protector, it has a rechargeable battery, so sometime I unplug, sometimes I hit the switch.
I think I need to read the instructions to make it steam all the time when I want that. As is is I have to hit the "steam" button to get it steaming. It does not leak and it does not spit and I can get it to steam at low temps too.

Olivia's Grammy

I keep a night light in my surge protector. I plug in is in the ceiling so I can see it when I turn off the overhead lights. Still I have left it on for a while before catching it.

Olivia's Grammy

I bought the Protor Silex #17135 that some one recommended on this thread. I love it. It's very light weight, non stick soleplate and does not have auto off. At my Walmart it was $9.97.

Needles

I have to confess, my steam iron is a Proctor Silex that I bought in 1967. Although it's not so pretty anymore, have literally worn the paint off the handle in places, it works like a dream. It has never had a drop of water in it that didn't come out of a DISTILLED bottle.

Oh, yes, ladies tell me all the time, it says I don't have to use distilled water in my iron or it says 'don't' use distilled water. Of course not, within a year, if you sew (my fun game of choice) or quilt and use it maybe every day or every other day, it will be spitting.

I've never even use a cleaner inside, don't have too because you never get lime buildup with distilled water. You see, the iron makers are just trying to sell irons. It's kind of like using half the detergent in your washer or dish washer. Less does just as well, especially in the dish washer, that's what frosts your glassware, too much.

Oh, I have the other iron given to me at a kitchen shower for our wedding, it's a GE, no steam. That was 1962. I don't use it too often but I do use the Procter Silex nearly every day. I think back then it was probably $5. My friend bought a $100 Rowenta, last year. She dumped it in the trash in December, it was spitting already.

My DMIL was a seamstress for 70 years, the best advice she ever gave me was USE DISTILLED WATER.

Granny B

Isn't it wonderful how we can all vent and air our likes and dislikes, and still love each other. That's a quilter for you. Quilters are such a special breed. Ain't it grand?!

craftybear

irons can be so frustrating