I seem to have gone thru so many good, bad, almost okay irons in my lifetime. Any recommendations on a good iron for quilting projects? I like good steam and perhaps one that does not have a shut off - or one you can extend the shut off time on. And one that will last longer than 12 months.

My Rowenta is about 12 yrs. old & still works great. I do use distilled water.

My Rowenta lasted about 2 years and always leaked. I am just as happy with an inexpensive one. I don't use the steam feature. I use lots of spray starch.

I have an Oliso Smart Iron and I absolutely love it. I have had it about 6 months and use it a great deal. It has never spit water and is wonderful to use on my quilts. Highly recommend it.

Is there such a thing? LOL

I've read many disappointing comments about the expensive ones, so I just keep buying the less expensive ones. I bought a Shark. Other than shutting off by itself, it's not bad. I like it best of the ones I've had lately. They tend to "fall" at my house, so I'm better off not spending too much anyway.

They're not making irons (or anything for that matter) as good as they used to. I think they are made to go bad after a time so the manufacturers can stay in business :-) I think someone on the QB commented on the fact that quilters use irons way more than normal wear and tear so that may be the problem also. I know I've bought more than my share of irons... Right now I have Continental Platinum dry iron and a Rowenta Pressure Iron and Steamer--they both work great -- keeping my fingers crossed.

I need to buy a new one as well - will be watching with interest.

I usually buy my irons at the big box stores, not paying more than $20 for them. I iron just about everyday if not for quilting then for clothing. I just happend upon a great sale at Hancocks about a month ago and got the $120 Rowenta with all discounts I only paid $28 dollars for it! It is taking some time to get used to it because it is heavier than the cheaper ones but I absolutely love how my finished products look whether it is a cotton shirt or a piece of fabric. I WOULD NOT have paid $120 for it though, just happened to be at the right place at the right time!

I recently bought a Sunbeam at Target I believe. I have had trouble too but remembered my very first iron 40+ yrs ago was a Sunbeam. This one does have the auto turn off but other than that has been fine so far. As I recall it was inthe $20 range.

Go to yard sales and house auctions and get old reliable ones. I have a Rowenta that I paid way too much for and I hate it. It beeps way too soon and it leaks like almost every one that I have seen talked about on here. Cheaper is better it seems where irons are concerned.