corklass44

Bummer 4th for me. I planned on sewing and bbq in between raindrops but then my iron quit working for me! I bought a Shark Rapido Electronic Iron about two years ago at K-Mart. The iron shuts off automatically if you are not moving it after so many minutes. (VERY ANNOYING) Today, the senser light will not funtion and the heat level would not rise above the nylon setting. I wiggled, shook and moved the connecting electrical cord, to no avail. I think this is $40 of scrap material!!

So now I am in the market for a new Steam Iron, but, being energy aware, I wonder how energy efficient are those little, triangular shaped, seam pressers? I am wondering if I would be better ahead buying both a new Steam iron and one of the smaller seam pressers? I only have one electricle outlet and one ironing board. Opines on brands encouraged, please.

sandyquilts

I don't use a steam iron. I purchased a "dry iron" (no holes in soleplate) from Amazon, love love it. If I need steam I sprits with water and poof instant steam. AND AND no auto shut off. Yippppeeeee

Sally J

I have a small iron (I do use it for classes and it's great), however, having a heavy steam iron works so much better pressing seams and blocks. I bought a reproduction of the original GE iron. LOVE IT...it does have auto shutoff because its new and its a requirement for new regular irons. The weight is great as it really sets the seams and my blocks look better. One thing, I wouldn't spend more than $25 for an iron. All the cheaper irons like Black and Decker have worked great for me. Good Luck

Stitchnripper

I suggest using the search function above and putting in "irons" because you will get lots and lots of opinions. I have a Black and Decker Digital Advantage and like it.

blockgirl

About a year ago I broke down and purchased an Oliso steam iron with the itouch system and I have not regretted it. It is 1600 watts heats up fast and puts out a lot of steam. For class and group meeting I use my $7.00 Rowenta that I got at walmart. I tell you this about the Oliso....do not purchase the Pro version usually a yellow colored one. They haven't gotten the bugs ironed:-) out yet.

rebeljane

I agree that a dry iron is best, I have used one for the last 30 years. Hate steam irons

Pam B

I prefer steam to dry irons. I have a shark...for a couple years now. I have been happy with it except for the fact that it shuts off too darn fast! So frustrating that in the time it takes me to stitch something, it shut off. And, just recently, it has started spitting water...occasionally leaving a water mark on the fabric. I have a birthday coming up so I may treat myself to a new iron at the LQS.

Cybrarian

I have the aqua colored Oliso and love it.

IrishNY

I too like a dry iron and spritz with water from a spray bottle when needed. I find I only need moisture when trying to iron stubborn wrinkles after fabric has been washed and sat in the dryer too long. I put up with a leaky iron for too long at one time and decided I would never put water in an iron again. It's been the right decision for me.

Sewnoma

I am still very fond of my Panasonic cordless iron. It "notices" you're using it every time you set it on the cradle so it has never shut off prematurely on me. It does cool down if you leave it off the cradle too long, though - it only heats while it's sitting there. I have to adjust fabric constantly though so it's in and out of the cradle quite a bit - so far not a real issue once I learned not to just prop it up on the board when I'm not using it.

I have a little travel sized steam iron for pressing seams while sewing that I really like too, it's a "Steamfast". Just got it a few weeks ago and it works perfectly for what I need it for. Heats up super fast, although the cord annoys me. I wish it was cordless too!