New Consumer Reports ratings on steam irons in June 2011 issue
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 18
I am reading with interest the June 2011 Consumer Reports issue that just came in the mail because it has results of new tests on 41 steam iron models.
The article gives more detailed analysis on 8 steam irons that they rated highest out of the 41 tested. The top 8 models all rated excellent or very good based on steaming rate, ironing fabrics and ease of use. The top 8 table also includes columns indicating whether these models offer features such as ability to turn off the steam, digital display and water spray function.
The top models were a little surprising since they include certain models from Kenmore and Singer as well as DeLonghi, Rowenta and Reliable brands. The conventional steam irons ranged from $60 to $125 and the two heavy-duty "steam ironing systems, best for big jobs" were priced at $130 and $250.
If you want to locate the ratings and models, it's on page 41 of the June 2011 Consumer Reports, which your local library should have available.
I may be the market for a new steam iron so I'd be interested in hearing what you love or hate about the iron you use; also whether there are certain must-have features.
I have a 20-year-old Rowenta but I am getting a little tired of the automatic turnoff feature, since it often turns off just when I need it during intensive sewing and I have to wait sometimes for it to heat up again.
thanks !
Wendy
The article gives more detailed analysis on 8 steam irons that they rated highest out of the 41 tested. The top 8 models all rated excellent or very good based on steaming rate, ironing fabrics and ease of use. The top 8 table also includes columns indicating whether these models offer features such as ability to turn off the steam, digital display and water spray function.
The top models were a little surprising since they include certain models from Kenmore and Singer as well as DeLonghi, Rowenta and Reliable brands. The conventional steam irons ranged from $60 to $125 and the two heavy-duty "steam ironing systems, best for big jobs" were priced at $130 and $250.
If you want to locate the ratings and models, it's on page 41 of the June 2011 Consumer Reports, which your local library should have available.
I may be the market for a new steam iron so I'd be interested in hearing what you love or hate about the iron you use; also whether there are certain must-have features.
I have a 20-year-old Rowenta but I am getting a little tired of the automatic turnoff feature, since it often turns off just when I need it during intensive sewing and I have to wait sometimes for it to heat up again.
thanks !
Wendy
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 262
Last time I lliked for an iron, I found hard to find one without a shut-off feature. I ended up with an inexpensive model of Black & Decker under $30. and it lasted at least 5 yrs. Even tho I am professional seamstress, I still will not pay over $50 for an iron. The one Rowenta I bought many yrs. ago, power-surged and melted a curtain panel I was working on for a customer. As a result, I never got another job from that customer.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,888
I bought a Rowenta and it leaked within a year. Now I just buy something cheap and throw it away when it stops working properly. I really try to be "green" as much as possible but when you pay that much for an iron it should work for years and years. My B&D is great - could do without the automatic off but ....
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal -->TN
Posts: 1,653
I bought a Reliable about 2 months ago. Wonderful steam feature and, so far, no leaking. You can override the auto-shut off too. Love that feature. I prev had a Rowenta which was an ironing machine - and much better for my husbands work clothes than the Reliable is - but it started leaking after about 6 months. I hope the Reliable continues to not leak.....time will tell.
#8
I must have been lucky as I never had trouble with my Rowenta. But I recently bought myself a Reliable. At first I wasn't sure I liked it as it was so different - much heavier and doesn't have a 'shot of steam' like I was used to. But now I do really like it - there is a steam on/off button and the weight helps do some of the work.
I'll have to check out the article next time I'm in the library.....
I'll have to check out the article next time I'm in the library.....
#9
Originally Posted by Cherylsea
I bought a Rowenta and it leaked within a year. Now I just buy something cheap and throw it away when it stops working properly. I really try to be "green" as much as possible but when you pay that much for an iron it should work for years and years. My B&D is great - could do without the automatic off but ....
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