So frustrating! I feel your pain!

I saw an article in an old quilting mag that was comparing irons and rating the high priced ones and the cheaper ones and I loved one sentence of the comparison. "All irons develop incontinence with age!"

Ditto, Ditto

I had that happen with a couple of irons. I don't use steam anymore, I use a spray bottle of water if and when I need water. I was even using bottled water, didn't help.

I've gone to a dry iron as well. Less frustrating.

because every iron eventually (at least in my experience) becomes incontinent, I never put water in my iron anymore. Instead, I keep a spritz bottle of water next to the ironing board and use that generously when I need to steam something. I'm sure that the water is clean and won't damage what I'm ironing.

I went through 3 irons trying to get one that did not do that. Was visiting my daughter and loved her iron . Set out to find the exact same one. Finally found one online for 49.99. Have had it for a year now and it is my new BFF. I have thought about ordering another one before they discontinue it for a new an improved one, lol
Oh yes, it is a Sumbeam Model 4267-000

this is the exact reason i never ever put water into an iron- i hate sputtering/spitting/leaking irons! i keep a spray bottle of water on the end of my ironing board for when i need a little spritz of water- or a little steam- haven't had a sputtering iron issue in years :)

I'm glad you were able to use the dry iron without any trouble.

I just purchased a Sunbeam but don't remember the Model #. But took it back prior to using because it was SO BIG!! LOL And heavy!! I have read some good review about the Sunbeam.

I love the idea of a spray bottle, instead of steam. Why is the easiest idea the one you never think of? LOL