I also have Black and Decker that I have had for years, still going strong.

The surge protector sounds like a good idea. It will protect the electronics in any iron that has newer features like auto shut-off. I have surge protectors on my sewing machines...way less expensive than new ones.

I had a T-Fal iron with a non stick plate, 59.99, lasted three years, died last week, bought a 29.99 Shark....hate it!

Judy try the Dry Iron from Vermont Country Store. No water used, $30, and they stand behind their product.
www.vermontcountrystore.com - search dry iron

Also agree with the surge protector idea - power flucuations can play games with appliances.

Along this line with irons, I made a jacket and lined the front with interfacing to give it more body. Well, now that I have worn the jacket and washed it ( I made it to be washable0) The interfacing has separated from the fabric and leaves bubbles on the outside. Any idea of how to press it so it will stick?

I agree -- I have a very inexpensive Procter Silex and it has lasted forever -- not an issue if it dies because it didn't cost a fortune.

I buy one at walmart that is lightweight and dont use water if need it use a spray bottle

I use nursery water in cheap iron and so far so good....2+ yrs. I usually just finger press or if I'm doing a mega session I will plug in my little clover thingy....and just use the iron for the completed block or if it's a place where lots of seams "meet"........but I seriously think, like everything else, irons are not made to last...another throwaway thing.

I get the best results with the 20 ones. I just got a Sunbeam from Big Lots for 20 and I've had good luck with the Black and Decker ones. I like the ones with the auto-shutoff as long as it's easy to get to come back on; the Sunbeam is like that you just shake it to get it to instantly reheat. I had one that would shut off after only about 5min and that wasn't good. I like the ones that automatically lifts it self up but cost a fortune and I've heard people have problems with them and I've heard a lot of problems with Rowenta so I wouldn't recommend them. Mine is light weight weight so you shouldn't have any problems.

I've had several Rowentas. And while I like the weight and the pointed end, they all ended up leaking water like crazy . Now I get whatever's on sale and uses it till something happens, and haven't invested much.