ahhhhhh!!!!! that is just aweful!!!! but good thing you were there to see and hear it go bad.

My iron didn't burn up on me, but just quit heating at 9:30 on a Sat. night. A quick call to Dollar General 1/2 mile from home got me a new cheapie for $9.99. It worked well for me until I retired it for a good Christmas gift iron. At least now I have a back-up.

i had a kitchen aid mixture caught on fire second time i used it..took it back to kohls and next day it was out on the shelf.but i think you might have gremlins...

I'd look on the bright side and consider myself lucky!