If you could have any iron which would it be??
 

Hi,

I'm sure this has probably been asked before but if you could have any iron you wished what would it be. I am wanting to treat myself to a new iron (one I have is about 25 years old). I am drooling over the Oliso irons but have read the odd complaint about the feet not working. Reliable are readily available in my area but do not appeal to me as much. Rowenta is also available. For those of you who have used any of these which would you chose.

Thanks for your input,

My iron is a Black & Decker "The Classic" Iron. It has some weight to it, which I like. It isn't overly big, and does a good job. Purchased at Wallmart.

I love my Oliso 1600 iron that I purchased for myself. I purchased it from Nancy's Notions, using their installment purchase deal, and then purchased an extended warranty from Oliso direct. So I have a fabulous iron that is totally guaranteed for 5 years. To me it is a great deal on a great iron. I LOVE my Oliso iron. I have had it for almost a year and have had NO issues with it. It has been a godsend in dealing with my arthritis and destroyed shoulder. No more picking up and setting it down. I didn't think it would matter that much, but it really does. And with the extended warranty, it is a complete replacement for 5 years. It doesn't get much better than that.

I have a Sunbeam turbo steam master and a Proctor Silex (smaller and lighter). The smaller PS gets hotter for me and is mainly to take to a guild if I ever join. Sunbeam is heavier and I use it on yardage after ironing after prewashing. If I can get 5 years out of them I'll be happy. Already have 2 out of the Sunbeam. we'll see.

My last iron was a GE. It lasted over 30 years

I've had several irons through the years, some great, some not.

I've had 2 for the last few years that I use pretty much every day, and so far love them both.
The 1st one is a dry iron that has a solid sole plate. I usually use a spray bottle anyway, and this iron gets very hot, has a lil weight to it, and without any holes in the sole plate, it doesn't catch on the edges of some of my blocks. Like sometimes if I'm pressing a small hst block, my regular iron will catch on the block, and crinkle it up. This iron also does NOT have auto shut off.
Here's a link to it:

http://www.amazon.com/Continental-El...words=dry+iron

My other "go to" iron is a Panasonic. It has a U shaped titanium sole plate that is supposed to circulate and disperse the steam better. I can't say if that claim is true, as I don't use steam. I always use a spray bottle. I can say it is lightweight and glides smoothly and effortlessly over my fabrics, and I haven't had any issues with it. Here's a link to it:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NI-E...panasonic+iron

I noticed there's another Panasonic advertised, looks similar, but has a different model #, and I'm sure there are other differences, as it's quite a bit cheaper, I don't know anything about it, but here's a link to it, too:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NI-E...panasonic+iron

I've debated the Oliso irons, but as with all things, I've read some great reviews, and some not great ones. With the money they cost, I just never have made the "jump"...

Regards,
Kif

If I could have any iron and money was no object , I would pick a commercial grade ( the type used at the dry cleaners) that has a separate boiler and a separate ironing head. These are truly heavy duty and produce LOTS of steam.

I would like to purchase a dry iron that is 1600 watts or higher, with a stainless-steel soleplate and NO auto turnoff. But I don't think such an iron exists, or at least I can't find it, even after exhaustive research. Boo hoo.

Cheryl

On the Oliso, you can shut off the steam completely. It has a stainless-steel soleplate. It does have an auto-shutoff, but it is standing up, the shut off is at 20 min. When you touch it after a shutoff, it takes it less than 20 seconds to fully reheat.

I recently bought the Continental dry iron and I love it. It's not overly big, has a nice weight to it and doesn't shut off.

I don't know if the soleplate is stainless or aluminum but it just glides across the fabric. I also don't know the wattage but it gets good and hot.

I bought mine from Amazon (much cheaper than Vermont Country Store) but I think they are also sold at Lowe's and or Home Depot.

I may have to get an Oliso iron someday soon. I have lots of trouble with arthritis in my hand and shoulder, which makes the motion of setting an iron up and down somewhat painful. I wish I could find a really lightweight iron that did a good job.

Re the auto shutoff - I wouldn't be without it! I left my tiny iron on all night not long ago - thank goodness the cat didn't knock it over! I forgot to do it that day, but most times I put an orange elastic around my wrist when I turn on the iron. If it's still on my wrist when I'm making dinner, I know to go turn the iron off! Even with auto-shutoff on my big iron, I'd rather it be completely off. I also turn off the power to the surge protector it's plugged into. I've heard stories of irons catching rooms on fire!

I have to agree, you're very right on the safety aspects!
I just don't like the auto shutoff when I'm piecing and ironing...but I just try to remember to pick up my iron and tip it so it comes back on every now and again..

Cabbagepatchkid,
I also bought my Continental dry iron through Amazon.
Regards,
Kif

I want an oliso but I have read to many problems of them not working past warranty and they are not cheap irons, but they look so nice to use and I really want one, hoping they will improve by the time my rowenta takes a dump but it has been working 9 years so can't compain

I have the iron I want, why buy one I don't want? LOL. In fact I have different irons for different types of ironing. I found a Rowenta made in Germany on sale at Tuesday Morning store and it has really been a great iron. I have the Reliable iron and it is a good iron but my DD borrowed it and of course I probably won't get it back. My guild has the Oliso irons and they are nice too. It's hard to get used to the feet rising using different irons though.

this is the one I have as well, and it does everything I need it to. I rarely use the steam, and it is heavy - which I like now, but could be a problem in the future.

I recently bought a dry iron like the old ones, from the Vermont Country Store. Love it, especially for applique!

Does the Oliso 1600 signify it is 1600 watts? If yes, I might take a crack at it!

The Oliso is 1800 watts.

Thank you all for your insight. Still leaning towards the Oliso. I may end up regretting it but it is stuck in my head. You know how that goes!!!

I have a Reliable Digital Velocity and if I had to replace it, I'd get another one in a heartbeat.

I wouldn't touch a Rowenta with a 10 foot pole. Way too many horror stories of fires, burns, arcing, etc. for me to even risk it.

I have a Rowenta and a EuroPro. Love both of them. The Rowenta has the auto-shut off but is very quick to restart. The other has no auto shut off. Both require distilled water. Using that, I've had no issues with either other than me or the dogs knocking them off the table! I've always been in the habit of unplugging my irons every time I use them. Just been a fact of life for me for almost as many years as I've been alive.

I love my Rowenta Pro Master, made in Germany. It is the best iron I have ever owned, but the most expensive too!!!

The Rowenta company was sold and now mass produced in China and the quality went out the door. Someone posted a few are still being made in Germany but their reputation is ruined.

I have had several Rowentas, a Reliable, and Black and Deckers. I don't know if any of them is one I would buy again. I liked the Reliable, until the heating element went out. It cost a lot to send it to Canada, and it still didn't work right when I got it back. I don't understand why they all say to use tap water. My irons all get clogged up and won't steam. I sold one my mother-in-law had had that is supposedly still going strong. It was a Shark. I am in the same frame of mind to buy a new one, but am stumped as to what to buy.

Leslie

I have one of those,too. I use it for appliqué, but it doesn't have a very smooth surface and drags for regular ironing of fabric.

Leslie

Coming up on year #6 or 7 (not sure which) with my Oliso- works as great as the day I bought it, love it!

If I could have any iron, I would love to try an Oliso. Right now I have an 8 year old Rowenta that works great and a simple Black and Decker as a back up.

I bought another Rowenta iron just because it was on sale at Costco. I was worried about it being too heavy being bigger that my last one (that still works) but this one works like a charm getting my seams pressed flat.

I have a Reliable now, if it goes, I'd get another. They do have gravity feed irons. Laurelstar also has steam generator.
I don't need the ironing board, I have an old Pfaff ironing board made for the gravity feed iron sold in the 90s.
It has a motorized fan.

I need to find a cover for the ironing board. Since it is made for a steam generator and an odd size, I don't want and possibly can't use the standard covers.

I have gone through several irons over the years. I just want a dry iron without holes in the sole plate. I have a better iron now at least more costly. I don't like it because it automatically shuts off. I like my iron to heat until I am done for the evening. Cheap irons at our Wal Mart do not exist.

I don't much care - only that it lasts more than three years - I think the one that lasted me the longest was one I bought at a house sale for a quarter. I don't even know the name of it. I think I must have had about four or five since. So I have learned that an iron can be a bane to my existence - Gotta keep money handy for when that iron will give up the ghost and you have to get a new one. It doesn't matter if it is $12.99 (Walgreen's) or an Oliso or Rowenta. I just won't spend that kind of high price on an iron that will quit on me the same time the $12.99 will.

Edie

I have had 3 Rowenta's one over heated and the others leaked. Also these were the older models not the ones from China. Now I have a cordless Panasonic and a Sharpe. The Sharpe is my favorite and it was the cheapest. For me, this is not were I want to spend my money. Tried the expensive and will not go there again.

Yep I agree with Peckish.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my Digital Velocity.
So many features about this iron that I love.

Starting with when at it's highest heat setting and the
steam generator on it can produce 1800w, you can turn
off the auto-shutoff if you desire.

I paid about $80 for this iron refurbished on ebay. But if
having to replace it I would do it again even if it means
buying brand new at full price.

I have gone through so many irons in my life My favorites are the old ones I pick up at thrift stores, but I eventually burn them up (that is why I NEVER leave the room wit them on). I finally bought a Rowenta professional - the one that has the separate basin for water. It is fantastic.

I "eat" irons. My choice is an inexpensive one that gives me good heat and steam. Yes, I try keep my irons alive and well but our hard well water just doesn't want to playnice.

My experience with Rowenta has a lot to do with the leaking problem on Rowenta irons made in China. The iron leaked like a sieve and the corporation claimed innocence. I pitched both of them.

Pat

I love my Rowenta, I only use it dry, as I have no need for steam. Occasionally I use a spray bottle if I am faced with lots of wrinkles prior to cutting. Never have had any issues with it.

Wow, I was trying to be nice and find a site for you to look at my Shark tank iron. I've had it many years now and just love it BUT it seems I cannot find it any longer. Bummer, if it ever breaks I'm now out of luck. It has a separate reservior for water and I only use distilled in it. Guess someone else will have to chime in with one they love that's still available.

My favorite iron is my Panasonic cordless iron. The only part I don't like is the auto shutoff, but I could not find a cordless iron that did not have an auto shutoff. Ironing without a cord is a whole new, wonderful process.

I had a Rowenta that I loved. Lots of steam, it had auto shut off( I won't buy an iron without it) just slid across the fabric. After 1 year it started to leak, a lot. I email customer service and they told me I was SOL. Never again will I buy one. Both of my sisters have had the same problem with theirs.
I want the Reliable velocity. WHen the Shark I have now dies that is what I will buy.Every iron has different features. You just need to decide what you need etc. I like lots of steam and auto shut off. Others hate this. I always unplug my iron when I am finished but I have a fear of leaving it on. That is why I love auto shut off. My sewing room is upstairs and sometimes I might not go up there for days at a time. I did install a smoke detector in my sewing room.
Pat

I bought a Rowenta about 8 years ago and love it.

I bought a rowento years ago and it spit water constantly. I use cheaper irons now and even the old ones from thrift stores that are heavy and love them. No certain brand names come to mind.