Hi, Bstanbro, from another Oregonian. I have never had trouble with my blast steam, and my Rowenta is 5 years old. What is that you're hearing, I'm knocking on wood, I just love my iron. I love your cat.

I loved my Shark professional when I bought it but it didn't last too many months. Rowents's only last about a year before they spurt water. I bought a cheap one at Hancocks for $15 and it lasted for over a year and now on my second one. I don't drop my irons, just use them almost every day.

I use my iron daily and am lucky to get one to last 6 months before they start leaking water everywhere. Finally just gave up & am buying the cheapo irons & replacing the darned things ever 3-6 months. However, a leaky iron is fine once they are good & dry to use for fusible stuff. So I have a few for that purpose. LOL

I bought a Krups about 15 years ago and it is still in perfect condition. And it cost a cool $100.00 back then, but worth every penny. I would recommend that you NEVER put tap water in your iron. I use only distilled water, and have no problems with spitting, leaking, sputtering. A gallon of distilled water is cheap.