I've used both teflon and stainless steel irons over the years and reallyprefer the stainless steel sole plates because they do glide more smoothly. Having said that, you will get used to the feel of the Teflon after awhile if you keep using it.

Bought a good Rowenta ($159. on sale), it started leaking about 6 months after purchase. Then my cat knocked it off the ironing board and it quit working. So went out and bought another less expensive Rowenta, got a little longer about a year and a half. So gave up and bought a cheap ($12.) Proctor Silex with SS plate, still going strong 3 years later and also have an old Black n Decker of my DMIL when she passed that is still going strong. Have 2 old Sunbeam dry irons with the flat sole plates (no holes) that get very, very hot. Use those for doing photos, they work great for cotton fabric just no steam. Cheap too, found at yard sales for $2.00.
Brenda

I found a stainless steel footed iron at good will, 2.55 and that was ??? dont remember i still have it and it works great. i dont know the name because there not one on it.

I have a Rowenta that I have had for years. I did have trouble with water leaking. After reading the instruction book that came with my iron, I use 1 gallon of distilled water and 1 gallon of regular water and make 2 gallons of a mix. I have had no problems since doing that. Just a thought.

I just bought a $6.74 Rival at Walmart and it has been great so far. Don't know how long it will last but at that price.......whatever!

I have a Rowenta and it's OK but the iron I use the most is a $6.99 Proctor Silex I bought at Walgreens in a hurry because I'd forgotten an iron on the way to a class. It doesn't shut off automatically but I am careful and, unlike the Rowenta, it gets hot enough for me.

I saw an iron at a quilt class that when it on and hot, if you leave it flat,it has lifts and sits on them till u want to use the iron again...had no idea how to use this iron ... looked for the button or something???.. finally someone came over to show me... always feel sooo dumb when that happens. LOL!!

I bought a Hamilton Beach Pro at WM and it is great. Glides super and it is also really heavy. I paid $40 but I am in Canada so you might pay less. It has auto shutoff but heats up SUPER FAST.........I was amazed!

i have had my shark for 3 years and love it. no the teflon will not glide like stainless

I had one---an Olisio---and it never steamed properly.