I always buy the cheapest big iron, use it until it dies and buy another. One leak or sputter, that iron is in the trash. When I find a great buy on an iron, under $10 new, I buy it even if I don't need it. I learned that from my guild members. I always have a new iron and I don't have to run out and buy another maybe not at the cheap price again. I have had great service from the small travel iron sold at Nancy Notions. It's over 5 years old and still steams perfectly.