my rowenta soleplate spent time on a plastic water bottle so now I need to buy a new iron...it's been several years since I shopped for a new one....what is a favorite out there in quilt land?

I love my Rowenta, I got mine on clearance at Walmart of all places.

I love my dry iron that I got from Home Depot. It's a nice heavy iron.

Have never tried Rowenta. I recently purchased an Oliso - the kind with the feet that raise and lower. Not sure what model ... 1600 perhaps (the yellow one). I don't use water in mine, but word of caution - mine says NOT to use distilled water so if that is what you usually use, DON'T with an Oliso.

Things I like about it ...

Really long cord
Great glide on the sole plate
Long auto shut off time (30 min I *think*)
Raise/lower feet (can be turned off)
Good weight (meaning heavy but not too heavy)

I've had mine for less than a year, so I can't vouch for longevity *yet*.

Sue

I just stuck my Rowenta to a plastic bag today. I scraped the soleplate on the edge of my ironing board (need new cover anyway!) and then after it cooled, the plastic came right off with a Mr. Clean magic eraser. My Rowenta is only a few months old and I am so thankful for the teflon coating!

I got my Rowenta Master at Costco-be careful, it seems that the ones make in China or someplace like that aren't as good-alot of board members reported leaking. The one I got at Costco is make in Germany, and so far, I love it-no leaking!

I paid good money for a Rowenta --- it died in less than a year and took some fabric with it (burned up the fabric!)
Went to Walmart and bought a Rival --- lightweight, can be taken to class with ease, HOTTEST iron I've ever bought and does NOT turn off automatically ---- cost??? $9.99!! I just bought a second one in case this one dies. :)

I'm in need of a new iron too,so I will be following this thread.

Amandasgramma has the right price range!

I have a small iron I love for small ironing but my large iron is in sad shape.

If anyone is interested in the Oliso irons with the feet that move up and down Christmas Tree Shops had the 800 for $24.95. I don't need a new iron but someone out there might.

i love my $10 black and decker from wally world- been a good hot faithful iron for 4 years and counting
i know there are big-heavy- fancy - expensive irons out there- in fact i have one still in it's box (6 years now) on my pantry shelf- when my good $10 iron gives out i might have to get it out...but it's (twin) sucked as far as i'm concerned so i am not in any rush to get it out and deal with it.

why? well- it's heavy=
it's cordless (which was supposed to be a great feature) and shuts off on it's own- so when i needed it- it was never hot---very aggrivating in my book-
and when water was put in it it steamed/sputtered/leaked all over- and caused burns- and ...well- i just did not like it (they were both bought together for our sewing school to the tune of $159 each (on sale) we used one for 2 months---before i threw that sucker out---the other- just lives in the pantry
my black and decker stays hot for as long as i have it on- sometimes all day-
it does not weigh so much you almost need 2 hands to use it
and it does a great job.

I just LOVE my Oliso Iron!! It has the automatic feature where you dont have to put the iron on its bottom to stand it up. You just iron as normal let it go and it raises up!! It is one of the sponsors for the Fons & Porter show. It is a bit pricey but worth every penny!!

I just bought a Toastmaster iron for $10 at our local Giant Tiger (small Canadian department store). It is hot and has lots of steam and is heavy enough to press well. It automatically shuts off in 10 minutes which is ok for me. So far I like it so much better than my $100 Shark which is too heavy, leaks and you have to shake to wake up. The Shark is up for adoption!

My Rowenta iron leaks. I plan to buy a less expensive iron next.

I've had 2 Rowenta's and really like them but eventually they all leaked, grrrr!! I don't think you are supposed to use distilled water in the Rowents's, I wonder why? So I use them dry and have a spray bottle handy that I use for dampness. This was a recommendation from Ricky Tims, who says he never uses the steam feature. Then I bought a Panasonic to use for my clothing pressing and it does a great job with the steam. Aren't irons frustrating??

I buy all my irons at thrift store or yard sales...I like the old ones that don't shut off. Price is always right at thrift shops, and you can always afford to keep a backup (or several!)

I can't use the heavier irons. I love the idea of the Oliso but it is waaayyy to heavy for me to lift.

I have my old cheaper Black & Decker which has truly been a workhorse. I also have my old Maytag cordless which is great for pressing larger pieces as the cord doesn't interfere.

ali

I have owned this iron for approximately 6 months and wouldn't trade it for any other iron. This model is expensive but well worth the money. Search on the web (pricegrabber.com) for sales or lowest price. Enjoy your search & Happy Quilting.
:D