Steam Iron
 

Just wanted to see what everyone's favorite steam iron is. I had had two Rowenta's which leaked, heavy and expensive. I have spent to much money trying to find a good reliable steam iron! Thanks for all suggestions!

I have been disappointed in Rowentas. My favorite iron is Black and Decker's Digital Advantage. Fabulous iron. I don't think they make this model anymore because models change faster than I can change my clothes. My next iron will be a relatively cheap iron off the shelf.

I was disappointed with my Rowenta steam generator. My favorite was my Laura Star Steam Generator. It lasted about 10 years and when it finally gave out, the price of the new ones was so high I decided on an Oliso instead. While it's not a nice as the Laura Star Steam Generator, I do like it and for money paid I'm very happy.

I've been using the Reliable V100 Digital Velocity iron. (Where do they come up with those names?) The steam is great, the iron can be put into a mode where it doesn't shut itself off automatically, and its design supposedly means it will never leak. I got mine as a factory refurbished model on Amazon, so the price was around $80 I think. However I'm not sure that it's still available anywhere.

I agree with you about Rowenta. Mine leaked right after the warranty expired. I have a cheap Panasonic I think. It works great.
I just bought one of those mini irons for pressing seams. Got it today so haven't used it yet.
It's called Steamfast.

I caved and bought an Oliso and I love it.

ditto....I got the yellow one, and I cant go back to flipping my wrist, ever

I learned years ago from Ricky Timms...never put water in your steam iron and it will last forever. My cheapie Black & Decker is still going strong--ten years plus. Maybe even 15. I use a spray bottle just like my grandma did, works great!

Black and Decker for me. I get the cheapest one ($10-15) and replace it when it fails. Usually lasts 3-5 years. I also have a second one that never touches adhesive.

We have this one, but I know we didn't pay $250 for it. Bought it at a quilt show after seeing the demo. Good strong steam and no auto shutoff.

https://www.eurosteam.com/product/eu...neration-iron/

I have been thinking of asking for a new iron for Xmas this year. I noticed that Joan Ford recommended the Reliable Velocity 200IR. I also think the Oliso TG1100 Smart Iron looks very nice. So, I will be interested in what everyone has to say. I was thinking of going to BBB with a coupon.

I have a Panasonic cordless I am very happy with. Before I purchased it, I purchased T-Fal that I used for 3 years and works great.

The problem I see is that the expensive irons are great while they work but once they quit you're out a lot of money. (my Rowenta) I really wanted to get an Oliso but read the reviews and changed my mind.

I have an older version of this iron as well. I do love it. You must use distilled water in the version I have. The only time it leaks is if I overfill (forget there's still water from last use and add more).

I'm a firm believer in reading the instructions for type of water to use in your iron. Just because distilled water is more 'pure' does not mean the iron has been made to require that level of purity. I've had 2 Rowenta's and no leaking issues whatsoever. The only reason I replaced the first one was because it took one too many fall's off the ironing board. I bought the Europro iron during a quilt show as well so I could have an iron in each location (quilting and clothing ironing locations). Frankly, I think the Rowenta gets hotter than the Europro but you can control the steam with the Europro more finitely. And the steam does get gotter than the Rowenta (or maybe because there's more steam it just seems that way).

I use a little inexpensive Hamilton Beach and it's the best iron ever!

All the steam irons I've tried in the past usually end up leaking so went back to a basic iron that does have steam but haven't tried it, got this latest one for a $1 at a garage sale. I tend to keep a spray bottle with water in it to mist my fabrics. Seems to give me a better pressing. This latest iron, a Sunbeam has one heck of a nice hot press, better than the last 3 irons I've gone thru. I keep all the irons as long as they continue to heat up for backups but I won't be spending big bucks for those fancy dancy irons any longer.

I'm always disappointed in the short life of the more expensive irons I've invested in--so continue to stay loyal to my $20+ Sunbeam iron from Walmart--they last forever with ALL features working and when they do die, i just toss and buy another--so far i've had 2 of them in about 30 yrs. The more expensive ones seem to only last about 2 yrs.

I have an inexpensive Hamilton Beach travel arm steam iron that I use exclusively for pressing seams. It is perfect! The only thing I don't like about it is that it does not have an on/off switch, so I have to remember to unplug it. I have a Proctor-Silex mid-size steam iron, again, not expensive, that I use for pressing fabric and the quilt top when finished. I've been very pleased with both. I know that Rowenta's supposed to be wonderful, but I've read so many negative reviews, that I don't think I want one. My quilting group has one we keep set up when we get together, and it is nice, I admit, but it is also heavy. My arthritic hands don't care much for that iron!

When not using, I want my iron turned off. With design walls and cabinets covering most walls the outlets are hidden. Easy solution, power strips with good surge protection are placed before design walls/temporary cabinets are installed. Then just turn off the iron at the power strip. Also lights are turned off at the power strips. And all machines are connected via power strips (machines are turned off at the machine.).

Friends often join me for quilting sessions. So the iron gets heavy use and all sorts of trials.

At a retreat center that provided 6 irons, all of them died within 3 days. The heavy use of auto turn off, then on again, is what is suspected as the cause of failure. Just a tip of info.

I love my cheap Black and Decker. I think I paid $15 for it on sale at Walmart 10+ years ago. It gets good and hot and heats up fast. I haven't used the steam function in years since I keep a spray bottle of stay-flo starch mixed 50% starch and 50% water on hand for flattening seams. It does not have auto shut off which is fine with me. I turn it off and unplug it whenever I walk out of the room. When it dies I'll go for another cheap one.

Rob

I too do not like the Rowneta's either - expensive and don't last any time at all; have had a couple. I received an Oliso as a Christmas gift that I really like - but didn't take any time at all and it quit steaming too. (sigh) I now have a Panasonic cordless, so far so good. Guess my next one will be a cheapo off the shelf too.
At one time I had a Black and Decker; it was great; but had a lightning hit and took out an array of electrical items - unfortunately that iron was one to go. Good luck on your search.

I have a Proctor Silex that I've had for a lot of years. It has a spray and a steam function and I use tap water in it. I also have a water softener so don't know if that's an important part of it's long existence or not. I remember running vinegar water through it at some point--like we do for coffee makers--when I thought it was getting a little sluggish on steam. No automatic shut-off but I'd think would be a problem for those of us who want instant heat when we want to press.

I have had a Rowenta and a Reliable Velocity and both have lasted about 3 years apiece. Never again. The Rowenta leaked and the Reliable quite heating, even using distilled water. I have since gone back to my Black and Decker Digital Advantage and don't put water in it. Like others, I will replace this with another B & D when this one dies.

I have a cordless Panasonic which I got for Christmas last year so I don't know the price but it works great both with and without steam. I still have my old reliable B&D which must be at least 40 years old. If that gives out, I'll probably buy another one at WalMart. I can't see paying so much money for expensive irons that don't last.

I bought a real expensive iron years ago because I was tired of the irons dying. The expensive one lasted about 2 weeks after the warranty and then died.

Since then, I've had 2 Black and Decker from Walmart. The last one I bought about 4 years ago for $20. It's still going strong and I use straight tap water for the steam with no problems. I figure I can buy a new cheap iron every few years and still come out ahead of buying an expensive one.

I have bought two regular sized irons in my life. The fist one was a Black and Decker that lasted 25 years, and the one I have now that is an inexpensive Sunbeam I bought from Walmart 11 years ago. I am a cheap old broad and if I don't have to spend a dime, I won't. They have both worked perfectly for me. (I do use distilled water only in them, and that may be why they last so long.)

I am the complete opposite mine leaked like no other and not as hot as my Rowenta so caved andbought another Rowenta. I am also the oddball that loves my Rowenta and steam

I'vd had 2 Rowenta's and both leaked really bad. No more.

My Rowenta iron leaks on and off - very disappointing - and I've taken good care of it too.

After buying several steam and all not hot enough. I purchased an Oliso and am very very happy with it! It surpasses all the others. Plus I can lay it down and don't need to worry about scorching.

I could not agree with dunster more. This is an awesome iron.

Like others, after my second Rowenta, I said never again! Although I'm not sure, it seems like those that love the Rowenta and have no problems with them have ones from many years ago. Perhaps like lots of other things, "they just don't make them like they used to."

I've had a TFal for years, it still works great and doesn't leak. I also have a small (but not travel model) iron from WM that I take to classes, I think it's a Hamilton Beach but am honestly not sure.

You know I agree with Ricky Timms. I just buy a cheap iron and a spray bottle. Works great. All my ateam irons eventually leaked. Plus all those broken irons in the landfill is bothersome.

I have a GE from the 70's that is still working even after dropping on a cement floor a couple of times. Had an Oliso about 10 yrs ago that died in less than a year. Purchased a Panasonic 360 cordless at the AQS show in Grand Rapids last year & love it. It gets hot & I really enjoy that it is cordless. That is really handy.