I have a Rowenta that's about 18 months old. Yesterday is starting leaking water big time. I looked online and read horrible reviews, so I think I'll be buying a new iron today before I ruin my pink and white hearts baby quilt. Should I just go back to a cheap black and decker? sigh...

Yep. The cheapest black and decker you can find!! I have a EuroSteam that cost over $200 and I love it for most things, but for piecing? I definately prefer my $12.00 B&D!!

I had the same experience....I just get inexpensive irons and when they die get another. Can't see paying for the high price ones and not getting good service.....just me and my opinion.

yes you should and you should contact the company about the leaking. They believe it is the most wonderful iron made and it never malfunctons. I know this from talking with one of the big dudes from the company. Yell loudly..

I have used the cheap irons from Wal-Mart for years. I have no problem with them. When they wear out or break, I just go get another. The one I am using now is about 3 years old and still working good.

it took me longer to learn the leason i went through 3 rowentas before i got the message (brand name blindness) LOL now i only buy at thrift stores and keep what i like and toss the rest.

I recently posted about my favorite little iron. It's great for piecing because it's so light-weight, but it still gets nice and hot and has steam, too. I've had this iron for about three years now, paid about $25.00 for it (Amazon) and just love it! No troubles with leaking or anything. I don't know about the rest of you, but when I have to hoist a heavy iron for every little seam I have to press, it gets tiring and my shoulder starts hurting so bad. I have a regular (cheap) iron for pressing my fabric before I cut, but I use this little gem for everything else. Several of my quilting friends bought one, too, and they also love it. Here's the link: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-149312-1.htm

I spurged and got an Oliso. I love it. Would never use any other iron after getting spoiled by this one.

I use the cheap ones from Walmart. I find that if I have a spare iron in the closet, the one I'm using will last longer. I hate having to run out at midnight to get an iron.

I use a $20 cheapie Shark iron from Target. I've had it for 2 years and it is great. I've blown through a Rowenta high dollar iron (it died the day after the warranty was up) and a high dollar Maytag that lasted a year. I'm just not going to invest in the expensive ones anymore.