Neesie

I use a Black & Decker, from WalMart. No complaints. I had a more expensive iron, several years ago, and it ended up leaking. It was probably my fault, for leaving water sitting in it . . . but I refuse to empty the iron, each and every time I use it. So far, the B&D has outlasted the more expensive one (and I still leave water in it).

ArtsyOne

I use an inexpensive Sunbeam that I originally purchased refurbished from BigLots for less than $20 twenty-five years ago. It has three steam settings and turns itself off after 15 minutes of inactivity. Don't know what I'm going to do if it ever dies.

Themisnike

I really appreciate all of the advice! I'm so thankful for all of you who respond- I'm new to this, and I love having you all as virtual mentors!! Thank you!!

glassdriller

I've been using a Panasonic cordless iron for the past few years. The way my sewing area is set up there isn't much room, so this is a great feature to have. The only down side I can think of is it is much lighter than older models.

patski

I used an Elio and a Rowenta but now just use the black & decker, works just great

SueSew

I used a B&D for many many years and used it for quilting. The steam feature was not reliable and rusty so I just spritzed and it was fine.
I just "upgraded" to the flat-iron no-steam $29 special iron BellaBoo recommended and it is great- no holes for steam, so better than the old one. Nice shiny surface.

Weezy Rider

Reliable Velocity. Had a Rowenta, but it spit. I use a cover for the sole plate if I want to make a mess. So far so good with the Reliable. I worked in a cleaners as a kid and knew how to use the steam press.

audsgirl

I, like Dunster, have a Reliable Digital Velocity. It has 2 heating elements, so you can have steam at any temperature setting. It also has a way to make it stay on while you are working without shutting off after a few minutes. That always bugged me about the safety settings on others. I usually would have to start it up again when I went back to do some pressing. My personal taste is to have an iron with a smooth sole plate so that it moves easily over the fabric.

Weezy Rider

I like a smooth sole plate, but I don't like the residue from Stitch Witchery, Steam-a-Seam and some starch I use for making entredeux all over the sole plate.

lovequilts

stay with a cheap iron. I use a 25.00 black and decker. Had a rowena and it just ends up dripping and spitting.