I have two irons: my mother-in-law's old GE, made of metal and so heavy I hardly have to "press" down at all! I love it...then a Rival, mostly plastic and will turn itself off when I forget...my hubby liked that idea...but I don't use it as much, because it's always off when I need it on!!!! But if I want steam, then I use it! Neither has ever leaked...and my GE must be at least 30 years old!!!