I have a $4.99 Kmart blue light special that is 25 years old. My Mom told me when she gave it to me as a Wedding gift that the key to a long lasting iron is to never put water in them. It causes them to spit and rust. Good advise. I use a water spray bottle and hot iron.
The one thing I wish more iron makers would make is a dry iron. I have the a tiny craft Iron without the Steam holes, but would love a full size. If anyone knows of a dry iron available today, that is not too expensive. Please let me know.