I have gone through 5 in the last 3 years. Now granted I sew all day and night and teach sewing to kids about 20 hours a week. But I have to admit out of those 5, I broke 2 by dropping the iron. I keep buying cheap ones at about $40-50. My students keep asking me why don't I spend a couple hundred and buy a good one. I said when I stop teaching I will. But for some reason.... irons break like crazy here at the studio.