Well, it's been about 6 months since I purchased my Rowenta Advancer iron. That was after swearing I'd never buy another Rowenta because of leaking problems with previous Rowentas.
I am forced to admit that this iron is, by far, the very best, most convenient iron I've ever used. I used to hate ironing because my irons were all so problematic, leaking and not hot enough. This iron is really a dream. I avoided getting a steam generator because I just don't like leaving an iron on all the time since it is a terrible waste of energy (for me).
PROS:
- Awesome steam production with variable settings. You would never want to use this iron on an impermeable board as some quilters are known to do.
- Large tank that takes regular tap water
- very easy-gliding, non-teflon, stainless steel/platinum treated soleplate with hundreds of tiny steam holes that don't leave "hole" marks on fabric or fusible interfacings.
- 1800 watts! This iron heats up lightning fast. In fact, it is so fast that you don't need to leave it on while you are sewing. By the time you arrange your article on the board, it will be hot enough. This is my favorite thing about this iron. However, the dial doesn't really lend itself to being turned off and on quickly so I just plug mine into a $5 plug-in strip (with a switch!) that I keep right on the edge of the ironing board iron holder (I have a Polder). So when I'm done, I just hit the switch instead of messing with the dial. Rowenta could improve this iron by including a switch. This iron gives more than adequate heat even for 100% linen.
- Excellent steam pressure and steam distribution. You get very good, variable, continuous steam production as well as a button for a shot of steam. The shot of steam is... well... amazing. It cleans the deposits out of the iron very thoroughly as well.
- This is a large soleplate iron with a shaped point for getting into small places.
- No leaking! No problem maintaining even the highest temperatures.
- auto-shutoff in case you forget - Those who have viewed this feature negatively need not worry since the iron heats up so instantaneously.
- It's fast! I get my regular ironing done in no time at all now. No more waiting for it to reheat or excess time spent trying to get wrinkles out. 1800 watts makes a huge difference and despite that, the iron is more energy efficient because it heats so fast one need not turn it off while sewing.
CONS:
- Cost. Mine was one-hundred-something. However, it is much cheaper than most decent steam generator systems.
- It delivers so much steam that you will need to be careful of drip-through when using the highest steam settings for long periods. Those accustomed to steam generators will be used to this.
- If you don't like a large, heavy iron, then this is not the iron for you. It is not extremely heavy but it is somewhat heavier than run-of-the-mill irons.