suggestions for quality steam iron, please

I don't think there is one. For that kind of use you really need a steam generator iron (they can be used as dry irons as well). Mine was a cheapo job from Aldi (made by Delta in PRC), and cost less than my dead Rowenta P2 Professional. I can't find it on line: it was one of their weekly specials a year or so ago...

Some to look for:

??? Sounds to me like you want a Jaguar ("high end") at VW Beetle prices ([under] $100). You'll have to compromise on one or the other, either increase your budget or settle for a "low end" iron.

For what it's worth, I am going on 10 or 12 years with my Rowenta Professional DE 92.1 and I've never owned a better consumer's level iron. When I sew it's on for 6-8 hours a day, and has yet to bark, spit, or give me any problems. I would buy another one in a heart beat, just to have a back up. It is *not* an auto-shut-off, I wouldn't have one of those for a door stop.

Beverly

Beverly,

I'm not looking for the "Jag" of irons. The term, "high end," is relative. I want a high end "consumer" iron, not a three hundred US dollar business/professional iron. I'm looking for the best I can afford for what I need--which is all anyone can ask for. I hand dye and paint fabrics on high thread count muslin and it's tough to get the wrinkles out of the hand dyes. The last Rowenta was $79, which was marked as a "professional" iron, and it did not last. The Rowenta I bought before that splashed me with hot water and burned my shoulder when I picked it up off the ironing board because it kept shutting off--that's the one I returned after owning it for two hours. So, no, I'm not interested in another Rowenta. I don't believe that Rowenta's products are what they used to be. If you read consumer reviews on the internet for their irons, you'd see experiences similar to mine.

Renee

BEI Design wrote:

Hi Kate,

I can't find anything by either Aldi or Delta product name for the US market. Do you know if there's something similiar that I could find for the American market? I went to AllBrands.com and there are some steam generators to choose from but the lowest price is a Rowenta for $200. I'm a bit brand-shy at the moment. What about a dry garment press that has the 9x18" or 10x26"approx iron pad and a spritzer bottle?

you used anything like that?Thanks,

Renee

Kate Dicey wrote:

This one is cheap, but doesn't get a good review:

seem to have quite a few unavailable at present, but they would give you some brands to look for.

Perhaps it's time someone just compiled a FAQ list for "Steam Irons" so all the previous answers to this reoccurring query would be easily given.

Candide

Having owned several, I agree that the Rowentas are in a decline. My last one is increasingly dysfunctional so I've been looking at irons too. Over the years, I've learned to organize my ironing time so I don't usually need to leave an iron on all the time I'm sewing, so I'm not sure a typical steam generator would suit me. I also have an ElnaPress so that influences my decision too. I've been pondering that Velocity iron made by Reliable because it has two thermostats--- one for the water and one for the sole plate. But I'm concerned that I'd have to invest a fortune in filters since it's described as having some kind of filtration system. The Reliable web site gives no details, and I keep forgetting to either email or call them.

Phae

That would be a huge help to folks like me! I was told to search alt.sewing to find the recent threads on irons, but I'm having a hard time finding the info that is relevant to my needs - basic household ironing. I have a cheap iron right now, it's too light and sole plate doesn't slide well. I want to replace it with a better iron, but I don't need (and can't afford) a $100+ iron. I'm hoping for a recommendation in the $25-50 range.

Thanks!

I have had pretty good luck with cheap ones - Black & Decker and Presto (I think) come to mind. The nice thing about a cheap one is that when it starts to act up, I have no trouble pitching it and replacing it.

I avoid teflon soleplates. With the nice steel one, if there are no nicks or deep scratches, I just run it over a piece of waxed paper from time to time. It doesn't get coated with wax, so there's no transference to my fabric, but it glides a lot better.

I still use the iron my my bought me for college back in 1969. It's a GE and still does the trick for me. I've been confused by the need for one of these $100 jobbers. Cindy

For cheap and pretty good and easily available, try the Black and Decker Classic. Special Bonus: no automatic shutoff.

Kay

Kay Lancaster wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@hub.fern.com:

oooh! i need one! my Shark Pro has a rediculously short auto shutoff. i turn it on, wait for it to warm up, iron the seam, go sew down the flat fell & it's already off again. drives me nuts. these aren't long seams! it's shirts for my 5 year old! it works great as a laundry iron. no spit, no spatter, lots of steam... i just can't stand the auto shutoff. lee