Thursday, June 23, 2016

Opinions Wanted!

Sorry no pictures today.......I am looking for opinions on irons. As the workshop person in my guild we are looking to replace ours. Some of the requirements are......

Can be put away while still hot (the most important in my opinion!) Does anyone have any experience with those covers you can use to put them away? Hard or soft cover?

Stays on for a decent amount of time

Does not need to be charged

Last longer than a couple of years

Reasonably priced

This will be a major purchase so anything you can contribute good or bad will be appreciated!

Kelly

13 comments:

  1. What is your definition of reasonably priced? Less than $35?

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  2. the only thing I really have to offer is that my iron is lasting much longer because i am not putting water in it - EVER!
    I think it scales it up, then it leaks....etc.
    As far as packing them hot - a no no for sure. Maybe set a timer 45 before the end of workshop as a cut off and un plug.
    I've learned over the years that more expensive irons don't mean better irons.
    how many are you buying? Bed Bath and Beyonce will give you 20% off each.

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  3. I'd stay away from that portable Rowenta. They break after a short time, and they aren't cheap!!
    I'll be curious to read what people think is a great iron!

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  4. Looking forward to seeing the responses. My irons have all been Rowentas and they have lasted years and may not be considered reasonably priced. The last one I bought 5 years ago I got from an outlet store for $70.00. I am curious as to putting away a hot iron. Where would it be stored? I bought one of the covers I think you are talking about at the quilt show in Paducah KY but have not used it yet. Also, I won a Durathon iron in a giveaway (iron had great reviews) and it's reasonably priced. I haven't used it yet but there are reviews online. Good luck with your search.

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  5. I've had better luck with Singer irons that Rowentas. I also always use distilled water in my iron. My mother worked as a burn nurse. I never put an iron away hot :(
    Good luck and let us know what you find!
    Mickie

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  6. I only use vintage irons. They get hotter than any iron you can buy today and they are built to last. Before going vintage I was buying a new iron about once a year. I thought spending more money for new irons would make them last longer...wrong! I bought all of my vintage irons at local thrifts shops, but they can easily be found on E-bay and Etsy. Most of the time they are also cheaper than any iron new iron. I'm still using the first vintage iron I purchased about 4 yrs ago, but when I see one at a thrift shop I buy it. The most I've paid for one was $8. Brand doesn't matter when buying vintage. If its black with chrome and weights a ton I'm buying it. Good luck in your search, I'll be looking forward to seeing what you decide to buy.

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  7. When Nana was here she commented she had bought the same iron that CL had in the Poconos. She loves it...particularly because she can use both hands...???? Go figure!

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  8. I just bought a Velocity from the recommendation on Carol Bryer F. Gentry's website. The model she raves about is no longer available so I got the newer model. I do like it, but will it last longer than my usual 6 month time span? Dunno yet!

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  9. I used my original Rowenta for over ten years. I bought a new Rowneta professional iron and it was a nightmare. The worst problem I had with it was that it leaked dirty water when I used the steam feature.. I returned it to Rowenta for a free repair and it came back to me in the same condition and still leaked. The moral of the story, never buy a Rowenta. I bought an inexpensive Black and Decker iron from Target and it works wonderfully, nice and light and the steam works. Black and Decker irons have a good warrantee and are ranked as a good quality economical iron. Hope this helps!

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  10. I don't have a good answer other than maybe switching to not using water at all. That is what I am considering doing. I like the weight and pointed sole plate of my expensive Rowenta but it starting sputtering and spitting water within a couple months of buying it. I've tried filtered water, bottled water, tap water and nothing helped. I only use it dry now. My friend bought an expensive Olisio (spelling?) and she had the same problem right out of the box. She swapped it out for replacement from the company and the second one did the same thing! It is discouraging. 😟

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  11. I've had a Rowenta professional titan plus for 20 years. It works very well and is heavy. The iron I use the most is an Oliso ( with the funny feet). It is lightweight and lifts itself. I've used it for 2 years without any problems. Both irons steam beautifully although the water in my house is filtered for every known problem. An iron I've used but know nothing of its long term durability is the T-Fal.

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  12. Similar to JanAngel, I am happy with my lightweight inexpensive Black & Decker from Target. Had experience with two Rowenta's and did not have good luck. Vintage irons do get hot (sometimes too hot); they have no safety features. That leads me to be in total agreement with Mickie, never put away a hot iron. Keep us posted on your decision.

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  13. Sorry to be weighing in late on this one, but... the very best brand of iron on the market for a quilter is T-Fal. It has been rated number one through Consumer Reports, and as a T-Fal owner myself, I can attest to its endurance. Going ten years strong, holds lots of water, doesn't leak, and the price was right at about $40 or so, if I remember correctly. You won't go wrong buying this brand.

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