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Recommendation for IRONS

gattini | Posted in General Discussion on

IRONS:  I sew – lots – from clothes to accessories to curtains and so on.  My Rowenta iron just died and I need to replace it.  I did look at the newest Rowenta with a water reservoir, but it’s expensive – so I thought I would see what others have to recommend?  Gattini 

Replies

  1. ctirish | | #1

    If you do a lot of sewing, I would go with a model that has a reservoir. I am not happy with Rowenta these days.  I bought an iron and it lasted less than one year. I think for the $100. price it should have lasted a lot longer.  The iron I received at my bridal shower in 1970 lasted 30 years. Since then I have bought about one iron a year.  My latest is a Shark and it is ok, not great.  Maybe I need to go to estate sales and see if I can find a nice old one that works. good luck in your search, I will be reading in hopes of hearing about a good one. 

    jane

  2. Sussana | | #2

    I too have a rowenta that died, untill my 4 year old dropped it, then it started working again and still is.  Go figure!  But when it officially dies :), I really want a gravity fed iron.  I worked in a couple tailor shops where we used these and I cannot tell you enough how much I liked them. 

    • they have a LARGE water tank that I dont have to fill every time I press a seam open. 
    • they are hot, hot, hot, and if you have a teflon shoe on it you can iron any fabric, even interfacing on the same HOT setting (because the shoe prevents the hot metal from touching your fabric, its the steam that presses. 
    • you dont need a special ironing board
    • they are sturdier and longer lasting than regular irons and easily repaired.
    •  I saw one on e-bay or if you find one used then they are pretty reasonably priced. Especially when you compare it to a rowenta that brags of STEAM only to pitter out after a year or so.

    they may seem intimidating because of their industrial looks, but they are a blessing of an iron.  Of course in my opinion.  but maybe this will help as you shop.

    Sussana 

    1. gattini | | #3

      Thank you Sussana.  I live in Toronto and we have a fashion district here.  I am planning to check out the stores that sell equipment to see if I can find the kind of iron you describe.  I appreciate your note.

       

  3. nancywin | | #4

    Hi - I recently bought an iron. Well, several as it turns out. I had read so much bad press about Rowenta that I decided to get a Shark. I don't remember the model, but it was around $60. After a couple of weeks, it started spitting and sputtering. It also would not steam properly. I didn't have the receipt, but I took it back (Target) and they let me exchange it. Well, a month later, I'm having the same problem. I ended up taking that back and getting the Rowenta Power Duo. I've had it a little over a month, and so far, it's working well.

  4. From my Stash.... | | #5

    Hi. If you do a search of earlier discussions, you should find a lengthy discussion on irons and Rowenta, in particular. Lots of comments and if I remember correctly, opinions on what owners now use/prefer.

    As for me, I use a Reliable - not the large independent tank, but one of the ones with the built in tanks. I love it.

     

    1. littleG | | #11

      I have owned several Rowentas that I have just plain worn out from use.  Since we have moderatly hard water in our area of Virginia, I mix it 75% distilled water to 25% tap water or use bottled spring water, and have solved my steaming and spitting problems.  However, one of these days, I would love to have a gravity fed iron.  My Mother used to have a tailor shop that I would help her in, and I just loved hers.  For those of y'all who have used them in recent years, which brand do you prefer? 

  5. Bernie1 | | #6

    I have a Rowenta with the reservoir and have had no trouble with it. My ASG leader has had one or years and it gets used constantly and she also has had no trouble.

    Laura Star has a gravity feed system that Cynthia Guffey recommends but it's $1500. I have only used one gravity feed iron and it was so heavy that I couldn't really manage it, but it was an older system. If I could afford it I'd try the LS.

    Personally, I would look at the Rowenta, not the regular irons but the steam generator with the reservoir. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything. You can get a lemon in any brand.

  6. bonkers | | #7

    I`ll put in my opinion in this discussion on irons. I bought the Maytag cordless iron last winter and I really like it. It is so handy and easy to use. I had seen it used on Fons&Porters` T.V. show and then the magazines had a discount on it for a couple of months.It stays hot for a reasonably long time and heats up quickly. So nice to not have to wrestle that cord!! I also ordered a non-steam iron from the Vermont Country Store for fusing and am very satisfied with it. I also find the irons available to the home sewer to be sub-standard.

  7. User avater
    genevieve | | #8

    Hi, I have a Laura Star high steam pressure iron; it was a real lash out expense  some 5 years ago; and I have never regretted it. It's so superior to previous conventional irons.  I actually love ironing and before i had an ironing lady!  For sewing, especially tailoring. it steams things into place, and there is no shine even on black.  regards genevieve.

    1. wench34 | | #10

      From someone who spent tons of money buying ROWENTAS that always went bad....I have been blissfully happy with the Conair Crafter's iron...about 150.00 but worth every cent.  I no longer have spitting, there is an unlimted time function button, and other things.  I have not purchased any irons since buying this one.  It performs perfectly with all fabrics, especially my silks!

  8. Pattiann42 | | #9

    To Everyone -

    I am looking for a new iron.  My old ones (Norelco & Proctor-Silex) work just fine, but don't hold enough water - 1/2 cup, which goes pretty fast.

    I don't do a lot of ironing, mostly pressing and nothing tailored, drapes or such.

    I have always used distilled water in my irons and they don't sputter.

    Has anyone used the Shark Pro Steamer?  It is the lesser expensive of the ones I have viewed on-line - under $100 at Allbrands.

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