I went to my husband to whine some "my iron was good. I didn't want it to die. Blah, blah, blah." Then he stops me short and tells me to just go buy another one. I replied with "huh... why do you have to make things so easy?" :D
But boy, I'm picky when it comes to irons! I want something that I can see the water level in. I don't care if it has an on or off button, I unplug it anyhow. I didn't want a retractable cord. I have my ironing board set up so the cord doesn't get in my way. I wasn't looking for fancy features. I just want something that can steam and iron! Oh, and I'm VERY picky about the soleplate. My mom has a green iron that had a greenish protective coating on the plate and over time it started to rub off a little. I actually have some log cabin blocks that give a greenish hue on white fabric. Definately want to avoid that. In fact, the only soleplate I'll consider is stainless steel. Hasn't disappointed me yet.
I wanted to get another iron exactly like my old one... but they didn't have it. It was a Black & Decker Steam Advantage. They had something similar, but I wasn't feeling good about it. I ended up getting a Hamilton Beach Steam Storm Ultra, on sale for $20 at Target. I did eye another Black & Decker iron, but got kinda suspicious with how dusty the box was. :P
I'm keeping the box and receipt just in case, but was pretty please with how fast it heated up. I'll be happy if I get at least a year out of it. It's amazing how much ironing quilters do! Does anybody want to chorus with me "they sure don't make irons the way they used to"? ;)
Leah
8 comments:
I bought a cordless iron and just love it, esp when ironing large pieces of fabric. I got it at Canadian Tire, which you probably don't have down there. It is called Euro Pro. I've been using it for over a year with no problems. It was about $100 but worth it if it lasts a few more years.
Yes, I agree! I am definetly picky about irons. I want one that heats, steam well and has a steam button. My Black & Decker works very well and I have enjoyed it! At the longest, my iron usually lasts a year. It's amazing the amount of pressing sewing requires! :)
I am with you on irons. I need to go out and buy anew one. I just get disgusted with my choices. I am thinking of going back to Black and Decker, what I call the work-horse. I inexpensive black basic steam iron. Enjoy your new iron, it sure looks good.
I have the steam advantage too - am very pleased with it. I bought it after my rowenta died - wasn't about to shell the $$ for a new rowenta. We actually still have it- i rotate out irons - they are still "good enough" for home use (ironing clothes, etc) when they don't cut the mustard for my quilting. That way I still have an iron that is exclusively for my quilting and since the other doesn't get used NEARLY as much, I still have a "backup for emergencies" if my quiliting one COMPLETELY dies.
Oh don't get me going about irons. I"ve had so many and they always go. I"ve even spent money on the Rowenta ones and had more problems with them than the expensive ones!
I could write a book on 'Irons I have known' - I currently have 3 which have varying degrees of effectiveness. We live in a hard water area so they don't last too long (and I certainly can't be bothered to buy distilled water). I agree with you - if it lasts a year you've probably made the return on the investment - if it lasts any longer it's a bonus!
don't get me started on the Rowenta rant..I had a Black& Decker for years-great workhorse,never let me down. Finally died-bought a Rowenta-mega-whoopie huge-expense-treat yourself...leaked the first use-returned it-given another-same thing-Friend with Hardware store got me another Black&Decker I told her to get me 2 so now I have a back-up. When in doubt-stick with the classics.
Snap! - the cheapest are definitely the best value - I buy cheapies from Asda (the UK arm of Walmart - would that they sold P&Q fabric) - they seldom last past a year or so but at around £10 - £12 each it's not a bad return for the money - I'm tempting providence here as we're now in a much softer water area and the iron definitely purrs on this water supply
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