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Member since 7/31/08
Posts: 780
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Posted on: 2/1/09 5:06 PM ET
My old iron died today. I have to admit that I was thinking of getting a new one anyway. So it wasn't a real big deal.

But I do need a new iron. I would like a good one. It would be used for pressing my seams, etc., plus of course, ironing clothes!

I would appreciate any and all recs!

Thanks!
  
Member since 3/7/08
Posts: 494
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Posted on: 2/1/09 6:17 PM ET
I've found that I prefer irons with stainless steel sole plates instead of a Teflon sole plate. The stainless plates seem to glide across the fabric and the Teflon seems to drag--which seems counter intuitive to me, but that's been my experience with my Black & Decker iron.
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Joe in New Albany, iN
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 13492
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Posted on: 2/1/09 10:50 PM ET
In reply to Sewnsewmom
Having sewn since dinosaurs walked the earth, I have gone through many, many irons, and one of the most dependable and long-lived I have ever had is the Black & Decker Digital Advantage, available at a discount store near you and probably at a considerable distance from you, as well.

I sew a lot, but not professionally, and I have been pleased with this modestly priced iron which produces a lot of steam. So far, it has served me well for almost five years, a good performance record for an iron of its type. It has even survived a couple of falls onto its head, which totaled several of my pricier Rowentas!

Oh, btw, being absent-minded and prone to leaving the iron on while I go away on vacation, I bought the model with the often-disdained auto-shutoff. I find that the machine warms up very swiftly when you merely shake it, so that has not been a problem.



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Elona
  
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Member since 10/11/03
Posts: 1020
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Posted on: 2/2/09 5:48 PM ET
In reply to Sewnsewmom
I just came from Patti Palmer's seminar and her favorite iron it the Rowan Pro. it doesnt have automatic shut off which is a huge plus and can be held vertically to steam.
  
Member since 6/23/08
Posts: 34
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Posted on: 2/3/09 1:44 AM ET
If portability is not a huge issue, I highly recommend a gravity feed iron. I just got one and am thrilled with it. A lower end (but still great!) one can be had for under $100.
-- Edited on 2/3/09 1:44 AM --
  
Member since 1/25/09
Posts: 1
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Posted on: 2/3/09 2:27 PM ET
I agree with the recommendation for the Black & Decker Digital Advantage. I have had one for a few years, and while I don't sew much, it is a wonderful iron that heats up FAST and produces lots of steam.

When I bought mine, it was the Consumer Reports top-rated iron, rated above the much more expensive Rowentas.

Rachel
  
Member since 2/3/07
Posts: 168
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Posted on: 2/3/09 4:57 PM ET
In reply to RachelFL
I third the B&D Digital Advantage nomination. My only complaint is that when I do much interfacing or pressing I have to refill it more often than I'd like, but overall, it seems pretty nifty for a pretty thrifty price.

ETA: Oops, sorry -- my iron is a Digital Evolution, not Advantage. I still think it's a great iron, though (and in the past year I went through two lower-price-tier Rowentas before I bought this one).
-- Edited on 2/4/09 7:39 AM --
  
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