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Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 11/25/10 2:42 PM ET
I gave my old iron to DD figuring it was about time I got a new one. Did my usual and bought first, came home and checked out PR later. I got a Shark, which has one good and one bad review here, so it is a toss up on whether it was a good idea or not.

I read some other iron threads that talk about the lights dimming, but this one dims them a LOT! So maybe it has more heat or a stronger element than my old Proctor-Silex, which i guess I can live with. Though it does dim them even more than my little electric fireplace, which is a bit disturbing.

The problem for me is much more about some alarming pops and snaps coming from the iron. I realize that some of it is just the housing of the iron expanding and contracting and I just need to get used to the new sounds of a new device, but some of them seem directly related to the element coming on - enough that I actually nearly dropped it once!

It seems like modern electric appliances are built as fast and as cheaply as humanly possible (and maybe in humanly, as there are so many more tasks done robotically) and that it seems to be a bit of a gamble on whether you buy a good one or a bad one. The brand or the price paid seems to have little bearing on whether there is any quality in the individual item. My gut says to take this one back and get a different one. I was thinking of the T-Fal and I think others have liked theirs.

Opinions? Go with the gut and exchange or stop being a scaredy cat and learn to love my noisy new iron?
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Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 6374
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Posted on: 11/25/10 4:20 PM ET
In reply to tourist
I have no experience with Shark irons, but did have a inexpensive Black and Decker that I finally replaced with a Rowenta a couple years ago. The Rowenta was expensive, but I am glad I made the change.

The B&D had a much smaller sole plate, did not get as hot, or have very good steam, more sputters than steam. It also

I would be worried about the lights dimming. How much electricity does it draw?
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 7/11/10
Posts: 497
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Posted on: 11/25/10 4:58 PM ET
I'd be very tempted to return it. What kind of warranty does it have? Making strange noises AND dimming lights? No thanks!

My T-Fal is a yr. old now & I've never had a better steam iron.
  
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1578
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Posted on: 11/26/10 0:30 AM ET
Bring it back if it worries you.
There are lots of special sales at Joann's, BB&Beyond, etc.

Check the wattage and compare to other irons. More watts= faster heat up but more current draw on your house wiring.

My Rowenta steam generator dims the lights on the same circuit when I first turn it on but hasn't popped any circuit breakers.
  
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