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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: toadusew
Date: 01-14-2005, 08:40 AM (1 of 34)
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I have a question about irons. I have had 2 Rowentas and love them for the steam they can produce, which is very important when sewing. However, both of my Rowentas haven't lasted as long as I would like. The first one lasted several years and then the auto/off feature went on the blink. Hubby went out and bought me a better/nicer/newer Rowenta, but it has leaked since I got it (and it's supposed to be anti-drip) and now the dial to control the steam feature is sticking. I enjoy Rowenta and think it's a good brand, but I'd like to hear your opinions, and the brands of irons that you use, and if there is another brand on the market that might be better or hold up longer. Thanks!  Belinda |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-14-2005, 09:29 AM (2 of 34)
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I own a very old Proctor Silex...maybe 20 yrs old.(maybe more...I've forgotten). It has a non stick sole plate, auto off and the steam is to die for. I think it cost $20-30 back then...I've never had a moments trouble from it and I still use it all the time... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-14-2005, 09:38 AM (3 of 34)
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Hi Belinda, welcome to our forums. I also have a Rowenta, it is the Professional Laser made in Germany. This is the best iron I have ever had. I paid a lot for it but so far it has been worth it. It even fell on a hard ceramic floor and kept right on working. Whew, don't tell hubby, he would shoot me. Mine is only about a year old with no problems yet. I have heard others say they weren't crazy about theirs and lots of people buy the $30.00 ones and are very happy with them. Some women have the idea that for $30.00 if they work for a year or so, good enough. Time for a new one. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: toadusew
Date: 01-14-2005, 09:44 AM (4 of 34)
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Hi, Mary! Thanks for the welcome! I love this site because I can finally talk to somebody about sewing/crafting/quilting. There aren't many folks in my area who sew. I have the more expensive Rowenta irons and I think they are good products, but I'm disappointed in the fact that the most expensive one really has only lasted 2 years or so. The less expensive one actually lasted quite a bit longer, but once the auto off feature went, I couldn't use it anymore. I know that you have to send the Rowenta irons out to be repaired and that is a nuisance as well. Yesterday I was clicking on the sites above and found some newer Rowenta models--one is a new sewer's iron without the auto off feature that I might consider trying. (Hubby is getting frustrated with buying more expensive irons and not having them last as long as he thinks they should.) Other than the couple of problems that I've mentioned, I really like the Rowenta brand. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-14-2005, 11:27 AM (5 of 34)
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I would love to have an iron that didn't automatically shut off every 5 minutes or so.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-14-2005, 11:47 AM (6 of 34)
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I have two of the Rowenta's and LOVE them. I have heard that they make them in Germany and Mexico. If you have the ones from Mexico, you will have problems with them. My older one was made in Mexico and I am having problems. My newer one was made in Germany and so far no problems. Both irons are around 3-4 years old. The one from Mexico my sister bought for me from QVC, the newer one I bought at a local better department store. Both were around the same price. The older on has more bells & boggles, the newer on just steams and turns off. I also have a travel steamer press from them, it bit the dust after three uses. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-14-2005, 11:48 AM (7 of 34)
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I use cheap irons and replace them often -- hard water and hard floors take their toll on any iron. I have to have the auto off feature. My family got sick of everytime I was going somewhere having to go back so I could run in and just make sure the iron was off. "Better safe than sorry," I would say. "GET THE &%#@ AUTO OFF!!," Husband said. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Catalina
Date: 01-14-2005, 12:06 PM (8 of 34)
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I seen mention of this iron on another message board and it has a crafters setting which I think you can change it between auto shut off and manual shut off. They say its a nice iron. I have a Rowenta now and have been happy with it but and this may be my next iron. http://www.conair-store.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CON%20DPP1500&GEN0=Garment%20Care you can check it out at this link- hope the link works. Penny |
User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-14-2005, 01:29 PM (9 of 34)
I just went and looked at my Rowenta and underneath the brand name it says "Made in Germany". I didn't know that these irons were made in other places so that is interesting information. Thanks. (Do the ones made in Mexico actually say that someplace on the iron as well--that may be a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyway!  )Catalina, that Conair iron certainly does look like a good one. I guess one wise thing to do would be check Consumer Reports to see how various brands of irons are rated. Now why didn't I think of that sooner?! LOL I have a love/hate relationship with the auto off feature.  I like it because I, too, have left the house and wondered if I unplugged my iron. On the other hand, it's quite a nuisance when you're sewing and when you get up to press a seam, you have to wait for it to heat up again.Mary, Rowenta does have a new iron without the auto off feature so it might be worth checking out. I plan on checking it out myself.
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 01-14-2005, 03:32 PM (10 of 34)
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I too own a Rowenta Iron. I LOVE it!! One of the main reasons I bought it was for the wonderful steam, but also because I did not want an automatic shut off. The only thing I could wish for is a larger water reservoir. I seem to be refilling so often. If I overfill, I do get some leakage. It is very heavy, which accounts for the good press, I think.
sewhappy
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User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: MartySews
Date: 01-15-2005, 09:22 AM (11 of 34)
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I have a Norelco iron that I have had for 10+ years that gets dropped, carried around, etc and keeps right on working. I use it for every day ironing. I bought it at Wal-Mart or Target years ago and paid about $35. I also have a Rowenta "Sew & Press" iron for my sewing. It has been dropped and keeps right on working. I paid $49 for it at Hancock Fabrics 5 years ago. Neither one of these have the auto shut-off feature. I would recommend both of these irons as they have proven to be reliable. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: toadusew
Date: 01-15-2005, 10:33 AM (12 of 34)
| Marty, have you ever had trouble with your Rowenta leaking? I did some research yesterday and lots of people said that their Rowentas leaked. Maybe the Sew and Press Rowenta would be more suitable to my needs since I mostly use it for my sewing needs, although once in a while hubby's shirts will need a good pressing. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 01-15-2005, 11:20 AM (13 of 34)
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Question~~~ maybe I'm so new to sewing that I have yet to realize the importance of a special iron. I thought anyone would do? Do I need something special? Do tell I want to be sure I have everything I need! Thanks~ mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: MartySews
Date: 01-15-2005, 01:23 PM (14 of 34)
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I've never had a problem with leaking unless I over fill the reservoir. A good steam iron is always essential when sewing but a particular brand is not necessary in my opinion. Happy Stitching~ Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: toadusew
Date: 01-15-2005, 02:57 PM (15 of 34)
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Thanks, Marty. Maybe I've just overfilled the reservoir a few times--I'll try to watch that from now on to see if it helps with the leaking. My Girl Friday, I don't think you really need a special iron, or a certain brand, but I've always told my students/clients that the secret to good sewing is good pressing, and I think that requires a good quality, reliable, durable iron. In my opinion, an iron that is a good steam iron is important also, as Marty said. My Rowenta produces great steam, which is why so many people (myself included) like it. When I sew, I like to use lots of steam--especially when putting in fusible interfacing. I also like a heavier iron and the Rowenta irons are a bit heavier than some others on the market. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-15-2005, 02:58 PM (16 of 34)
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Mary, I believe you should re-read the specs on your iron.. Mine spells out how many minutes it sits idle before it automatically shuts off.. I have heard several people complain that their irons just arbitrarily shut off right when they are in the middle of ironing or pressing.. BUMMER ! ! They need to go back if that is the case.. I just have an inexpensive Black and Decker (replaced Proctor Silex brand name) now , but it works great.. only time it overflows is when I overfill it.. My proctor silex died after 27 years.. It started working only when directly plugged in to the outlet.. Would not work at all plugged into an extension cord.. Then after 18 months of that, it just died..I sure could not complain.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 01-15-2005, 04:27 PM (17 of 34)
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that all makes sense to me~thanks for the explination!! mgf~
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288
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From: Anniewear
Date: 01-15-2005, 07:39 PM (18 of 34)
| I have had at least three Rowentas. The first one went back for the leaking problem everyone mentions. The second one was better but it died. The third was the kind that pumps water from the base unit and will steam vertically. Once you have one like that you know what real steam is. Unfortunately, that one died also. I now have a EuroPro EP-8000. This one heats the water in the base unit and pumps the steam to the iron. I got it on eBay at a great savings because the choices were primary red or blue. It doesn't go with my "decor" but it works great. In a regular iron. I would go back to a Proctor Silex. I still have one of those to fall back on-have had it forever! |
User: Anniewear
Member since: 01-15-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 01-15-2005, 08:45 PM (19 of 34)
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I have the Rowenta Professional Luxe which is the 2nd Rowenta for me. My first one worked almost non-stop for the 4 or 5 years that I had it and finally the auto-off/on quit working. Dh said it burned out. Anyway, my Rowenta will leak water if I try to iron with it before it is completely up to temperature. Otherwise, I love it, especially for Dh's dress shirts as it give them a professionally ironed look. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: toadusew
Date: 01-16-2005, 11:28 AM (20 of 34)
| I think the one thing that seems to be consisten with Rowenta is that eventually the auto on/off will stop working! |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-17-2005, 03:00 PM (21 of 34)
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My older iron is the Rowenta from Germany. Very heavy, great steam, but now the burst button sticks and I have to use a great deal of force just to get it to work. Not one problem with it leaking. NOW, iron #2, the Rowneta made in Mexico- it leaks like crazy, I have to push in burst button to be able to fill the tank. You don't dare use it BEFORE it has warmed up to temp. And it eats up the water in the tank like crazy, I am having to refill it non-stop. It also will give a blast of steam after it is picked up!!!!!! My next one will only be a German made one. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Londa
Date: 01-17-2005, 11:46 PM (22 of 34)
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One thing to remember is to always empty out the water when you're done sewing (and pressing) for your sewing session... (don't ask me if I do!) After having battled this for years - and had most of the really good, gravity feed irons, EuroPro's, steam generators, and everything - I've just concluded that it is a heat-producing tool, and my demands o f having it on the entire time I am sewing and steam when I want it is really almost too much for any piece of equipment. I get one, use it to death - then assign it to be used at my kids's sewing camps, then get myself another one - and on and on.... On the other hand, I've heard great things about the cordless Maytags - want to try those yet. Londa Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39 
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From: mommgsews
Date: 01-18-2005, 12:09 AM (23 of 34)
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I have a Rowenta and really love it. The "spritz" function stopped working a couple of years ago. It still steams well in the horizontal and vertical postions. It also has the auto off that still works. After using it for several years, I read the users manual and it said that the iron whould be turned off and switched between steam and no-steam a couple of times to keep it working well...oops! Oh well. As women we may be a bit tense about spending money on our tools, but our men do not have that problem when it comes to getting a new lawn mower, weed whacker or ... We deserve to have good tools, too! |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
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From: toadusew
Date: 01-18-2005, 08:57 AM (24 of 34)
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I agree that we gals should have good tools, too! Londa, I've been wondering about those new cordless Maytag irons myself. I have an all Maytag appliance kitchen and love the brand, so I wondered if the iron was as good as the rest of their products. Has anyone here tried the new cordless Maytag iron? |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: bunzino
Date: 01-18-2005, 01:36 PM (25 of 34)
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A Black & Decker for 25 years! Nary a problem. Cordless would be a definite advantage, so Maytag will be worth a look, but I'll keep the B&D until it dies. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2005, 02:29 PM (26 of 34)
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Mine is fine as long as you use it, if it stands idle for more than 10 min. then it goes on standby. It is just annoying when you go to press something and it's cooled down.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Serenity
Date: 01-19-2005, 12:16 AM (27 of 34)
I also have 2 Rowentas. Never had a problem with either of them and they were both made in Germany. One is about 5 years oldand the other is about 3 years old. I have to replace a professional pressor because I gave it away before I left Texas.  ..But now I get to get a new one. Then my next one will be a gravity feed iron. Anyone hae any suggestions on those?Serenity 
"The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85 
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From: emorrow
Date: 03-06-2005, 11:22 AM (28 of 34)
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This has been a great discussion as I have been considering the purchase of a new iron. Rowenta seems the brand of choice at the local Hancock fabric store, and I have heard good things about the steam feature. My current iron is a GE that I have had since 1968. It steams...sort of...and dribbles and spits, but gets the job done all the same. Since the modern iron seems to wear out quickly, I'm wondering if a separate steaming device might be the way to go? Ellen |
User: emorrow
Member since: 02-26-2005 Total posts: 13 |
From: Laurieb2851
Date: 03-21-2005, 12:26 AM (29 of 34)
| I bought a Euro-Pro professional style iron with the big tank for water. I've used it once and for some reason I still love my Rowenta! Me thinks I should have bought another Rowenta. I think I paid about $89 for my old Rowenta but I've had it almost 20 years now. It still has a good amount of steam but I'd like to see more come out of it. The steam probably isn't working anymore just right on my Rowenta. I looked at the the bottom of the Euro-Pro and I can't figure out how it's supposed to get "so much steam" out of so few holes. Sure looked like it was steaming on television pretty good (lol!)Maybe I'll try it again sometime before running out for another Rowenta, but I think after the first time I used it I must have not liked its steam because I'm still here using my old Rowenta. |
User: Laurieb2851
Member since: 03-08-2005 Total posts: 16 |
From: JulieS
Date: 03-21-2005, 12:49 AM (30 of 34)
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I have the Rowenta profession ($100 or so) that I use in my laundry room. I am not that happy with it. In my sewing room I was using my older iron and it drove me NUTS that it shut off every five minutes or so. It is hard these days to find an iron without an auto-off festure. For Christmas I asked for a Rowenta Sew-N-Press. It was about $60 and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It generates tons of steam, has no auto-off feature, has great tempo control and regulation... I could go on and on. I highly recommend it! |
User: JulieS
Member since: 01-11-2005 Total posts: 26 |
From: Carol in ME
Date: 03-21-2005, 08:12 AM (31 of 34)
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I have an old iron, DH and I removed the beeper that sounded when it was on "standby" and I crushed it with a rock. Would have crushed that Rowenta with a rock, too, but it wasn't worth the additional effort. For about $100, it produced steam better than an inexpensive iron, but three times as good-no way. The heating element didn't live very long, either. When the time came, I weighed $100 for a rowenta, (the devil I knew) vs. $150 for a gravity feed, and the gravity feed won. If you ever have a chance to build a sewing room, have the electrician wire a switch to the outlet that serves the iron. Then you can just flip all the switches off at the door when you leave the room. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: dragonflyy76
Date: 03-25-2005, 04:48 AM (32 of 34)
| I have had 3 Rowenta Irons go bad on me, 2 of them were made in Germany and cost more than $100. The cheaper one I had and one of the more expensive ones the burst of steam button started sticking on me and on the cheaper one eventually came completely off. On the other expensive one the adjustment for the amount of steam came loose or something so that it would just slide back and forth freely instead of stopping at the different settings. All 3 I had trouble w/ them leaking almost from the get go it seemed and I am always careful not to overfill the water tank... Glutton for punishment that I am I tried once more and bought the model that has a huge steam generating tank which I will admit was awesome had wonderful steam although the warning light came on rather too frequently suggesting that I stop steaming apparently due to the temp needing to get hot enough again for me to continue. I overlooked that light coming on as it generally didn't seem to affect the steam. I thought finally one that works, and I wonder if I'd just kept my mouth shut if everything would have kept going nicely??? I normally used it during the day but was at my studio late and as it got dark out of course I turned on the lights (during the day lights aren't necessary due to huge windows overhead that let in tons of light and indirect to boot) anways it didn't take long for the combo of the iron and those lights to knock everything out. I tried turning just a couple on and no luck kept kicking off again until I was down to one tiny task lamp and that iron and it finally stayed on. The next day I packed that big boy right back up in its box and got a refund for the more than $200 I spent on it. I am now using a $40 black and decker has great steam and not a single problem have i had with it after more than a years time. Rowenta has gotta come up with something better than the best steam output to get me to even consider buying another of their irons. I'm saving up to get me a nice gravity feed Sussman as soon as I can, but until then the B&D is doing just fine.... |
User: dragonflyy76
Member since: 03-25-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: shediditagen
Date: 03-25-2005, 12:53 PM (33 of 34)
| By the time my Rowenta iron started leaking the store I purchased it from went out of business! Have a cheapie now with all of the safty features I need, a B and D. Like my Wallyworld watches, will just replace when they die. Betty |
User: shediditagen
Member since: 03-15-2005 Total posts: 28 |
From: Vanessa's sewin
Date: 03-26-2005, 08:40 AM (34 of 34)
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I have a pretty expensive Rowenta with the separate water basin, and it makes great steam, but it doesn't hold that much water. When it runs out of water, you have to wait forever for it to depressurize so that you can refull the basin. I mainly use that one for steaming clothes or curtains with the upright steam feature. I mostly use a cheapy iron the rest of the time because I hate to have to wait in the middle of a project to refill an iron. |
User: Vanessa's sewin
Member since: 02-22-2005 Total posts: 30 |
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