Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-25-2006, 09:06 PM (1 of 46)
| Well I finally broke down and bought a new Iron yesterday at Sears. It's made by Conair and it has a headlight on it!!!!!!! Bigger water tank, 12 foot cord, and programmable temp settings. I love the burst of steam that I get from it. Paid $49.00 for it but for as much as I will be using it, it's worth it. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-26-2006, 02:27 AM (2 of 46)
Sewhappie! You sound like my DH with a new tool!!!!  A headlight on an iron, good for sewing in the dark! (just kidding). And only $49, you got a great deal. I paid $79 for mine and I finally went back to my mom's old one, cause I just didn't like the new one.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 01-26-2006, 02:32 AM (3 of 46)
|
Please let us know how it works out for you. I am also a quilter and having yet found a good iron that stays on as long as is needed.. ( mine will be on 8-15 hours) usally the tank will fail. :( But right now I am using a Norrelco E-z steam 735-S which is holding up wonderful.. My MIL had it and I received it after she passed away. ( so no telling how old it is) I have looked for that brand, but it seems they don't make them anymore.. so I am in the market for a new one.. has a headlight  now how cool is that?
DB
|
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
|
From: Hogmami
Date: 01-26-2006, 09:16 AM (4 of 46)
|
I have one question about the headlight --- does it have high and low beam?
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
|
From: toadusew
Date: 01-26-2006, 09:25 AM (5 of 46)
|
Sewhappie, please do keep us posted on how you like this iron. I have a Rowenta, which is a great iron, but Rowentas just don't seem to hold up very long, and there is no customer support. I think I've seen the Conair iron mentioned before on another board somewhere, and that person was pleased as well. When I'm in the market for a new iron, I'm not sure I'll buy another Rowenta. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-26-2006, 09:49 AM (6 of 46)
|
SO far so good with it. Only"High Beam" on the front!!! Was looking for the reverse so I could hear it "beep, beep,beep" while backing but that's not there either!!! It does turn off in FOUR different positions, almost like a WOMEN!!!!! I knew there was a reason I liked it!! I have two Rowenta's and loved them both, but just can't see the price for how long they DON'T last!!!! Plus if you get the one made in Mexico it's leaks and doesn't heat up as good as the one made in Germany. I had a Black and Decker that just didn't do what I needed in so far as Bursts of Steam, so that one went to DS for his Ironing needs at his Apartment. He was tickled to get it. The Conair has a balled cord connection into the Iron so it moves out of your way easily, a rubber grip spot on the handle, which is a bit wider than the others, for easier holding. A "pointed nose", makes it very nice to get into small spaces or to work on points, this is when the "headlight" really comes in handy!! Also makes working on dark fabric easier to do. Easy opening on the water tank, just open stick under the faucet and fill, then close. As I had said it holds more water also!!! Now if I could just get it to dry my HAIR!!!!  Here is the web page for the iron: http://www.conair.com/product_info.php?products_id=302&pcID=5_47 Now I only paid $49.00 for it at Sears so you may want to go there first and see if they have more in stock, I just about had sticker shock on the Iron's web page for the price there!!!!" |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-26-2006, 10:26 AM (7 of 46)
|
I have one question about the headlight --- does it have high and low beam? ROFLMAO
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-26-2006, 04:59 PM (8 of 46)
|
I discovered a Crafters Setting on it, you can override the "Auto turn off" so that you can do what you need to do craft wise. Also is seaf cleaning. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-27-2006, 12:43 AM (9 of 46)
|
Sewhappie, That sounds like my kind of iron. I have a Rowenta and it turns off just as I'm ready to use it again and then I have to wait. I'm not good at waiting. I wind up using the old black and decker iron I got for 9.99 at WalMart. I thought it was funny when we left for the hurricane and I was trying to pack up some of the things in my sewing room which I had limited space, Raymond came in there and put the Rowenta in the box I was packing up. I must have told him at one point what I paid for that succor (79.00), he didn't want me to lose it. LOL I hate that iron it's really heavy and the older I get the heavier it gets. Conair huh? I might look at one.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
|
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
|
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 01-27-2006, 02:54 AM (10 of 46)
|
Friday I got shopping, so I will see if Wal-mart in the store carries it, I did see that they carry it online, about the same price you paid. I might put it on layaway, along with some items I need also Amazon has it too. DB
|
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
|
From: toadusew
Date: 01-27-2006, 09:46 AM (11 of 46)
|
That sounds like a really good iron! I think I may just have to look at one, too, once I get moved and settled.
|
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 01-27-2006, 11:12 AM (12 of 46)
|
I have the top of the line Rowenta (made in Germany) that dh bought for me at Sears a couple of years ago after I went through one of the lower priced ones that Hancock Fabric sells (made in Mexico). That sucker leaked like a sieve from the get go, but the one I have now is great. However, because it has the auto off/on feature, I, like Suzie, purchased a $10.00 steam/dry iron at Wal-Mart with the manual controls to use for my quiliting, applique, etc. I love the Rowenta for doing dh's dress shirts, they look like they been to a professional laundry when I've finished ironing them with the Rowenta. So, the moral of the story is, if you do happen to have a good iron but it has the auto off/on feature (which is not really good for quilting, etc.), go purchase an inexpensive one at Wal-Mart or somewhere that has the manual controls and put it on a serge protector with a light so you can see when it's still on and don't go off and leave it on in your sewing room (which I am guilty of doing a lot of times). Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-27-2006, 11:41 AM (13 of 46)
|
If my iron didn't have auto off I'd have burned the house down by now. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-27-2006, 04:53 PM (14 of 46)
|
Patsy, You made a very good point, that's why I leave the "Headlight"on on the iron that I have now. When I get ready to leave the room, I am pretty good about shutting everything off and unplugging, but there are those times that I do forget. I have turned the lights out with this iron on just to make sure that I can see the light since I do my sewing at night. It's like a beacon!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-27-2006, 06:08 PM (15 of 46)
|
Well, I'm not like the rest of you. I have a Black & Decker which shuts off after 1 hour without being used. It also has an ON/OFF button with a light that allows me to see when it is on. I just love it. It heats up real quick so I am constantly turning it on and off when I need to press my seams when sewing my quilt blocks. When I am finished sewing for that session, I unplug and leave it sitting on my ironing board....(no little ones to worry about) I bought my iron after I had a cheap Black & Decker manual iron and....1) on my way to work I would have to get off the bus to go back home as I couldn't remember whether I had unplugged the iron after pressing my clothes for work....AND THIS IS WHAT REALLY SCARED ME INTO IT...2) on a Monday evening around 10:00 p.m. I went to iron a blouse to wear to work the next day....and discovered that the iron was plugged in and ON....the last time I had used it was the Friday before...and I had been away all weekend. I'm surprised that the house didn't burn down...I attribute the fact that it didn't to it being a cheap "plastic" iron. If it had been the previous iron I had that was totally metal...  So I will gladly wait for any iron to heat up while sewing.... TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-28-2006, 09:11 PM (16 of 46)
I always wondered why I needed a headlight on my vacuum...now I know, so it can see my iron or my iron can see it....  I'm still using the 20+ yr old cheap Proctor Silex I got when I was first married. The sole plate is non-stick and it has auto shut-off. I've never had any trouble with it and I use it for everything...
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: conniem3803
Date: 01-29-2006, 02:21 AM (17 of 46)
When my mother passed away I wanted her brand new Rowenta because I am the only one in the entire family that uses an iron and I knew she had paid a lot of money for it but my stepfather gave it to his granddaughter. So I went right out and bought myself one, what a joke, I now have one I bought at Costco for $30.00 and I am in the back of the house and too lazy to get up and give you the brand but it has all the bells and whistles and shuts off, I LOVE IT> > > > > I will never buy another Rowenta, it was lousy and it also leaked.
|
User: conniem3803
Member since: 01-29-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-29-2006, 04:29 AM (18 of 46)
|
Rowenta are a GOOD iron, ONLY if you get the ones made in Germany. If it's the one made in Mexico, take it back and get your money back, that one is not worth the pot you wiz in!!!!!!! Cheap Labor produces cheaply made products!!!!! I have had two of the ones made in Germany and loved them both. They just didn't hold up to two teenagers "trying" to iron, but ended up dropping it on the floor more than keeping it on the ironing board!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Nina Christen
Date: 02-02-2006, 08:49 PM (19 of 46)
|
I just got a Conair iron (with the headlight) after researching on the internet and comparing it with the Rowenta. I have never had a Rowenta and had decided I would splurge and buy one. After comparing the two I went with the Conair. The Rowenta was $99.00 (no headlight either) and the Conair was $49.00. I used it last night for the first time. I love it!!! It has the crafters setting, does not shut off automatically after so many minutes, or an auto shut off feature is available too. My old ironing board (48 yrs. old) finally bit the dust. WalMart has an oversized ironing board with iron rest and a storage basket underneath. I bought that and found it an excellent board to press your uncut fabric on, lots of area can be pressed without so much repositioning. After reading the posts concerning irons I am glad to have made the Conair my choice. I am so glad to have the new board and iron, I just love getting new appliances! Gmanina
|
User: Nina Christen
Member since: 05-02-2003 Total posts: 36 
|
From: oklahomanana
Date: 02-02-2006, 09:36 PM (20 of 46)
I went to the www.walmart.com site and found the CONAIR Iron, is yours the blue one or gray one? Looks like just the thing I need for my new ironing board to be. LOL! Want to make my own biggy board. with a slat of board 2'x 6'. Cover it with padding then muslin and staple all around, then bolt it to my old ironing board frame. Maybe invest 20.00 and save 80.00! I think I will treat myself to this and the iron for Valentines! I'd like to know which one you got though. Thanks for letting us others know about a great product. I love it, when other quilters/sewers are always there to help each other. Isn't this what it is all about??? Us helping each other all we can, and all the time! Love it! Thanks again! 
One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
|
User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406 
|
From: jenny-o
Date: 02-02-2006, 10:08 PM (21 of 46)
|
I have a cheap Proctor Silex that I've had 20 years too! I can't believe it has lasted this long. It doesn't have an auto shut off and have had the same problem of having to return home to confirm it was off. I am now in a very good habbit of turning it off and on every time I press, it heats up real quick though. I am making a mental note for a Conair next time I'm in an appliance department! I'm finally getting my VERY OWN SEWING ROOM next month and a new iron would be a nice addition. I'm so excited about getting my own space I could pee myself (hee hee) but truly I am just about bursting. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 02-02-2006, 10:42 PM (22 of 46)
Jenny-o, Congrats on getting your own sewing room. I know your so excited. I can easily remember when I got mine . I was so excited & proud as could be. Still am after all this time. It's something I never really thought I'd have. I'm sooo happy for you. 
|
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-02-2006, 11:03 PM (23 of 46)
| My Conair is the Gray one. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: sewingcybermom
Date: 02-02-2006, 11:09 PM (24 of 46)
|
Sounds like a winner sewhappie!! I have had two Rowenta's......you can keep them both!! Leaked, spit, ruined some pretty nice fabrics. Figure skating stuff is quite fragile, and when it's airbrushed, yep, I was not happy!!! I am using a T-fal right now. I like it tons better than the Rowenta, it was half the price. I have an auto shut-off, would like it if I didn't, but I too have left the house with the iron on, so I'll live with it for now. Maybe I'll buy one like yours and put it away for when this one bites the dust, and use the auto off option. It's really neat that you have the option for when you know you'll be unplugging the thing!! Thanks for the info!! Check out some of my work here: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/<email address removed for privacy>/album?.dir=1172&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos See some of my work here:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ce%20costumes/ |
User: sewingcybermom
Member since: 01-18-2006 Total posts: 58 
|
From: sewingcybermom
Date: 02-02-2006, 11:20 PM (25 of 46)
|
OH yeah, both my Rowenta's were from Germany! I knew about this before I bought it. Like anything else, you just never know. I'm happy for you guys that got one that worked. I also think it is a bit on the heavy/awkward side.
See some of my work here:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ce%20costumes/ |
User: sewingcybermom
Member since: 01-18-2006 Total posts: 58
|
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 02-03-2006, 06:04 AM (26 of 46)
|
Last Friday I went shopping to a Super walmart.. I found only the conair dpp1000 at the store.. price was $48-49.00 no headlight, but did have a retractable cord, this was yellow. IT did have the crafters override on it. I may be nuts but I thank they carried another Conair lron, but for some reason I didn't get the number. going to see what another super Walmart has today. DB
|
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-03-2006, 10:45 AM (27 of 46)
|
If you saw my earlier posting in this thread, I bought mine a Sears for $49.00. I'm sure that you would be able to find it at Target or K-Mart or Super K-Mart. Mine is the gray one with all the bells and whistles on it. SewingCyberMom, BEAUTIFUL WORK!!!!!! How and when did you get started sewing skating costumes? Any up and coming Hopefuls for the Olympics wearing your creations? |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: nicolesewing
Date: 02-05-2006, 02:01 AM (28 of 46)
|
let me talk about my iron. since i've just worked for several months, i chose the cheapest one, 77CNY in CHINA, that is about 9.5$ .really very cheap in CHINA, i love it but the only thing i do not like is the water tank, too small. i have to add water from time to time, by the way? can anyone tell me if i have to unplug every time when adding water? it's really not convenient. |
User: nicolesewing
Member since: 01-19-2006 Total posts: 24 
|
From: mommydionne
Date: 02-05-2006, 07:31 AM (29 of 46)
|
I have a black and decker which works very well (steam blaster too!) but the bloody thing shuts off after 10 MINUTES! But it does so with a really loud click, so most of the time I hear it and turn it back on. But it almost has flown through a window b/c of that little feature. Otherwise it is good for me but I would like one of the Rowentas everyone raves about.
Jeanette
|
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-05-2006, 08:08 AM (30 of 46)
|
The only place I've really seen or heard anyone rave about Rowentas is in their ads. Most people say they wear out to fast. I had one and it did. But I tend to go through irons very fast. They seem to jump down and hit the floor! Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 02-05-2006, 09:26 PM (31 of 46)
|
I've heard that some say they don't last long but guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I have 2 & have had them for several years. I don't use anything but nursery water in either of mine. I have the professional, made in Germany & the super press 050. The professional does have an auto shut off but when I use my iron I use them & seldom let them just set. If I ever have them just picking it up & a slight shake & it's ready to go again. I've heard some are made in Mexico so maybe those aren't as good. I don't know.
|
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
|
From: sewingcybermom
Date: 02-06-2006, 12:09 AM (32 of 46)
|
Hey, Sewhappie! thanks for the compliments! Yep, I have done one pair at the olympic level, but they didn't make it in this year. 5th place at nationals. I have done several synchronized skating teams, all top 3 national and world medalists. I have done quite a bit of work for ice shows, and actually for the U.S. Coast guard......that's another story. I'm busy, and I teach sewing to 6-8 graders everyday. Whew! Love my work. It's great when you see your creations on the ice. I see skaters in dresses that I made for others years and years ago! They just keep passing them down and around. Nice business to be in. I started when my daughter was 5 and she is now 19, a junior in college. Still skating too. I was too cheap to pay tons of money for her little skating outfits way back when so I decided to make them. Well, that's the beginning of my story, and my pictures tell the rest. I am always looking to try new things and experiment. I love the look of airbrushing on a dress. This is by far my favorite....hand painted with swarovski crystals accenting the painting. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/sewingcybermom/Jessyellow.jpg See some of my work here:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ce%20costumes/ |
User: sewingcybermom
Member since: 01-18-2006 Total posts: 58
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-06-2006, 01:42 AM (33 of 46)
|
That is such a Beautiful outfit. Do you work with alot of Lycra or do you mix up your fabrics? Is that your daughter in the picture? |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Sparky
Date: 02-06-2006, 12:11 PM (34 of 46)
|
The only place I've really seen or heard anyone rave about Rowentas is in their ads. Most people say they wear out to fast. I had one and it did. But I tend to go through irons very fast. They seem to jump down and hit the floor! Dorothy I have loved my Rowenta for years, but bought it back before they started making them in Mexico, I guess. It was the first iron I ever had that never "threw up" on my clothes! A few months ago it stopped working so well. I finally figured out that it was clogged up. I did contact Rowenta customer service, and they told me how to clean it. (Push the burst of steam button continuously until you go through three tanks of water.) I didn't think this would work but it did. They told me not to use distilled water because it boils at lower pressure and that's what makes irons leak! Maybe that was my problem all along, who knew? Since my hard water finally clogged it up, I asked what to do and they suggested I use spring water. It's as cheap as distilled, so fine by me. But lately I'm starting to have doubts about it. It doesn't seem to be steaming again. Or maybe it's just not getting hot enough? I've started using a spray bottle to mist my fabrics if they're very wrinkled. Anyway, what Dorothy said about the iron jumping on the floor made me laugh. My Rowenta used to do that all the time! It was the only design feature I really disliked. The cord comes through a little hole in the base and gets stuck sticking out there, so when you sit the iron upright the stiff cord would prevent it from sitting properly. Stupid thing. But now the cord's softened up and doesn't do that anymore. Also, there's no way to turn it on or off except to plug it in or unplug it, and the heat setting has to be reset each time. Kind of a pain when you're going back and forth between the sewing machine and ironing board, but not a big deal. Sparky
|
User: Sparky
Member since: 03-13-2005 Total posts: 94 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 02-13-2006, 01:25 AM (35 of 46)
|
Will I jumped on the wagon and bought a iron yep conair dpp3000 at Sears.. but I had to fork out 56.00 .. When I first saw it there, they had a tag sale price for 42.00 but turns out when I went to pay for it, they tag was in the wrong place the 42.00 was for another conair iron. Even if I bought it online I would have paid about the same for it, when you add the shipping cost. I found the craftes override, but because it heats up so fast I find I don't need to use it. so far I have found two thing wrong with it, the buttons on the top, get into my way and I find that I am turning the headlight on. LOL and the 2nd.. would be I get beeps a lot.. and a loud bonk sound from the iron when it is heating up.. DB
|
User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
|
From: debsews
Date: 02-13-2006, 10:20 AM (36 of 46)
| I had the same problem with either the iron shutting off every eight minutes if I wasn't using it so i bought a Black and Decker with an hour before shut off. When I used an iron with no shut off I was constantly worried about whether I had shut if off so I solved that problem with plugging it into an outlet that was tied to the wall switch. When I leave the sewing room I flip the switch and I'm sure it's off. I have no memory anymore but i seem to be able to do that much!!! |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: Longblades
Date: 06-30-2006, 03:42 PM (37 of 46)
|
Think I may be in the market for a new iron and just saw the Oreck Model JP8100CA on sale for half price, making it $99. Anybody have one? It's cordless or corded. 10 minute auto off. Self cleaning. 1350 watts. Soleplate is stainless steel on the brochure but the saleslady told me it was teflon and I DO NOT WANT teflon. The water fill area is rinky dinky and the dial is under the handle and hard to see and access. Sounds like most here are happy with their much less expensive irons. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Sancin
Date: 06-30-2006, 04:04 PM (38 of 46)
|
Longblades I am curious as to why you don't want Teflon? Are you talking about the brand or teflon plate. In Feb I purchased a teflon boot that fits over the plate of my iron. At the same time I had purchased a new ironing board and thus new cover. I can't get over how clean my new ib cover is - very few scorch marks. I love that I can iron woolens at a higher temp without doing damage to the fabric and I recently ironed 2 very wrinkled silk and linen pieces at a high temp and no damage. The only objection I have to the boot is that the front of it tends to wrinkle due to ......? 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
|
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
|
From: Longblades
Date: 07-01-2006, 11:36 AM (39 of 46)
|
Because, teflon at high heat on our frying pans is supposed to give off carcinogenic fumes so wouldn't the same thing happen with an iron? Though I don't know what the difference is between the brand and teflon plate. I don't know, I'm just guessing but we have stopped using our teflon frying pan. My sister, a nurse, says now we're going to die of heart failure (from clogged arteries from all the extra fats it takes to use the stainless steel frying pan) instead of cancer, so what's the difference. She says a Doctor at her hospital gave a talk that pooh-poohed the teflon/cancer scare but it scared DH pretty well and he takes a fit if I use the teflon frying pan. Also, the teflon coating doesn't seem to last very long on a frying pan so will it wear off an iron too? I'm not going to buy that Oreck iron. Found websites with epinions from four users who absolutely hate it. DH to the rescue again, he cleaned out the steam vents in my old iron and now the steam on/off button also works so I guess it will last a while yet. Edited to say: I just went and checked out temperatures irons get to and found linen is ironed at only about 230F so I guess the fume factor is not an issue. Apparently only very overheated teflon (+700 at which your dinner is probably charcoal) releases the fumes. But there are reports of it killing people's pet birds. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-01-2006, 11:52 AM (40 of 46)
|
Slightly off the topic of irons -- I thought the fumes thing was only if you left the pan heating on the stove without anything in it. I know you're not supposed to do that if you have birds in the house because something in the fumes can kill them. Hadn't heard the carcinogen thing, but I would think it might be similar. Anyway, I would not think it would be a huge concern for the average person. If you were a cook who used teflon pans at work all day long, I think it might be an issue. You have to kind of weigh the good with the bad on these things -- for example most vegetables and fruits actually have compounds in them that cause cancer. However, they also have good things for you in them! I tend to believe the good will outweigh the bad. Edited to add -- I must have posted this just as you were editing your post! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
|
User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-01-2006, 12:07 PM (41 of 46)
|
I don't know about cancer causing gas coming from teflon but I do know there is something called the teflon flu. It makes you sick if you consume it, even in small quantities. You have probably had it and blamed it on the eggs -- several times. And as far as a doctor's opinion on what does and does not cause cancer -- what do they know about the causes -- unless they are researchers. A doctor told my mother-in-law smoking didn't cause the cancer she had cut out of her throat several times. It kept coming back, likely because she figured if smoking didn't cause it why should she quit? She finally died of lung cancer. Another doctor/politician didn't like the costs of cleaning up asbestos in schools and claimed you could eat an "asbestos sandwich" and not get ill. I had a teflon iron and, yes, it did wear off. And is a bear to clean if you melt interfacing on it (now how would I know that?). As for it letting you iron fabrics at higher heat -- what difference would the surface of the iron make? Some silks can take a lot of heat and if you look at any iron, linen is the hottest setting. But if it is hot enough to burn then it would burn whether it was hot teflon or steel, right? You can certainly burn food in a teflon pan (now how would I know that?) Just a thought. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 07-01-2006, 01:58 PM (42 of 46)
|
As for it letting you iron fabrics at higher heat -- what difference would the surface of the iron make? Some silks can take a lot of heat and if you look at any iron, linen is the hottest setting. But if it is hot enough to burn then it would burn whether it was hot teflon or steel, right? You can certainly burn food in a teflon pan (now how would I know that?) Just a thought. Dorothy My first "sewing" iron was a Singer varisteam iron with stainless steel soleplate that I purchased from the Home Shopping Club. I truly loved that iron!!! Unfortunately it started leaking really bad because it spent so much time on the floor. I then purchased a Rowenta professional iron with stainless steel soleplate. It, too, was a great iron but it also spent lots of time on the floor. Geeez. Anyway, I purchased yet another iron and this one had the teflon sole. Hated it! The heat needed not be hot for it to start sticking  There were times I had to have my cleaning kit right next to the iron when doing any pressing and was cleaning the soleplate again and again during the same pressing session . I like my stainless steel soleplate on my new iron much better. For some reason it seems like it also gets hotter than the teflon one. I purchased the iron shoe doodad. It's white and I don't know if it's teflon or silicone. Of course the steam holes are in all the wrong places.I was attending a home and garden show last year and the man trying to sell the stainless steel cookware had a long list of the chemicals used in the manufacture of the teflon coating. He said that the chemicals do leach into your food over time. And, when the coating starts to "chip" (even a tiny bit)... time for a new pan. We try to use only stainless steel cookware but it seems as if almost everything has the "non-stick" coating. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-01-2006, 04:24 PM (43 of 46)
|
I'm the opposite of Kaitlinnegan. I figure why use something that is potentially harmful if you don't have to. I'm not a nut about it, but I feel when I have the option to use something safer for me or the environment I choose that option. Maybe it is because I am older. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Sancin
Date: 07-01-2006, 05:42 PM (44 of 46)
|
On thinking about it, I think my iron shoe may be silicone, not teflon. Silicone can stand high temps. I have a silicone sheet I use for craft work on appliques and supposedly you can use it to bake cookies on. I do have teflon pans, some that are in the garbage because they burned too badly when heat on empty and one I got with a package of rolled oats - the eventually lining flaked off. I was under the impression it was the flaking off that was the problem and thus I throw them out. I now have a pan that is supposedly teflon but it seems to be bonded very differently to the metal under base than in the past. The problem with teflon, and silicone, I believe, is the fact that they are made from petroleum based material, tho the process varies. There are so many scares and warnings out today on practically everything. My father was an oil and chemical worker and once when I had to remove a balast from a fluorescent fixture it had a warning about PCV's and disposal. He hold me they used to work in PCV's up to their elbows and no one told them about danger. He died eventually of heart failure secondary to liver failure, but the liver failure was most likely due to alcohol than petroleum products. At any rate, I do like the foot I purchased for my iron and silks really do take the higher heat. But I will think twice if I have to purchase an iron with teflon. The sole looks a little strange and I did wonder about the heatability. I had an iron that had a sole said to be silver stone, whatever that was, and it was good, but eventually scratched. Regarding irons jumping to the floor. That was my problem for many years until I bought an iron cage from Nancy's Notion. Irons can never jump out of those. My current ironing board has a good iron holder. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
|
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
|
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-01-2006, 05:48 PM (45 of 46)
|
I have used teflon coated frying pans for a long time and I have never had one to scratch ... Of course I have always used safe utensils to cook in it also... The warning was in the first one I ever had.. Metal utensils will scratch the finish and that is dangerous.. So, I follow directions..I am very happy with all but one of mine.. That one had a bottom that started to bubble up.. It went back to the store and the techie said it was flawed in the making of it.. They gave us a new one as a replacement.. I use a teflon coated oemlet pan 7 or 8 inch diameter all the time for my egg substitute omelets..Keeps from having to use extra fat.. I cannot stand the smell of that stuff you spray in the bottom of the pan.. They all bother my nose..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: guppie
Date: 07-02-2006, 03:20 AM (46 of 46)
|
Sewhappie and all of you who have purchased the Conair iron with the headlight: Are you aware that this is a HALOGEN light and must be refilled periodically with halogen light fluid, which is very, very expensive! Otherwise once the light goes out and it's not refilled right away, you then have to replace the entire lighting system to have it work again. Just something to think about. And if you believe all this, you must be up as late as I am! Time to hit the hay before I get punchier! BUT, part of this is true--it was on a radio program where a mechanic was calling a woman to tell her what repairs her car needed, and the halogen light fluid was one of them. It's cost was about $100 per light. The woman fell for it, was very hesitant about the cost, but when told that the entire lighting system would need replacing if she didn't refill the fluid, she told him to go ahead. Come to find out, the woman's father had put the radio station (in Detroit) up to it---was totally hilarious! Good night!
Cathy
|
User: guppie
Member since: 12-29-2004 Total posts: 43 
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-17992.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft