What is the Best Iron?

Hi. I need to a buy a new iron (so that i am not a wrinkled mess at work!). I would like information on the features available in different irons at different price rages (i.e. a feature comparison that tells me if I spend $10 or $20 more i get x-added features)...features are very important, as are explanations of the benefits/detractors of those features. I would like an iron that has a %26quot;steaming%26quot; option so i can steam delicate materials. I am willing to spend up to $125 on an iron, but want breakdowns at different price levels (so i can determine if it is really worth it to spend that much on an iron). Price levels could be (suggested list as there may be a more natural break-up in pricing): $25, $50, $80, $125. I would also like information on where I can go and buy this iron -- both online and offline. Oh, I really want an iron that automatically turns off. I%26#39;d appreciate it if you would check out these sites in your answer: martha stewart (i%26#39;ve seen her with some crazy iron setup) target. Info from consumer reports would be nice. Thanks!
Hi Firefly, Irons, like most household appliances, come in a variety of price ranges. The feature set changes depending on the price you are willing to spend. Consumersearch.com states that most irons have the standard features of %26#147;flexible cords, a spray or mist button, five or more temperature settings, and at least a one-year warranty.%26#148; Here%26#146;s a list of features to look for: Non-stick soleplates are easy to clean; starch buildup wipes right off. Despite manufacturer claims, Consumer Reports says that soleplate material does not affect glide. Variable steam automatically adjusts the amount of steam for the heat setting, ensuring that you don%26#39;t get high steam on more delicate fabrics. Vertical steam allows you to use the iron like a steamer, to steam out wrinkles on hanging garments. Burst of steam gives you an extra steam surge, allowing you to tackle particularly nasty wrinkles. This is by far the favorite feature of reviewers. Auto shutoff is a must for most consumers. But you can still find irons without this feature, since people who do a lot of sewing prefer the iron to be on all the time. Be sure to read the box and know what you%26#39;re getting. A self-cleaning feature enables you to shoot air through the steam vents to clear out mineral buildup, which prevents eventual clogging and leaks from stopped-up steam holes. An anti-calcium filter helps prevent mineral buildup, which can clog steam vents. Higher-end models generally have this feature, but the Sunbeam Steam Master boasts an anti-calc feature as well. A removable water tank saves you from having to unplug the iron and take it to the sink for refilling. The Rowenta Professional has such a tank. A drip-stop system, found on some higher-end models, is a way of controlling dripping water from steam vents. But experts warn that irons with only a cover over the water funnel often still leak. Consumersearch.com Steam Iron Page http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/steam_irons/fullstory.html Good questions to ask when buying an iron are what feature is important to you? Do you absolutely need the steam functions? Are you forgetful and feel safer with the auto shutoff feature? Do you want a small vs. a large iron? Lastly, how frequently do you use the iron? When looking at the cheaper price ranged irons ($19- $30), you%26#146;re going to run into the same type of feature sets: flexible cords, spray and mist features, temperature settings, auto-shut off, and a 1-year warranty. The Black %26amp; Decker Quick N%26#146; Easy X380 is a contender for the best bargain. For a reasonable price ($20-$25) it has two times more steam then its previous model, it has a dial control for steam variation, heat and cleaning functions, and includes a 1-year warranty. To see six consumer reviews of this tested iron check out epinions.com%26#146;s reviews: Epinions.com Black %26amp; Decker Quick N%26#146; Easy X380 http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Irons-By_Brand-Black_and_Decker-Quick__N_Easy_Iron_X380/display_~reviews/listype_~opb Another contender for best bargain is the Panasonic Jet Steam Iron (approximately $29). This iron offers the following unique features: %26#147;jet of steam%26#148; technology, retractable cord, nonstick titanium surface, large waterfill, automatic shutoff (both while horizontal and vertical, and a 1-year warranty. Consumer reviews at Epinions.com and Amazon.com/Target both ranked high. Here are the reviews: Epinions.com Panasonic Jet Steam Iron http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Irons-By_Brand-Panasonic-Steam_Iron_with_TrueSensor_NI-530R Amazon.com/Target Panasonic Jet Steam Iron http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OTZS/qid=1019775277/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_71_1/102-1922267-1175319 Higher priced irons run the price range from $60 - $100. Many share a common feature set of: having a longer shelf-life, heavier in weight, greater steam control, variable steam settings, glide surfaces, drip stop systems for steam vents, and self-cleaning mechanisms. Many of the professional reviewers recommend the Rowenta line of irons. They run anywhere from $90- $130. Rowenta%26#146;s steam and vertical steam output rival other high end irons, allowing you to adjust to each fabric. Many of their models have a self cleaning %26#147;Vapodur%26#148; Valve helping to prevent mildew and mold build-up and a detachable tank for easier fill. Consumers are also happy with the dimpled soleplate allowing the iron to glide as opposed to sticking. Rowenta irons come in two recommended models: Rowenta DM-880 Professional Luxe Iron and the Rowenta DM-991 Ultra Professional Iron. Rowenta DM-880 Professional Luxe Iron 4 sells for approximately $99.99 has been rated 5 out of 5 stars by consumers at amazon.com. The features include: - Polished-stainless-steel, dimpled soleplate provides smooth glide - Shuts off in 30 seconds if left horizontal or tipped, 8 minutes if left vertical - Self-cleaning water tank - Various steam settings include vertical steam, misting spray, steam burst; anti-drip system - Airglide Soleplate offering stability - Center-mounted pivoting cord; anti-skid bumpers - 1-year warranty Amazon.com Rowenta DM-880 Professional Luxe http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000050FZX/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/102-1922267-1175319 Rowenta DM-991 Ultra Professional Iron sells for approximately $129 and has been rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 consumers at amazon.com. The features include: - Hardened, polished, stainless-steel soleplate provides smooth glide - Shuts off in 30 seconds if left horizontal or tipped, 8 minutes if left vertical - Self-cleaning to flush out mineral buildup; resin neutralizes minerals, also - Vertical and variable steam; misting spray; steam-burst; anti-drip system - 10.8-ounce water tank; center-mounted pivoting cord; anti-skid bumpers - Anti-drip system helping to prevent leaking - 1-year warranty Amazon.com Rowenta DM-991 Ultra Professional Iron http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/kitchen/B000062UH5/qid=1019771928/sr=1-4/102-1922267-1175319 Given a choice between the Rowenta DM880 and the Rowenta DM-991, I think I would choose the former. They both weigh the same (4 pounds) and the feature sets are very similar, with the higher priced model only giving a larger water tank (10.8 ounce) and a anti-drip system to prevent spilling and leaking. An amazon.com user even states that %26quot;Consumer Reports%26quot; listed the DM-880 as the #1 rated iron. If you%26#146;re looking to buy irons online, I would recommend using Amazon.com, sears.com, Bed Bath %26amp; Beyond, or walmart.com (Links are found below). If you are looking to buy an iron offline, I would recommend Target, Bestbuy, K-mart, JoAnn%26#146;s Fabrics, Linens N%26#146; Things, or Bed Bath and Beyond. I hope this helps your ironing search! Websites that may interest you: Epinions.com Iron Review Page http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Small_Appliances-All-Irons Consumeresearch.com Iron Review Page http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/steam_irons/ Amazon.com Steam Iron Page http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/102-1922267-1175319 Black and Decker Irons Page http://www.blackanddeckerappliances.com/cgi-bin/sgsh0191.exe?FNM=03%26amp;GEN0=hd-cat03c.gif%26amp;HKW=co1div91%26amp;SKW=APPIRON%26amp;UID=2002042519245663%26amp;CODIV=0191 Panasonic Irons Page http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/iron/default.asp Rowenta Irons http://www.rowentausa.com/ Wal-mart http://www.walmart.com/ Sears http://sears.com/sr/homepages/sears_homepage.jsp Bestbuy.com http://www.bestbuy.com/ Bed Bath and Beyond http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/ Regards, Trailhead