HELP! I need help! My very hot and steamy Rowenta iron, that I loved and adored decided yesterday as I was pressing the last border of the Civil War Tribute top to just let all the water run out of the tank on to my ironing board. OMG! What a mess...I have no clue...I followed all the directions...used tap water, never left water in overnight...I'm very sad...it got super hot, had awesome steam and didn't shut off...HELP...please tell me what your favorite iron is.
I promise I'll be back with pictures...Civil War Tribute, Barbara Brackman blocks and my newest chocolate addiction...See you later and thanks for all your HELP!
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44 comments:
Carol, I too have a wonderful Rowenta iron that I love, but I've never put water in it! Yep that's right. I just use a healthy squirt bottle and dampen my fabric when I need steam. I've heard too many horror stories about irons (of all brands) leaking, or dying many in a very short period of time.
Carol, I recently got a T-fal and I love it. The tip is nice and pointy and it gets really hot. I will admit that I use a dry iron though. I got to the point where I couldn't avoid leaking no matter what brand I bought. So I'm a dry iron and water plus starch kinda gal. It works for me but might not be your style. Anyway, I love my T-fal.
Rowenta Focus is the best iron I've ever owned. Also a steam machine and no auto shut off. It's a dream! My previous Rowenta lasted for 10 years. My friend Stephanie at Peas In a Pod just went through a big process to buy a new iron. She purchased Rowenta Pressure Iron and Steamer. She loves it. Here is the link to her review: http://peasinapod.typepad.com/peas-in-a-pod/2010/12/initial-product-review-rowenta-steam-generator-thanks-santa.html
Hope that helps! Good luck! I'm sorry about your iron!!
I too loved the Rowenta but after going through 3 of the Professional models I gave up on them. After awhile each one started leaking, just like yours did. I now buy an inexpensive iron & when it stops steaming or starts leaking I buy a new one. At $100 per Rowenta I can buy quite a few cheaper irons & still be money ahead. Good luck - I'll be interested to see what you end up with.
Joyce in AZ
My girlfriend worked in a shop that sold Rowenta..she too bought one. She will never again and had nothing but trouble with the company to try and have hers replaced. She had told me they were nothing but trouble.
I have an Oliso (less than a year) so far....so good.
Good luck and be sure to tell us what you settle on.
HMMMM - I'm sorry your Rowenta died. Dagnabbit!!!
I've had my current Rowenta for a little over 5 years and so far so good. (fingers crossed) I use tap water but never empty it. (way too lazy). I've had two other Rowentas and both died after much use (aka abuse) LOL
I decided a long time ago that quilters will go through irons more than non-quilters. Why? Well, we use them for hours on end at their hottest level. Think about it.
I don't have any sage advice, my friend. :-(
I recently ordered 2 different irons from VermontCountryStore.com. One is smallish, no steam, no holes in the sole plate. It heats of fine and is easy to maneuver. The cordless one has an anti-drip system, non-stick sole plate, variable steam control, misting spray, and a detachable water tank. Not sure if it's still on sale though. My last iron had automatic shut off and it kept doing that, even when I was ironing, so it's moving on to greener pastures. Never could figure it out. Best of luck!
My old Rowenta did the same thing! How frustrating - I have water marks on a few pieces of furniture as a souvenir!!
Yes, I did replaced the old one with a new one, even though the old one only lasted a couple of years before burning out - as well as burning my ironing board, but I just love the weight of the Rowenta. With my new Rowenta I make sure to always empty the water and to clean it out - otherwise it spits brown gunk everywhere!!!. I have the Focus and it either has no steam or so much steam that it is like a facial and I always seem to burn my hands on the steam. I iron three shirts and run out of water - that is how much steam there is.
I was thinking of the Oliso for my next iron.
Good luck.
My Rowenta did the same thing, so I replaced it and it did it again. After the third replacement, I said NO MORE! I'm now going with a cheap (>$10) Black and Decker that so far hasn't leaked (as long as I let it heat up all the way before using it - no big deal). I'm very pleased with it. If it croaks, I'm going to look into buying a steam iron that doesn't have the "auto shut off". Since 99% of the ironing I do is when I'm piecing quilts ... and it's frustrating to continually have to "turn back on" my iron and wait for it to heat back up.
I am with you - I love my Rowenta! I leave water in mine all the time. Maybe you are too nice to yours! The next one...try leaving water in it, leave it on overnight - just abuse it!
Oh iron troubles are so frustrating. I have a newer (less than a year old) Rowenta "Steamium"...I can't even tell you how much it cost I would probably self-ignite.
After about 3-4 months it started leaking water (um no I didn't empty it every night-so bad)... bummer, because 1st I LOVE the size, weight etc of the iron and 2nd I didn't keep the receipt and all that bad stuff. So just as your 1st commenter said, I just don't put water in it & keep a spray bottle on the board (it's an empty Ellen's Best Press bottle) I find it works fine for when I need some steam.
My old iron is a Panasonic cheapo and it still works but the light burned out so I can't tell if it's on and sometimes it just goes off in the middle of pressing -and it doesn't have that feature. I really should throw it out but I works in a pinch (ie: I'm too lazy to unplug the other one in when I'm working on the other side of the room---Oh my, that's pathetic!
Good luck with figuring out a new ironing situation and I can't wait to see the quilt pictures!!!!
Hi...
Sounds like my story! I have had 4 Rowentas and they have had the same problem...leaks, leaks and more leaks; they have not all been the same type either. After this one goes that is it; it is too expensive to remain loyal after the poor to no response from the company. Why have I had so many....I like the heavy weight of the iron but enough is enough. Would any one keep replacing the same coffee pot if it performed so poorly? I'll be checking to see what others suggest!
Every quilter/sewer feels your pain. I've had expensive and cheap...all brands. I LOVE my Oliso--the yellow one with amazing steam, longer cord, 30 minutes before auto shut off, large water tank and it raises up on it's feet you you never have to worry about leaving it in the down position. JoAnns on line carries them and right now I think they are on sale with free shipping for orders over $40. Good luck.
I have seen this discussion several times since I started blogging and the consensus seems to be that there are no really reliable irons out there so just go for a cheapie and be ready to replace it often.
This seems to be the question of the year. Have seen it asked quite a few times on blogs. Anyway, I'm getting an Oliso so I'll let you know what I think.
I went to Target and bought a Shark Professional for $35, it's my third iron I've had to buy so I don't want to spend a lot of money to just throw it away eventually. It gets good and hot and has great steam, but it does turn off after a while, which I know is kind of a drag, but I have left it on before so it's good for me. But I do like it.
Darlene is right....quilters use irons up! It's more abuse than they were meant for! That said, I've been very happy with my Rowenta Superpress 050. It's the one with the boiler chamber that sits on a table next to the ironing board. I leave it on all day, and it's ready the second I come back to it. When I do pressing marathons (like reorganizing fabric shelves) it will give me steam for over 4 hours on one tank! The bummer is that the tank has to completely cool down before you can fill it again. There is a major pressure (like a pressure cooker) behind that knob, and it would blow up in your face to open it when still hot!
I know these irons are very pricey (I inherited mine from a quilter who passed away), but they are wonderful to use, if you can do it.
I had a regular Rowenta before this one, and I loved it....I've also had really cheapy ones....they all worked, but I did like the Rowenta one best! We are on well water (with slight rust content), so I always use bottled water in my irons.
Hi Carol, I have a Conair iron and paid around 49 for it at Walmart. I've had it for 3 -4 years and love it. It's a great steam iron and I've never had a bit of trouble. I formerly owned an Oliso that I loved until the heating element went out. I guess no iron is perfect and I may buy a new Oliso again in the future. ( Love the up/down leg feature) I also own a Rowenta Professional new in the box, but I haven't used it yet because I love my Conair. You might try running vinegar through your iron to clean it, like you would a coffee pot. Minerals from tap water can cause build up in the steam nozzle. Also depending on the iron some use tap water and some distilled. You probably already know this, but if not there you go. Good luck in your search.
My favorite cost $6.00 at Wal Mart.I have never had an expensive iron before........
I go through irons like crazy. It doesn't matter if they are cheap or expensive, so why not just keep buying the less expensive ones?
I had a cordless Black and Decker that my Dad bought me when I went off to college. I loved it! (
Unfortunately, it fell once too many times from my ironing board, and quit working .. I can't find another good iron like that. 20 years of use and abuse ... I can't complain!
I've read horror after horror story w/ Rowenta. I'll never buy one.
I bought a nicer, more expensive iron (I can't even remember the name of it) ... but it never EVER turned completely off. NEVER. Back to the store it went.
I now have a shark (or something) from WalMart. It's about $30. If it lasts a year or two, great!
I've read other bloggers suggest going to GoodWill or similar thrift/outlet areas/flea markets, etc. and look for an "OLD" iron. Those are the ones that last the longest. They were sturdy .. meant for abuse ... kind of like those cars from the 1950's! ;)
If you only pay $5-$10 and they last a couple years ... you're still WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY ahead of replacing the more expensive models just as often! :)
Good luck!
I go through so much trauma every time I buy a new iron. I HATE the auto shut-off. And I can't seem to find one that doesn't do that. I had a Black and Decker Classic that I just loved, it didn't shut off, but after a year it no longer got hot. I'm on the hunt now for an iron that will STAY ON.
I've heard SO many horror stories about Rowenta that I won't even consider them. I hope you find something that works!
I've had two Rowentas. One lasted over ten years, and the other one is still going strong. I love the weight. Our Costco sold Rowenta's - less than $75. Also Bed, Bath, and Beyond had several models, and with a coupon, aren't as expensive.
I guess I'll chime in here, Carol. Although I debated about it.
This is the one I am going to order.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LARHPI/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Why you ask..because the shop has one and it has lasted and lasted and I LOVED how it worked. Simple as that !!
Your "Rowenta" story is exactly the same as mine, only this happened to me a couple years ago. I remember watching Ricky Timms once and he said something about irons that I will never forget....any iron you put water in will eventually experience incontinence (or something like that). And, I believe he is right. Eventually, irons start to leak, no matter how much you have paid for them or how well you follow the manuf. directions. So now, I find a good, heavy, reliable iron, that doesn't break the bank and hope for as many years as I can before she succumbs to that dreaded incontinence issue. Good luck.
I had a Rowenta and I loved it but it got dropped a few times. I now have a Sunbeam iron that I bought at Joanns, it's a good iron.
I was thinking when I read that you were pressing your Civil War Tribute border when it happened that it was just one more frustration in the making of that quilt.
I have a Rowenta which I think I have had about 4 years. Still good.
I know someone who has so much trouble she just buys the cheapest and waits for them to die and buys another cheap one.
I have a rowenta and yes its starting to leak
I use spring water in it
I usually replace it every other year or so
with the amt I use it its a good investment. I feel as if I get my moneys worth.
I but it from Bed, Bath and Beyond with a coupon of at least 20% off in the papers!
I love their irons....
Kathie
Carol,
I left a comment earlier about how I love my Rowenta. This afternoon while quilting I've watched several recorded episodes of Fons & Porter. They love their Oliso Pro-Zone iron. Something to look into.
Carol, I have a Rowenta travel iron that I love for dry pressing and I admit that I seldom use steam because I have a bad habit of distorting my blocks with steam, no matter how careful I am. BUT as steam irons go, the little Rowenta is the best I have ever seen. The big problem is that I can't keep it from leaking, it always has but I kept it because it did such a beautiful job of dry pressing. In all honesty though, I am now looking for a new iron and have been reading reviews on several. Though I can't recommend one yet, I can tell you that almost every one of the reviews on the Rowenta's that I read, and I read well over 50...they all complained of leaking. Many had returned them and opted for different brands. There were more reviews than I can remember complaining of finding their Rowentas had just leaked out every drop of water with no warning (other than the constant dripping I had also experienced). Several had been sitting on completed quilt tops and most were less than a year old. So, I'm sorry I'm no help other than to tell you I will never own another one. I wish you good luck finding one your are happy with.
I'mno help---but where would a girl be without one!!!! Let me know what you decide on....
Same sad story here when it comes to the Rowenta. Mine leaks like a sieve! I just buy a new iron, use it until it dies and then get a new one. I often dump mine on the floor or drop it so no small wonder I go through irons. The best iron I have used for pressing pieces has been a little travel iron I dug out when desperate. It doesn't work for pressing clothes or yardage. Have you checked for Consumer Reports info on irons?
I've been through a couple of Rowentas and will not spend the money on them any longer- always leakage!
My last purchase was a T fal and its been great for a couple of years now.
I did a review recently on my blog about a new cordless iron I purchased...not recommending it for steam though I like it for my pressing. I did hear something good (I can't remember where) about the iron Cindy mentioned from Amazon. 1800 watts sounds pretty serious to me. I put it on my wish list :-)
I"ve had problems with 3 rowenta's and water. I gave up. My favorite now? Black and Decker!
I have a cordless Maytag that I like but I don't think they make it anymore.....I like cordless even though you do have to recharge it.
Yikes, what a subject!
I'm very had on irons. I currently have rowenta, but it's supposed to shut off and doesn't which I hate, because if I forget it runs all night. I had a Tfal and I liked it pretty well.
I have the super $$$ euorsteam, but it has it problems too.
I think next time I'm going to buy a cheaper one and see how it goes.
Oh man - I've had a few Rowenta's now - and they've done the same thing to me. I do love the Rowenta though - very hot, and no auto shut off! So, I just don't put water in mine. I rarely use steam with my quilting - but if I need it - I just use a spray bottle! Hope that helps.
I've had two Rowentas to do that. But now that I've learned to pressing without water, I wouldn't be adverse to trying another. My current favorite iron is a Panasonic NI-W450TS. It's about $35-40 from Amazon.
Carol,
I have a 20 year-old refurbished Black and Decker iron that I paid maybe $16 for, if that. It works like a charm even thought it's been used and abused and knocked on the floor a few times.
You can't beat cheap irons for endurance.
I've heard nothing but horror stories about Rowenta irons, so I'm glad I can't afford them. I've always used Black & Decker and Sunbeam - both economical and reliable. However, I don't steam. I spray with water or use Mary Ellen's Best Press.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your stuff! Your quilts are so wonderful and Civil War is definately my favorite!
I have a Sharp that I bought at Target. I have had the Rowentas and Orecks and they all leak and sputter and just make a mess. I no longer put water in mine - just keep a spritz bottle close by and spray as needed. My only problem with my Sharp is it cuts off too soon and I am constantly having to restart it. But it gets good and hot and is light weight.
Don't get me started on irons, my last one did very nasty looking things to one of my quilts! I now use the Rowenta Pressure Steam Iron, the water is stored in a separate container from the iron, which makes the iron nice and light, and I only have to fill it in the mornings, for all day sewing! I got mine through Williams Sonoma.
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