The Right Steam Iron
Every quilter needs a steam iron. Why? Because proper pressing leads to accurate piecing. And that's the number one goal in quilting. So, if you're looking for a new model, or you just want to upgrade, check out these helpful buying tips.
Nonstick ModelsSome quilters prefer nonstick irons like the Euro Cuisine NonStick Steam/Dry Iron or the T-Fal Nonstick Iron because they're easy to clean. They also have more glide than stainless steel models.
But be careful. If you scratch the nonstick coating, it might peel. To avoid this, always remove pins before you press.
Stainless Steel Models Stainless steel irons have come a long way. Newer models like the Rowenta DW5080 Steam Iron and the Rowenta DZ5080 Stainless-Steel Iron have highly polished finishes for smoother ironing. And since there's no coating, you don't have to worry about scratching or peeling.
Recently they've come out with the Oliso Auto-Lift Iron. With a tap of your hand this iron lifts and lowers on its own. Amazing. What will they think of next?
Whatever you choose, keep your soleplate in top condition. Try Rowenta ZD-100 Stainless Steel Soleplate Cleaner. I like this formula because I can use it on many of my other appliances.
Automatic Shutoff, Friend or Foe? The automatic shutoff feature, as the name implies, shuts off your iron after a certain period of time. Let's look at the pros and cons of the automatic shutoff iron.
Pros- Great if you have kids or pets.
- Shuts off iron if you forget about it.
- Saves energy.
Cons
- Constantly waiting for steam iron to re-heat.
- Less sewing time
Because safety standards are in full force, it's hard to find an iron that doesn't have the auto shutoff. But if you're determined, check out second hand stores. Or, perhaps one of your relatives has an iron from the early years.
More Features to Consider
- Removable water tank, or clear view of water level
- Self-cleaning
- Variable steam settings, including burst of steam
- Anti-drip
- Retractable cord
I hope my steam iron tips have been helpful to you.
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