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 Models
Some quilters prefer nonstick irons like the
Hamilton Beach 14340 Digital Iron 1200W or the
Hamilton Beach 14560 Steam Storm™ Plus 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/ Krups #DX1900 1550W Cord Reel Iron and the
Rowenta/ Krups #DX1700 1600W Power Steam 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 for stainless models. I like this formula because I can use it on other appliances. For nonstick soleplates, try
Rowenta Soleplate Iron Cleaning Kit
Automatic Shutoff, Friend or Foe?
The automatic shutoff feature, as the name implies, shuts off your iron after a certain period of time. The
Conair One Touch Digital Steam Iron has this feature. 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
I searched the internet, and I only found two models without the automatic shutoff feature: the Rowenta DX6600, and the Rowenta DX8900.
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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