Steam Iron - Which brands best?

We've had bad luck with steam irons lasting here; can anyone advise on some good brands and models?  Don't need a super high end iron, just one that does a nice iron (mostly cotton blouses/shirts, jeans, etc.).  Thanks.   

My MIL bought a cheap one from either Tesco or Morrisons for about £10 I think and its lasted her better than the name-branded one that she got from Argos.  Personally, I've got a Tefal and can't fault it.

As one of the freaks folks on this forum who loves ironing, I can wholeheartedly recommend Rowenta irons.  Yes, they are a bit more money but they last forever and are fabulous.

As one of the freaks folks on this forum who loves ironing, I can wholeheartedly recommend Rowenta irons.  Yes, they are a bit more money but they last forever and are fabulous.

Ooooh, I'll have to look into those! Are they only available in the US?

I didn't know you loved ironing, Abby!!! Wheeee!! I thought I was the only freak! Yay!

My iron isn't a cheapie one, but it wasn't obscenely expensive either. It's a Philips and was about £50. For something that I use nearly every day, I think that's reasonable. Prior to that, I had a cheapie one from Tesco, and it was rubbish. The steam setting just meant that hot water sprayed out all over my hands!

There are loads of websites with reviews of various irons, if you're interested. Here's one.

We bought a Rowenta last year, best iron we have ever owned.  Not cheap but worth spending the extra money.

I didn't know you loved ironing, Abby!!! Wheeee!! I thought I was the only freak! Yay!

So, any chance I can send my ironing to either of you to do...I HATE ironing!

I love ironing, but I'm not a huge fan of the Rowentas. I had one and it worked ok, but it wasn't anything spectacular. It also died after about a year.

In the US I replaced it with a GE, I think, and I'm pretty sure that one's still going strong after almost 4 years.

Adam has a Moulinex (I think he's had it for a few year) that I've been using since I moved over. It's not perfect, but the steam level on it is. It heats up fast and it hasn't dripped once.

Ooooh, I'll have to look into those! Are they only available in the US?

I didn't know you loved ironing, Abby!!! Wheeee!! I thought I was the only freak! Yay!

Before I posted, I did a quick check on Amazon and they are available in the UK (I wouldn't tease people!).  I love that's it's not too heavy and not too light - the perfect weight to press stuff well but not kill your arms.

Yes, I'm an ironing fool.  Sadly, I haven't been able to do it as frequently as I like with a little guy running around the house.  Nothing more zen-like than a nice ironing session.

You can get Rowenta just about anywhere.  I know Curry's sell 'em as well, although I don't think Argos do...     Hey, if you can stick with what you know all the more power to you!   

Great, thanks for the tips.  We've had a cleaner do some ironing for us for the past few years, and she destroys irons.  We'll be doing it on our own for a while so I'm definitely into putting some extra $ (sorry don't have the pounds symbol on the keyboard) into a good one.  Cheers. 

(sorry don't have the pounds symbol on the keyboard)

Off topic, but if you are using an american keyboard, holding down the alt key, and pressing 0163 on the numpad puts in a £ symbol (doesn't work from the 'regular' numbers on the normal keys) My keyboard is american, and that's how I got the above £ in.

(And to make it on topic..I hate ironing!! *g*)

I love my Philips Azus 4340.  Ironing is one household chore I don't mind, I can watch tv and keep warm at the same time.  This iron is rather expensive but it has an automatice shut off it is hasn't been moved in a few minutes which I think is well worth the money.  It has a really good steamer and isn't too heavy.  My mom really liked it when she was here last.
I bought it from John Lewis, I don't think they have it at Curry's.  I believe it has a 2 year warranty and John Lewis will replace it without hassle.  I think the average life of an iron these days is about 2 - 3 years.

Thanks Love-Notes.  That whole alt key thing does something very different when using a MAC!!!    

Thanks Love-Notes.  That whole alt key thing does something very different when using a MAC!!!    

Psst.... option/alt + 3 = £ 

Hey hey!  Thanks Abby.  ££££££££££££££££!