Gravity Feed Irons? Your Opinion Please
Ann_Chafin | Posted in The Archives on
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As a Rowenta owner who is seriously thinking about going a step beyond, I would like the opinion of those who have had experience with the gravity feed steam iron systems. I have gotten tired of the drip, sputter, spit of my present iron and have decided that buying the third is not the solution. I use an iron a lot for pressing as I sew and do a good bit of tailoring. I wouldn’t mind spending the extra money for a gravity feed system if experience shows that it works well and would last longer. I would appreciate any comments/opinion about any you have had experience with.
Replies
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Sorry Ann, but I have a question here too.
Does anyone use a gravity feed to do regular ironing/pressing? And, if so how is it.
*No problem, Heather. It sounds as though they fit right together. I'd love to hear from someone having direct experience with any of these systems. Maybe there are some people out there who can give us some feedback.
*I do alterations for a clothing store, and we have two gravity feed irons. I like them, but they are heavy. One is a five-pound model, one is seven. These items work really well, the only down side being when they need service, it can take 4-6 weeks to mail them out and get them back. If you're this serious about ironing, you might want to consider the vacuum table as a future purchase or gift to yourself. A foot pedal activates the vacuum and draws the excess steam out of the garment to leave it dry when you finish.
*Thank you very much for replying Carol. When I did a patternmaking course years ago, we also had to sew out some of the designs/drafted patterns in muslin for testing and for ironing we used the suction table. But, the iron was connected directly to the water source - tap - like a big installation which regulated the water intake to the iron. I never really got the hang of the suction table, never used it often enough perhaps, or wasn't shown how to, but the pieces were perfectly ironed....and that steam! I am interested because I saw an offer for the suction ironing board with the catch "attachment" underneath and iron, think it was the gravity feed for about $900.00 incl. tax. Does that sound like a fair price?
*I own a gravity feed iron and I love it. I have had it for three years now and have never had any problems with it. My iron is on mostly all day long and every day. Previously I had gone through four Rowentas, they were great at first but then they start doing nasty things in about three months. After paying for too many dry cleaning bills for spitting spots on dupioni silk I started shopping for a better iron. I called Atlanta Thread and Supply Co. and asked for their advice, the first thing they said was "Don't buy a Rowenta, they're nothing but trouble." {but they do sell them}. I got a Pasific Steam gravity feed iron from them for about $200. I love it. At first the 5# weight bothered me but only for about 2 days. I love the weight now too. Only caution -Do not let the water bottle run out of water or you will have to 'burp' the whole line to get it working again.
*Paula,Thanks for answering. I really think I'm going to get a gravity feed system. I'm with you about the Rowenta iron. I think they have a great idea, but they don't have all the kinks out of it yet. I sort of like the idea of the weight of the iron, though I'm sure it will seem heavy for a while. I've been leaning toward the Sussman that Atlanta Thread has, though you seem to have had good luck with the Pacific. I just wonder what my DH will think of the system. He occasionally does some of his own pressing (he is retired, but I'm still working) and will probably want me to get a regular iron for him. That's alright! If he will press his own things, I'll buy him whatever he wants! (LOL) As far as repairs - DH is very good at electrical and mechanical repair and he could probably do a lot of that himself. From what I understand, they come with a schematic and parts list.
*AnnDH will probably love it because he will see it as a 'real' tool and not sissy. It works sooo much better. I can't stand to use one of those $10. walmart imposters anymore. None of the 4 men in my family [1 hubby & 3 sons] are afraid of it, they can all iron and sew and cook but only for themselves and only when they have to.I have very hard water here so I only use bottled distilled water in my iron.
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