Replies

1. 
   solosmocker | Sep 27, 2007 02:08am | #1

   I have had the Rowenta Professional for at least ten years. I like the heavier weight and can honestly say it is the best iron I have ever had. Prior to that I had a new iron about every 6 months.

2. 
   dionna | Sep 27, 2007 05:46am | #2

   I agree with solosmocker the Rowenta is a great iron I have 3 of them one is for sewing only one for traveling one is for the household to use.

1. 
   carollee | Sep 27, 2007 01:14pm | #3

   Is it the Rowenta Professional? I want to make sure I purchase the correct model. I assume I can buy it at the mall - or do I have to go to a sewing store for that model? Thanks for your help.

1. 
   KimK | Sep 28, 2007 04:27am | #4

   Unfortunately, I must disagree with the recommendations for Rowenta irons.  The first one I had (and I can't remember the exact models) was pretty good.  The seal between the detachable tank and the iron didn't last long, but after it was replaced by the company it was OK.   After it finally died, I tried another but it lasted less than 5 years--not what I would expect from a $100 iron.  It took me two more Rowenta irons (I must be a slow learner!) to realize I was wasting my money.  I switched to a $50 Black and Decker Digital Advantage maybe 5 years ago, and I have been very pleased with it.  It's finally starting to spot water a bit when I've been using it (with steam) for a couple of hours straight, ironing my husband's shirts, but when I sew it's not on long enough to start that.  My Rowentas had the same problem, but it happened more often.  The only way I'd use another Rowenta iron is if it was a gift I couldn't return!

   Before you buy something, you might try searching the archives from this site, and also checking PatternReview.com for more information.  Good luck!

   Kim

1. 
   carollee | Sep 28, 2007 01:30pm | #5

   thanks so much. will try the other site and give it some thought.

1. 
   TheBee | Oct 01, 2007 03:03pm | #6

   Hello all. I want to put in my two cents on the irons.  I own the B&D Digital Advantage and the Rowenta Advancer.  I love them both for the same reasons and for different reasons.  They are both high quality irons, hold plenty of water and are just heavy enough to create a beautiful crisp pressed seam.  There are two draw backs to the Rowenta...price and that fact that it shuts off WAY too soon.  The benefit is the beautiful sole plate with lots and lot of tiny holes and the shaped tip.  The Digital Advantage has a lesser price tag, longer ironing time before auto shut off.  Drawbacks are the more blunt tip and less and larger steam holes.  I use each one for different sewing projects, have owned the B&D for over two years and the Rowenta for over 1 year.  LOVE THEM.  I would recommend the B&D for the causal but serious sewer and the Rowenta for the avid professional sewer.  I think that is the only real way you will see any difference between the two so save the money if you can.   

3. 
   Ralphetta | Oct 01, 2007 05:52pm | #7

   I know that a lot of people have had problems with Rowenta irons, but my current Rowenta has given me no trouble at all.  I've had it for about 3 years. It is the DM253 and one reason I picked it was because of all the holes and that it had the shot of steam (whatever it's called) feature.  Reason #1 for selecting it was that it does NOT shut off automatically.  With a Joann coupon you could save a lot.

   I remind myself that even topnotch companies sometimes produce a lemon or an Edsel.  I think that the year I decided to splurge on the best sewing machine might have been a bad year for Bernina.  All my life I'd heard how great they were, but I wasn't impressed with what I saw that fall.  Maybe Rowenta just had a few bad models that tarnished their reputation.

1. 
   carollee | Oct 01, 2007 11:52pm | #8

   thanks for all your responses. I ordered a Rowenta today online. I'll give it a try and let you know how I like it.