I have been using steam generator irons for the past few years. I make handbags and use a lot of iron on battings and heavy interfacings. I also like the powerful steam for pressing seams on the heavy tapestys that I often use for both handbags and jackets. I own two Bernina steam generator irons and have spent way too much money keeping them repaired. Before that I had a Euro Pro and had the same problem. When they work they do a great job, but there are too many repair problems and it is getting prohibitively expensive to keep using these irons.
Does anyone know of another reliable brand of iron where I can get good steam pressing for adhereing heavy interfacings and good all around pressing on heavy fabrics, both for prepressing the fabric and for pressing seams while I am sewing.
Would appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks.
Ellen Younkins
Replies
I've been using a Rowenta Steam Generator (the cheaper Master model) that I bought when it went on sale for 50% off (so it was about $120). It has done a great job of pressing, even with 4 layers of VERY thick wool. I've never had a problem with it, but then I don't use it everyday, I've only had it for a year (my holiday present to myself last year), and I ALWAYS empty the tank and leave the cap off until I'm sure it's dry... and I live at high altitude, where things dry pretty well.
Rowenta's instructions do note to use tap water, not distilled, and that's what I do (since I'm on city water). However, if I was still in my childhood home, with iron-laden well-water, I'd probably haul city water back home to my place in a jug... since I'd be worried about TOO many deposits with that. You didn't mention what trouble you had with your steam generators, but I do know my mother has problems with rust deposits in her iron...
I've heard a lot of people are quite happy with some "cheap" Black-and-Decker irons that retail for around $40, but they tend to replace these every three years or so.
Good luck!
Thanks for your input. I do use my iron every day. Perhaps they are not meant to be used for more than casual ironing.
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