The Rowenta Professional Doesn’t Last
JulieS
| Posted in Equipment and Supplies on
I had been planning a Rowenta iron purchase for some time because two friends who are great seamstresses recommended them. However, I have discovered through the November Consumer Reports, p. 9, that the Rowenta Professional lacks durability and through the online comments at Target.com (search ‘Rowenta’, it’s not a very sophisticated site) that was reinforced by individuals who stated that the iron “overheated” and “burned out.” I’ll admit that the pointy nose looks attractive. I might consider the Rowenta Power Duo which had some good reviews on Target but I’m plugging along with my old Black and Decker right now. Maybe I’ll wait for a full report from CR. I definitely am into durability
Replies
If you are planning on spending more than $100 on an iron, I suggest you purchase a gravity feed iron. You will have better control of the steam and the iron will last many years. The downside to this iron is that it is rather stationary since it must stay attached to a small hanging tank of water. I know some people attach the water tank to a rolling medicine pole in order to move the iron around more, but I keep mine in one spot and use a cheap steam iron when I need to press something elsewhere.
I have been telling people who have asked that Rowenta is overpriced and doesn't last.My Rowenta was about $100, worked well for less than a year.Cheap gravity feed iron was about $150, lasted???4 years now.
I completely agree! I had a Rowenta professional model that lasted just over a year. It was expensive and I felt ripped off. After that disappointment I decided to invest in a gravity-feed iron and I LOVE it! I've had it for about 8 years of fairly heavy-duty use and its still great, and mine is not a particularly expensive model (Silver Star). Its not an issue for me, but its true that its not easily packed away when not in use, but if you can possibly find a spot to leave it set up, its definitely worth getting a gravity-feed iron.Marion
I'll ditto all the above, I had several Rowenta's they lasted at the most one year each. I have a gravity feed (SilverStar) that I paid (I think) $100.00 - it may have been $200.00 it's been almost 3 yrs now, I'll never go back.
I guess I got lucky. I bought a Rowenta Professional about 16 years ago and it's still going strong. I've never had any problem with it and it does a great job, even with delicate or very thick fabrics. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it lasts a few more years. Cynthia
Same here - long time user and lover of my Rowenta which I recently mentioned on a previous post.
Agree with all the above. I had two Rowentas that cost in excess of $100 each in the space of a few years. In 1999 I bought a Silver Star gravity feed iron for $199 and it is still going strong, despite heavy use in a home dressmaking business. I'll never go back to a home iron.FWIW, I bought a vacuum table made by Euro-Pro about a year later and I love it. It, combined with the gravity feed iron, is a more than adequate substitute for a professional boiler system.
Hmmmm I have to say right along with Cynthia that I got the same iron and at the same time mine is too about 16 years old. And I have had no issues with it...Sometimes I believe that (just like cars) companies have good years and bad years........and I guess from every ones' post Rowenta is continuing to be having bad years... I Bought a year they made a work horse so to speak. It is too funny how I thought I was due for a new Rowenta..even though mine is still going strong...but something told me that I had a great one. So when it is finally time...unless they improve I maybe looking into others!! Connie
Ditto to all the other posters who said their expensive Rowenta lasted less than a year. We discussed this very subject in our contemporary quilting bee a couple weeks ago and they all had the same bad experience with Rowentas.
I am totally disgusted with Rowenta. I've had four irons in four years,paying around$100. each time. The last iron I had to replace I bought a cheaper Rowenta Power duo for $56. at target. This was in July and I am experiencing a bad sensor. The iron cools off while using it. Plus leaks water. When I called the Rowenta service dept. They told me I had to pay a non-refundable fee of $64.00 plus postage both ways. Plus the cost of fixing it. If I had the psychic energy I would report them to consumer services in my state. More than likely I will just buy another iron that is anything but a Rowenta
I don't know about the newer model Rowenta irons. I have a Rownta Professional Model that I purchased about 8 years ago and it's still operating fine. However, since I am back to sewing a lot more than I have for a few years, I may be in the market for a new one. I always like to have a back up.....
FYI, T-Fal irons are made by Rowenta.
I had great luck with my old (vintage 1990) Rowenta. It finally gave up the ghost in 2002. I bought another to replace it. Within 4 months it started to leak. So I bought another one, which did the same thing. This happened three times, and I finally decided to invest in a Consew gravity feed iron. It's been going strong ever since, and I wouldn't give up my gravity feed for the world. Plus, it's a great biceps workout! :)
Ann
Thanks for the info....I'll definitely check the gravity feed system out when I get ready to make another purchase.
I had a Rowenta Professional that lasted many years and I loved it. So I replaced it with another that lasted less than a year. I purchased it in Canada and found out when I went to have it repaired that it was only legal in the States (CSA standards) and could only have it repaired there! So, dummy me, thinking I just ended up with a rare lemon, replaced it with another Rowenta Professional. That one is still running 3 years later, but the steam feature does not work. That'll teach me. Next time I will not purchase a Rowneta, especially after what I've read here.
I had a Rowenta that 4-5 years so when it died I bought a new Rowenta. It lasted less than one year. I wrote to Rowenta and complained and they said they don't get many complaints. So, when you get a free minute (LoL) drop Rowenta a note and tell them their irons are not worth the cardboard they are shipped in. Also, submit a Better Business Bureau complaint. They really don't care but I hope with enough complaints maybe they will wake up and do something. I am thinking of sending Nancy Zieman about it because they are one of her sponsors on her show. Maybe I will tell her about this forum. I bought a new no name iron and it is working fine - but it is only 8 months. so time we'll see what happens next. I never used to complain or write to anyone, I thought everyone worked as hard as I did and didn't need to hear about it. Well, with the cost of everything going up and the outrageous salaries these CEO's are getting I have taken up complaining when things break. Today, I got my 5th flat tire on the left front tire - the only one with a problem. So, tomorrow I am calling the dealer instead of the tire place.
Do yourself a favor...get yourself a Conair Iron....made for crafters and sewers....is the best iron I ever got....I went to Conair's website and got it from them directly...I have owned Rowentas and HATED them....I create bridal and evening gowns...this iron is the BEST!
Have you looked for the type of iron you want on Amazon.com? The reviews at the bottom of the page are great. You find out what people like or dislike about a product, what works and what might be better.
mimi
Thanks for the idea. I'm not yet much of a shopper on Amazon. I buy many books locally to keep my independent bookstore going. I just don't think of Amazon for items other than books but this is a good idea. My usual source is Consumer Reports upon which I have relied for years. However, once they have evaluated something, they wait about five years before they do it again--except for cars of course.
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