There is much discussion among quilters about which iron is best. I had a Rowenta that I liked for its weight. I don't understand why manufacturers boast about their light weight irons--makes you have to push down harder using your shoulder muscles.
But, the Rowenta spit alot, giving me several burns, so I finally only used it with a spray bottle. I had it fixed once at great expense, and the second time it died I threw it away.
By then I had discovered the joy of using an old non-steam iron. They have no holes to catch little points on quilt parts and get so hot I rarely need to use a spray bottle, the ambient moisture in the fabrics is enough.
I pick them up at yard sales and thrift shops. The sole plates clean easily because there are no steam holes to get gunked up.
These four are now in my collection (I also just like how they look).
The Sunbeam is really heavy. The other three are General Electric.
Two are 1100 watts, two are 1000 watts.
I also love my old General Electric Waffle Iron.
This is my second one, my first wore out. I love it because there is no teflon so it really bakes rather than steams the waffles.
So, search the thrifts or yard sales. Unless you live in Chicago, where I ask that you forget everything you read here so I can find these remaining treasures.
Lynn -- this is great --- like guys with discussions about tools, painters about paint. My mom had one of these kind of solid plate irons and the fabric on the cord became so frayed that she was 'fraid to use it. Steve
ReplyDeleteI too am a thrift store shopper but tend to stay away from these types of old appliances because I assume they take way more wattage to run than the newer models. My hubby has a device called a kill-a-watt meter (can be found at amazon) and when plugging in a device you can actually see how much the thing costs to run. So test some of these "oldies but goodies" on how much energy they use. I still love the thrift stores for old shirts to use for quilting though.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn in NC
Sorry, your secret it out! I"m hitting those yard sales! Why is it that those old irons are so much better than any new iron you can buy now. You have some wonderful finds there!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Had never thought about an old non-steam iron. Will keep my eye out for one. Thanks!!
ReplyDeletePatricia