testing. testing.
After the great iron discussion of April, I narrowed my shopping list to these four replacement irons, each of which comes highly recommended by readers:
*Black & Decker D2030 Digital Advantage
- affordable. It does shut off automatically (which I like), but it also beeps when it's not fully heated (which would bug me).
*Reliable Velocity V50 - this orange iron has looks, but it's also twice as much as I'd usually pay. Seams very well made and the auto shut off can be disabled.
*Rowenta DW5080 Focus
- this is one of the most affordable Rowentas made in Germany. The Germany Rowenta's are famous for steam and longevity, but it's not cheap.
*Panasonic NI-C78SR
- my same old iron is the most affordable option. I liked its auto shut off feature and loved the detachable refill tank. But, it only lasted 2 years...
After hemming and hawing, I was about to pull the trigger on buying another Panasonic - the exact same one. It seemed like the most practical option since I do use water in my iron and leave it in all the time, both of which are known to drown irons. May as well kill a cheap one that I know I'll like, right?
I'm so cruel.
But, at the last minute, I asked Reliable to donate this Velocity V50. Happily they agreed. So now I'll get to test this baby and report back to you! Score. I can already tell you it's going to be close for me, comparing the Reliable to my sainted Panasonic. They both have pros and cons. But, look how great that sassy orange looks with my aqua shelf. Ooh-la-la!
testing. testing.
P.S. Uncle Sam wants me to tell you that my links for products on Amazon (like the irons) are linked to me so that if you buy something I get a little Amazon store credit. I started doing this because I was linking to Amazon anyways (hello, we all shop there) and I figured you wouldn't mind if Amazon has to send me some free books or rotary blades now and then. Just FYI to keep things legit around here. Tally ho!
*Black & Decker D2030 Digital Advantage
- affordable. It does shut off automatically (which I like), but it also beeps when it's not fully heated (which would bug me).*Reliable Velocity V50 - this orange iron has looks, but it's also twice as much as I'd usually pay. Seams very well made and the auto shut off can be disabled.
*Rowenta DW5080 Focus
- this is one of the most affordable Rowentas made in Germany. The Germany Rowenta's are famous for steam and longevity, but it's not cheap.*Panasonic NI-C78SR
- my same old iron is the most affordable option. I liked its auto shut off feature and loved the detachable refill tank. But, it only lasted 2 years...After hemming and hawing, I was about to pull the trigger on buying another Panasonic - the exact same one. It seemed like the most practical option since I do use water in my iron and leave it in all the time, both of which are known to drown irons. May as well kill a cheap one that I know I'll like, right?
I'm so cruel.
But, at the last minute, I asked Reliable to donate this Velocity V50. Happily they agreed. So now I'll get to test this baby and report back to you! Score. I can already tell you it's going to be close for me, comparing the Reliable to my sainted Panasonic. They both have pros and cons. But, look how great that sassy orange looks with my aqua shelf. Ooh-la-la!
testing. testing.
P.S. Uncle Sam wants me to tell you that my links for products on Amazon (like the irons) are linked to me so that if you buy something I get a little Amazon store credit. I started doing this because I was linking to Amazon anyways (hello, we all shop there) and I figured you wouldn't mind if Amazon has to send me some free books or rotary blades now and then. Just FYI to keep things legit around here. Tally ho!