Black & Decker Professional Steam Iron Review

I've been on the hunt for a new iron for a very long time.  I can’t tell you the number of hours I've spent researching irons and reading reviews.  Honestly, more than I ever thought or cared to have tackled.  But a good iron is essential for quilting and so I've been doing my due diligence.

My beloved Rowenta has been leaking for a good chunk of time – some days more than others.  And when I say leak, I mean it can be a whole pool of water that comes gushing out.  Some days, not even a drip! Beyond frustrating! Plus the central dial for selecting the heat setting fell off and no longer tells me the correct setting.  And it’s hit or miss as to whether she comes on or not. Despite all this craziness, I just can’t seem to part with her!

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Then, during an impromptu Canadian Tire run, I stumbled upon the Black & Decker Professional Steam Iron at 50% off.  I thought – this is it – this is a sign.  And Thankfully the hubz was on hand as the only box left was on the very top shelf – wayyyy beyond my reach ;) I grabbed her and headed to the cash.

I had heard great things about this iron from other quilters and thought at $29.99 (down from $59.99) I couldn't go wrong.  I eagerly took her out of her box, got her all set up and pulled a pile of fat quarters from the dryer.  The session started off alright, only to hit a snag on the second fat quarter.  There it was – the dreaded wet spot!  So much for the anti-drip technology this iron claims to have. At least my Rowenta took a few years before she started sputtering!

In the above example, this is the second pass with the Black & Decker and she's still got wrinkles.

She also doesn't weigh as much as the *Rowenta.  Which can be a good thing when you’re ironing several hours a day. But, in the end, I miss the weight as that in of itself helps ease fabric creases.

I also noted the steam capability can’t be compared.  The Rowenta’s plate has many more holes and she really steams up nicely.  So much so, I benefit from a daily facial!  Plus the Black & Decker doesn't heat up nearly as much as the Rowenta.  I know this as I can’t put my fingers on the freshly ironed fabric when using my Rowenta, but didn't have a problem with the Black & Decker.

I did a side by side test between the two and, although the pictures don’t really show up that well, the Rowenta does do a better job of ironing.  The front fold was done by the Rowenta while the flat piece was ironed with the Black & Decker.

It’s not all bad things for the Black & Decker.  It does have a larger sole plate, which is really nice when ironing larger pieces of fabric.  I also like the beeping to notify me when the auto-shut-off kicks in.

But there is a good $100 difference between the two (well, that is, if you buy it on sale; otherwise it’s more like $70).  And for that price, the Black & Decker isn't a bad option. I just can’t handle the dripping. 

Looks like my iron search continues, as this Black & Decker is headed back to the store tomorrow.

I'm back to considering *Rowenta, *Oliso and *T-Fal.  What I've come to understand from chatting with other quilters, it really does come down to personal preference.  But I'm open to suggestions and would love to know what your go-to iron is!

xo

Shannon

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