I had an inexpensive non-stick iron. I rarely used an iron before I started quilting. I wasn't happy with it. I'm doing a Disappearing 4 Patch for a friend who always irons a lot and brags about the Rowenta being so good. I used to laugh at what they cost. My friend gave me the one they had and bought a new one. I love it. It is such a better iron, it heats faster, more evenly and if I use steam it really produces steam.