Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

[Lilly]

I checked out the Rowenta today at BBB. It is rather heavy. Does anyone have experience with the Sunbeam (less heavy and less expensive) or the Steamfast? ( lightest and if Joannes has it, it could be least expensive). I just want a great iron for both quilting and a cruise. TIA!

[KarenC]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

No experience with Sunbeam or Steamfast, but I bought a Smarteck (I think, might be Smartex) at Joanns a few months ago. It is lightweight and gets very hot. It just doesn't have an automatic shutoff feature. Bought it with 50% off for $8.

[K. McEuen]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I have the little Steamfast and have used it a lot for 3 + years now. I bought mine at Amazon, but M* sells them now.

[Lilly]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

No experience with Sunbeam or Steamfast, but I bought a Smarteck (I think, might be Smartex) at Joanns a few months ago. It is lightweight and gets very hot. It just doesn't have an automatic shutoff feature. Bought it with 50% off for $8.

I am so impressed!

[Lilly]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I have the little Steamfast and have used it a lot for 3 + years now. I bought mine at Amazon, but M* sells them now.

Do you like it, Karen?

[Alpha O]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I also have the Steamfast. It's small enough to sit right by the ironing extension and it works as advertised.

[Kim T]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I checked out the Rowenta today at BBB. It is rather heavy. Does anyone have experience with the Sunbeam (less heavy and less expensive) or the Steamfast? ( lightest and if Joannes has it, it could be least expensive). I just want a great iron for both quilting and a cruise. TIA!

Just an FYI if it makes a difference in your decision on what iron to purchase or if you are doing a quilting cruise, but most of the major cruise lines don't allow you to bring your own iron on board.

[Midge]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I have had the Steamfast for almost a year. Small, comes in a carry bag that it's cute little water cup also fits in. I use it right beside my machine, especially when paper piecing. the size is perfect. Gets very hot, does have a shut off. I have only used it as a dry iron though. I would buy it again.

[K. McEuen]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

Do you like it, Karen?

I do, a lot. The first year I had it Marilyn and I both used it at the retreat. That thing was plugged in and on for most of 4 days. I use it a lot at home by y machine too for pressing small things as I am sewing.

[Sandy Navas]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I also have the Steamfast and absolutely love it. I've been doing some applique work with Heat'n'Bond and keep it plugged in to tack those small pieces. GREAT little travel iron.

[Kgrammiecaz]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I did a quilting cruise. They do have irons in the class, enough for all to share. I found I was never waiting to use one. It is correct that the majority of cruise lines do not allow irons.

[janbee]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I have the little Sunbeam travel iron. It can be used with steam also. It gets a lot hotter than my Rowenta. It is so cute and just the right size to use next to my machine. It is much easier to maneuver when pressing individual blocks. I bought mine from Amazon for about $9.

[Lilly]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

Just an FYI if it makes a difference in your decision on what iron to purchase or if you are doing a quilting cruise, but most of the major cruise lines don't allow you to bring your own iron on board.

Well it's not a quilting cruise but my favorite shirts for summer are cotton or linen and this ship (Costa Romantica) doesn't have passenger services. But I also would love to have it for quilting. Thanks for your input. I will check with the TA. Ssure wouldn't want it to be taken!

[Lilly]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

I have the little Sunbeam travel iron. It can be used with steam also. It gets a lot hotter than my Rowenta. It is so cute and just the right size to use next to my machine. It is much easier to maneuver when pressing individual blocks. I bought mine from Amazon for about $9.

Thanks, Janbee - the price is great!

[Lilly]

Re: Looking at travel Irons - Opinions please!

Thanks to everyone who replied. Before I buy one I'll check with the cruise lines. We're going to Amsterdam on the way to a Norwegian Fjords cruise so having the alternate power is important.