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Shannon Fraser Designs

Spreading quilty joy one stitch at a time!

Black & Decker Professional Steam Iron Review

April 27, 2016 by Shannon 11 Comments

  

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!

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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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Laundering, Quilting, Review, Tools

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Comments

  1. LethargicLass says

    April 28, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    This is my iron that I have had for about 3 years and love dearly! I haven't had any problems with it… we also use them in the Mad About Patchwork studio… maybe you got a faulty one?

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      April 28, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      It must have been a dud then! And such a shame as I already returned it and bought a different iron! Happy to hear you love yours and that it's been going strong for 3 years!!

      Reply
  2. Izzy says

    May 1, 2016 at 12:09 am

    I currently use a Panasonic which I paid around $60 and it works well. It's super hot and the steam is good. BUT and it's a big but, it leaks like crazy every time the automatic shut off comes on and off. And it comes on OFTEN!!! If I don't touch the dumb thing for 10 minutes, it shuts off. And then I have to wait for it to heat up AND keep it away from my fabric because the water is going to come spewing out of it while it heats up. I really need to get a new one so can't wait to hear what you ended up getting.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      May 1, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Isn't that just the worst! I was so disappointed after my Black & Decker experience that I was a little concerned about trying another brand. I was tempted to try the T-Fal Ultraglide, as so many quilters recommended that one. But then I noticed my Rowenta was on sale at The Bay the other day and decided to snag it! Fingers crossed my leaking issues don't replicate themselves 😉

      Reply
  3. Mary maloney says

    May 14, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    Hello and thanks for the review. I was ready to upgrade my iron but after reading, plan to stick with the rowenta for a time. Mary

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      May 16, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      I'm so happy the review was helpful for you, Mary!

      Reply
  4. Kate @ Smiles From Kate says

    May 20, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I do find a lot of irons just don't get hot enough and the emphasis on lightweight is no good for pressing either. Wouldn't it be great if shops did a try before you buy. You could take some pieces of wrinkled fabric to the shop and put a few irons through their paces until you found one that suited.
    Smiles
    Kate

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 1, 2016 at 2:27 pm

      That is such a great idea, Kate!! I would love to be able to test drive my irons before purchasing, as it doesn't take long to determine whether you love it or not!

      Reply
  5. Christopher says

    December 24, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    Presently a-days different machines are accessible in the market which brings the life calm. Home apparatuses in India are of high caliber. The greater part of the machines in India are all around composed, snappy and of superior. steamironreview.com/

    Reply
  6. Christopher says

    April 7, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    In the event that you are routinely fighting with willful wrinkles or difficult to iron textures then why not put resources into a steam generator press? Aspen Wagner

    Reply
  7. Anna Schafer says

    October 19, 2019 at 11:50 am

    Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Usha SI 3713 Steam Iron Verdict

    Reply

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