There’s nothing quite like a good quilting session with friends—and if you’ve ever gathered around a sewing table (or a group chat), you know someone is going to bring up irons.
Recently, in the middle of a marathon sewing weekend, I found myself deep in what I’m now calling “The Big Iron Debate.” The star of the show? The much-talked-about Oliso Pro iron. Some of us swear by it. Others had opinions (strong ones). From the auto-lift feature to steam power to the price tag—nothing was off-limits.
In today’s post, I’m sharing the real, honest pros and cons of the Oliso ProPlus iron, straight from the voices of modern quilters who use (and scrutinize) their tools daily. Whether you’re thinking about investing in one or just love hearing how others feel about their gear, grab your favorite mug, and let’s dig into what makes this iron so beloved—and occasionally debated—in the quilting world.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
How the Big Iron Debate Started
After an intense couple of rounds of pressing, my wrist and hand were starting to feel the strain from the repetitive flip motion.
You know the one I’m talking about. The one where you need to flip your iron to stand it up on its end between each press. Not such a big deal when pressing a few blocks at a time. But multiply that by several hundred, and the tension adds up.
After years of loving my trusty Rowenta, I realized the constant flipping was taking a toll—especially after a long session. That’s when my hunt for a non-flip iron began.
My Iron Short List
There were two that came to mind when I envisioned irons that don’t require sitting on their bottoms between sessions, and those were the Oliso TG1600 ProPlus and the Panasonic Cordless NI-QL1000G Iron.
I Reached Out
Since I’ve tested different irons before (you can read about that here), only to be super disappointed in their performance and returned them shortly after getting them, I thought I’d reach out to you and see if you had any guidance.
The First Response Got Things Started
The first response I received right out of the gate was this comment:
But I also got lots of the following, mentioning how much you love your Oliso, which is why I shared this Instagram story:
So, when I posted these in my Instagram Stories, you blew up my Instagram DMs – ha!
I love how passionate you are about your pressing tools! And some very strong opinions were shared during these virtual chats. What I found fascinating was how, generally speaking, two camps emerged: those that absolutely loved their Oliso and those that absolutely hated it. There were only a handful of lukewarm reviews; most felt very strongly about their impression.
What You Had to Say
After spending hours reading and chatting with you, here’s what I can summarize about what you loved and disliked from your experience using an Oliso ProPlus iron:
OIiso ProPlus – The Pros
The feet are indeed a game-changer – for anyone who suffers from any form of arthritis, tendinitis, pain, or mobility restriction, the feet were a godsend in helping you avoid pain while still enjoying your crafts.
They get hot – if you like working with a really hot iron, then this one does that in spades.
I love my oliso! I’ve had it for about 5 years and it’s the best iron I’ve ever owned.
DM from Helen
Great steam capability – with their Triple Play® steam that works both vertically and horizontally, the ProPlus lives up to its steam capabilities. There were lots of rave reviews on how steamy she gets.
Large water reservoir – you loved not having to take a trip to the sink as often with the larger tank!
I’ve had an Oliso for about 15 years (with robot feet) and it is still going strong! No problems!
DM from Johanna
Amazing glide – the Oliso has a Diamond Ceramic FlowTM sole plate and I heard repeatedly how smooth this was for you.
Stellar customer service – with a 3-year warranty, Oliso has one of the best guarantees in the industry. Couple that with multiple stories of how the customer service team went above and beyond to help you sort your iron issues out was very impressive. In fact, it’s one of the qualities that stood out for me, as I so appreciate a company that stands by their product.
Those are all great qualities to have in an iron, so why the debate about the Oliso ProPlus? Well, that requires us getting into some of the cons you brought up.
Oliso ProPlus – The Cons
The feet stop working – this seemed to be a common frustration for many of you who were in the ‘not loving my iron’ camp.
The feet went crazy – several of you commented on your feet going a little wild and just going up and down on its own endlessly until you unplugged the unit. This made me pause, as the thought of an iron possessed kinda freaks me out – ha!
It worked fine for like a year then the feet started glitching.
DM from SJP
The iron stopped working – there were quite a few of you who experienced your iron dying in less than a year, but that you were able to get a new one through the warranty program.
It stopped getting hot – after a few years, you noted that the iron didn’t seem to get as hot as it once did or at all.
Mine died within two years. I don’t remember the flipping of the seam.
DM from Arita
It fripped my seams – I’m not entirely sure what the issue is, but it appears that if your iron isn’t quite hot enough, it can catch on a seam, and it creates a pressing mess. One that’s hard to undo.
The iron started leaking – this was another common gripe you had that started occurring after several years of use. This last point brings me to a theme I’ve experienced and noticed with using steam from irons.
A Note on Adding Water to Your Iron
After chatting with many quilters, I’ve come to realize that it’s safe to say that adding water to your iron, irrespective of model and brand, will shorten the life of your iron. I say this because there were a lot of complaints of the steam not working after a while and water leaking on your projects.
I think this stems from experience, but once again, when it comes to working with steam in the iron vs. creating your own, we fall into two camps.
- The first that loves using the steam from an iron.
- Those that avoid it to prolong the life of their irons.
My Own Experience Working with Steam
As a quilter who loves working with steam, it was one of the main features that I looked for in an iron. It’s one of the reasons I love Rowenta irons, as their steam capabilities are truly remarkable.
Year 3 Seems to be the Magic Number
That said, I did notice a common theme. Around year 3, my iron would start leaking. Just a little at first, and then progressively more and more. Until I finally would end up with puddles on my projects. Bleurgh.
What I Changed to Avoid this Issue
To avoid this, I stopped putting water in my irons and started using a fine mist spray bottle to create my own steam. It’s worked like a champ, and I haven’t looked back. That is, until I was chatting with my hubz about the big iron debate, and he questioned my rationale for avoiding adding water to my irons.
And then my Hubz added his Two Cents
His logic was to enjoy the iron as it’s supposed to be enjoyed, and if/when it starts leaking, replace it with a new one.
I have a love/hate reaction to this approach.
On the one hand, I love the logic of using the tool in its full capacity and for its full intended purpose, and enjoy it while it lasts.
On the other hand, it feels wasteful, and my mind immediately conjures images of a landfill full of used irons – ha! This goes against my aim to be as sustainable as possible.
I Put Tools Through their Pace
But here’s the truth. I use my tools quite a bit. I put them to the test and demand quite a bit from them. I’ve also noticed that, in general, appliances and tools aren’t made quite like they used to be.
So, I’m trying to find a balance between using my tools to the full of their abilities, while also finding ones that will stand up to the quilty abuse I will put them through. I think the reality is that I need to manage my expectations on both fronts 😉.
Key Takeaways – Should You Buy the Oliso ProPlus Iron?
Here are the summarized findings on whether you should buy an Oliso ProPlus Iron:
- Ideal for: Heavy users, arthritis sufferers, steam lovers
- Avoid if: You dislike electronic quirks or want long-term durability without leaks
How to Care for Your Iron
Taking care of our tools will ensure we give them the longest life possible. Here are some quick tips on how to care for your iron:
Empty the water reservoir – If you use water in your iron, then be sure to empty the water reservoir after each use.
Wipe the sole plate – this should be done regularly to keep dust and buildup. You want to keep the sole plate nice and clean so that it glides as it should.
Regularly descale – most irons come with an auto cleaning option, and this helps combat hard water build-up along with dust that may have accumulated. I’m always amazed at the gunk that comes out when I clean mine!
For more quilting notions, check out:
What Have I Decided?
So, after sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Oliso ProPlus what iron am I getting?!
Well, I’m still on the fence, but leaning one way. While I’ve been sitting on the fence, something unexpected happened, which I’ll share more with you soon!
Have strong feelings about your iron? Share your go-to brand (and why!) in the comments or tag me on Instagram—I love hearing what works (or doesn’t) for you.
Happy pressing!
xo,
Shannon
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I have the Panasonic cordless iron and LOVE it! The absence of the cord and double points are so convenient. I never put water in my iron, using a fine mist spray bottle instead. It works great!
Oh, I love hearing this, Sheri! The cordless feature is calling to me, so I love that it’s a feature that stands out from your use, too!
I had the Oliso Pro replaced 3 times by the company. Each lasting less than 1 year. The 3rd one I never used. I used the “clean” option many times, emptied the water after each use and it would still spit brown pieces looking like burnt lint all the time. If it spit out just water it would stain my light colored fabrics. I liked the concept of not putting the iron on its heel, then it was ready to go instantly. But the iron just stopped working one day. I called them many times about the brown stuff spitting out and their response was “never heard of it”. I think the movement up and down sucked the small pieces of lint into the iron. A design flaw. Then I decided to try the Panasonic wireless. There was a huge learning curve with that one. No heel to rest. It loses heat quickly so when ironing sheets (yep I still do that) the iron spent more time on the charger than on the sheets. So I now have a regular inexpensive iron I used distilled H20 in for household and crafty stuff. The Panasonic lasted 8 months so they had to replace it. It stoped heating up. The new one I do not use steam but a fine mist spray bottle with distilled H20. I like not having a cord get tangled up in the quilt when ironing. I haven’t found the best setting tho as there are only 3, the hot is very hot and the medium is better for me. So far my best irons have been the cheap Black and Decker ones. They last the same amount of time as these expensive ones. But I do use the Panasonic “quilters edition” still, as it is working now almost 1 year.
Always a joy to hear from you, Cynthia! Thank you for sharing your iron experiences, I’m just sad that you encountered so many issues. I have heard of others complaining about the brown water spitting (I’ve heard about it across several different brands). I used to get some of that with my Rowenta, but that was usually a sign that I needed to descale it. I’m with you on no longer adding water to the reservoirs. The fine mist spray bottle works like a charm!
I looked for an iron for a long, long time after my second Rowenta Steam Generator iron spit and soiled white borders on a quilt. My husband maintained it and replaced parts to extend its life, but we gave up eventually. So…I looked and looked. I love the steam of a steam generator so I was looking for something more than a typical iron. I settled on a LauraStar. It took a LOT to convince me to spend the money for this iron. It’s really expensive. But I can steam for hours. It rests horizontally on a silicon pad that comes with it. So no standing it on the heel and no feet. It uses a heavy cord to transport the steam from the reservoir to the iron, of which I am not fond, but it produces magnificent steam. There are 3 levels of iron offered, and I chose the entry level. I did not want the features offered by the other levels and saved some cash. My LauraStar requires me to purge the steam delivery line when beginning to use it. This is because the steam that remains in the line after a time is no longer hot enough and returns to water. A quick purge and I can have constant steam for ever. It has a large reservoir and can be filled while in use, unlike some steam generator irons.
I do not work for LauraStar and receive no commission, just an honest opinion. I think the iron costs A LOT, but I am happy I have it.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with LauraStar, Lorna! I did check that brand out, but removed it from my list as it seemed to take up more space and the cost of it had me pause. But I might take another look after reading your review!
I also love my LauraStar ironing system. It is worth every penny. The built in water filter last forever (over 1 year) with our hard water. If you happen to not release the steam and you do get a spot of water, it isn’t discolored at all because of the filter. I would highly recommend this ironing system. However, if it’s too costly, I would try a different brand of steam generating ironing system. Reliable and Rowenta also make steam generating systems that are more affordable. What’s great about a steam generator is that the water is in a completely separate (large) tank so it keeps the actual iron free of water. You can also control the steam much better. There is a button on the handle of the iron that is easily pushed (as it is integrated into the handle) when, and only when you want steam. The tank only requires that you put completely clean water in about once a month which makes keeping it clean a breeze. Plus, they get super hot! The cons are the cost, and the big foot print that the generator tank has.
For reference, I tried many irons in my quilting life before landing on LauraStar. Including Oliso. I had two different models and they both stopped working and/or spitting water within a year. I have had my LauarStar for about 6 years now with no problems whatsoever! Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Brook! I have my eye on the steam generating systems for whenever I move and get my own sewing room – ha! So, I’ve been super excited to hear the positive reviews coming in for the LauraStar and the Reliable systems. I’ve seen them in action and they look very effective. I’m happy to invest in tools, especially when they do an excellent job and stand the test of time!
I’ve had both an Oliso and Rowenta. My Rowenta is bad about leaking but I went through several Olisos before they offered the longer warranty Neither is perfect I have been thinking about getting the Rowenta with the detached water tank and the long hose but it takes up so much room I do love my small oliso that I use next to sewing machine for paper piecing
I can so relate to the Rowenta leaking problems, Gladys, and it’s the pits when it happens. I’ve been enjoying my little Oliso mini as I’m pondering my next option. I think I’m beginning to accept that there’s no unicorn iron out there that will 100% cover all my quilty needs – ha!
I use the Oliso mini and I love it! I’ve had it about 2.5 years with no problem. It gets very hot, fairly quickly. I have used the steam with no issues, but haven’t really felt it necessary since acquiring a wool,pressing mat.
Isn’t it amazing how a wool pressing mat can make a difference in your pressing outcome without any steam?! I made the same observation 🙂 I’ve also been using and loving my mini and am always amazed at how hot she gets. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
I love my cordless Panasonic iron when I’m home. I don’t use the steam function. I use a spray bottle of water. I I bought the mini oliso pro3 for class and love it.
Oh, I love hearing such happy experiences with irons, Caryn! The mini is just perfect for travel!
The price of the Oliso is prohibitive for me. I did have a Panasonic that I loved while it lasted…it stopped heating up soon after the warranty expired. Like you said, appliances aren’t manufactured like they used to be. I too have reverted back to purchasing the cheaper irons on the market. I will stick to doing that to avoid wasting money on a tool that doesn’t offer quality for the cost.
So frustrating when things stop working properly, especially right after the warranty expires! Thank you for sharing your experience with your Panasonic, Kathie. You’re not the only one who mentioned theirs stopped heating up.
I love my Oliso M2Pro and use it as my main iron 95% of the time. I only take my old Rowenta full-size iron out if I need to press yardage. The Oliso mini heats fast, is lightweight, and sits flat but no complicated electronic feet like the big one and perfect for pack to travel. At the top heat setting the body gets a bit too hot if it’s on a long time, but the easy solution is to turn the dial down between the three and two dots on the indicator. I don’t put water in it; I use a spray bottle. Too many negative experiences with spitting, leaking, staining from various irons. No manufacturer has managed to solve that in my opinion. Empty it after every use? Ridiculous. A sprayed bottle is way easier.
Sounds like we’ve had similar experiences, Diane! And I’ve found myself using my mini quite a bit as of late. I totally agree that she can get quite hot after being on for awhile, which I’m hoping the newer model with the auto-shut off solves that issue – I’ll let you know if it does!
Thank you, I enjoyed this post. As both a garment and quilt maker, I’ve owned many irons.The expensive and heavy Rowenta pressed great at first but leaked hot water all over my project AND feet after a few months of use. Not fun – it left the house! Now I use a Tefal, less expensive and lighter but sometimes spits when lifted and its smaller ironing plate covers less area. I’ve tried the dry iron/mister routine but for me it’s just not as effective especially with garment sewing…sometimes things need to be steam pressed, you know? I’ve pondered just getting a cheap Black&Decker and doing what your hubby suggested but I agree with you about the waste. Like you, I highly recommend wool pressing mats and also use a wool ironing board cover…makes a big difference.
Thanks again…I love your makes and style.
Penelope
I so appreciate what you’re saying about things needing to be steam pressed sometimes, Penelope! I know lots of quilty friends who swear by their T-Fal irons, so I’m thrilled to hear it’s working out for you for the most part!
I bought a Rowenta Steam Station from Joann’s on Black Friday 2020 & it’s been going strong ever since. It does take up a bit more space than a standard iron, but it has a dedicated shelf by the ironing board with all the starches & pressing cloths. If you’re really big into steam, a steam generator with a large tank is the way to go. I’ve found it also gets hotter than the standard Rowenta. No experience with the Oliso because I’ve heard too much frustration from friends who own them.
One of my students had one of these while I was teaching the Quilted Coat Workshop and I LOVED the steam capabilities. The only downside for me at the moment is that it takes up too much space (city living limitations – ha!). Thrilled to hear you’ve been loving yours, Kerry!
My next iron will be a Reliable. I used a friend’s at a retreat and let me just say that the heat, steam and pressing performance of this iron is magnificent! It quickly eliminates any wrinkles and presses seams FLAT! I will gladly retire my Oliso when the time comes.
Yes, I’ve heard wonderful things about Reliable irons, too, Jenae! I thought the regular irons still need to be flipped?
I also have a Reliable iron that I bought from TSC years ago. I do not treat it kindly. I leave water in the reservoir and have never cleaned it. You do have to flip it. It does occasionally spit out a brownish splotch but it comes out if I spot rinse it with water. I do like the automatic turn off feature as I sometimes forget to unplug it. That is a double edged sword though because sometimes I want it to stay on when I am working in a project. If ai ever need another iron I will opt for a cordless iron. I have an old Black & Decker at the cottage which leaks from the bottom but thankfully not while I am using it. Thanks for your review of the Olisio iron
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I also forget to turn my irons off, which is why I usually love the auto-off, that is until I need it in that moment and have to wait for it to heat back up – ha!
Jenae, I really liked what I saw with the Reliable irons. They compare favourably with the LauraStar that I bought. Both were great irons with the ability to provide constant steam. Both had good company backing and warranty. My decision was made by the LauraStar reservoir being fillable while in use. I was told that you had to add water to the Reliable irons when cool. I hope you enjoy your iron because I know it’s a great one.
I have talked to many people who loved their Olisio and also many who were frustrated that it leaked and spit. The feet were always a turnoff to me, but this brand was definitely under consideration when I shopped.
I had 2 different Rowenta steam generator irons. Both provided excellent steam, until they started to leak and spit brown water. I spent quite a bit for them, so I was really irritated when they failed.
I have used a dry iron and a mist bottle at times. I do not feel that this provides the same outcome, so I want a steam iron.
I agonized over the choices until my husband told me that an iron was an integral part of my work process. Get the RIGHT iron. I have had the LauraStar for 2 years now and am very happy with it.
One recommendation that I forgot…I went to the Houston International Quilt Festival and ALL of the manufacturers were there. I could put hands on all of these irons + more that I was unfamiliar with. I highly recommend being able to see the iron in action versus only reading reviews. It helped me a lot.
Not everyone can attend Quilt Festival, but where there are other shows, see what is available. What is important to me, may be only mildly so for someone else.
Such a great recommendation, Lorna! I did the same for my sewing machine and that helped cinch the deal!
I’m anti-steam in general, I don’t want the water altering my fabric (stretching/shrinking) so I never use the steam function that every iron seems to come with anymore. I use a fine mist bottle with Best Press in it and it works wonderfully for me. As for my iron, I’ve been using a cheap Black & Decker iron I bought at Walmart about 4.5 years ago. That same iron is still for sale, current price $12.97. Granted, I am not a super active quilter/user of my iron. It goes in spurts how often it gets used, but for being so irregular in use, it’s still held up to time very well. Plus I like how light weight it is. I have the Oliso M3Pro for my travel sewing station, and I honestly think it weighs more than my Black & Decker full size does.
I’ve heard lots of quilters rave about the Black & Decker, Marnie – thrilled you found one that fits your quilty needs!
I’m gonna throw this comment in the mix: the Oliso creates bad habits! It you sew and iron away from home (classes, retreats) you will probably develop bad habits of not picking up the iron after ironing and scorch the ironing board cover. This happens all the time in our quilt shop classroom! Every single time the person who scorches the ironing board Cover says,“ I have an Oliso so and I don’t have to pick up the iron. I totally forgot to do it here“ I had leaking problems with my Oliso and decided the only way to get around that when I had to use steam is with the misting bottle. I’m not a big steam user but when I do need it, the misting bottle does the trick. On the other hand, I absolutely love the new Oliso mini pro! I use it all the time and love the little light on the front and the fact that it turns off after 20 minutes of non-use. Perfect for the Quilter who is at home and totally forgets what she was doing when she goes to empty the dryer! Also, it is a great iron to take to classes and retreats. The big irons all blow the fuses. Every time!
Oh, I haven’t heard of the fuse blowing issues, Janet, that’s a great point!
That a powerful iron! It doesn’t happen at home (unless I have a space heater on) but more than one on most circuits is sure to be an issue! Not with the small ones though!
I also burned an ironing pad at retreat as I was so used to the Oliso feature. Very embarrassing
I have been sewing for about 40 years now, and more recently I have had a sewing business. In the past I used the Rowenta Pro irons that cost about $125. I have retired from my business and returned to quilting. Everyone was raving about the Oliso Pro models. I bought one a little over a year ago. The first one I received had the problem with the feet going up and down endlessly. I got a replacement with little effort. Their customer service was prompt in getting back to me. Then after about 9 months, the second one started leaking water from the spray spout. I contacted them again, and contrary to what I read in your article, they told me the warranty was only one year. After explaining my situation, and going through many iterations of cleaning the iron, doing tests, making a video of my iron leaking, etc., they finally sent me a new one. I will never buy another Oliso iron again. While their customer service is prompt, their product is a gimmick and definitely not worth the $200.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Janet. I believe it’s reading these kinds of reviews and feedback that helps us make informed decisions on the tools we buy 🙂
I have 8 irons including all listed above. My Laurastar lasted about 7 years, not worth replacing when there are other options. I also don’t steam my fabrics any more except when originally pressing them before cutting (sometimes use a spray bottle and/or Flatter), and after something is made but only if it needs it.
I find I love the cordless Panasonic when pressing seams open, as it has a nice point. It also doesn’t interfere as much (because it is smaller) when you are pressing a row of blocks that you’ve sewn together as larger irons can flip another seam you’ve previously pressed. It is a bit smaller than the Oliso, which I have a love/hate relationship with. But if I’m doing a lot of pressing at once (ie rows of blocks sewn together), I find the Panasonic cordless starts to lose its high heat toward the end of the row, though the newer cordless version is better with the ceramic sole than the older version I also have.
(I do not like irons turning off after 1/2 hr of non-use (newer Oliso)…some of the irons I have do not turn off, but I plug them to a timer, so if I forget to turn it off it will go off automatically in the evening). The Oliso did start to leak but since I no longer put water in it, not an issue. I do find I switch the feet on/off a lot, as sometimes I like the iron to stay on a complex seam for a few more seconds before I put a clapper on it and if I don’t either hold it down or take off the feet it pops up on its own (which it is supposed to do).
If you are pressing a large piece of fabric, such as backing, the bigger the iron the better, but I use a Mangle for that.
I also like irons that don’t have a steam function (Reliable, Black and Decker) as then the sole plate has no holes in it that can leave little marks on the fabric if you just press up and down with the iron (which you are supposed to do so you don’t stretch the fabric). They also seem to get the hottest. Also seems to work well for putting fusibles on fabric, again with no little bumps where the steam holes would be.
If I am putting together a block, I like either the baby Oliso (has no feet) or the even smaller Dritz Mighty Travel Steam Iron (sold under various other names too) which seems to get hotter than the baby Oliso, as again, it doesn’t interfere with other seams I’ve just sewn/pressed. Also those even smaller craft irons work well, too, but a bit of a pain to put into a holder after each use.
With the baby Oliso, it comes with (I think its silicone) pad where you can lay the iron flat onto it like a regular Oliso (baby doesn’t have the feet). BUT…I’ve had it leave a stain on my wool mat using the pad. Not sure if it would have burned it or not had it been left there longer.
Wow, Marlene, you’ve definitely had lots of experiences with lots of different irons. I even learned a new term – Mangle – ha! I had to Google that as I’d never heard the term for the tool, so thank you 🙂 I recently noticed some brown marks on my ironing board where the silicone mat has been sitting for my baby Oliso M2Pro, that one doesn’t auto-shut off, so despite the mat, I think the high heat and being left there for awhile did some damage. Something I think won’t be an issue with the M3Pro I’m currently testing out, but definitely something I’ll be monitoring!
I have the Oliso Mini Pro 2 (the older one). It was on sale so I bought it and then they came out with the new one. I don’t like the handle configuration because it is hard to hold onto and I always feel like I am going to drop it. The sole plate is nice and it glides well but it doesn’t get terribly hot. I tried the newer one at a trade show and since I am a lefty the cord on the right side is annoying. I thought about buying the Panasonic cordless but the whole plate thing seems irritating too. So I just deal with the Oliso mini. I should probably look at the Black and Decker!
I found the handle on the M2Pro awkward too, Jennifer! I’m currently testing out the M3Pro and the handle is configured a little differently and is more comfortable and easier to grip. I’m also on the fence about the cord coming out the side, so far I’ve had it interfere with my fabric, and I’ve been holding the cord, but I think my set-up doesn’t help as the plug is on the left side of me, but I’m right sided and have the cord running in front, so probably not ideal 😉 While I didn’t have great experiences with the Black and Decker, I continue to hear from quilters who rave about it!
My first Oliso lasted about 5 years and was great. I got another Oliso and had nothing but problems with it. It leaked water, wouldn’t always steam when pressing the steam button multiple times and then just quit heating up. I only used it for about 6 months. When I emptied the water tank after it died, there were small plastic beads in the tank. I could’t find my box with the receipt (I did find it a year later) so I put it in the garbage and went back to my Rowena that is over 10 years old and still working great. I doubt I will ever buy a Oliso again. A quilting friend also had issues with her Oliso leaking water and they gave her a difficult time when she called multiple times about it. Oliso doesn’t see to stand behind their product.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Candy! I’m starting to wonder if like cars there are some lemons out there and it’s all luck of the draw?!
Shannon, try using a silicone iron pad under your iron. It eliminates need to flip iron onto its heel. My latest iron is the lower end Black and Decker which I’m happy with. In the past I’ve used Sunbeam, Panasonic & Rowenta and they all spit out brown spots because I used the steam feature. To avoid spitting, I no longer use steam, only a mister & wool mat.
Oh, that’s a great point, Mae! I hadn’t even thought of that. I’ll have to check my Rowenta to see what it does it if I leave it flat (for some reason I want to say it will shut-off??). Thanks for the tip!
I am very happy with my Panasonic. I’ve had it over three years now and love that it has the points on both ends and I don’t have to set it back on the end. I use the spray bottle with water to avoid any issues with water inside the iron. I live in a rural area with very hard water. It’s a pain to remember to buy distilled water and I can’t use water from the tap, so it’s just easier to use the spray bottle. I keep looking at the LaraStar units, but I just don’t have the space so that is out. I have a friend who has one and she keeps telling me I need it, but I look at her sewing/quilting space and it’s considerably larger than my space. My old iron was a Black & Decker but I had some issues after about 3 years, even with no water in the iron. It was not as good as the two older Black & Deckers which lasted many more years before needing to be replaced. I really think everything is made for planned obsolescence now at a shorter period of time.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Linda! It certainly feels like things are not made to last like they used to, but I’m happy to hear that your friend has been enjoying her LauraStar. I keep hearing amazing things and, like you, if I had the space that’s the direction I’d probably go in.
Update to my post from a few days ago. I just got my third brand new OlisoPro iron after having to contact customer service twice already to get a replacement. I have used this third iron for about an hour and it already is spitting water from the spray nozzle. Worst. Iron. Ever. Never again will I buy an Oliso iron or recommend them to anyone.