It's the Panasonic NI-W450TS. Quite an impressive name, and quite an impressive iron!
First, I really like the big sturdy dial for temperature settings. Not those slides and hope you've got it in the right place - a real dial.
I like the legs it sits on. No part of a hot iron touching the ironing board or touching the cord that I've been known to tangle (and burn) under the butt of the iron.
But the absolute best part .......
It has "a titanium-coated totally curved soleplate that allows for nonstick ironing in any direction for faster results." I copied that from the literature because I could never describe it that succinctly! It's pointed on both ends and the darn thing just glides over fabric. 360 degree ironing!
It has a nice "hand," not nearly as heavy as those big Rowentas, but heavy enough to do perfect pressing. It turns off when unattended but heats back up really fast when you pick it up. I used it all day Saturday and Sunday, and never once felt like I was waiting on the iron to heat up.
I'm not going to use the steam feature because I've been dry ironing for the past couple of years and like that much better. No distortion of my blocks. If I need to get some really stubborn wrinkles out, I use Mary Ellen Best Press, Downey Wrinkle Release, or just a spritz of water from a water bottle on my ironing board. The reason I don't use steam any more is because of a nasty leaking problem one day from my old iron and I had to remake a block because of it. No more for me!
Anyway, I hope everyone goes out and gets one of these. I give it my highest recommendation. I know Amazon has them, and I'm sure other places as well. Jane's DH actually found an article on this iron in one of his engineering magazines.
Thank you, Jane and your sweet DH, for a wonderful Christmas present! The best present a quilter could ever get!!!!! ILY!
Note: To answer the question, the soleplate is curved, but it's so slight that you can't see it or feel it. But it sure makes a difference when moving the iron from side to side.
18 comments:
Thank you so much for the wonderful review...my iron is on its last leg so now I know what to get next.
Good review...we all have frustrations about our irons.
If you're looking on Amazon, the part number is NI-W450TS (that's an "I", not a one). I expected it to be $100 and it's only $39.99 with free super saver shipping. I just happen to have gotten an Amazon gift card after Christmas so I might just have to do some shopping. Thanks for letting us know about this iron.
Wow...looks like a spaceship!
It sure LOOKS like a neat iron. Yes, who hasn't had an incontinent iron in their past. I think I can't live without steam but I should give it a real try. I'm in need of a new iron, I should give this one a try.
The question I have is does the curved "bottom" edge cut back on surface area and then create the need to iron longer to cover the same area? I'm thinking about large pieces of fabric, finished tops and yes, even DH's shirts!
Thanks for the great review! I have put this iron on my wish list on Amazon. We don't need a new iron right now, but if I found myself with some spare $$ lying around, this may be a good way to spend it. I am particularly enamored with the 360 degree sole plate.
Wow, awesome review, Vicky. A perfect iron for a quilter.
Sounds great. I'm pretty sure my $10 Walmart special will die soon, but I refused to pay up for a nice one after 3 poor performers of "good" irons. I will keep an eye out for this one.
Thx for the iron info...I just ordered one from amazon...mine is on it's 'last leg'...this was a much needed upgrade!!
cindy
What is it about quilters that make us iron junkies? I'm always looking for the perfect iron. This one looks great and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Thanks for the info.
You know... I just got my new oliso iron and my blocks were horrible. Your post makes me think that me using steam vs dry ironing is what is causing it.
Great review Vicky - I might just have to add that to my list of 2010 wants!
I'm also going to try the dry iron technique for a while - see if that will make any difference in my blocks, when I get around to making some blocks that is.
Vicky, my dear, I have given you an award!! Come to my blog to receive it. Love you and Penny, Fern
My husband saw this iron reviewed on Gizmodo back in October and showed me the report. It was just before my birthday so I smiled! My birthday wish was granted. I took it with me to a quilt retreat, everyone loved the iron. I like the steam on it, I am a steamer tbh. I use what we call "iron bru" (real iron bru is a soft drink). The iron bru I use is essential oil dissolved in vodka then drowned in distilled water (I saw it on Simply Quilts). I love, love, love my iron.
Helen
i need a new iron. the one i'm currently using isn't mine & is still dying a slow death.
Thanks so much for the review! My iron recently kicked the bucket. When I went to the store to get a replacement, I got so confused. I ended up buying the least expensive (about $6) iron they had until I could figure out what to buy. I'll be looking for this one soon!
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