I hate ironing. I know I have to do it, but it's one of those jobs I just can't stand doing. However, having said that, I actually do like this iron. The weight is good. My arm doesn't feel like it's going to drop off before I finish ironing things. The dual steam setting and the sprayer are great. The sprayer covers a good sized area. My last iron only spritzed a tiny little space directly in front which meant that I resorted to a water-bottle. This one covers enough that I can leave the spray bottle in the closet. Finally, on the water front, instead of having to fill through a tiny little opening like some irons, this one is filled through a large flip-top opening. This saves a lot of mess for me.

I like the safety of automatic shut-off after 10 minutes. No more having to wonder when I have run out the door if I left the iron on. The retractable cord is nice, too. It keeps me from getting tangled up with the iron. Also, I don't like having to wrap an electrical cord around a hot iron, and I don't like leaving the iron out with the cord hanging until things cool off.

Finally, this iron is durable. I've had it now for more than a year and it still looks good. I'm very impressed. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't even mind ironing...well not as much as I used to.

By the way, I only say it wouldn't make a good gift, because I personally think an iron is a lousy gift.

Now, for those who want, some ironing tips from someone who hates ironing.

1) If you always wear your dress shirts tucked in, you can get away without ironing the very bottom of the shirt sometimes.

2) To make creases last longer (especially on cotton fabrics) use wax paper in the creases (not outside the creases) as you iron. The wax will seep into the fibers and make them hold the crease longer.

3) Only iron clean clothes. Ironing dirt or stains may make them a permanent fixture.

And of course, never iron clothes while they're being worn. (See http://www.newstribune.com/stories/011300/wor_0113000062.asp for details on this issue.)

Recommended: Yes