I’m still using the Digital Velocity iron that a very nice blog reader sent me when mine went out. I had no idea there were two sizes and she had both and sent me both. After trying them, I like the smaller one a whole lot better than the bigger one, which was what I had. I’m still using the smaller one at my big ironing table where I iron yardage and borders and rows — bigger stuff.
When we were at the retreat in February, a retreater, Pam, had a Rowenta that I loved. It seems that I always love the Rowentas everyone else has but when I get the exact same iron, I don’t so much like it. When my iron went out in March or April, and before I knew the blog reader was sending me her Digital velocity irons, I contacted Pam and got all the info about her Rowenta and ordered one.
I had never opened it til yesterday when I set up the little ironing table next to my sewing machine.
It’s a little on the large side and a bit heavier than most irons, and I like that.
If you notice, it’s much wider at the bottom and much narrower at the top. I think that’s an excellent design — whether we’re talking about irons or quilters! Wouldn’t you agree? 🙂
Comparing the two Rowentas that I had handy, you can see the new one (on the right) has a bunch of tiny steam holes, where the one on the left has fewer and bigger steam holes. I know there’s always a debate about whether to use steam or not, to spritz with water or not, to use starch or Best Press or not . . I love steam and I love Best Press. This new iron seems to steam quite a lot and I like that. The brochure said not to use rain water, distilled water, softened water, hard water . . it left me kinda wondering what us folks in central Texas might use. I was headed out to the well to get plain, straight from the ground water and Vince said no . . use bottled drinking water, so that’s what I did. We’ll see how long it lasts.
I’m not recommending anyone buy this iron based on my opinion . . I’ve used it less than 24 hours and it usually takes at least 2 full days before my Rowentas start leaking so give me a few days before making a decision. Seriously, I don’t even remember how much this iron costs but I’ll try to remember to report back on it after about six months of use. I am pretty hard on an iron because they stay on almost all day every day but dang . . I once upon a time thought that’s what they were meant to do!
Ranch Wife says
I have that exact same iron and I love it. I’ve had it for a few months and it’s still with me. You’re right, it’s heavy, but I like that too.
Maria do Carmo says
Não conheço a marca,mas adorei o modelo.Psicodélico eu diria.Boa Sorte,ferros…nunca se sabe…
Carolyn says
My Rowenta will be 3 years old this Christmas and I just love it. Took awhile to get used to the extra weight. Ironing Dockers with my old iron I had to go over each area at least 3 times – with the Rowenta just once. The sole plate is still bright and shiny and looks brand new (I believe it has over 100 steam vents).
Micki clemens says
I use olsio and really like that it is easier to use and don’t have to pick it up . Just must remember when using others irons to stand them up!!LOL. I have arthritis and the Oliso really is easier on my arms and wrists. Micki
Janna says
I’m still using the Digital Velocity I bought when you purchased the first one–I love that iron. But I too like the Rowenta’s I use at quilt retreats.
Rebecca says
I’m going to review your other iron comments, because I liked the Shark at a retreat enough to go get one for myself. I don’t think my Black and Decker iron gets very hot!
Barbara says
I purchased a new Rowenta a few months ago. I followed the instruction sheet regarding water and had problems. Called the company and she said the written instructions about water are out of date and they are in the process of changing them.
She told me that I should only use spring water in the iron and nothing else….so far it has worked.
Diann says
Read and follow directions on how to use water in the iron. Many buy, fill it up, and start ironing. The directions being read and followed might keep that spitting and leaking from happening.I use Rowenta, love the iron. Mine just died after years of use. Will have to go shopping soon. I like the smaller size.
Linda says
I had nothing but trouble with my Rowenta (temperature wheel fell off, leaked like crazy) I finally couldn’t deal with it anymore and bought a cordless one (forget the make right now) but I don’t think it gets as hot as a regular cord iron….however I have only had it a few weeks so the jury is still out!
Crystal D-G in WA says
Hope the iron works out for you. I like the design of that Rowenta; narrow on the top and wide towards the bottom is a perfect shape.
Does the wall hanging in the background of the second picture with the 2 houses have a little school bus on it?
Pat McG says
I think the point would take some getting used to, but the weight might be great. By the way, any more baby chicks?
Jill Tanking says
I have had several Rowenta but they wee always so heavy. And if I used water they would spit. Jodi Barrows, Square in a Square Ruler Lady, said she loved her Sharp Iron. I know her personally before she got famous with her quilting. So I tried the Sharp Iron at WalMart. It was around $30 or so. I do not use water but that Fresh Press. Have really been happy with it.
Beth Strand says
I love my Rowenta’s (three at the moment.) I have two full size and their little travel iron sits on my kitchen counter near my featherweight. I have one of those built-in desks in the kitchen which became the downstairs sewing station.
Linda in TX says
I’ll be interested to see what you think of this iron down the road Judy. I think that if you quilt, you’re an iron maniac. I’m still using my $6 irons that I got at WalMart. I only have four left and found they don’t make them anymore. I do get six months to a year out of each one so I have hope I’ll find something else when those go. Does this new Rowenta stay on until you turn it off?
glen in louisiana says
I love my rowenta. I bought it before Katrina and it has worked every day, all day since it has no auto turn off (which I really really wanted) Never a leak, unless you count the time I turned it upside down to look at something……
glen
Kris Jacobson says
My irons average about 3 years before they either leak or don’t heat up properly. I had a rowenta and it only lasted about 2 years. Since then I buy a $50 iron. Usually a black & Decker.
Jean says
I have used many types of irons since I started quilting in 2002. None has lasted long. Everything from $200.00 models with the water tank to $30.00 cheapies. None last long, a year is good, 2 years is excellent. Some last no longer than a few months. Rowan’s the worst, Black and Decker acceptable. I’ve never heard of Sharp. May try that next time. Tap water and distilled water never work for me, no matter what the instructions say. I always buy inexpensive gallon jugs of spring water to use in my irons, and continue to have the best luck with it. I am a diehard steam user, like the crisp, flat seams. Don’t use starch or best press except in rare cases. I’ve decided that with the amount of quilting and ironing I do that I am a “commercial” user of a domestic iron and should just consider it a cost of being a prolific sewer. Makes me feel better to think of it that way.
Subee says
I bought two of those Rowenta’s. Pink ones for Breast Cancer. I really liked the point on the end. They neither one lasted more than a couple months before leaking like sieves. My original Rowenta lasted years and years before it died. The new ones sure do not last. But the Velocity iron is on it’s second year and still going strong.
XOXOXO Subee