Quiltingboard Forums - Leaking Iron? New Rowena Iron issues

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I have had 2 Rowanta's and love them. I have had no problems and I do like the auto shut off when it is not in use. Reheat just takes a second.

My Rowenta iron is about 12-15 years old. I used only distilled water, even though the directions say not to. I used tap water one time, and the iron spit and leaked. With distilled water I have no problems at all. I don't know why Rowenta insists on using tap water. I don't use our tap water in my coffee maker either. Only distilled water.
Marilyn from SW MN

I've had more friends who had this happen. I think there must have been a flaw in the design somewhere. Personally I have a cheap iron from WW A Black and Decker that cost less than $20. It steams fine.
If you don't want to toss the iron, get a spray bottle and spritz you fabric and use it like a dry iron. The Rowentas do heat up well though.

The Rowenta I had was great....for a while, then it started leaking. I bought a Sunbeam. It was so heavy and would automatically shut off when I was pressing a stack of 'pieces'. It had a teflon soleplate and would drag on what I was pressing. I put it on the shelf, went to Walmart and bought a Proctor Silex for $6.97. I love it. The only thing is it doesn't have an auto shutoff so you have to be watchful. It does have a light that is on whenever it is plugged in. Steams beautifully and heats very quickly.

I live in Maine! What quilt shop is it that you mentioned here?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwendt

Oh! Also... I have since found out that the SUNBEAM Professional iron (the expensive one, SS sole, etc) got great reviews from the ladies at the Maine quilt shop I love. That's what they use there, in fact.

Just in case, anyone's interested.

This is my third Rowenta and it leaks - they all did. I don't bother putting water in it anymore. I use a spray bottle for water and this method is working great for me. Spray , press, spray again....not a problem the iron still generats plenty of heat. I did purchace a Clover mini iron for myself - haven't used it yet though.

I've been making quilt tops for quite a while & have never used a steam iron on them.Maybe it's what you're used to.I'm good with a spray bottle of water/or usually,spray starch & my old....very old Sunbeam.I use an old GE on clothes.Both are way over 20 yrs old.No problem with either.

Rowenta's are knowen leakers. I had one that I got as a Christmas gift cost over $100.00. It started to leak. I sent it in to be fixed, it cost $60.00 more dollars & it still leaks. Would not recommend to anyone. Go to Wal-Mart & buy a $6.00 iron & use until it dies.

I went through two Rowenta irons before I gave up and switched to something cheaper price wise and more durable.
Too bad, this company could have millions of quilters to use this product if it only WORKED!
Cheryl

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwendt

Hi all... this ever happen to you?
1. This Rowena iron is 1 year old, 1700 watts, press/steam, stainless steel sole, iron. It's heavy enough to press well, versitile enough to iron well. I haven't used it a whole lot yet.

2. I use tap water in it... the directions specifically stated NOT to use distilled water (why, I don't have a clue).

3. I drain it when I'm not going to use it for several weeks. And only fill it when the iron is cool.

Issue: My sewing room is finally back together after having been 'packed up' for renovations. I filled my cold iron, not quite up to the 'full' fill line. It sat there fine. I turned it on, heated it up. Then I picked it up, rotated it to horizontal and started to press. All of a sudden I had about 1/2 cup of water all over my table, ironing pad, fabric... it keeps happening.

If the iron is only about 1/2 full or less, it doesn't seem to do it as much, although it will still spot and throw water out on occasion.

Have I somehow cracked a seal in it? I checked the 'steam on demand' switch and it was not stuck 'on' or malfunctioning in any way. I can't quite figure out where the water is coming from, but it seems as if it's coming from around the edges of the sole plate (where it's attached to the plastic iron body. Some water comes out of the holes in the sole, but I think it's supposed to do that.

Tomorrow, I'll do a self clean.. purge whatever water is still in it then try again. I don't have any gunk built up on the sole plate - it's clean. Not sure what else to try.

Ideas? Fixes? Options? This ever happen to you and if so, how did you solve it?

Rowenta Irons are OVERRATED!!!! same thing happend to me and i could not return it!!! Will never buy one again....
I think all of the $$$$$ Irons are worthless!!! I have resorted to Thrift Store Irons for 3.00 and make sure NO auto turnoffs..... and if it dies it is not a big $$ loss.... :) :-P :-P :-P :thumbup: :idea: