Prism99

I use a Rowenta iron that visited a concrete floor several times when I knocked it over. My dh had to glue it back together and duct tape it! Still works great and it's been over 10 years!

Meanwhile, just in case this iron ever bites the dust, I check out thrift shops when I have time. Have picked up two additional Rowentas that way, plus several older non-steam irons (get hotter than new irons and don't have holes, so are supposed to be great for making photo transfers; haven't done it yet, though), and several perfectly good irons I couldn't pass up at garage sales ($3 to $5). Apparently lots of people don't iron enough anymore to keep them around.

I have heard that the Rowentas with the removable water tank are bad, as they tend to leak. I have stayed away from those.

Prism99

I have had to clean out my Rowenta from time to time. My method would void any warranty, but my iron is so old it's not on warranty anyway. I use "Iron Out" (same stuff you use in hot water heaters). I also sometimes have to take a pin to the little holes in the bottom because they get crusted with calcium from our water. (Just be sure the iron is cold when you do this!) I have also used vinegar and water in the iron to try to dissolve the mineral build-up from the water.