Dream Steam Iron
Written: May 31 '02 (Updated Jun 07 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Plenty of Steam, Easy Glide, Many Settings, Water Refill Cover, Large Water Window
Cons: Heavy
The Bottom Line: If you need steam, this is a terrific iron. If I had to make the choice again, I would buy this iron.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Black & Decker Pro Finish Iron X720 |
I previously owned a Black & Decker iron that lasted for years, and I expect the Black & Decker ProFinish X720 will do just as well if not better.
As a quilter and garment sewer, I especially wanted a powerhouse steam iron. This iron delivers! The iron comes with a cup that holds enough water to fill the iron. This iron generates so much steam, that depending upon the steam setting, it can go through water quickly. But I don't mind refilling the iron a little more often than my older one. The results in wrinkle-free fabric are worth it. A neat feature is that this iron comes with a built-in cover that encloses the water-fill hole so that dust stays out of the opening. Another plus is that the iron uses ordinary tap water.
Some features of the ProFinish X720 include:
** 7 fabric settings (acetate/acrylic, nylon/silk, polyester/rayon, cotton blends, wools, cotton, linen)
** Steam ironing or a horizontal surge of steam
** Spray with wide dispersal
** Comfort grip handle (soft and easy on the hands)
** Clear magnifying disc atop the setting numbers for easier viewing
** 10-minute auto off feature (a handy safety feature)
** Stainless steel soleplate with 44 steam holes that cover the length of the soleplate; easy to clean
** Easy 2-way cleaning system to purge iron of lint build-up
** Easy-to-view water level window with FULL mark
** Cover for water refill hole
** Pivoting cord to allow easier movement of iron
** Cord wraps around large, stable heel rest at base of iron
Buying the Iron
I purchased this iron at K-Mart where it sold for $39.99 with a 10% sale discount, which brought the final cost to $35.99. Being the picky sort, I opened the boxes before choosing the iron I purchased. I'm glad I did. On some of the irons, the cover that conceals the water refill hole did not fit flush with the iron. The cover is stiff at first, but it is easier to open with each opening and closing of it. Also, look at the soleplate to make sure that all the steam vents are open. One of the irons had a partially blocked vent hole.
Some Additional Observations
This iron is a steam dream machine. I can't say enough about how happy I am with the way it smooths out wrinkles in fabrics. Ironing clothes in the morning before going to work is a breeze. However, with all that steam, the iron soleplate is very hot. I leaned around the iron to get something, and my arm touched the edge of the iron for a second. Let's just say it hurt, and the burn is healing well. Definitely don't leave the iron unattended (especially around children or pets). The automatic shutoff doesn't work until the iron has been left unattended for 10 minutes.
Are There Any Cons?
If I had to complain about anything ... I would say the iron is heavy. If you are looking for a portable iron (for trips or sewing classes) this is not the one to choose. Likewise, if you have strength problems in your hands, hold the iron in the store to test its weight before buying it. Also, the iron should be turned off and then unplugged from the wall. Otherwise, when you plug the iron back in, it automatically turns on.
Summary
This is the best iron I've owned. It does a great job ironing and is easy to clean. I also love the cover over the water-fill hole to keep out dust/dirt/lint particles. The comfort-grip handle is easy on the hands, too.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy your day!
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Update (June 8, 2006)
I really like this iron, but it's beginning to lose steam. Literally. The iron used to immediately produce lots of steam. Now it takes between 5-10 minutes for the iron to product a good burst of steam. I cleaned the iron hoping to increase the steam output, and it did make a bit of a difference. I miss having instant steam.
The iron controls still work great. Since I take care to protect the bottom of the iron by not ironing over pins or catching metal with it, the iron plate is virtually scratch free. Every once and awhile the iron spits a few drops of water, but these droplets don't stain the fabric. Considering the consistent use I've given this Black & Decker appliance, I'm please with its performance. I just miss those instant bursts of steam.
Please read my other reviews:
Janome Jem Sewing Machine
Fiskars Pinking Shears
Olfa 28mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa Rotary Cutter Replacement Wheels -- all sizes
Ott True Color Flex-Arm Plus Lamp
Ott Lite True Color Floor Lamp
Ott Lite True Color Bedside/Desk Lamp
Mighty Bright Light
QuiltPro 4 Software
Lifetime Utility Table
Keepsake Quilting Online Store
Copyright 2002 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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