New Iron!

So...which did you think I purchased?  The Olsio or the Reliable?
I went with.......{drum roll, please}


The Reliable!

Although the iTouch feature and super long cord were very attractive features of the Olsio, my decision was based on decided reviews.  In my research, I just found way too many complaints about the Olsio breaking after a short period of time.  That was paired with complaints of terrible customer service from the company.  These were things I didn't want to deal with, especially for an iron that cost over $150!

So, my new Reliable Digital Velocity V100 arrived today via UPS and I quickly opened it to give it a try.

FIRST IMPRESSION

The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was its size.  This is a large iron!  It is larger than my Rowenta Focus (see the side by side picture), and weighs a bit more too.  I suppose that is why it can hold all of that water!

The filling cup it comes with has a small spout that fits right into the water fill opening - a nice feature to prevent spilling water.

With a full tank, this iron gets some added weight (this iron is definitely not for someone who has joint issues).

I also wanted to point out that this iron doesn't have all that many steam holes.  I knew this before purchasing, and was hesitant to buy it as I use a TON of steam for fusibles, but all reviews said this iron was designed as a "steam iron" and is similar to an ironing station.  Besides, all of those holes are hard to keep clean!  Maybe this will be easier....we'll see!
















 

ANTI-SCALE SYSTEM

Next thing to notice is that the iron has an "Anti-Scale System", which I haven't seen in other irons.  Basically this is a small replaceable filter that retains the mineral substances preventing them from reaching the soleplate and inner chamber...which in turn, extends the life of the iron.   At first I questioned this feature because I thought it would tie me into purchasing filters all the time, but I was happy to read that it is not necessary.  You don't HAVE to replace them, but it is recommended (of course).  I will probably use the feature because I do have hard water, but the manual says you only need to replace it every 6-12 months which isn't bad. 

OPERATION
I had to do a little reading to get started.  You can choose from 4 temperature levels and 2 steam levels.  This took a few minutes to figure out because everything is digital and symbol based, but let's face it - it's not rocket science!

Once I figured everything out it was time for a test run.  I set the iron to cotton/high steam and byt the time I went and picked up the most wrinkled fabric I could find in my stash, unfolded it and laid it on my ironing board, the iron was hot and ready to go...

Yikes!  This iron makes a buzzing noise when it steams.  This will take some getting used to.  It's not loud, it just "is".  I suppose they do this because on higher settings, this iron produces a drier steam that isn't as easy to see as the humid white steam I am used to.

Ok, so with a few swipes here is the result:

  Not too bad!  There are still a few creases, but honestly, my Rowenta would've left those as well - those are those creases that typically happen near the edge of the fabric that nothing seems to be able to get rid of.

Here is another shot of the rest of the fabric:

The iron moved swiftly over the fabric and only one pass produced excellent results.  I suppose the weight of the iron may have something to do with this...

I did like that you just have to press the steam button once and the iron will continue to steam until you stop ironing.  No constant pressing of the button.  Also, it stops steaming with 3 seconds of being idle - another nice feature to help save water.  

VERTICAL STEAM
Another nice option is the ability to steam vertically.  I quickly tested this on a curtain I have in my sewing room.  It worked great, although holding this iron with one hand while holding the steam button down (which you need to do in the vertical position) is not easy.  I won't be doing much vertical steaming - while this iron can do it, it really isn't appropriate for it.  I got tired of holding this heavy piece of equipment quickly.  But, that isn't why I purchased it so it doesn't loose any points there.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I have to say I think I will like this iron.  It will take some getting used to, and I'm still unsure of the buzzing noise, but overall I am happy with the purchase.  The iron outperforms my Rowenta Focus.  There was absolutely no dripping, spitting or wet spots whatsoever.

This iron will definitely be tested to its fullest extent in my sewing room - I just hope it outlasts my Rowentas!


Do you have a favorite iron?  Please share!!