gravity feed/fed irons

[nola]

I'd like to hear the pros and cons of the gravity feed irons from those of you who use one.  I worry that our water will trash it before its time, and I believe they are expensive, aren't they?  What experiences can you share?[

[mamafitz]

nola, i LOVE my gf iron.  LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  i've had it a bit over a year now, and haven't had any problems.  it's nice and heavy, holds 4 liters of water, and gets really nice and HOT.  i use regular tap water in it, and my demineralizer has barely changed color.  i got mine from cleaner's supply (naomoto 258 i think), and it was $250 or so, with free shipping.  i didn't like the soft iron rest, so i bought the hard one.  i don't use a teflon shoe either. 

it steams great, no spitting, wonderful iron.  i was blowing through at least one iron a year, so it was worth the $.

[PatPrende]

I have enjoyed a gravity feed iron for nearly four years.  Since I live in an area with water that has a very high mineral content, I only use distilled water rather than tap water/crystals in the water bottle.  For me, a gravity feed iron by Pacific Steam was a good choice. 

[Gorgeous Things]

I have a Consew GF that I just love.  I leave it on constantly and it gives a great "dry" steam.  I do use my teflon shoe, and I use tap water.  We have very hard water in my area, and I have replaced the demineralizer twice since I have had it.  I bought mine from Advanced Sewing.  Before that I went through a Rowenta every 8 months if I was lucky.  The only downside is that it is heavy,  but it's worth it!

HTH
Ann

[fzxdoc]

I have the same iron (I think) that Linda has--the Naomoto HYS-58 from www.cleanerssupply.com.  Gosh, is it ever a great iron.  TONS of steam.  It is the kind that tailors and cleaners use, apparently.  Who knows. But it is really great.  Like Pat, I also use distilled water in it, and have not had even one tiny problem.

[nola]

Thanks for the information.  The "heavy" comments settle my questions.  I'll have to pass; I wouldn't be able to handle it.

[Laurie H]

I'm just curious here.  What is a gravity feed iron? 

I'm not in the market for one, I would never spend that much for an iron, I just don't know what it is.

[nola]

Will someone post a picture of one for us and tell us all of its uses?  Do you use it for household ironing, too?

[mamafitz]

here is my ironing station:


or click here

yes, i also use mine for regular ironing.  i'm left-handed (most people think i have my ironing board backwards).   i use it to fuse too (though i think i will start saving up for a elnapress).

[nola]

Thanks, Linda, for posting the picture.  That's quite a set up, isn't it?  I rather looks as if the iron has an IV.  I'd have to get a chair to refill the container.  As I understand it, Laurie, the iron produces an enormous amount of steam for as long as there is water in the reservoir.  I imagine that would really be handy.  Thanks again for posting the photo.  I have a lot to learn about this site.

[fzxdoc]

Actually, Nola, I have my water reservoir suspended from an IV pole I bought from a medical supply house.  I have a weight on the base to stabilize it even further, but for a long while I didn't weight the base, and it worked just fine.  I didn't want to drill into our ceiling with big hook, since our home is plaster, not plasterboard, so this was a better way for me to go.

[PatPrende]

I have the water reservoir for my gravity feed iron hung from a coat hook which is screwed into a stud within my wall.  The instructions indicated that the bottom of the reservoir needs to be around three feet higher than the ironing surface.  Utilizing a small stool to stand-on, I can unhook the reservoir and lower it to a comfortable level for the refilling of water.   

[Kathleen C.]

I run a costume shop at a university and we have several gravity feed irons, both Naomotos and Hi-Steams.
We use the demineralizer and tap water, and I change out the demineralizers each year. One of our irons died after about 6 years, one after 10 years or so, another is still going.
Actually, I love the weight of the iron. Yes it's a bit heavier to lift, but I don't have to press in order to achieve a good press! And it's only about 3 to 5 pounds.
I can't imagine not having them available... I tend to do my personal pressing at work because I love these irons so much!

Kathleen C.

[mamafitz]

I had a quilt class on Tuesday night.  There were a bunch of irons set up for all of us, some cheapo ones, some more expenisve Rowentas (I used to have a Rowenta, and it was wonderful, I didn't have the leaking problem some people have).  Honestly, I avoided using the irons, I much prefer the weight and the steam output of my GF iron.  I made a few blocks, and then just went to cutting stuff out, because I'd rather press here at home with my iron.

I'll prolly do the same next week, when we put blocks together -- I'll stitch, but I'll wait til I'm home to press.

[Gigi Louis]

I've been using a 5 lb. Naomoto for 15 years.  Honestly, I could not sew without it.  I have had surgery on my elbows and wrists and yet have never had a problem with the weight.  However, I don't use it for ironing laundry.  I find it too heavy and cumbersome for that task, but that's just me.  Instead I use a steam generator for the laundry. 

Once you've used a commercial iron it's really hard to go back to a domestic!

[fzxdoc]

You actually IRON the laundry, Gigi?  I just smooth out the wrinkles and hope no one notices 

[Gorgeous Things]

I use my GF for everything, but I don't iron the laundry!     Seriously, it is the best tool for pressing and ironing.  I own an old Simplicity dry press, which I also love, but I use my GF every day.  The press stays downstairs most of the time.

Ann

[mardel]

And I find my new(ish) 5 pound Naomoto to be a breeze after my old 8 pond Sussman!  Even for the laundry.  I know, I know, I am a dying breed.

[mamafitz]

Even for the laundry.  I know, I know, I am a dying breed.

oh, I love to iron laundry!  I love watching the wrinkles disappear, andI love the way it smells.

[MaryBeth]

oh, I love to iron laundry!  I love watching the wrinkles disappear, andI love the way it smells.

Ditto, Linda, I just wish I had more time to do it!  When I first got my SteamPro press I did all the pillow cases with it, pants and even the headers of sheets that crease into half-mast sizes.  Ironing time is my perfect "dream time".  But I have too little of it.

Back to gravity feed irons:  I have a Rowenta steam generator that has hard production use for the last four years and wanted another in my sewing shop but I got talked into a gf made by European Finishing Equipment.  That iron has been a mess, spewing boiling hot water all over everytime a microscopic  piece of demineralizing crystal gets intothe works.  I just returned it for factory repair after less than 2 years use and ordered a Naomoto 85.  If the factory can do the repairs on the original gf for not too much $ then I'll have it fixed but I look forward to a better experience with the Naomoto!

[Gigi Louis]

Yes, I iron every week - Monday night - like clockwork.  When I had time during the day I would set up my iron/board in the kitchen and iron things as they came out of the dryer.  Either way, I stay on top of it so it doesn't take me long.  My DS is an ironer too.  He also uses my Jiffy steamer to steam his good t-shirts.  I told him this morning that he would hate whatever iron I buy him for college because he's never used anything but a $$$ one.   I don't want to be there the first time his iron spits on his clothes, lol.  I guess he'll have to adjust. 

[mamafitz]

When I first got my SteamPro press I did all the pillow cases with it

phew, i'm not the only one who irons bedding.     i had a friend stay over once, and before she came, i washed and ironed the sheets on the guest bed.  she said she had the most heavenly sleep that night, it smelled and felt so good.  i couldn't admit to what i did.  i didn't want her thinking i was wacko. 

[PegL]

i didn't want her thinking i was wacko. 

Linda, if you're wacko then so am I! I always iron our pillowcases and the top of the flat sheets.  They just feel so much nicer.  I get a lot of very nice comments from our guests too.

I'm from the generation that grew up ironing everything!  I actually remember ironing my father's boxer shorts!  Thank goodness my DH is a brief guy!   I no longer iron the kitchen towels either!

Peg

[mardel]

Oh Hurrah!! I'm so glad there are others who LIKE to iron, I love to the bedding too, Yeah Linda!  I love watching the fabric smooth out.  I love the smell.  I love crawling between freshly pressed sheets.  My friends around here all think I am crazy.  MY DH wouldn't mind if I didn't iron the sheets, but I get so much pleasure out of the pure sensuousness of them that it is worth any effort.

I have a bit of reputation at the gym and tennis court for always wearing ironed t-shirts.  And I will admit that I still iron the kitchen towels, not the terry ones, but definitely the waffle texture ones or the company linen ones.  They just look so nice.

MY DH is an ironer too, he wanted to learn to do his own shirts and now he does them every week, and my DS as well.

[nola]

After reading these last few posts, I swear I can smell sheets dried on the clothesline.  No one has said "starch" yet, so here goes:  I still starch the pillowcases, but I take the easy route and use spray starch.  Actually, I'm not sure the bottled liquid is still produced.  Then there was the stuff we used to have to cook...

[LindaL]

Interesting subject.  I don't like to iron.  Of course, I do as I don't like wrinkles either. 

I do admit that reading about pressed sheets and such I think would smell great.  But!!!! 

[MaryBeth]

After reading these last few posts, I swear I can smell sheets dried on the clothesline.  No one has said "starch" yet, so here goes:  I still starch the pillowcases, but I take the easy route and use spray starch.  Actually, I'm not sure the bottled liquid is still produced.  Then there was the stuff we used to have to cook...

I "cook" my own starch when I need some really good stuff for embroidery or what/when ever.  Here's the Argo recipe: http://www.argostarch.com/faq.asp.  Scroll down to the last question in the "Cooking & Preparation" section.  I love that corn starch lasts indefinitely and doesn't have a spray nozzle to clean.

[Patti]

Add me to the list of ironers--I do mine on Sunday evening while I listen to my Tom Waits music.

I am contemplating the purchase of the Miele Rotary iron--remember the old mangles? This is the newer, sleeker version. It is pricey (about $2000)--but for those of us who still iron bed linens and tablecloths (not to mention yardage) it is a justifiable expense!

I have a tailor's goose: a heavy dry iron with which I do a lot of pressing (using a damp presscloth or a dauber). It's too heavy to use for everyday irong, though--I have a couple of good household irons. I don't have a gravity feed system--yet.

patti

[nola]

Patti, This is how I press seams when sewing: tip of a dry iron and damp press cloth (over rounded surfaces.)  I could easily be wrong because it happens often, but I think tailors use this method of "controlled steam"  to prevent shrinkage of surrounding fabric.  In any event, it has worked for me.  I've not had a problen with seams showing on the right side.  I don't use a heavy iron because of arthritis.  I've got enough weight to "lean into it" when necessary.   

[mardel]

Patty, I have a Miele Rotary Ironer and I Love It! Love It! Love It!

I asked for it for an anniversary gift when it first came out and I praise it every week!

[Patti]

Nola, there is a wonderful article on pressing and pressing equipment in a very old issue of Threads (#10, from 1987)--it was written by David Page Coffin, with a sidebar by Stanley Hostek, a menswear tailor. This was the first place I read about the tailor's goose. One of the advantages of the tailor's goose is that it has no steamholes, so the heat on the soleplate is very even. I don't use the goose for everything--but I do like it for tailoring on wool.

Mardel, thanks for the endorsement of the Miele Rotary iron (I knew there had to be a kindred 'mangle' spirit somewhere in the sewing community)! I've told my husband I will make linen sheets and pillowcases when I have the rotary iron. I had put off purchasing it until this fall, thinking we were moving in August. However, we've 'moved the move' to spring 2007, and I don't think I'll wait till then to get the Miele!

patti

[nola]

Patty, I have a Miele Rotary Ironer and I Love It! Love It! Love It!

I asked for it for an anniversary gift when it first came out and I praise it every week!

Personally, I really like gifts that have power cords, but I know a lot of women don't.

[fzxdoc]

I prefer gifts that come in little boxes from the jewelers to gifts with electric cords attached.    Not that I always get them, but hope springs eternal.

[mardel]

Oh, I think I prefer the little boxes too, but then sometimes I lose my mind and ask for the power equipment .  At any rate DH is much better with the little boxes than with other kind of gifts, so the times he branches out are all special.

[Patti]

Many years ago I recall a friend of a friend saying that she knew she was 'really married' when her husband gave her an iron (rather than the little box) for her birthday--she quickly informed him that anything for the house wasn't a gift--she wanted those personal, little gifts, thank you very much!!

I've always remembered that story, and my husband was informed (early) that gifts are for me, not for the house, unless I make a special request. Like a Miele rotary iron, maybe.

patti