Panasonic NI-C78SR Steam/Dry Iron with Stainless-Steel Soleplate

Replaced my Rowenta & can't believe I'm still happy with a Panasonic.. (2010-08-26) : 5/5
Initially, I was nervous about replacing my Rowenta. As a former seamstress and sewing teacher, I was madly in love with the Rowenta company for years. However, in recent years, like others, I discovered that Rowenta irons are simply NOT the same iron as in years past. The quality is missing and I think company pride was lost somewhere along the way.

I always paid a good price for an iron, never under $100. I needed a dependable iron with good steaming function and was glad to pay for one that would last me years. However, when my last Rowenta died, I decided that since I was no longer totally involved in the sewing profession, I would settle for a decent iron with a lower price tag.

I depended on the Amazon.com reviews and was quite nervous when I decided to buy this Panasonic NI-C78SR Steam/Dry iron. I figured that at only $35 and free shipping, if it died in a couple of months, I wouldn't be out much anyway. I can't believe this iron! Even overnight guests that used it, commented on the steaming and good press that this iron gave their clothing.

PROS: NICE steam -flat or vertical, detachable water tank, stainless steel soleplate, auto shut-off, retractable cord and more. GREAT PRICE.

CONS: Only 1. I would love it if the water tank didn't have to be filled so frequently (compared to other irons I've owned). I keep a sports water bottle nearby to fill quickly.

I've owned this iron 5 months now and I still give this iron 5 stars because of all the PROS.
Panasonic NI-C78SR Steam/Dry Iron w/Stainless Steel Soleplate (2010-08-22) : 5/5
I do really like this iron and would purchase again. However, you need to know there are some specific rules to follow when turning this iron on and off or preparing it for steam (preheat for 2 minutes). In my opinion, the iron is on the heavy side, so those with hand, wrist, arm or shoulder problems may want to think twice about this one. But if you are looking for a heavy duty iron for clothing, uniforms, etc., then I think this one is perfect!
The Iron You Wish Everyone Had (2010-08-19) : 5/5
This iron is so superior to other irons that you might find yourself using a friend's, or the complimentary one at a hotel, and wishing that you had your Panasonic iron instead. Seriously. I'm very picky, and I'm not getting paid, and I'm saying this. About an iron.

The first and foremost thing that makes this iron great: the detachable water tank. No more trying to fit the entire iron in the sink, and getting water dribbled over everything when aiming for the fill hole. This feature makes this iron worth purchasing alone. Press the white button, it pops off, fill it, snap it back in, bada boom. It doesn't accidentally come off mid-ironing and it doesn't leak. How does it work? I have no idea.

Second thing: it gets really hot and gets wrinkles out of everything. I had a small Rowenta travel iron before, so perhaps I'm not used to this much power, but I was definitely impressed with the ironing ability of this unit. No wrinkles at all. Related to the power of this iron: the vertical steamer actually WORKS. I have these knit drapey tops that get folded and put in a dresser when I'm out of hangers, and before going out, I can confidently pull one from the drawer, steam it while it's hanging from a chair, and you couldn't even tell it was just wadded up under a couple pairs of jeans. The steamer doesn't leak either: no water spots!

The only complaint about this iron I have, which you may never have to deal with, is that it automatically shuts off after 15 minutes and you have to "reset" it by unplugging it. I use this iron when sewing, so if I press my fabric, sew it, and perhaps I mess up something and take a long time getting the stitches out, I'll have to unplug the iron, then plug it back in, and let it heat up again before pressing the seam. It can get annoying, but I don't sew very often, so I tolerate this.

So that's it. I've had my iron for a year and I love it. If it breaks, I'm getting the same model. Perfect size, weight, and damn good at ironing.
Dial already broken (2010-08-12) : 1/5
I have had the product for just a couple weeks and the dial has already broken. I was already not really satisfied with the iron. The placement of the dial made it difficult to read. In addition, the light on it is only there when warming up, so there is no real visible sign the iron is on. The only real positive for the iron is the removable water container. I would not buy again. I'm going back to a Black & Decker iron.
After 10 years I'm ordering a second NI-C78SR for stand by. (2010-08-11) : 5/5
I love this iron. No telling how long I've had it, at least 10 years, probably longer. I really don't need to replace it yet, but nothing lasts forever. At this price, such a deal. I love being able to unsnap just the water tank and fill it under the faucet, no mess, no special water, and it never sputters or leaves brown spots. The cord winder is a bonus, no waiting for the iron to cool, or winding it just right so the iron sits upright. (You do need to guide the cord so tht it winds evenly from top to bottom or it may stop before it's all tucked away). It steams beautifully, never leaks and is easy to self clean. I am a sewer and use a really heavy Rowenta for tailoring, etc. The Panasonic has outlasted at least 3 of the Rowentas which cost 3 - 4 times as much and are notorious for leaking. It is also much better for pressing fine fabrics as well as garden variety day to day ironing. I love it for batiste baby clothes, it has a nice sharp point and isn't so heavy that it hurts your wrist when you need to get into those tight little gathers.