Russell Hobbs 17877 Easyfill Iron

I had been using one of those gigantic steam generator irons until about a year ago when it broke and I bought a cheap replacement which to be honest paled in comparison. So it was with great doubt that I tired this out as I thought nothing woulc/could compare to my steam generator iron. This is a very good alternative. It is nearly as good; the steam that comes out is very powerful and completely gets rid of creases although it is more awkward to use the steam button and iron at the same time. The clothes iron perfectly.
The iron is very light and easy to use (apart from using the steam shot). It fills right at the tap or from the jug provided. It has a large water capacity which is handy. It is also very attractive.
All in this is a far cheaper alternative to those big steam generator irons; it is obviously not as effective but it is the best iron I have ever tried, apart from the steam generator. Highly recommended.

I am the ideal customer for one of these as for most of the year I hang out my washing which means it often comes in rather dry and crumpled. This new Russell Hobbs Switched on Style Easy Fill Steam Iron is a pure pleasure to use. The soft, cushy comfortable handle makes for light work, and less strain on the arms. The water filling opening is in the base of the iron. You up turn the iron, press the switch which allows a filler hole in the funnel shaped base to take in the water. This means less likelihood of spills. If you are near a tap you could do it directly, otherwise there is a jug provided. The iron is steady when sitting on its back, the cord wraps around the base neatly for storage. The tank is generous so lasts well. Although not marketed as a 'Professional Iron' this would niftily plough through many baskets of dry laundry in no time. As usual there are useful, different settings, a big burst of extra steam available and a forward squirt for very dry materials. I loved the purple lights that come on inside when in use - they are unexpectedly cheery. Altogether a fine incentive to turn on the radio, get on with the job and to take pride in work well done.

Looks good & easy to fill with water (give it a shake before closing the funnel & turning upright again otherwise the water sitting on the cap will go over whatever you sit the iron on) but it doesn't steam consistently. It only steams at the highest heat setting & I'm used to irons which will do this at medium also - but even then, it's intermittent. I can't see any reason for it not steaming, it's not like it's waiting to reach temperature again because the light indicating that it's reheating isn't on - there seems to be no logic and I have little patience for it.

This iron looks good, but looking good doesn't iron clothes!