Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am a rumpled person. The iron and I are not BFFs. It lives in the closet and only comes out for occasions where being rumpled could cost me a job or make my mom yell. I picked this iron because of the retractable cord, the vertical steam function, and because it's Panasonic, the same company that made my TV, which actually IS my BFF. Man, I'm really painting a flattering picture of myself right now. Anyway, I tested this iron on a cotton dress shirt and on heavyweight silk/cotton blend drapes (using the vertical steam function). PROS - The retractable cord is everything I wanted it to be. The cord is 7-8' in length, and retracts into the base at the push of the button. - Super fast -- heats up in 1-2 minutes. - Strong "Jet of Steam" feature injects a powerful burst of steam into wrinkled fabric. It worked to smooth the crooked seams on my shirt in 2 passes. - Pretty easy to fill under the sink. - Smooth ironing experience, good heft without being tiresome to move. Very "glidey." CONS - Awkward placement of control dial under the handle. The dial is really flat, maybe 1/4", and it's hard to maneuver under the sloped handle to get the setting you want. - Not very good for drapery or larger vertical steam needs. The manual says you have to stretch the fabric taut while passing the iron vertically very close to the surface, but not touching. To do this, one would need a third hand. Since I only have two hands, I couldn't stretch the drapery fabric while also directing the steam, so I just grazed the surface without touching the fabric. It was not very effective, though it would probably be OK for light weight garments or spot treatments. Or if you had that third hand. My main issue was how the iron would recalibrate temperature every minute or two (to do vertical steam, you have to use the "Jet of Steam" feature, which requires cranking it to the highest setting), so I had to pause while the temp got hot enough again. If it's not hot enough, it won't make steam and you might get water drops on the fabric. This isn't a big deal when you're ironing a shirt, but when you're holding the iron vertically, your wrist gets tired, and you remember why you live a rumpled life. ONLY IF YOU CARE - Solid base (it doesn't wobble when I set it down), but a tad clunky in the rear while ironing because of the retractable cord. I think it's well worth the trade-off, but just FYI. Iron got back. - I got this in "violet," which I put in quotes because the color is closer to magenta. More iMac strawberry than grape. I don't mind, but if you have your heart set on a regal-looking purple iron, this is not for you. In conclusion, I hate ironing a little less now. This is a very good iron for the price, even with the two quibbles I mentioned.