Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is the fourth Rowenta iron I have purchased in a dozen years. Each model has developed a serious defect within one to four years. Two of the early, most expensive models simply stopped heating. All four of the irons developed leaks within a short period of time. After splashing my clothing with water intermittently on the ironing board ever since I purchased it, water now pours out of the bottom of this DW8080 Rowenta I currently own. Authorized Rowenta service personnel admitted that "bad gaskets" were being used in many of the Rowenta models and expressed frustration with this fact a few years ago, but stated they were unable to make repairs. Recently, when I dropped off two non-working Rowentas at our local recycling facility, several of us discussed how sad it is that a well-built, reliable iron is no longer sold in America. Looking at reviews online today, it appears that every model from virtually every manufacturer begins leaking after a short period of use or develops other serious defects. In addition, I encountered thousands of complaints logged on a consumer web site for Rowenta irons alone. The company has had plenty of years to redesign their products. When purchasing this last model, I made certain I found one "made in Germany" instead of China or Mexico. It made not a whit of difference. I don't know where to turn now. Tonight I am trying to "sprinkle" our cotton clothing with a spray bottle, like my mother used to do in the 1940s and 50s, since steam ironing is no longer possible with my Rowenta. Sadly, this is another example of planned obsolescence by national and international manufacturers who simply don't care!