Black & Decker X50 Travel Pro Iron, White
From Black & Decker
When traveling, take along the X50 Iron which runs on 120 and 220 voltage for worldwide use. The compact iron has a folding handle and a removable water tank, spray mist and a non-stick soleplate.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #22120 in Kitchen & Housewares
- Color: White
- Brand: Black & Decker
- Model: X50
- Released on: 2006-06-01
- Dimensions: 1.50 pounds
Whether it's an overseas business meeting or traveling home for the holidays, this handy travel iron helps smooth wrinkled clothes that have been packed away in a suitcase or carry-on bag. The unit runs on both 120 and 240 volts of power for exceptional versatility and features a nonstick soleplate to ensure smooth, gentle gliding. In addition, its variable steam control allows for just the right amount of steam on a variety of different fabrics, while the push-button spray mist directs extra moisture where it's needed most. Other highlights include a lightweight design, a removable water reservoir for convenient filling or emptying at the sink, and a comfortable handle that folds flat for compact storage and locks into place during use. Complete with its own durable travel bag, the iron measures approximately 8 by 3-1/4 by 4 inches.
not nearly as good as its predecessor!
I bought this as a replacement for the X10, which had been inside a suitcase that was stolen from me. I found this one much more difficult to use, primarily because the handle, which rises up from the top rather than folding up from the side, doesn't lock securely in the up position. Frequently while using the iron the handle will partially collapse, either on its own or because I bumped the release button (which is all to easy to do). This jerks the iron, pinches fingers, and makes me fear burning the clothing or even myself.
Furthermore, the cord of the X10 could be wrapped around the collapsed iron when not in use for easy storage in its box, but the shape of this one makes wrapping the cord unwieldy and does not allow it to fit in the box this way...so one must figure out how to fold and stuff the cord in each time one puts it away.
X-50 Travel Iron by Black and Decker
I love this travel iron (dry or steam) it is light and easy to use. I used it in my Quilt Class and it sure beat hauling around my heavy Rowena. It pressed my fabric well; then my blocks; and I am now using it to iron my binding. We plan a trip to Alaska this Summer and I will definitely take it with me in the RV. I highly recommend this product.
Good Traveling Companion
I suppose we are fortunate that almost all hotel rooms furnish irons and boards. However, that doesn't assure that either the irons or the boards are clean! I have found, far too often, that touching up a white dress shirt, which I wear daily on business travel, will leave heaven-knows-what on the shirt. Therefore, I almost always carry a travel iron.
I have the Rowenta steam/iron appliance, the one with the long handle, and I also enjoy it. However, it does take up more room. This little B/D does a good job for a travel iron. Like most of us who iron at home, it does take more time because it's not as powerful as my big Rowenta. It also has a much smaller soleplate, closer to the traditional stove-heated irons of the past. The steam function is okay, again for the limited use in travel. Honestly, I prefer spray to steam on the road anyway. That, and a bunch of starch. This iron, as noted in a prior review, doesn't have a fold-flat handle, which would make it smaller. However, unlike a prior review, my handle locks up in place unless I press the release button to store it.
As a specialized appliance, this iron should be judged in that context, not expecting it to equal the dedicated home model. I will say that this one gets hotter than an awful lot of those hotel irons, which is an asset for my all-cotton ironing. It's not extremely light, but if some buyers have had one of those ultra-light irons it becomes apparent that they don't press well at all on cotton. Recommended.
