Panasonic NI-C78SR Steam/Dry Iron w/Stainless Steel Soleplate
From Panasonic
Panasonic Steam/Dry Iron, Stainless Steel Soleplate, 3-way Auto Shut-off, Automatic Retractable Cord Reel, Vertical Steam, Jet-of-Steam/Self Cleaning, Adjustable Steam, Spray Mist, Pushbutton Steam/Dry Selector, Detachable Water Tank, Anti-Calcium System
- Amazon Sales Rank: #304 in Kitchen & Housewares
- Brand: Panasonic
- Model: NI-C78SR
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 5.31" h x 4.31" w x 10.40" l, 3.00 pounds
Heavy, gave out after nine months, and not for left-handers!
This is a revised review as of September 2009. When revising the review I could not find a means of changing my star rating, but I would like to alert other customers that I would reduce the star rating to two, or even one, if I could.
I bought this iron because of the positive reviews, taking into account various issues concerning the detachable water tank.
I was initially pleased with the efficiency of the iron -- the heat levels and steam output worked well at first, and I have pretty high standards. I realize that the weight of the iron might contribute to its overall effectiveness, but it's a tad heavy. And it hasn't held up. Heat levels are insufficient, and I have to press the steam surge button constantly to achieve any steam at all.
I agree with the reviewer who expressed reservations about the detachable water tank -- seems like it's just another moving part that could get worn out. Have been filling irons from a cup for close to 50 years -- and lately have been using a cup that has a spout on it. I don't see any advantage to messing around with a detachable tank.
The biggest drawback to the iron is that the retractable cord (which to me is totally unnecessary, although some might like it) extends from the iron base from the right! Today's irons rarely are designed this way. I'm left-handed, and find myself beating back the cord so it doesn't get in my way. Just for the heck of it, I tried ironing with my right hand, and it's almost as annoying. Panasonic should take into consideration that even in the same household, both right- and left-handed users might need the iron.
The retractable cord base isn't very stable, and the iron wobbles when seated on end. Sigh. It's time to go iron shopping again.
Great iron 
Very nice iron - especially for the price I paid on Amazon.com. Has a removable water tank which makes it easier to fill without making a mess. Nice, very polished stainless steel soleplate which glides easily over clothes. Has an anti-calcium system to prevent buildup caused by hard water which can block the steam system. Another nice feature is the power cord retractor - which works very well.
Fine iron, affordable price
I bought this iron to replace an old Panasonic iron with a retractable cord.
First, I'm absolutely sold on having a retractable cord. Besides the fact that this iron works very well, the retractable cord is the main reason I've stuck with Panasonic. It makes storing the iron so much easier. I leave my ironing board up, in a spare room, and keep the iron (upright) on the board when I'm not using it. I don't have to worry about the cord unwrapping and one of our cats getting a hold of it. The retracting mechanism works very well; it worked quite well on the old one, but they've obviously improved it on this new one.
This iron creates a lot of steam, which I like because it easily gets all wrinkles out, even on very creased clothes that you left in the dryer much too long. Besides being usable as a normal steam iron it is usable vertically in steam mode so that you can get wrinkles out of hanging clothes.
The removable water tank is also a nice feature. The iron is the right weight (it has some heft but isn't too heavy; or worse, too light). I also like the stainless steel soleplate; I prefer that to a supposedly non-stick surface, which usually isn't.
I haven't found anything I don't like about this iron, and the price is right. It works better and has more features than many irons much more expensive.
