This CHI Professional Steam Iron is a solid performer with many features usually only found on more expensive irons.
My other iron is a Rowenta DW5080, which lists for $30 more than the CHI, but they are surprisingly similar in looks as well as features. Both are 1700 watts. Both have large temperature control dials under the handle. Both have steam burst and spray buttons on top of the iron. Both hold 10oz. of water. Both have multiple steam holes. Both have precision tips that allow you to easily iron around buttons, pleats, pockets and other challenging areas. Both have stable, rubberized iron rests that really grip your ironing board pad. Both have an auto-off features, although with differences in the auto-off time.
The biggest difference between the two irons is the soleplate. The Rowenta has a stainless steel soleplate and this CHI has a titanium-infused ceramic soleplate. The soleplate is the reason I wanted to try this iron. I iron a lot of cotton and linen shirts and use fabric sizing or spray starch often. It builds up on a stainless steel soleplate and cleaning it off is a a chore - sometimes a major chore. I have heard that ceramic soleplates resist buildup and are much easier to clean.
This iron is noticeably lighter than my Rowenta, although at 2.9 oz. dry weight, it isn't what I would call a lightweight iron. Weight is important depending upon what you normally iron and how much arm strength you have. In general, expensive irons are heavier and they have an advantage when ironing heavy cottons, linen and denim because the weight means you need to apply less pressure to get wrinkles out. However, if you generally iron lighter weight clothing and fabrics, the extra weight isn't necessary and can be tiring during long ironing sessions.
I do iron a lot of heavy, natural fabrics that are prone to wrinkling but this iron handled them admirably. I did have to use more pressure than with my Rowenta, but not excessively so. It certainly got hot enough for even heavy denim and the steam it produces is abundant - needed to iron out wrinkles in heavy cotton and linen.
The soleplate feels rather like the surface of a non-stick pan. It does not glide quite as smoothly over fabric as a mirror polished stainless steel soleplate but OMG, it's so much easier to clean! All you have to do is set the temp to the highest linen setting for 2 minutes and then iron over a damp, 100% cotton cloth like a dishcloth. I even tested it with heavy spray starch and all of the starch residue came off so easily with no iron cleaner required. This is a big plus for me as I starch my husband's shirts.
The main downside to ceramic soleplates is that they are more fragile. You need to take care not to iron over zippers or snaps or rivets or other metal items because it can damage the ceramic coating. Also, never scrub it with a metal scouring pad or with an abrasive like Comet cleanser.
There are 300 steam holes in the soleplate and it produces nice, even steam while ironing. Filling the water reservoir is as easy as any other iron. Flip open a lid on the top and pour 10 oz. of water into the reservoir. (I measured.) I suggest using a small measuring cup to measure 10 oz. because the red water reservoir is kind of hard to see through to gauge the water level and if you add too much water, you will get drips. Even though the red is stylish looking, I hope CHI will consider a clear reservoir in the future.
If you have very hard water, as I do, CHI says to alternate between distilled water and tap water. Otherwise, you can use tap water all the time. There is a lever above the temperature dial that lets you set the amount of steam you want. There is also a self-clean button to keep the steam holes clear of any mineral build-up that might occur. Additionally, there is an anti-drip feature that prevents drips when dry ironing things like silk that will easily water spot.
Another thing I LOVE is the 10 ft. cord. It's 2 feet longer than my Rowenta and believe me, it makes a difference.
Another nice thing is the auto-off feature. If left face down or tipped on its side, the iron shuts off in 30 seconds. However, if left sitting up, it shuts off in 30 minutes. That's great for people who sew or quilt as it isn't turning off all the time, leaving you to wait for it to heat up again.
I sew a great deal, along with ironing clothing, so a good iron is important to me. My thoughts are that if you iron clothing a lot and use sizing or spray starch, this is a fabulous iron because of the ease with which you can clean the soleplate. It also offers superior performance without the weight of many premium irons for people who have minimal arm strength. If you are someone who irons heavy, wrinkle-prone fabrics on a regular basis, a heavier, stainless steel soleplate makes ironing easier and it goes faster because of the weight of the iron.
Since I iron clothing and all sorts of fabric on a regular basis, I'm happy to have both irons. Why not have different irons for different ironing needs? Especially since this CHI iron makes ironing my husband's shirts sooooo much easier!
UPDATE 4/12/2018: I also have the Manual Controls with Retractable Cord version of this iron, now, too. It is basically the same iron as the base model but with a few extra goodies. First, it has a retractable cord, which I love. It makes it safer for me to allow the iron to cool down because I don't have to worry about cats or kids yanking on the cord. However, the cord is only 8ft long on the retractable version - 2ft shorter than on the standard corded version.
The controls are identical on both irons.
The soleplate is titanium ceramic coated on both irons but on the retractable cord version, it has 400 steam holes vs 300 steam holes and the soleplate is just a bit longer. The extra holes provide more steam delivery so are good for people who use the steam feature heavily.
The retractable cord iron is taller, too, to accommodate the coiled cord inside and it's a little heavier for the same reason.
The port where you add water is more elongated and just a bit easier to fill on the retractable cord version, too.
There are some other, strictly cosmetic differences but basically, it is the same iron with a deluxe (more steam holes) soleplate and a shorter, retractable cord. I think if you are trying to decide between the two models, it comes down to whether or not you like the retractable cord and whether or not you want the larger number of steam holes.
This is my first experience with a Chi iron. I was impressed with its appearance and features. This is a well designed and sturdy iron, but let me elaborate on the 6 Ironclad reasons, I like it:
1. Ceramic Soleplate versus Stainless Steel - I have used stainless steel or inox irons in the past but find they have issues with static and found the Chi iron to be a better performer with a nice distribution of steam and/or heat. You don't have to worry about cooking your clothes with the Chi.
2. Solid, comfortable grip - If you find yourself frequently ironing, you will appreciate the lightweight Chi (only 2 1/2 pounds) and how the iron glides with ease as opposed to other past or traditional irons
3. Holier than thou - the 300 holes in the Soleplate distribute steam evenly and does a great job on your clothes.
4. Precision and Precaution - The automatic shutoff feature goes beyond my former iron. If the iron falls over and is resting on its side or resting on its Soleplate, the iron will automatically shut off in 60 seconds. I think this is important in our current world full of distractions. The iron also automatically shuts off if not in use for 30 minutes.
5. Water Fill Door - The water fill door flips up, and below is a funnel area where water is added. Not only is this a more attractive design option, it is more manageable from a design perspective to add water, and there was no dribbling and spilling. Note: if you have extremely hard water, it's best to alternate between tap water and distilled water.
6. 2 Year Warranty - Yes, it's limited. However, the product is covered in most cases should there be a manufacturing defect.
BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE
This iron comes with a nice long 12ft cord that doesn't kink or tangle. There is even a piece of Velcro attached for easy storage.
The iron's settings are easy to understand. There are choices for linen, cotton, wool, silk, synthetic, and min. (minimum setting is on the upper far right and is where the iron should be set for plugging and unplugging). The dial moves seamlessly and there is a light click into each setting.
Above the dial there is an adjustable steam lever. You can choose levels from no steam to lots of steam. This unit can really produce a nice puff of steam.
I'd recommend keeping the instructions. Not only do they advise about iron functions, but there are also tips on ironing, and ironing versus pressing, fabric facts, and care and cleaning (iron does have self cleaning function).
The word "Chi" can mean many things, such as air, breath, and vital energy, and the balance of positive and negative energy. For me, the Chi iron made the mundane and undesirable task of ironing a lot more pleasant and was rightly named.
Recommend!
This is a wonderful iron! I've used it regularly for about 6 months. The weight seems perfect - heavy enough but not too heavy and it's very well balanced. The extra long cord is very convenient and the 30 minute automatic shut off is a great feature - one of the main reasons I chose the Chi. As a quilter, I don't have to worry about the iron constantly shutting off while I am sewing but I also know that if I were ever to forget and leave the iron on, it would turn itself off in 30 minutes. Best iron ever!
Absolutey the best iron I have ever had - and I've had many brands including 3 Rowentas, including the top end one. Amazingly light, more steamholes than any other iron - but I think it is the 1700 watts that really is the key. All my friends wanted to try it and swore they were going home to order one. I never heard of this brand before, but if it holds up well and I get a couple of years out of it working well, I'll be deliriously happy. If you haven't ever used 1700 watts - order this and test for yourself. (I wear a lot of linen and ironing it with this iron is a totally new experience! And a very pleasant one! One or two passes and zero wrinkles. I also sew and the key to a professional look starts with being able to get a good press on the seams - something I have never had before without a lot of effort...zippo effort with this one!
13106 is the retractable cord and has 400 steam holes. 13101 has 300 steam holes and a non-retractable cord. (This cord has the ability to adjust to fall to the right or left, which is a nice feature). The ceramic coated faceplate is nice, but not as smooth and "slidey" (haha) as a stainless steel faceplate. It took a little adjustment, but after a bit it didn't bother me.
Other than the size/weight difference to allow for the retractable code and the steam holes, these two irons are very very similar. The 13101 faceplate is slightly shorter and the water opening is slightly smaller, and the on-light is in a different location. Everything else is the same.
What i like: 30min auto shut off! As a quilter who alternates between pressing and sewing, the auto shut offs for most irons turn off too soon, so you are always waiting for it to heat up. Not so with a 30 min window- plus it beeps first to let you know so you can tip it to restart the timer. This gives me some piece of mind in the event i forget about the iron.
Nice steam and a burst of steam button. It also has a sprayer built in and a nice sized reservoir so you arent constantly filling it.
What I dont like:
No off button/setting. You can't actually turn this iron off. You can leave it for 30 mins and it will shut off by itself, or you have to unplug it.
The light stays on all the time if plugged in, even if the iron is not heated. This means if you want to keep your iron plugged in the light will stay on, even though it isn't hot.
I decided to keep the 13101 iron as i do not actually put my iron away (leave it out in the sewing room) and I liked the lighter weight/smaller profile of the 13101 vs. the 13106.
Feature Product
- MADE WITH CHI FLAT IRON TECHNOLOGY. Designed using the same titanium-infused ceramic soleplate technology that powers CHI's hair styling tools, including the flagship CHI G2 Flat Iron.
- POWERFUL STEAM FOR EFFORTLESS IRONING. With over 300 steam holes, this iron delivers powerful steam that makes the process of steaming out wrinkles smooth and fast
- FABRIC GUIDE. Choose your fabric type and the iron sets the temperature accordingly, eliminating the guesswork.
- PRECISE CONTROL. A unique, adjustable steam lever goes from no steam to full power with just a quick slide. And the sleek handle with textured grip gives you complete control and comfort.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS WITH MODERN STYLE. The titanium-infused ceramic soleplate is ultra-strong and scratch-resistant. Matte chrome accents and a sleek design give this iron a polished look.
Description
Powerful steam, precise temperature, professional results. Whether your definition of a polished look is a well-pressed suit, a smooth silk dress or a wrinkle-free shirt for work, you can achieve it with the CHI professional clothing iron. Like our haircare tools, this iron is designed to give you the high-performance power of the pros at home. Engineered with a titanium-infused ceramic soleplate similar to our popular CHI flat irons, the professional clothing iron is durable enough to withstand scratches, heats up quickly and provides an extra-smooth glide. Ironing is simpler than ever with a temperature dial that includes a fabric guide, adjustable steam control and an easy to grasp, comfortable handle. With over 300 steam holes, you can smooth out the toughest of wrinkles effortlessly.
I was in need of a good iron after the cheap one I purchased 12 years ago finally bit the dust. I wanted to be sure to purchase a good quality iron this time around. After reading several reviews on different irons, I decided to take a chance on the CHI. I'm so glad I did! This iron is amazing. When I get done ironing my husband's stubborn Columbia shirts it looks like I've taken them to the dry cleaners to have them pressed! For a girl who once hated ironing, I really don't mind it as much now that I have the CHI. Plus it comes with a 2 year warranty! I would def recommend this to anyone looking for a good high quality iron.
I am so glad that I purchased this iron and wish I had not waited to long to replace my long-time yet tired Rowenta iron. This is easy to use and very easy to fill thanks to the larger than usual water filling hole. The cord is very long which is great for crafters or when ironing large items. The iron does get very hot and the blast of steam does a great job too! I love this iron!!
I've use this now several times and of all the irons I've used in the past..non come close to this one. As much as how I love to have my clothes neatly pressed like the pro cleaners, this definitely do the job... the bottom material made makes a big difference...smooth, glides, and press the clothes with ease... and the steam... wow. I really love this iron...makes the job faster and the result is truly professional....
So far so good, I really can't comment on longevity but so far I am liking this iron. I bought it to replace a leaking Rowenta, and this one does the job for me and doesn't spit water all over my clothes. It has so many steam holes and is even lighter than the Rowenta. At first I was worried the lack of weight would impact ironing, but I don't believe this is the case. My favorite thing about this iron, though, is the long cord. This has made me LOVE this iron, because my other one was very difficult to maneuver in certain positions because the cord length was 2' shorter. I don't know if it's clear which model I bought, but I did not get the retractable cord one because I wanted extra length and to save money. All in all I am liking this iron. Now I just hope it lasts.
Great iron! I'm besotted with it. Yes, it gurgles a bit, but it doesn't leak like my Rowenta. And I don't have to use that creepy, expensive soleplate cleaner because this one is ceramic! I use ONLY distilled water and recommend that strongly. The trouble and cost is negligible next to the mineral build-up that's inevitable with tap water. This iron heats up very quickly to the correct temperature, and it doesn't turn itself off if you walk over to the sewing machine for three minutes--it stays on for a half hour! This makes a huge difference to someone who sews and must iron at every step. The steam production is good, the soleplate glides quite smoothly over fabric, the iron is heavy enough to do some of the work for you but not too heavy. I love it. Oh, and product support for CHI is good. It takes a while for customer service to reply, but they do and they're thorough.
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