Compared to my nice (but beaten-up) 10-year-old "T-Fal" brand iron which cost twice as much, this one at first looked roughly identical except for the bold purple color. It even has all the same controls, and in roughly the same place.

I’m a quilter so my iron gets a lot of use. By “a lot”, I mean 2-3 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. My last Panasonic is still working after two and a half years, even after mistreatment. I don’t empty the water after each use and I’ve gotten the sole plate sticky (that dang fusible web!).

This one is as easy to use as the other one. Manufacturers have finally figured out to place the fill chance so the iron can be filled vertically without spilling. It glides smoothly over fabric, something you’d take for granted until you had an iron that doesn’t.

The only thing I don’t like is that (compared to my other Panasonic), there’s a “wobble” when I place it upright. I think it’s because this iron is a bit large for its base, and the balance doesn’t seem quite right. Another minor quibble has nothing to do with performance: Manufacturers need to stop putting a plastic film on the sole plate. It’s too easy to turn the iron on without finding at the sole plate, which I did. I’m reasoning “What’s that smell?” The film curled but didn’t melt, so I didn’t have to clean melted gunk off the plate.

I like the retractable cord, and the dial is easy to read and in an accessible position. The water empties without mess. I’ll edit this spin after I’ve used the iron awhile longer.

The maker boasts about the rounded bottom plate as being easy to glide Panasonic NI-E300TR. around, but frankly, the corners on the bottom plate of a regular iron have never been a problem in my experience.

There are several illustrious strengths, though:

1. It’s Fast. Heats up fast, puts out fullness of steam fast, I can iron a shirt properly in less time. Isn’t that what counts most?

2. It handles water better. It’s easy to fill without leakage, and doesn’t drip any water while it makes steam — neither of which was true with my old iron.

3. The controls are well labeled and a nice size, so, extra easy to use.

4. The self-retracting electric cord works great. (Why didn’t my old iron have that? Great highlight for something you normally put away and take out again.)

Job gets done fast, no leaks, no surprises, thoughtful manufacture — this one’s a keeper and a bargain. If you want a medium-weight, one-piece iron for ordinary home use, you have found the right one.