Hey there. If you're following me on Instagram (username: @gigis_thimble) you may remember I got a new iron about a month ago and was excited to try it out. Now that I've been using it for a while I thought I'd share my thoughts with you!
So first off, it's cute right? Us quilters like cute stuff...so why aren't all irons cute? The Oliso irons come in several fun colors and range in price from $99-$170.
Also, it's a "Smart Iron" (which had me all googly eyed, I'm not gonna lie). It's got a patented "Itouch Technology". Let me tell you how that works... So, you're always supposed to keep the iron in the down (flat) position - with the soleplate against the ironing board. (That took some getting use to. I'm so used to other kinds of irons that you have to automatically put in the upright position or you're going to scorch the heck out of your fabric! It's pretty nice though 'cause it does save time!) When you take your hands off the handle, the scorchgaurds lower -
which lifts the iron about 1/2" off the ironing board. So it hovers! It's pretty cool. When you put your hand around the handle there's a sensor that will make the scorchguards raise and then the iron lowers down and it's ready to use.
A couple other nice features I've discovered in the last few weeks... first, the extra long cord has come in handy a few times! I'm working on a new quilt pattern for Fall Market right now and pulled my ironing board over to my sewing table so I don't have to keep getting up and down to press my blocks (anything to save time, right?) The Oliso's cord is a good 4' longer than my Rowenta cord. So big thumbs up there! And second, it stays on for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. Isn't it annoying when you're in the middle of a project and the automatic shut-off shuts off every 5 minutes!?! I haven't had that problem with the Oliso and when it does shut off you simply have to touch the handle!
So the only "con" about the Oliso that I've found so far, is this:
When pressing a block with several seams, the scorchguards got caught on some of the seams or the edge of the block and kind of pushed them in the wrong direction (causing me more work because I had to then press new wrinkles out). I wanted to compare my old Rowenta with my new Oliso to see if the Rowenta also got caught up on the seams. Nope, it was definitely a smoother ride.
So I can see that the scorchguards are (on one hand) a really nice feature and on the other hand, a bit of a problem. I will keep trying to see if I can get used to them when pressing my block. Maybe I will get better as I get more practice.
Aside from that I like the Oliso a lot.
Do you have an Oliso and if so, what do you think about it?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy quilting!
~ Amber
I have the same iron and love it - for the same reasons. I like that long cord AND the 1/2 hour shut off. While away on retreat last week, I did find myself having a problem going back to an "old" iron. Just could not remember that I had to stand it up!!! The only drawback on the Oliso iron is the emptying of the water feature. It is messier than other irons that I have used in the past. They need to figure that out.
ReplyDeleteIt is the cutest iron around haands down. I had the same problem with my scorchguard and after a year the little front foot would stick in the down position and then do the same wrinkle up thing. Then it stop getting consistantly hot. Loved the long cord and the looks for sure. My new iron is sarting out great, gingers crossed I have a winner.. good luck eith your pretty iron and cant wait to see those quilts.
ReplyDeleteI've had my Oliso for about 1.5 years. I'm a big steam while I press girl. So I always use water in mine. However, I haven't faithfully emptied it after every use as per the manual. Now, I get spots on my fabric--especially peppered cottons--when using Best Press. Even when there is no water in tank and sole plate is clean. I'm not sure why this is happening but I think it might be related to my inconsistently emptying the water reservoir. Aside from this one issue, I love this iron!
ReplyDeleteI have owned three of these irons. This reason alone is my con. It is a big investment that I felt should have lasted longer. The first iron sputtered water and would reach high heat after a year of use. It was replaced by the company. The replacement had the same problem: over time, the iron just wasn't as hot as when it was new. I loved the itouch technology so much that I am using a third Oliso. It really saves wrist fatigue. The iron is heavy when I use it on a portable ironing table where there isn't enough room to leave it flat.
ReplyDeleteMy Oliso had to be replaced within the first year but was covered by the warranty - I was very pleased with the customer service at Oliso. Since then, my new Oliso has performed perfectly. I have never had any problems with the fabric or seams catching on the iron feet. Have you tried calling customer service to see if this can be resolved? I found the company very easy to work with and they went above and beyond the call to make me happy. I love how hot the iron gets, how long it stays on and the I-touch technology - it does take practice though. Many times, I found myself trying to set the iron on edge then remembering that it doesn't work that way, once you get used to it, it is wonderful to use! Wishing you the best of luck and hope you love your new iron.
ReplyDeleteHi Amber,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I've been debating about buying one. My old and trusty Black & Decker iron, has been a good choice, but is getting old. I know I will turn it on one day, and it won't work. So I'm happy to read this.
Good luck at market. I will be thinking of you.
Best,
Anne
I love my Oliso!!!
ReplyDeleteThe only problem I have had is it goes up and down when it wants to by itself:(
Contacted Oliso and they suggested I clean it as something may be by teh plates... it was:) There can be a build up of dust and other stuff so when it starts acting up I just give it a good cleaning! I have never put water in it... heard the older model spit a lot so I just use a spray bottle:)
I would buy another one if this one does conk out.
I bought one several years ago - the orange and gray one. It was good when it worked and it had great features, but lasted less than a year! I contacted Oliso and they and they wouldn't do anything to help. Since I bought it at a show (I will never do that again!) I spent a lot of time trying to track down the seller. I managed to get the replacement, but again it only lasted about a year. I would never buy another one. I will continue to buy a Black and Decker digital advantage iron. They are around $35.00 and last a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteI loved everything about my Olisa, except that they suddenly quit working. The first time it happened, it was within the warranty period and they sent me a new one (I had to mail the dead one to the company). The replacement iron lasted about a year and a half, but I really liked the features, so I purchased a another Oliso. That one lasted just over a year, and now I just can't justifying paying that kind of money for an iron that has such a short lifespan. I purchased a Sunbeam from Costco (under $25) and it's going strong after 3 years. I hope your Oliso iron lasts longer than mine have--they are awesome when they are working!
ReplyDeleteI have had my Oliso for a little over a year now. I love it! The long cord, the time it stays on, and the amount of steam is wonderful. I had heard some Oliso irons spurted water, but mine has not done that! And I steam and starch (Best Press) everything. When my scorch guards very occasionally get caught, it is user error...I find myself ironing too much, not pressing! Love my Oliso!!
ReplyDeleteI have had my Oliso for about 3 months. I really like the iron with all of it's features. I have not had the problem of the scorch guards getting caught on any seams. The only drawback I have found is that I tend to leave my iron down on a seam while I'm working ahead on the same seam to make sure the seam allowances are going in the right direction. With the Oliso that means the iron raises up(because I took my hand off) instead of staying down on the seam. I never realized I did that. Other than that, I love the iron!
ReplyDeleteI have had my Oliso for about 3 months. The only drawback I have found is that I tend to leave my iron down on a seam while I'm working ahead on the same seam. With the Oliso that means that the iron lifts up(because I took my hand off). I never realized I did this until I got this iron. I have not had the problem of the scorch guards getting caught on the seams. Other than that, I love the iron.
ReplyDeleteI love my Oliso! I've had it for almost 2 years and have never had a problem with it. I use tap water in it and never empty it and have never had a problem, but I do use it ever day, which could be why. I will buy another one when this one goes!
ReplyDeleteOh I'd love a dream iron.
ReplyDeleteI have one and probably my only complaint is the noise it makes when the scorch guard automatically shifts into place. It's super annoying! I saw the iron in several YouTube videos prior to purchasing and I swear it was whisper-quiet. I must've gotten an odd duck... {grin}
ReplyDeleteI've had my Oliso for about 6 months now and I really like it. I don't put water in it at all so I cannot comment on the spitting or anything like that. The only negative thing I can say about it is that when I go to the local quilt shop for "quilt til you wilt" days, I nearly burn the place down because now that I am used to keeping my Oliso down when I'm done, I completely forget to put their iron back in the upright position when I'm done! LOL
ReplyDeleteI can say this is my second one, the last one for some reason didn't want to turn off. So I contacted Oliso, and since it was not longer under the warranty, was able to replace mine with a new one of 69.00. You think just get something else, no I really like the fact that raises on its own and just uses regular tap water. And have had no problem with the scorch guards getting caught. Enjoy your new machine.
ReplyDeleteFYI, always contact the company with any issues, you never know what they will do for you.
I love my Oliso, I did have a issues with the first one, but I contacted the company and since is was no longer under warranty, I was able to purchase a new one of 69.99. Why, just get a new one, I really like the Oliso and the fact it rises on its own and its auto shut off. So far have not has a problem with the scorch guards and like the fact it uses tap water.
ReplyDeleteFYI, always call the company first, you never know what they will do for you.
I have a hint for you with your ironing. Instead of pulling the ironing board over -- get a TV table and cover it with an ironing board cover. You can get two TV trays covered with one ironing board cover. All you do is cut the cover and flip it under the tray and then staple or put pins in to hold it in place. It is so handy. It just sits beside you and you virtually just turn sideways and iron. It is the perfect height as well. I love mine and made one for one of my girlfriends as well.
ReplyDeleteI have used an Oliso iron at a lqs I help out at. I am not a fan. Call me old fashioned, but, I cannot get used to the iron making a noise every time I picked it up, and then forgetting to put it down the right way was another hassle. To me, it was fiddly. It also didn't get as hot as my Rowenta, and wasn't as hefty and smooth either. With that being said, I guess I am not into "cutesy" things being a guy and all! LOL
ReplyDelete