Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron with Solemate - for Sewing, Quilting, Crafting, and Travel | 1000 Watt Dual Voltage Ceramic Soleplate Steam Iron, Turquoise

I am obsessed with this little iron it is everything and more than I expected. The iron is weighty enough and hot enough to get the job done - breezed through lots of appliqué and binding in no time at all. The iron is a bit pricey to be honest but I am so glad that I bought this little workhorse- money well spent.

I contemplated a cheaper iron as this one is only used occasionally, when I do a travelling class...I appreciate the Oliso name as my full sized iron is from this company. I bit the bullet and went with the familiar name. It is an excellent choice. I find it heats up quickly... fits the palm nicely. I wish it came with a travel bag. But it does have a silicon pad that you rest it on when not in use. HOWEVER, just to warn others, that pad also gets HOT! It takes a little getting used because when you pick the iron up, sometimes the silicon pad comes up with it and that can also be hot when the iron sits for a bit. Still, just be aware, this is not a complaint...

I just looked at the comparison above and noted that this is the most expensive of the options they list but it is soooo worth it! First, it's about as cheerful and colorful as an iron can get. It's well designed with a cord that switches from right to left as you choose. It feels good in your hand. It has significant weight to get the job done while still being quite lightweight to handle. It heats quickly and remains at the ready. There's an optional case to purchase separately that makes it ideal for travel or taking to quilting classes or activities. I haven't checked out the steam feature as I prefer using a spray bottle. Always have. Now the downside. I don't really trust the "off" position. ...possibly because it takes so long to cool down that I'm not sure it has turned off. ...especially since the light around the heat selection dial remains on. I solved this issue by getting an extension cord with a foot operated on/off switch. Now I'm happy. Another quilter who told me about Oliso isn't comfortable with leaving it *on* her ironing board when it's turned on despite the silicon resting mat. I resolved that by putting a second silicone pot holder under the supplied resting mat. It may not be necessary at all but it was an easy way to get some additional peace of mind. I'm a quilter. I am constantly at my ironing board so ease of use is critical to me. So is getting a good press that makes my blocks their accurate best. I replaced my travel Rowena with this Oliso and it's one of the best sewing decisions I've ever made. I'm not one to write reviews on a regular basis. I wrote this on because the iron is top notch and a pleasure to boot.

I did a lot of research and found that this iron suited what I was looking for. A small iron that would get hot enough and have the pointed plate to get into the small spots when quilting or making clothing. I like that it will fit under cuffs as well. A lot of the mini or travel irons I looked at, had round or oval plates that really didn't work with doing small, narrow, seam pressing or applique. I also like that the cord can be moved from side to side, so that it is out of your way, whichever way you move the iron. I am very pleased with this iron and will be purchasing a second one to use by my sewing machine (this one will be at my ironing station). I also like that I found that by watching a video on reviews of this iron on youtube, that if you move the cord to one side, it will also stand up on its own like a regular large iron. Still, only keep it on while you are currently using it, as it does not have an auto shutoff, whether you stand it on it's heel or if you use the silicone resting plate with it. For myself, I like that it doesn't have an auto shutoff. It heats up fast, though it takes a bit of time to cool off when using the silicone resting plate. It does cool off faster if you stand it on its heel. Also remember, that if you are using the silicone resting plate while using the iron, do not keep it on high or leave it sit for a long time as the heat can still transfer to what is under the silicone resting plate. For safety reasons, keep an eye on it, while it is in use and until it is cool to touch after you are done using it. Edited: I also purchased the Hermitshell Hard Travel Case for Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron byHermitshell here on Amazon. It fits this iron perfectly. PS. As of this edit, I've already ordered a second iron and travel case!

This has been a mostly perfect small iron for using on a tabletop pad! good: - very light weight - small, but large enough to comfortably hold and maneuver - up to temp in a very short time - both when first plugged in and also after reducing the temp and returning to high - I like it sitting idle on the resting pad instead of upright - feels like less chance of accidentally bumping with a bare arm/hand - the ability to be a steam iron - very smooth ironing plate ok: - the dial has a nice (cool) look, but needing to turn it nearly a full 360 to go from high (that I only really use) and off is a pain. would be nice if there was a separate on/off from the temp - the esthetics could be the same with the addition of a push button action for on/off. - other reviewers mentioned not liking the cord location. I have not had an issue with the cord being in the way or awkward at all. - other reviewers also mentioned the 'handle' got too hot. I've not found this to be the case, but per the instructions, I also have been reducing the temp when in knowing it will be sitting unused for longer than a few minutes (~15minutes) - so maybe if it is left on high for an extended amount of time it would become uncomfortable. bad: - lack of actual steam. I've always used this on high, and despite having water in the tank and the light indicating it is ready to steam, it sometimes produces a very light amount of steam, sometimes none. never anything close to what I would consider actual usable steam. maybe mine's steam button/switch is faulty, or it is not getting hot enough on 'high' to effectively produce steam, but the lights indicate it is up to temp. Another comment mentioned (here or on YouTube?) setting the temp just below the highest is better for steam - have tried everything from the highest to medium, and none produce any more. Also a suggestion was to have the tank slightly under the max level produces more steam - also have not found that to be the case. I'll stick to a spray bottle if needing a little steam.