Not a Bad Little Iron

I had been using the same iron since college, what probably was the basic of the basic models. It did not have the ability to spray water on clothes while ironing, making for a real issue if I had to iron something in a hurry. The options were to buy a little spray bottle or to buy a new iron. If you're like me, household appliances are very low on your priority list in terms of discretionary spending. So I set out to buy the cheapest iron I could find that did what I wanted.

The first iron I ran across that fit that profile was a $10 black and grey iron at Home Depot. I forget the brand, but it had a nice look and sprayed and steamed, all for $10. Why aren't I writing this review about that iron? It didn't have an auto-shutoff feature, and if you're like me than you probably still have a roof over your head because your iron shuts off automatically.

So I continued to look, hitting all the usual suspects and coming up with no irons with the features I wanted without hitting the mid-$30's and above and not hitting the color scheme I wanted (white, silver, or black) without approaching the $50's. I know having the color scheme as a buying factor runs counter to "as cheap as possible", but when you buy one of something per decade (if that) it needs to look right. Finally, while helping a friend shop for something else at Target I ran across the Sunbeam 3965.

Just under $20, with all the features I wanted and a clean, classic look. With auto shutoff. It was in the cart faster than you've read this sentence. Got it home, tried it out, works like a charm. In fact, it is the exact model I have seen in several hotels (I travel quite a bit) and was also one of the motivating factors for me buying a new iron. Having to travel to a different state to iron one's clothes reasonably (and reasonably fast) just simply isn't a good use of time!

Things I like: It claims it is a no drip iron, and in fact it does not drip. The spray feature has multiple settings, working consistently and well. It is easy to fill with water using the pack-in water cup with spout, sized appropriately to the capacity of the iron. It looks good for a basic iron, and the chrome trim is a nice touch. And it works. You may have to give a little extra effort to really get stubborn wrinkles, but hey it only costs $20. Heats quickly and does not stick to clothes.

Things I don't like: The steamer feature is a little balky, and not that consistent. I do occasionally try and use it, but it is not something I have focused on and can live with it. The key is to have it on one of the two highest heat settings and to let it sit for a few minutes before using. As an on the go sort, letting it sit for a few minutes before I use it is a non-starter. The steam feature does help a bit with stubborn wrinkles so I have used it for that.

All in all, it's all gravy for the Sunbeam 3965. The right features at the right price for those who don't want to spend a lot on their iron. And yes, the auto shutoff feature has been proven to work on multiple occasions.