Ironing out difficulties.

PositionWhat's New? - Irons from Braun Inc., and Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex - Product/Service Evaluation

* Most wives or significant others might be as likely to throw an iron at the head of anyone who gave it to them as a gift as they would be to say "Thanks" Yet, if they took the time to really examine the FreeStyle Textile Protector Steam Iron from Braun Inc., Woburn, Mass., they actually might come-to appreciate the thought behind it.

From the open-handle soft grip that provides amazing comfort while using the iron to the scratch-resistant soleplate that glides over any ironable fabric, the machine is a marvel. It is the steam system, though, which makes it special. First, preconditioning channels on the soleplate direct steam to the front of the iron to pretreat fabrics so as to make pressing them a breeze. Meanwhile, the textile protector that clips onto the soleplate absorbs heat, important for delicate fabrics like silk, which could scorch easily. Most intriguing is the range of steam options, unlike single-function irons. For example, you can direct the steam vertically to take wrinkles out of hanging garments and even drapes; the "power burst" maximizes the steam for stubborn wrinkles that most irons couldn't smooth out; and the variable settings permit you to set specific steam levels to cope with virtually any fabric.

Throw in the 10-ounce translucent water tank that not only requires fewer refills, but retards calcification, thus prolonging the device's life, and the three-way automatic shut-off feature that prevents burns and even fire...

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