Side by Side Comparison of: Steamfast vs Sunbeam

I bought this mini iron for pressing quilting block seams as I sew them. It is much easier to use this little guy than my big regular iron. This mini iron gets good and hot. In fact, it's made me realize that my regular iron is not getting hot enough. The Steamfast iron is perfectly sized for pressing block seams. I included pictures for reference and would recommend it to anyone looking for a mini iron.

OMG. This small non-shut off iron is everything they say it is. It gets even hotter than my full size iron! I also got the Omni combo iron/cutting mat to go with it. I have this iron and my iron mat is right next to my sewing machine. ANYONE who does patchwork, absolutely needs to get this iron and the ironing mat. It will change the way you quilt for the BETTER, and make your piecing more accurate with precise ironing within arms reach. Being small, having it on constantly does not use as much energy as a full sized iron, so you brake even on the cost of operation. However, I would plug it into a power strip so you can turn it off when finished or won't be ironing for a while. It only take 15 secs. to heat up, so turning it on is not an issue like the full size iron. NO MORE WAITING for the iron to heat up at this one heats up instantly. It also has steam, but I find a small spray bottle of water or rubbing alcohol works better as the reservoir is small and might leak.

Still keep your full sized iron for prepping your fabric with ironing and starching. but get this one to assist you when sewing patchwork. For me, all sewing machines for people who quilt, needs to come with this iron. Also, if you do paper piecing, this is an absolute necessity.

bought this for travel. we often head south of the border and only ear casual clothes. our washer/dryer leaves waistbands, shirt collars and button plackets (is that the right word) wrinkled. just need a little touch up and don't want to use a full sized iron. this works great for our needs. small, light and easy to use. you would not mistake the results as those of a full size iron but it is more than adequate for simple demands. steam option is a big plus in a small iron. my wife sews and between trips it is used regularly in the sewing room for small projects.

I recently bought this iron to use on a week-long sewing retreat. Space is limited and it is nice to have one's own iron to avoid waiting in line to press. I set this up next to my sewing machine using the Omnigrid ironing and cutting mat station. I thought I would only use it for the two twin size quilt tops I was making. The blocks required a lot of trimming and pressing. This iron worked excellently. It generates a lot of steam for holding only 1.4 ounces of water (the water pitcher is the cutest little thing, like a toy). After I finished piecing the quilts, I decided to use it on the garments I was sewing. And I'm glad I did! The iron works well with tailor's tools like the seam roll, tailor's ham, and seam stick. I sewed all week with this iron and made four dresses, 7 pairs of men's briefs, 12 pair of ladies' briefs, two stuffed dolls, and a skirt. All using this iron (though I did resort to a regular iron for the long sides of the twin quilt borders). I like the long cord. Also great is the LACK of an automatic shut off. You can turn the knob to "off" or unplug it. Overall, this is a great product and an excellent resource for sewing retreats and classes.

I spend a good deal of time in Germany, where irons are certainly not part of the standard room -- in fact, most are either delivered, or the ironing room is in some dank cellar. One time, I asked for an iron for 3 days and it wasn't available all 3 days.Cue this little guy.I've had it for 5 years now, and it ALWAYS follows me overseas. It plugs right in to 220V without a setting (must be some sort of autoswitch), and I use just a basic outlet converter like Ckitze USA to Europe Round Travel Plug Adapter. It heats up fast, and cools slowly.I've misplaced the enclosed water cup in some travels, so I just put water in, check to see if it's on the line, then shake out excess. Honestly, the one review earlier calling this a pain to do must really have some stressed out travel...I just place a towel down on a flat surface (or use the bed, since they just have a fitted sheet with duvet), and iron all my clothes at once. The steam lasts through 4-5 shirts, and touching up the pants. Since it's generally evening, I let it cool overnight, then wrap it up in the morning.The cord storage is nice, and it normally fits well. I sometimes wrap it differently, but it's not usually a big deal.I travel with just carry-ons most times, and TSA/Europe airport security don't give it a second glance. It's shaped well enough that it's easily identified.As one happy customer, I gladly recommend this travel iron.

I bought this iron to use with my silhouete machine as I don't have a heat press and don't do enough to have a need to have one. This works great! The heat is so centralized that I couldn't imagine even a heat press doing a better job. While I haven't used it as an actual iron, I have no doubts this would meet those needs. The size is perfect to get the job done as well as being extremely portable.

I'm using this while I sew and it's perfect! Ultra lightweight and perfect for those difficult corners and creases. Watch out with the water when you fill it and turn it on. If you place it flat before it goes hot, it drips out.

I have been using this iron for little touch up pressing that I need to do while I am sewing garments. I was using a regular iron, but that is very large and takes time to heat up properly. This little iron sits well on my tabletop ironing board and is easily accessible while I am working on my sewing projects. I also like that it is small and I do not worry that my children will trip over the cord and have a huge iron crashing down on your feet! I highly recommend this!

I'm a young man living by myself and, let's be honest, I hate ironing. So I use this little iron to quickly get rid of the most noticeable creases on my shirts, and it does a great job at that.At that price point (13$), it's definitely a good purchase.

I bought this little iron to use for sewing purposes because I was tired of hogging the regular sized iron in our house. I received it in the mail today and immediately opened it. I was really excited to give this mini iron a try. The only gripe I have about this iron is the light. The light goes on when it warms up for your desired setting and then turns off. There is no light indication that the iron is still on. Otherwise, it's great! I tested the ironing capabilities by ironing an extremely wrinkled piece of heavyweight canvas that I had washed and didn't iron after. It's been crumpled in my fabric stash for months. This little iron and its steam function took care of those wrinkles. I was very impressed with how quickly it heated up. Putting water in the iron was very easy. The steam function works just like a regular sized iron. I would use this to iron my clothes too. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

Bought this iron to use on trip to France staying in hotels without irons in room or where I did not want to use laundry facility. Strange as it seems I iron every day - pants, lab coat kid's clothes which my wife finds funny as she never irons. I tend to be a perfectionist so like to iron my own stuff.I have owned four travel irons over the years but this is the first that did not spit - not once - or leave wet spots on clothes that take forever to get out. In fact it performed as well as my full-size Rowenta iron. I did follow the instructions about filling with water but I don't know if this made the difference. I am truly impressed with this product.When I needed to pack one day I found I could use cold water to cool the plate down if careful attention was paid anfd the handle part was not too hot to pack. I know this is probably not recommended but I have done it beforeIf i had a niggle, maybe half-a-star, it would be the "extra steam" function is a little awkward owing to the price of the iron I'd guess. The buttons work and deliver the extra steam useful for ironing cotton shirts etc but are a little stiff in use. Not too bad but just not great,A dedicated bag would be nice too but it is not a deal breaker

I like this iron a lot. However, I wish it got just a little hotter, and I can't figure out how to make the steam come out when I want it to....I wish it had a button. It seems to have a mind of its own. It's great for pressing seams open while sewing, and I love the small size. I do like the way it's always "on" so I don't have to wait for it to heat up just for a little seam. I have a small ironing board attached to the side of my sewing table, so this is ideal. The cord on mine is on one side and I wish it was on the center back...it would be more out of the way. It does have a very long cord and I really like that.

Haven't actually used it yet. Bought it for an upcoming overseas trip but the thing is very compact and holds very sturdy in your hand. i also bought a foldable ironing pad to use with this. The grip is great as it keeps your hand away from the iron face at the bottom. Cool gadget. Hopefully it gets through TSA.

I am overall satisfied with this iron. It gets the wrinkles out of light fabrics and adheres on stabilizer well. Plus it gets hot really quick, which I really like as I hate when you plug in an iron and you have to wait 5-10 minutes for it to get hot enough to use. The only thing that I am not overly fond of, is the steam option, but knowing me as I am not experienced with using an iron that steams, I probably wasn't doing something right at the time I had it on the steam setting. So I just use it for strictly ironing, but one day I will attempt the steam feature again to see if I can get the hang of it.

What I love:It's super small and easy to throw in my suitcaseIt can steam, which makes taking wrinkles out quick and easyWhat I don't really like:It's so small that it takes twice as long to iron anything (it's barely the size of my hand)It takes a bit to heat upOverall, for what I paid and the fact that I did buy it as my travel iron, it does do what it advertises, but I definitely wouldn't replace my home iron with it

Got this as a travel iron tried it on a lot of clothes including blue jeans. Yes it does work on jeans but takes a while to get it fully ironed. It's small and easy to use, and it's not meant for jeans but suits and ties and dress shirts and it does work well. It's either steam on or off no burst settings but still it's a lightweight unit that works well and can go from a very low temp for acrylic's to just about high enough for Jeans.

As a cosplayer who makes outfits, I have to iron a lot of fabric, and as a college student, I have to always have storage space in mind. This iron helps me with both objectives.The iron heats up alarmingly fast and gets really hot, which is nice especially for heavier fabrics. The little measuring beaker that comes with the iron is convenient for putting water in the iron, and when you're done, the iron cord wraps up neatly around the handle.The only complaint I have is that you can't control when the steam comes out. The only option is to pop up the steam button and the steam will automatically come out in intervals of about 3 seconds, which is both a good and a bad thing. On the one hand, you don't have to press the steam button every 3 seconds, but if you're like me and prefer to control what parts to steam, this is a downfall. It also uses your water much faster - I have to fill my iron twice for every one filling of my friend's slightly bigger iron.However, I still think this is a great iron and a great value for the price. Perfect for crafting projects and sewing.

This little iron really heats up and even provides steam. After only a few uses (I quilt) it has started leaking, but it is still usable. Would be totally satisfied if no leakage.

It works pretty dang well for it's size. Definitely better for iron-ons or arts n' craft projects rather than for ironing clothes, but still does the trick if you're a broke student living in dorms with clothes all wrinkled from being folded and crammed into drawers. I mainly use it to put iron-on patches on my backpack and other things. It takes a few minutes to heat up and you sorta have to iron longer than you would with a full-sized iron, but I found this to be useful because it makes it less likely that you'll singe your clothes or whatever you're ironing.

I do like using it; beats a larger, more cumbersome iron. I do not like the steam feature, though. I have tried repeatedly to press the buttons to get a burst of steam (yes, I put water in it), but it doesn't work.

A nice little travel iron. It's a clean design with clear controls, and it heats up very quickly. I bought mine to wax my skis, but I'm sure it works perfectly well on clothes.

Doesn't get as hot as a full size iron and, understandably is a bit more labor intensive since the face is smaller than a regular sized iron so you have to go over things more. However, the size is perfect for travel and great for ironing "in a pinch". I don't have a ton of storage space so I use this as my primary iron and it works ok. If you love things being really flat with no wrinkle at all, you may want to find another iron.

Wish this would let you give this a grade with 1/2 stars. I would rate this as a 4 1/2. A five would mean it was perfect and nothing is perfect in this world. BUT, I do like it. I have small hands and it fits in there perfectly. It heats up quickly and works quite well on my small 16 x 16 pressing board at quilting group. It also cools off quickly, so I don't have to shut it off before I am done sewing. Have not tried the steam feature as this was purchased strictly for dry ironing, but I do like it very much.

Love the smallness but the iron gets very hot.

Not a total fan yet. It gets really hot -- kind of dangerous in that regard. I took it to a quilt retreat but ended up using a full-size iron with safety features instead.

Have only used this iron once, to try it out before my trip. I followed the directions for adding water for steam and sure enough, as others reported, the water leaks out all over the article of clothing. I should have listened to the reviews. It does heat up quickly and is hot and presses linen well. It will serve the purpose of a travel iron, but not the best product for sure

I love the size and sturdiness of this little iron. The wattage is pretty good. A major downside to me is the teflon on the sole plate which creates drag when ironing which makes it better for pressing (up and down) than ironing (back and forth). I gave mine away, and would buy again if they had a smooth sole plate version.

It's OK, but not what I was hoping for. It only steams horizontally, I was hoping it could go vertically too. My regular iron actually puts out more steam, but it's not as portable/packable. as this device. It's built solid but its performance doesn't match its looks and design. Plus it tends to leak water in use. Honestly, I doubt if I'll use it much at home. In fact, would return the device if I hadn't thrown away, like an idiot, the packaging and paperwork.

I like the size of this but the bottom gets hot. No, not just the bottom bottom but the top of the bottom section and sometimes my fingertips touch there when holding the top and it's pretty hot.

Dripped. Returned, quick refund is why it's a 3. If you just want heat without steam - this would be great.

Good for travel. Steam and spray rather weak.

Small, practical, and strong. Thanks. I specially like the dual voltage on this. SUitable for around the world.

Not the best iron, but works in a pinch. I swear everything I iron re-wrinkles immediately after garment is cool again. I don't know. Maybe I'm ironing wrong...? I did fail home-ec in high school. Ha! But if you're traveling a lot, it's small and fits nicely in suitcase.

This is a nice iron which is easily adjustable and also steams. I bought it for quilting when sewing small pieces but would travel well. The only problem is that the handle is thick and fingers don't fit thru so a bit clumsy. I was hoping for the tip of the sole plate to be more pointed for precise press.

I was slightly disappointed by this iron, which I bought for personal use while traveling abroad (inc. hair styling).Cons: handle extremely unwieldy, hard to get a grip on. Temperature dial very small, stiff, hard to turn, with no fabric settings, so have to guess at the right setting (as has been pointed out in another customer review.)Pros: Does get very hot. Neat small size. Even neater small price.Haven't used it yet as steam iron, so can't comment on the supposed leakiness.So, not bad quality, just some functional aspects that could be more functionalie. user friendly.Update: As of December 2013 and following very limited use, this travel iron died on me. No hope of reviving it, so I ordered another, different one, smaller but better-made, I think. Can't really recommend the above product if it only gives one year's service.

Not crazy about this tho it's a good size and easy to hold. Bought for the 'steam' part of it but it drips too much and would prefer to use an upright steamer so clothes can hang while steaming. Wanted to send back but time got away from me. Hopefully will come in handy traveling at some point.

It would not heat up after the third day! I was so disappointed because I really liked the size for quilts.

I was so excited when I saw this mini steam iron, couldn't wait for it to arrive. I have a small sewing business on the side and thought it would be perfect to set up an additional, smaller ironing station for some of the smaller items I make. I put a little water in it, turned it on, and as soon as I began to iron water came practically pouring out of it. If you wanted this to use this as just a dry iron, it would probably be fine. It does heat up very quic

I like the product but was not happy with the way the packaging (product box) arrived. It was an apparent returned item that they didn't bother to repackage well. See the attached photo.

omg this thing is tiny...it looks like it's for a kid...Im not going to give it zero stars because it does heat up well and somewhat irons clothes...unfortunately i will be keeping it ....i really wanted it for the steaming feature but that was so so in my opinion. for the price this isn't worth it to me. I had to purchase an additional garment steamer and possibly an iron.. > =(

I bought this iron for my home - because I have exactly four shirts I want to iron, regularly. I also tried it on khakis, and the results were ok, but not enough so that they looked well ironed. As for the shirts - thinner and thicker cotton, it also did an ok job. However, I wanted a good look, not just ok. I would, however, recommend it for travel, to those places that may not already have one - it's quite small! Just remember to empty the water container, as the plug is not fitted enough to keep the water from spilling.

This iron is okay. It does the job, and it's a convenient size. But the cord comes out the side and doesn't swivel. It doesn't show that in the pictures, so be warned. You can't just set it down any old way: it turns when the cord pulls it against the side of the ironing board.

Bits of the teflon on the bottom started chipping off pretty much from the first use and the areas left behind snag delicate fabrics like knits and silks leaving runs. Gross. It also leaks water from the upper reservoir closure and sometimes spits out the bottom steam vents.NOT recommended.

I found that once I got this out and really tried to use it, i was a little disappointed. I bought this iron for a business trip. and while it performed ok, it was not what I would call up to my standards. I'm a person that likes razor sharp creases when I iron something and while it did give a crease wasn't what I expected. And it seemed to leak water, I don't know but I was not impressed with this iron.

I bought this iron while my full size one was in storage. This little iron just doesn't do the job. I tried to iron khaki pants and a button up long sleeve shirt, bot 100% cotton, and ended up having to hang the clothes in the bathroom and hope the shower steam would get the wrinkles out. This iron is a good idea but just didn't perform.

The iron gets hot enough to work, but you are going to want to pick up a spray bottle. The steam iron function is completely unusable. It sputters water everywhere and is very unpredictable.

While it seems like a great product at first and I used it once with no issues, once was ALL I used it. A couple months later I went to use it again and it wouldn't even power on. Not sure if I got a lemon or not, hence the 2 stars, but I am not impressed. Sadly, by the time I realized there was a problem the window to return it had passed.Updated 12/4/14:I just purchased my THIRD one of these in the last 6 months. ALL of them work a little while and then just die inexplicably and without warning. I keep buying them for the price. I could pay $60 for one or just buy 6 of these. I think at the point I am on my 6th one it will be time to pay $60 and see if the other one lasts longer than the other 6 combined. I just wanted to update this to be more accurate since I clearly did not get a lemon the first time.

Just opened the brand new box and was ready to use it - it does not produce steam, very disappointing. I wish I could return it, but it past return terms.

Item doesn't heat up past lukewarm. It also appeared to have been returned originally as button on side was missing. I was still able to manipulate button to correct voltage/amp but still malfunction. I do not recommend. Ended up going and buying black and decker at Kmart.

Although this was the perfect size and weight for travel, the thing did not work. I tried this out at home before I traveled, and it didn't work. The power would not stay on and it did not heat up at all. If I could give it less than one star I would.

A cheap, poor Chinese product. The unit leaks when filled with water - and not ovwrfilled. Either the company has poor quality control or the unit was shipped refurbished. The steam would not work. Followed the simple instructions, no go. Only started steaming after giving the unit a good shake after toying with it for a half hour.

This does heat up well, but it is akward to hold. My hands are average sized, but the handle is so chunky that it's not comfortable to use at all. At the same time, the iron is so small that the place where the cord comes out is barely off the surface of the sole plate - making it get in the way a lot.I've put mine in the bag where I collect things to be given away at an upcoming guild meeting.

Doesn't work half the time - i think the cord is faulty since it will turn off if you move it in certain positions. Going to toss it since it's past its return date. So disappointing, pick some other model out there

Cute iron and comfortable to use but mine leaks terribly!I bought it refurbished for less than $10 so will probably keep it and use without water but really wish the hole that you put water into for steam would seal properly.Purchased for crafts and sewing so only use infrequently.

Broke after one use.

Leaks always, you cant put water past the cap.

I bought this as a Christmas gift for a friend of mine that travels a lot. He just texted me and said his first attempt at using it, it caught on fire within 10 seconds. Very disappointed and embarrassed.

After a couple uses. The inside gets rusty and releases rusty water vapor into your clothes. Save your money for a better one.

If I could give this iron no stars I would. I took this iron on an out of the country trip to Ireland because it was suppose to be a travel iron with dual voltage. I went to use this iron and it would turn on but the iron would not heat up at all. I had no iron with wrinkled clothes for a meeting the next day... to top it all off the hotel had no more irons. Was not happy with this product.