Rowenta Focus DZ5080

The Rowenta Focus DZ5080 includes two features this brand is known for: 400 steam vents and a tapered tip for easier ironing around buttons. User reviews are very positive overall, but owners note that it's quite heavy and, as with all irons, there are complaints about durability. While this model is still available in stores, it has been updated as the Rowenta Focus DW5080 (*Est. $90) .

The DZ5080 has digital controls, a 10-ounce water tank, a self-cleaning feature and variable/vertical/burst-of-steam functions. It also has 400 tiny steam holes in its steel soleplate for even steam distribution. Its three-way safety shutoff will turn the iron off if it tips over or falls forward, or if it's left unattended.

One of the most reputable subscription-only review sites gives the Focus a Best Buy rating, with "excellent" marks for its steam output and capabilities on a variety of fabrics, and a "very good" score for its ease of use.

User reviews for the Rowenta Focus are more mixed. At ConsumerReports.org, a large percentage of the roughly 50 readers who comment on this iron complain about leaks and breakdowns. In close to 300 reviews at Amazon.com, the overall rating is better even though owners still grumble about leaks, drips and lack of heat. All things considered, however, the Focus gets more complimentary reviews than other Rowenta steam irons.

Overall, we found better user feedback on a much less expensive iron, the Black & Decker Digital Advantage D2030 (*Est. $50) , which has similar features.