When I was first asked to review the Panasonic 360° Quick Steam/Dry Iron, I hesitated.  Although I do own an iron and ironing board, I have not actually used them in at least 2 years. Conveniently, the weather just got chilly and I started using my duvet again.  After 4 months in the closet after being washed, the duvet cover was pretty wrinkled.  So, I waited for my iron to arrive.  And alas, a few days later, there it was.  My landlord (knowing I don’t iron) gave me a funny look when she handed me the package.

As soon as I saw the box, I was intrigued.  It said it irons 25% faster.  This was one of my gripes about ironing, so perhaps I would like this. This morning, I took out the board and the duvet and opened the box.  This was unlike any iron I had ever seen.  Normally, irons are triangular. This kind of looked like a football, with a much larger surface area.   I figured it would take me at least a half hour to iron a Queen size duvet cover.  It only took 10 minutes.  I can’t imagine how quick shirts will be.  Since I was short on time, all I ironed was the duvet cover today, but I will certainly be using this iron more often than my last one. *Side note: I did burn my thumb when I first started ironing, but I do not blame the iron for this, it was more user error due to my lack of ironing experience.

From the Panasonic website, this iron sells for $49.99. Here are some other features on the iron:

• The Panasonic 360° Quick enables up to 25% faster ironing.
• The edge of the oversized soleplate can always be seen from above, making it easier to iron collars, cuffs, and around buttons.
• Unlike conventional irons, the 360° Quick has steam holes around the entire soleplate, allowing more steam over a wider area, to get out wrinkles faster. Use the jet of steam button for extra power when ironing, or use it vertically as a steamer.
• Precise temperature control for all fabrics
• Anti-drip to protect delicate fabrics
• Anti-calcium to prevent buildup that can clog steam holes
• Three-way auto-shutoff for safety (Panasonic invented this feature and now it is standard) if no motion is detected for one minute if iron is on its side or on the hot soleplate and for ten minutes if on its legs.

I actually look forward to my next ironing adventure! Highly recommended.