Rowenta DW5080 Focus 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron

UPDATED: December 26 2018 I completely forgot to do this update after my March update. However due to the outcome (please read reviews written below for the history), I can UP the stars from 3 to 5. Rowenta serviced iron & replaced the entire reservoir. It was returned to me in 1 week! Not the 2-3 weeks as noted. It's been 9 months and I have absolutely NO problems with this iron. I suspect the iron originally sent to me was somehow damaged before I ever received it. The repairs done cured all the leaking issues and even the lack of stream production when the reservoir goes below half (a complaint I had when I first got the iron). The only quibbles I still have are about ergonomic features and the missing "cup" that used to be standard with all Rowena's. I'm a very happy customer and hope I can keep this iron another 14 years like my first two. UPDATED REVIEW: March 20 2018 I received DW5080 in July 2017 and wrote a review (you will find below this one). In January 2018, my DW5080 started to leak in various places. The iron was only 5+ months old and I had cared for it according to Rowenta's guidelines. But from past experiences with customer service reps (CSR) of various companies, I didn't want to phone Rowenta. But the leaking started to increase, so I called them 7 times yesterday. They were having phone problems and after taking all my info (including a call back # in case we were disconnected), the call went blank and all the promises of sending me a return label by email never happened. Today, I called back and had the following experience. The CSR today listened attentively to my troubles: the iron started to leak in various spots around the iron; the front panel in front of the handle; from the temperature dial; and from the screw on the bottom close to where the power cord is attached. The CSR then asked what kind of water I use. Well, exactly as Rowenta requires - .tap water! CSR says my water is probably hard. I should use bottle Spring Water, but never distilled. This is because the iron has an anti-calc feature, and is more finicky that the Rowenta irons I had previously (1st lasted 15 years; 2nd is 13 years old but leaks too much to use water in it). But the iron must have minerals to work...just not too many minerals. I'm giving these details in hopes it may help others who are experiencing similar problems. If you do decide on buying this to be aware that the new technology will cause you problems if your tap water has high mineral content. But whatever you do, don't wait to contact Rowenta about a problem. The CSR suspects my iron may be defective and their service center will have to pull it apart and try to fix it. Depending on what they find, they will either repair it or replace it. The CSR generated a case #, and my iron will be serviced for free - it will be gone 2-3 weeks. I'm not thrilled to be without my iron, but I do have the 13 year old one I can use still and it wasn't a hassle to get them to listen and answer all my questions. After I get my iron back, I will do another update to this review letting you know how DW5080 fares in star numbers. BELOW is the original review I posted after receiving this iron. Unfortunately, because I've used Rowenta irons made in Germany for over 25 years, this, my 3rd iron by Rowenta, is clearly not of the same caliber as the previous two. It is adequate but they've managed to "dumb it down" to the new economic model of "good looks but less quality." You may find my review nitpicking but it's accurate; especially since Rowenta may still make the best household iron out there. Observations / Likes / Dislikes: The stainless steel sole-plate is not as high quality as before - visually is more dull in appearance. The auto-off feature engages too quickly, so I'm constantly having to wake it up (I sew and this is annoying. My previous Rowentas all had this feature but never at this annoying timing) The opening to fill the water reservoir at first looks like a great feature because the cover is large. But the design is terrible unless you're filling it from the kitchen sink from a high neck faucet. Using a measuring cup (no longer included with this model) takes a bit of skill. But humans are adaptable and that's why Rowenta has redesigned. Once the reservoir has about 2/3 of a cup of water left it will NO LONGER give you any steam. I have been used to emptying the reservoir fully. I wonder why this is now a "feature?" The iron "pings and pops" not sure why, but the spring used for the reservoir cover pings as the heat affects it. I already expect, this part of the iron to break in no time. The buttons for steam and spray were redesigned for looks but not function. So as you hold the iron and press, your hand inadvertently engages these buttons because they end too low on the handle. When you're finished using the iron, you CANNOT fully empty it of the water. This is a problem if you plan to keep the iron in good working order. The 1-2 tablespoons of water that [annoyingly] remain will in time corrode the main screw on the iron and it will leak. Not sure what to do about this except store the iron upside down in hopes of it drying out. It still produces a great amount of steam from the (350+) holes in the sole-plate. So with all that, I still think this is a good and well above average iron. It was disappointing for me, that the quality & design has not been maintained. My previous DZ5080 Focus is still in service, but she can't be trusted to hold her water. I paid only $59.99 for it and had I cared for her a little better, she'd be in better shape. But comparing the two - DZ5080 & DW5080 - leaves me a little sad. I plan to write the company and give them my own review. Not sure how they will take it, but it's worth pursuing.