What's this? Based on performance, convenience, and features. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Price range:
$39.99 - $41.99
Summary:This Black & Decker conventional steam iron was very good in overall performance. This iron has auto-shutoff which is a safety feature that powers the iron down when left stationary for a short time, and a stainless steel sole plate. Iron has a Self-Clean feature. Has ready light to indicate that iron is up to temperature.
The Black & Decker D2030 is part of the steam iron
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, steam iron
models like the D2030 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Steaming rate:
Steaming is calculated over a period of 10 minutes, except for the cordless which are evaluated over a 3 minute period.
Ironing fabric:
Based on: ironing a linen table cloth, thermostat set point, temperature swing and uniformity of soleplate thermal pattern.
Ease of use:
Rates a number of factors, including how easy it was to set, fill, and empty the iron, and to see water levels and markings and indicator lights. Other factors include leaking and how well the iron steamed at low settings.
About This Brand
The major brand in the category, Black & Decker offers a wide range of irons with varying types of sole plates, including stainless steel, nonstick, and the newly introduced ceramic. New technology from the brand is the availability of steam on all temperature settings, including at low temperatures. They are sold at department stores, Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and through online retailers. Prices range from $20 to $80.
Features & Specs - Black & Decker D2030
Digital display Indicates that the iron features a digital readout that shows temperature setting.
Digital display
Yes
Weight (lbs.) The weight is given to 1/10 of a pound.
I use it to make quilts, which means that I cut some fabric, sew it, press it, and repeat. My complaint is with the “Auto Shut-Off” feature. The manual says that “When the iron is idle for 10 minutes…..[it] will turn off.” I can tell that there is a motion sensor in the iron that regulates this feature. However, it does not work as advertised. It will often turn off within seconds or a minute or two of when I use it. Indeed, there have been times when it has turned off as I am ironing the fabric! So a) the sensor is not “sensitive” enough to normal ironing motions and/or b) it is defective. This results in me having to constantly pick up the iron and shake it to make sure it stays hot.And while I am venting, let me say a few words about the “Self-Cleaning System”. I do not and have never used water in the iron. Yet, as the manual indicates, from time to time, “A “CLEAN” indicator will appear in the digital display to notify you when the iron needs cleaning.” This feature obviously also works on an internal clock (as opposed to actually sensing when the iron is dirty), so the advertising on the box and in the manual is misleading. To make things even worse, the “CLEAN” light goes off after a while whether I do any cleaning (per the manual) or not. Voila! It has magically cleaned itself!To me, both of these faults qualify as poor engineering and false advertising.I wrote to B&D about this and got no reply.
User has 10 Months of experience with this product
5.0
A winner!
12/29/2008
Strength
Heats up very fast, easy to use controls.
Weakness
Haven't found any. I like the weight---neither too heavy nor too light for my purposes.
I bought this iron almost a year ago, based on Consumer Reports and the reviews I read online. I don't usually come back a year later and write reviews, but this one is worth taking the time for. I don't use an iron on a daily basis, but this one is a pleasure to use. Actually makes ironing halfway enjoyable. Stongly recommend.
steam production, self cleaning, digital controls,
Weakness
none
This is a fantastic iron. Beats a Rowenta that just gave up on me. Makes great steam, awesome water capacity, makes ironing almost not seem like a chore. Great product with extra long cord. This is a great value for the price.