The Best Iron for Quilters
Are you looking for something special to add to the top of your holiday wish list? A good iron is a quilter’s best friend. It’s with you at nearly every step of the quilting process and if you’re a dedicated quilter (and we know you are!), your iron definitely gets a good workout. With all the pressing you do to make even one quilt, you want an iron that won’t let you down. You want an iron that has all the right bells and whistles. In short — you want the best iron for quilters!
Well, friends, we’ve finally found it. We searched from the highest mountain tops to the depths of the ocean. We flew a hot air balloon to every continent looking for quilt shops. We even walked 500 miles, and then we walked 500 more.
Ok, maybe we didn’t actually do any of that. But what we did do is try the leading iron brands on the market and use them A LOT. Here at Suzy Quilts, we make quilts for a living. That means our irons get some serious use! And when you use an iron as often as we do, you want the Porsche of irons.
Keep reading to learn why the Panasonic Cordless Iron is our favorite iron! And because it's so affordable for the quality, we're sure this will be the perfect tool to appear under your Christmas tree 🙂
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Here’s something important to know about this iron review — it literally comes from my heart. I am truly, madly, and deeply in love with my iron. That might sound strange, but it’s true! Anyone who has attended a sewing event at my quilt guild has heard the famous Panasonic Cordless Iron infomercial that my friend Heather Kinion and I do about this iron — we want all of our friends to love it as much as we do! I’m rarely as loyal to a product as I am to this iron.
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I did not get this iron from Panasonic (it was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law many years ago) and we are not getting compensated for this review. We just want you to know about this wonderful iron!
Features of the Panasonic Cordless Iron — The Best Iron for Quilters!
Let’s start with the most important thing — what makes this iron so good for quilters? Here’s a rundown of the iron’s most important features.
Cordless
This is one of the top selling points and part of what makes this the best iron for quilters — it’s cordless! Well, technically, there is a cord. But it’s not connected to the iron. Instead, it’s connected to a charging station where your iron rests and charges when not in use. The best part is that the cord retracts into the charging station!
This means that you can plug your iron in anywhere and not worry about the length of your cord limiting you or tripping over a cord stretched tightly across a room. I have a tiny sewing space, so I can plug my base in very close to an outlet but move my iron anywhere in my room. This iron is also perfect for pressing finished quilt tops or heat-setting basting spray! I just lay my quilt out on the floor, and my iron can go anywhere.
The charge lasts a very long time, I’ve never had it turn off while I’m using it. I always have to set my iron in the charging station to do something else like piece. It charges up while I work! If you leave it turned on without picking it up for ten minutes, it will automatically turn off for safety. A light on the iron will blink to let you know it’s about to turn off, and all you need to do to keep it on is pick the iron up.
Heat-Resistant Carrying Case
If you travel often for things like retreats, workshops, or quilt conventions, you’ll love this feature. The Panasonic Cordless Iron comes with a heat-resistant carrying case that easily snaps onto the heating base! Because it’s heat resistant, you don’t even need to wait for your iron to cool to cover it.
The cord retracts into the heating base which means you also don’t need to worry about wrapping a bulky cord around an iron. Just give the cord a little tug, just like you would with a vacuum cleaner's retractable cord, and the cord snaps into the base. And you’re ready to attach the carrying case!
Dual-Tipped Plate
Most iron soleplates — the metal part that gets hot — have one side with a pointed tip and one flat side called a heel rest. That flat side is there in part so the iron can stand up on its side while turned on so it won’t burn fabric. Because this iron has a heating base that it rests in flat, there’s no need for a heel rest!
This iron was designed with quilters in mind, so it has a dual-tipped plate. This makes pressing seams much easier and allows quilters to move the iron back and forth as needed instead of having to twist their wrist to switch which side has a point (how’s that for a tongue twister?).
Angled Heating Base
Ergonomics matter to quilters, especially quilters who deal with pain like arthritis or other hand issues. One benefit of some other irons marketed to quilters is not having to put strain on your hands or wrists by moving the iron back and forth between a down position and a resting side position.
The heating base has little wheels on the top so that the iron glides smoothly into place. It clicks into the base so you know it’s charging and heating.
Light Weight
Compared to other irons marketed as ergonomic, the Panasonic Cordless Iron is significantly lighter. The iron, heating base, and cover together weigh about 4.5 pounds. But the iron alone, which is all you’ll be picking up when pressing, weighs 2.2 pounds. Another leading iron for quilters weighs over four pounds and since the parts don't come apart, you're lifting all that extra weight. Because the heating base, cord, and cover are separate and don’t need to be lifted when ironing, this iron weighs a fraction of other irons!
Steam
If you like to use steam while pressing, buckle up because your mind is about to be blown. Instead of having to take your iron to the sink to fill it up, or carefully pouring water into a tiny hole, the entire front of this iron is removable! Just pop it off, bring it to the sink, and fill it up like a cup.
The Panasonic Cordless Iron has three steam settings and the steam comes out nicely. Because the iron is cordless, you can use it not only to steam quilts but also things like curtains and clothing.
While I find that the steam works well on this iron, I also strongly recommend using a spray mister instead of putting water in your iron, regardless of which iron you use. It is significantly easier to control where the water goes and how much is sprayed onto your fabric when using a mister. I have two of these continuous mist spray bottles — one for water and one for starch.
Heat
The Panasonic Cordless Iron has three simple heat settings — low, medium, and high. Some irons may have more nuanced heat settings, or settings that are for particular fiber types, but these three easy settings will work for anything you’re sewing. It doesn’t take long to heat up — it takes 90 seconds for my iron to reach high heat.
This iron doesn’t get quite as hot as other irons on the market. For some, that may be a downside. But for me, it’s perfect! Here’s why. I pre-wash and starch every fabric I quilt with, which means my fabric all gets a good press with starch before I even cut. With my old, hotter iron, I used to get scorch marks often. I’ve never scorched fabric since switching!
Price
Compared to other specialized irons for quilters, the Panasonic Cordless Iron is very affordable at $99.99. If you want a special color, there are options available at higher price points including teal and blue. I have the black and white version and I love it!
First Impressions to Lifelong Love
I received my Panasonic Cordless Iron as a Christmas gift. It wasn’t on my list, but my mother in law knows how much I quilt and (wisely) thought that a cordless iron might be helpful. At first, I didn’t use the iron. I had another brand-name iron that was working for me at the time, so it wasn’t until I needed multiple irons at the same time that I pulled this out.
I’ve had this iron for years, so it’s hard to remember the exact magic of the first time I used it. But what I do know is that I never went back. I gave away my other irons and I’ve used the Panasonic exclusively ever since. It’s been with me through every quilt, every retreat, every workshop, and it’s still as good as the day I opened the box. Let me say that again because it’s important — yes, this iron still works exactly as well as when I first used it about five years ago!
With all this said, everyone has different preferences, likes, and dislikes. What’s right for me won’t be right for everyone. However, this iron was truly designed with quilters in mind and everyone I know who has tried it has also somewhat irrationally fallen in love with an iron. So, if you’re looking for a new iron or a wonderful holiday gift for a quilter you love, try out the Panasonic Cordless Iron!
Try It For Yourself!
Have you tried the Panasonic Cordless Iron? Let us know what you think about it in the comments! Are you adding this iron to your holiday wish list, or feeling excited to give a new iron a try? Tell us what feature you're most excited about!
This is definitely the best iron I’ve ever owned. Much better than the one that lifts itself off the ironing board (you all know the one) that sits unused in my closet So glad you wrote this article so more people can learn the joys of this iron.
Yes, I want everyone to know how great this iron is! I want to buy up billboard space and make commercials to air during popular TV shows, it’s just that good 🙂
I have the lift off one (hate it) I too the mechanism out as it toppled onto the floor a few times, as I would sit it to near the edge!!!!!!
I’m go I g to buy a Panasonic
I have the lift off one (hate it) I too the mechanism out as it toppled onto the floor a few times, as I would sit it to near the edge!!!!!!
I’m go I g to buy a Panasonic
I have been using my Panasonic Cordless for years and I love it.
The longevity of this iron is such an important selling point. I’ve used mine for years as well and I have never once had a problem!
I don’t remember how many years ago it was that I got my Panasonic Cordless Iron, but at the time I had another iron I was using so did not set it up immediately. I finally plugged it in and I have never looked back. All those nice things you said about it are absolutely true. Just not having a cord in the way would be enough, but it is a really good iron. Like you suggested, I switched from using water in an iron to a spray bottle after an expensive iron began to sputter and spit–and I swear I always drained it after use.
Our stories of this iron are so similar! I also had mine sitting in a box for a long time before I finally brought it out. Complete game changer!
I have had this iron for a few years now and love it. It is especially helpful when I am ironing a quilt top. I use my kitchen island with a ironing mat I made for the island when doing a quilt top and can easily walk around the island with this iron because it is cordless.
That setup sounds like a dream!
I’m curious as to how you made the mat for your kitchen Island. Sounds like a great idea!
After being a Rowenta fan for years, I bought my Panasonic 360 iron five years ago for all the same reasons listed in your article. Not only has it lived up to every one but it is still going strong. Love my 360!
I am so glad that irons have now evolved to be more ‘quilter friendly’ and cordless. That last recommendation a while back of the ‘cute little, comes in all colors, lift off iron’ was a total fail and I am so glad I did not throw my money at that brand. I am no way near being a professional quilter but I do appreciate your recommendations. The Panasonic should do well as a trusted long time brand.
Yes! I can’t emphasize enough how good this iron is after years of use. I’m so happy that many people have mentioned that in the comments!
I ordered one and can’t wait to start using it! Thanks for the great writeup and explaining about the water bottles, too. I picked up one from my local quilt to use when my new iron comes in! Really enjoy the tips and newsletter The Cutting table. Very useful and inspiring.
Absolutely love this iron! I’ve had mine for two yearsand I’ve never been happier with an iron.
Same! I honestly never thought I would love an iron this much. Irons were always just a thing that were around. But now I tell *everyone* about how great this one is!
Curious. Does the base have a lithium battery?
No, it does not have any battery. The base heats the iron itself. That means that you do have to put it back on the base while pressing in order to keep the iron hot, but that is not a problem. We tend to have to move fabric around or open seams or whatever anyway, and the iron reheats super fast.
No mention of a battery in the manual or on the labels on the iron! If you’re concerned and want to double check though, you can reach out to Panasonic to check 🙂
This is super helpful. Thank you for the tip!!
I also have this iron for three years and I love it. I am a quilter and use it for all my pressing jobs
Yes! So happy that you love it! This iron has made pressing so much more enjoyable for me.
I love this iron! It is so flexible.
Flexible is a wonderful way to describe it, Vicki! It can just do so much!
Hard to describe the feelings I have for my Panasonic iron. Love, yes, but also admiration for how it always performs exactly like I want it to! I was so pleased to see this was the iron you were recommending.
Oh my goodness Cathy, I love this comment so much! Because I also have such deep, loving feelings for this iron. Isn’t it funny to love an iron so much???
I bought this iron a few weeks ago and I just love it. It is not only great for quilting, it also is wonderful for clothes. I would always get so frustrated when ironing shirts when then cord would scrunch up the bottom as I ironed toward the top and I’d have to reiron the bottom. No problem with this iron. I had a few doubts about the three heat settings but it did great. Glad to read this article. Feel I made a good decision.
Oh I’m happy that this affirmed your choice! You definitely made a good decision. It’s a magnificent iron!
Caren, I’m so glad to hear that it does well ironing shirts too! I am sold. : )
Hi! Thank you for this review – I’m intrigued my this iron. QUICK QUESTION: When I iron, I press my fabric then sit it up (on the flat end) and get the next piece. Since this iron has points on both ends, does it always lay flat on my ironing board as I iron or do I need to place it in the carrier when I get the next piece of fabric so as to not burn my ironing board?
So glad you’re interested! I just adore this iron. When not in use, you’ll just pop it back on the angled heating base! that keeps the iron charged and warm 🙂
I’m intrigued!!! Just a couple more things…Would it be correct to say that the base needs to be close to where you are ironing so you can place it there when shifting your fabric or whatever you are ironing? Do you place the base on your ironing board or table, also?
It doesn’t need to be near where you’re pressing because you can just walk over to anywhere the base is plugged in! I have a small sewing a pressing space, so mine is close when I’m pressing blocks, but when I’m pressing rows or a whole quilt top, I keep the base near a wall, press, then go back to where it’s plugged in when I’m not using it. Really great to have so much flexibility!
I’ve only had a few experiences with the Panasonic cordless iron, all negative, so it was interesting to read all the positive comments. Isn’t it great that there are so many options to choose from and that we have the option to choose!
To each their own! Maybe the next time you give it a try, you’ll see it in a new light! It is wonderful that we have so many choices 🙂
I got this iron two years ago after a name brand iron started leaking after 18 months. I looked into which iron quilters recommended and this was it. I absolutely love it for quilting and ironing clothes. Everything you said in the review has been true for me. If you are looking for a new iron, this is it!
Excellent! Happy to hear it! I like to pair my iron with my continuous mist spray bottle to avoid leaking — helps me control how much water I use too!
I completely agree with you on this iron. I have two, got my first one about 2013 and I LOOOOVE them. They aren’t heavy, but they get properly hot, and I love that the front is the back and the back is the front…excellent all the way around!
Hahaha, the front is the back and the back is the front 🙂 I agree, excellent all the way around!
I got my first one of these in 2013 or so and I love them as well. I love that the front is the back and the back is the front, I love that they get properly hot. I love how quickly they heat up and the length of time they stay hot before turning off. So many good things about these irons. I already thought I had the perfect iron, but I read this article and I also love it when I’m proven right! 😉
I am said Heather Kinion mentioned above and I love this iron so much!! I also liked their older version which I got in like 2011? That version had a flat bottom and was tricky to dock but was necessary in the mid century landmark modern apartment building I lived in since there weren’t a lot of walls or outlets available. But this version fixed the problems of the first one, added more cool features, and it is just the best tip top iron!!
My mom is not a quilter and she visited me and fell in love with it and now has her own AND has given it to friends as a gift!!
A long-time fan! Love hearing how they made improvements over time. And I can’t wait for our next retreat together so we can keep telling *everyone* to get this iron 🙂
It is so sad so few get to see our live infomercial!
I have this iron and agree that it’s the best! Love love the double points, how fast it heats up and going cordless.
It does heat up fast! At first, I worried about having only three heat settings, but I actually really like that feature now. It’s so easy breezy!
My husband very sweetly ordered this for me as a surprise a few months ago and I’ve never used a better iron! I use it for both quilting and garment sewing and it is as fabulous as the above article says!
What a wonderful surprise! I wasn’t expecting this iron as a gift either, but boy was it ever a good one.
I have this iron and I LOVE it!!!! It’s light weight and heats up quickly. So much better than any other iron I have owned.
Yes! I was actually surprised when I timed how long it took to heat up. It feels like a lot less than 90 seconds, it’s so quick!
Am I the only old man who recognized your reference to a Proclaimers song?
It’s a classic! Now it’s stuck in my head again!
This is a note from this old man to say that he caught your reference in paragraph 2 to an old Proclaimers song
Ha you were sitting next to me at retreat in the spring and convinced me! I now have the rose gold version and love the flexibility of being able to set up a quick and small ironing station with my wool mat.
Yes! Isn’t that a great benefit? It is perfect for setting up a quick and small pressing station.
Rose gold version??? must go look.
Based on your review, I’m leaning toward purchasing this Panasonic iron. QUESTION: I see on Amazon are 3 versions: the one your link goes to is a stainless steel soleplate; there is a ceramic soleplate and an advanced ceramic soleplate. In your opinion, would the ceramic give any additional benefit over the stainless steel? (PS. I’m a fan; LOVE your website and articles!!!!)
We’re so glad that you’re a Suzy Quilts fan! I have only tried out the stainless steel one and it works great. For me personally, I like the price of that one as well. I’m not sure how noticeable of a different there would be, it’s probably more about personal preference.
This was my question also. There are multiple models with similar model numbers NI-WL60*
I was looking for a different color but I am wondering what the differences are.
Thank you for this review!
The differences seem to mostly be in the sole plate. I use the stainless steel one and can only speak to how good that one is, and it works great!
OMG! I bought this iron several years ago. It’s still in the box in the cabinet, as I am waiting for my current iron to die. I might have to pull this one out and give it a go!
Yes, take it out! Give it a try! I hope you love it 🙂
You have so many comments already but I love this iron so much I can’t resist piling on!! I’ve had mine for a year now, so am thrilled that yours has been going strong for 5! I have a small sewing room and a tiny ironing station only big enough for blocks. Once I start piecing larger sections together, I step out to the dining room to iron on an ironing board, but no need to unplug & move the iron! I just stick it back on the base in the sewing room when I’m done. And I love love love the double ends!
We have a similar set up! I have a small sewing room and press on a travel sized pressing mat that also only fits blocks. I love being able to easily bring my iron down to my living room to press larger sections of a top too!
I bought a cordless Panasonic iron (flat base) maybe 8-10 years ago, but it only lasted a few years. I loved the cordless feature but after a while it stopped reaching its original high heat. I now have a Chi brand (I think they are mostly known for hair straighteners) which is working very well. Like you have converted from steam-crazy to spray mister. When/if my Chi bites the dust, maybe I’ll try this (hopefully) better Panasonic model. I’m especially interested because you did not receive the iron from the manufacturer!
Hi Barbara! I’m sorry yours didn’t last long — I’ve heard from other people who use the Panasonic that they’ve made improvements over the years. Mine has lasted about five years and still works as good as the first day I used it! Giving it another try is a great idea 🙂
I just ordered the iron & spray bottle based on your recommendations! Can’t wait to try it out
Yay! I hope you love them as much as I do!!
I love, love, love my Panasonic Cordless iron, I’ve had it for almost a year now and can’t say anything bad about it. Heats fast, no drips if I’m using the steam feature, easy to fill water reservoir and just not having to deal with the cord…..priceless!!!
Even though I use a spray bottle instead of putting water into my iron, I love how the water reservoir pulls out so easily!
Thank you for this review! I have seen them listed but was concerned that they wouldn’t stay hot long enough. You’ve answered every worry I had, and convinced me that this iron perfectly fits into my current ironing mode–I’m a spray-bottle user already, for example. Thanks so much. I appreciate you including specifics such as price, too.
Well, it’s all your fault…! My current iron (probably from Walmart) that is NOT my favorite has developed a weird stickiness to the handle (and I don’t use starch or anything that would gum it up), plus where you hold it is also where you press it to change heat levels. I’m constantly accidentally turning it to another setting. So here I come, innocently looking for iron recommendations (and of course I end up here… I iron for sewing projects far more than clothing!) and I get sucked in to your palpable enthusiasm! 😂 My budget is pretty tight but I managed to find a like-new one for less than half the cost (including shipping!) on ebay! I just broke it out tonight for my son’s shirt for the school Christmas program and I can tell I’m going to join your ranks with this thing! Thank you for the thorough review!
I recently received one of these a a gift and it has been great! Do you also recommend using it on your clothes? Or would this not work for that?
It would work great on clothes as long as you use the right setting for the fabric.
I jut got the Panasonic cordless last month, and today is stopped working. No lights, no heat. Lasted only 3 weeks 🙁 But benefits mentioned in the article are great – dual tip and cordless are my favorite.
Oh no! I’ve never heard of that happening with this iron! Do you have a warranty?
Mine is on the way. I have been wanting one since I read your article. I should have it within a few days.
Hello,
Unfortunately, I can not find it in France… It’s really a shame…
Claire
I love my cordless iron. I researched for awhile before I bought it about 4 years ago. Where I have my ironing board in my sewing house doesn’t work well with a corded iron. Nor do I like fighting with a cord while ironing. I’m a big steamer, I use iron steam all the time and my spray bottle sometimes. Need to switch that around apparently. I recommend it to friends all the time.
I asked for this iron for Christmas after seeing your original article about this iron last year and I just luv it!!! If you’re on the fence about buying it…run, don’t walk to get you one!
I bought the Panasonic and like some of the features, but what I don’t like is I don’t think it gets hot enough. I think I’m going back to Oliso
Everyone has different needs for sure! I love that the Panasonic doesn’t get as hot because I never scorch my fabric. What works for you is what’s best for you! 🙂
I have a question about the Panasonic cordless iron… Does it have an automatic/timed shut-off? And, how long does the Panasonic stay hot before you have to set it on the base again? What I don’t like about irons these days is that they have a timed shut-off that will turn the iron off if I don’t constantly set it in the upright (heel-rest) position. When I’m pressing a large cut of fabric or fusing fabric, that is a huge inconvenience. I get the reasoning behind the “safety” features, but I find it quite annoying to have to stop every 30 seconds or so to set the iron in the rest position so it will turn back on and heat up again. Hoping someone can address this issue, please.
Hi Jacqui! The Panasonic cordless iron does have an automatic shut off for fire safety. And I’m so glad! I’d always rather wait a bit for an iron to reheat (the Panasonic takes 90 seconds to go from off to the high setting) than have a fire. But we know that not everyone likes that same security, so if you prefer irons without automatic shut offs, that’s ok too. Get the iron that works best for you! 🙂