Comments on: Review: Boiler iron & vacuum ironing board

By: Renee Corrick

Renee Corrick — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:38:09 +0000

Hi Kathleen,
I know this is a really old post, but I’m thinking of upgrading to something similar myself (have emailed Robert Kahn separately)… after my most recent “high end” home iron decided to gradually empty its own reservoir all over the carpet floor @ school. Nice. Anyway, my question for you is, now that you’ve had this set up for a while, do you wish you had’ve upgraded years earlier? Was the initial sticker shock what stopped you (I think I read somewhere that you’d looked at boiler irons before for ~$1000)? I’m wondering if I’m jumping the gun while I’m still learning / refining aesthetic etc… though I’d like to have my own in-house manufacturing (small scale) happening in the not too distant future.

By: Robert Kahn

Robert Kahn — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:51:43 +0000

Mrs. U, yes, the i300 hose set should be long enough for most applications. It’s 6 feet in length. If you need a longer hose, you’ll need to move up to the i500. The i500 comes with a standard 7.2′ hose and an optional 11.5′ hose is available. All of these models are “portable”. They can be moved easily if the need arises. I hope that helps.

By: mrs. u

mrs. u — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:48:08 +0000

hi! Thank you so much for posting this and also to everyone who commented. It has really helped me understand and learn about these products. Although this post is from a while ago, I’m hoping someone can help me. I have a couple questions:

1. Like Valerie B., after looking at the pictures, I also wondered if the hose was long enough to use on a larger surface.

2. Also, how “portable” is the i300?

Thank you so much in advance for answering my questions.

By: Robert Kahn

Robert Kahn — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:01:22 +0000

Emma, we are certainly able to ship our products to Australia. Currently we have the i500 and the C88 (vacuum only) available in 220V. Alternatively you can buy them in 120V and use a 220V transformer. Feel free to email me directly and I would be happy to look after you.
Robert
robert@reliablecorporation.com

By: Emma

Emma — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:15:29 +0000

I know this post was a while ago but I’m hoping someone will be able to answer my question. I would love to have the set-up that you have described but as I live in Australia I despair think that is impossible. I hope that someone will be able to recommend something which I can get here (whether by shipping it or actually purchasing it here.) Thank you for your time and any advice is welcome!

By: Robert Kahn

Robert Kahn — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:59:59 +0000

Beth, my pleasure. The C81 is more versatile for a wide variety of garments. The C81 with the addition of the up-air (blowing) feature is great for ironing delicate garments, garments with construction (like jackets, pants) and any fabric with a nap. Having up-air is a real bonus for this type of work, because there are occasions when you can’t use vacuum because it will leave an impression.

For ironing basic garments (dress shirts for example) the C88 is the best choice. While it doesn’t have the up-air feature, it does have a larger and more powerful vacuum motor, making drying time even faster.

So if speed is your top priority, go for the C88. If you are looking for versatility, go for the C81.

All the best.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:50:02 +0000

Robert, Thank you for your reply, it is very helpful. I have also looked at the C-88 vacuum board, and would appreciate a comparison between the C-88 and C-81. Thanks again!

By: Robert Kahn

Robert Kahn — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:23:35 +0000

Beth, I’d be happy to give you my 0.2 cents worth on this one.

A gravity feed iron and a steam iron station are two very different beasts. One is pressurized steam, the other is not. The amount of steam that is produced is in two different leagues. Many people who do a lot of ironing will find a benefit to having the steam iron station (i500) over a gravity feed iron. A gravity feed iron is really a glorified home iron with a large water tank. The steam it produces is much the same. The real benefit of a gravity iron is you don’t need to refill it as often as a home iron. So if you are looking for the best quality steam, go for the ironing station. If you are less concerned about the volume of steam, but looking for an iron with a larger water capacity than a home iron, go for the gravity feed system (BTW, the i500 is rated for up to 4 hours of use, so it does have a sizable water tank as well).

The benefits of the C81 vacuum/up-air table are numerous. It really allows you to get a professional finish. It will also save you time, since you won’t need to pass over the fabric in an attempt to dry it.

With the C81, you can also place the i500 right at the end of the board on the tray that’s provided. Space wise, the C81/i500 will take up the same space as a C81/gravity feed iron. We do make an optional swing arm for the C81 (see Kathleen’s review above) and we make a bottle holder option for those that already have a gravity iron.

I hope that helps.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:45:16 +0000

Kathleen, I am able to buy either a i500 and C-81 vacuum table, or a gravity feed iron (Naomoto HYS58). I am an avid home sewer, and sew mostly for myself-silks, tailoring, pants, knits, blouses, etc. I would have my set-up in an apartment, so I don’t have room for both. How do the 2 systems compare for garment construction (I’ve never used a vacuum board)? I know the i500 would be awesome for steaming yardage, final pressing, and laundry pressing. Thank you for your review!

By: Robert Kahn

Robert Kahn — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:52:23 +0000

Congratulations Gigi. The i500 is going to make a world of difference to your ironing. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays from Reliable Corporation.