Miele Ironers vs Ironrite or Other Vintage Ironers

[launderess]

Awhile back a member posted he/she like the Ironrite ironer over the Miele, and wish to gain some insight on the matter.

A friend wants to have an ironer but prefers the ease of a modern unit as parts,repairs and service will be easier. Problem is the only modern ironers are the Ironrites. She had a Miele rotary iron that ran on 220v power, but had to sell it on without even getting to use it as her apartment does not have 220v and installing it would be dear.

Seems to me besides feeding from the top as opposed to the bottom Miele 120v untis should be the same as any other ironer both vintage or new. Miele's heating plate reminds one of some older units as it really covers almost 1/2 to 3/4 of the roller from the back, giving a nice large heating surface.

Thoughts?

L.

 

[danemodsandy]

Ironrite Guy

Well, if the Ironrite Guy would re-emerge from whatever is going on with him, I should think it would be six o' one and half-a-dozen of the other. When he was available, he was making it easier to own an Ironrite than to own a modern iron, from the standpoint of parts and service. He sells on eBay from time to time, but mostly covers, and I've heard a couple of people say they've tried to reach him through the eBay system and haven't heard back. The Ironrite site he had is gone, too.

The Miele ironer is supposed to be great, according to people who own it (on Martha's recommendation, I understand), but I've not yet heard from anyone who has put one head-to-head with an Ironrite. You'd certainly come out ahead financially with an Ironrite- the Miele is expensive. And the Ironrite seems better designed from the standpoint of working room- those flip-down tables look very handy for larger items.

Come back, Ironrite Guy! I need a Model 95...

 

[whirlcool]

And there is a Model 95 available on Ebay!

Does anyone have a link to the video which shows how to operate one of these things?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ironrite-95_W0Q...ryZ43513QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[launderess]

Ironrite Video

Pipe:

Or, you can order the series on DVD from some enterprising sould who is selling something one can get for free.

Launderess

http://www.open-video.org/results.p...es&PHPSESSID=bba7076184882f38c5bc3f8a14f8bd69

 

[launderess]

Well the thing in favour of Miele (and Pfaff) ironers for that matter is that there portable models are full sized but can be put away folded to take up much less room. Aside from the small Ironrite 890 the rest are pretty hefty behemoths.

Also personally think the whole separate levers to control roller and shoe makes things more difficult than required. Know the later models of Ironrites, finally fell into line with most other ironers with one control for both roller and shoe.

Yes, probably getting an Ironrite is cheaper than a Miele, provided one does not have to have it shipped a great distance. But sooner or later a 30 or 40 year old appliance is going to need some work, and that may be where the problems start.

 

[ironrite]

Thighmaster

Just think of the two levers as good exercise while you press those linens and things.

Was just thinking of you Launderess, as I sold my Ironrite a couple of years back, I was going to ask about those steam presser contraptions. If anyone has had any success with them and which model to buy.

For me, it was the room the old machine took up. It was easy to operate, build like a tank and I think would still be running fine. The trick is not to pay a whole lot of money for one as they still do turn up at reasonable prices.

That is a good link too, to download the videos on how to iron with an Ironrite. It really is very easy to do once you get a little practice.

 

[launderess]

The only steam press I'd recommend is one of the vintage Elnapresses. The older units were Swiss made, while today's are Asian and not the same quality from what one hears.

Another option would be a vintage Hurley press. Cast iron base,almost 1600 watts of heat, and built to last.

Bear in mind with clam shell type presses, one is doing just that, pressing and not ironing. The results may not always be as smooth for some items as ironing. Other than that, steam presses can give excellent service once you have gotten the hang of it.

L.

 

[whirlcool]

I think the final result is dependent on how good the operator is with those Ironrites. All those angles!
I used to send out my uniform shirts but when I picked them up, they were ironed, but still looked like someone slept in them. So I iron them myself.
I can easily see how those machines can eat up the floor space.
But I imagine that if you had a lot of big flat pieces like table cloths and napkins they would really breeze thru the job.
Laundress, thanks for the link. I just know I am going to spend hours looking at all the vintage videos on that website. I just love that kind of stuff!