IronMaven
Here's a quick snap of the hose-cord length. I've never found it to be too short, usually while using it, the ironing table is positioned closer to the base unit and it still reaches all the way to the end and more. It's cloth covered so it slides easily and doesn't hang up or snag on what you're ironing.
I don't have a problem with scale build-up, etc., so far... I have softened water in the house so I buy purified drinking water to use in the IM and I don't use it all the time so this isn't a hardship. I use distilled water in my GE steam iron.
The steam generator is a great iron, very hot and constant, strong steam. It's great if you're doing a lot of ironing all at one time. To use as a daily, quick press on the run iron, this wouldn't be your first choice. The steam generator takes about 10+ minutes or so to build up to full, working pressure. This goes by quickly while you're prepping the ironing, making a gin & tonic, etc.
Separate controls allow you to use only the iron without steam. Parts are available for most of the unit's main components and it looks as though the basic parts haven't changed in the four years or so I've had mine. New iron handle-grips, water tanks, etc. are all a few clicks away if you need them.
(The ironing "table" is simply a wooden top that fits over a standard ironing board and covered with a Teflon material. My mother's cousin makes them and sells them at craft & quilt shows, etc. I love the large working space, but it's damn heavy!)
