I've had the same iron for 30 years (because it was also my mom's for many years before I came along). It was old and I thought did the trick so I never got a new one. But man what a little upgrade can do. This iron/steamer works so much better than the old one I had. I've never used a steamer before but it will definitely come in handy. I love the ease of holding this also. The design is so great and different than my last one. It looks so much better as well!