A Gravity Feed Iron For My Birthday?

Heavens, readers -- it's almost my birthday again!

At this time of year, I'm always reminded of what Kitty Carlisle's mother purportedly said, that "once you're past fifty, every fifteen minutes it's breakfast." 

Naturally, loved ones have started asking me what I want for my birthday -- my mother did over lunch yesterday -- which always makes me uncomfortable, since a) I tend to get myself whatever I want when I want it; and b) I don't want much.  Can you relate to this?

Anyway, yesterday I was reading through Kenneth King's masterfully produced "Tailored Jacket" CD and in it, he discusses gravity feed irons and how useful they are.  Here's what he says (click pic to read larger):





I am extremely vulnerable to these kinds of arguments, readers.  I start to ask myself, Would I have much better results with a gravity feed iron?  Am I undermining myself by not using one?

(BTW, Kenneth sells a wide range of CD books on his website here.)

Generally, I'm a big skeptic when it comes to buying the latest this-and-that.  But nearly every time I've upgraded my tools -- which is pretty rare, actually -- I've been happy about it.  Actually, most of my upgrades have been with regard to fabric; my sewing machines are all decades old and I have no complaints.

Frank liked to keep Ava busy.

So of course I did a little online research, and you can buy what sounds like a decent gravity feed iron for not much more than the cost of a regular steam iron.  There are countless threads on Pattern Review about them (check this one out), and of course on sewing blogs.  Ann Steeves of Gorgeous Fabrics swears by the Consew CES-300 (at least she did in 2008), which is available right now at Allbrands.com for roughly $100.

Kenneth's recommendation, the Naomoto model, is closer to $400, which I can't see spending -- or asking someone to spend on my behalf.  (Actually, the model he recommends seems to be out of production, but there are newer replacement models in the same price range.)

The other question I have about these gravity feeds is whether an IV pole like this is going to be stable (or high) enough, since the water supply is supposed to be three feet above the iron (if I remember correctly).  Otherwise I'd have to suspend the water supply from the ceiling, which would not be my first choice.

I suppose the larger question, however, is whether this is an upgrade/investment I want to make.  Will I really get better results from my tailored garments?

The inevitable questions for you:

1) Do you own a gravity feed iron?  Did it make a big difference in the quality of your work -- i.e, are you glad you bought it?

2) Will the Consew CES-300 be adequate for my needs -- i.e., what would I be getting for an additional $300 or are we moving in the direction of diminishing returns here?

3) How much is a higher quality iron going to make, relative to other things (more experience, better quality fabric/notions, improved skills, etc.), in the results I get from my sewing?

Thanks for your input!

Should I trust the man in the orange plaid coat?