Rowenta DG8668 Professional Steam Iron
The Rowenta DG8668 steam iron promises to bring professional-grade ironing performance into the home with innovative steam generation, a powerful soleplate, and an ergonomic design. With high-pressure steam, a unique Microsteam soleplate, and a generous water tank, it’s designed for users who want to cut down on ironing time without compromising on quality. This in-depth review examines its features, strengths, and drawbacks to help you decide if the Rowenta DG8668 is the right addition to your home care routine.
Key Specifications
- Steam Power: High-pressure steam generation with precision steam shot option
- Soleplate: Microsteam 400 stainless steel with 400 micro-holes
- Water Tank: 1.3 liters (44 oz) removable tank with up to 2 hours 30 minutes of steam
- Heating Time: 3 minutes to reach optimal steam
- Durability: Easy calc collector for long-lasting performance
- Ergonomics: Soft, breathable cork handle
- Safety: Suitable for all fabrics
Design and Build Quality
The Rowenta DG8668 steam iron is solidly built and designed with a focus on both functionality and comfort. The robust stainless steel soleplate gives it a premium feel and helps distribute heat evenly across the fabric. The iron’s base and body have a durable construction that withstands frequent use without feeling fragile or prone to wear. With its smooth cork handle, the DG8668 also emphasizes user comfort. The handle is soft and breathable, reducing strain on the hand during long ironing sessions and giving users a firm, non-slip grip.
The removable water tank is well-integrated into the design. It is easy to detach for refills and snaps back into place securely, avoiding potential leaks or spills. With a sleek and ergonomic build, the DG8668 looks professional and is clearly engineered for serious home use. This makes it particularly appealing for people who have large amounts of ironing to tackle or for those who frequently handle high-maintenance garments.
Heating Performance and Steam Quality
The DG8668’s standout feature is its unique built-in boiler technology, which allows it to generate high-pressure steam almost immediately. The iron heats up in three minutes, and users can control the steam with either continuous flow or precision shot modes. The continuous steam function is ideal for handling large areas, while the precision shot option is useful for targeting stubborn wrinkles or hard-to-reach areas, such as around buttons, pleats, or cuffs. This combination gives users the flexibility to tackle various ironing needs with a single appliance.
The DG8668’s steam output is impressive, distributing evenly through the 400 micro-holes in the Microsteam stainless steel soleplate. This soleplate design ensures that steam covers a wide area, minimizing the number of passes needed to smooth out wrinkles. Rowenta’s Microsteam technology allows for even steam distribution, preventing hot spots that could damage delicate fabrics. The high-pressure steam output is powerful enough to work through tougher materials like linen and denim but gentle enough for silks and delicate fabrics, making it versatile for all types of clothing.
Water Tank Capacity and Continuous Steam Time
The Rowenta DG8668’s water tank holds 1.3 liters (or 44 ounces), which is ample for extended ironing sessions. The tank offers up to 2 hours and 30 minutes of steam time, allowing users to finish large batches of ironing without needing to refill. For anyone who regularly irons multiple loads of clothes or larger items like bed linens, this is a huge time-saver.
The water tank is also removable, which makes refilling easy and avoids the mess associated with some fixed-tank models. The tank can be filled at any point during use, so there’s no need to wait for the iron to cool down. This feature, combined with the iron’s overall steam duration, makes it a practical choice for families or professionals with high-volume ironing needs.
User Experience and Ergonomics
Rowenta has incorporated several ergonomic features to make the DG8668 comfortable and user-friendly. The soft, breathable cork handle is particularly noteworthy, as it minimizes hand fatigue during long ironing sessions. This focus on comfort is ideal for users who might need to iron large volumes of clothes at once, as it reduces the strain typically associated with such chores.
The iron is designed to be safe for all fabric types, allowing users to switch seamlessly between heavy and delicate materials without needing to adjust the temperature drastically. This feature is particularly useful for users who might not be experts in fabric care, as it reduces the risk of accidentally damaging garments.
One minor drawback is that the iron’s powerful steam output can cause a bit of moisture buildup on the ironing board. However, with proper technique, this can be easily managed. Additionally, while the DG8668 is not the lightest iron on the market, its ergonomic handle and smooth gliding soleplate help offset the weight, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
Maintenance and Longevity
One of Rowenta’s strengths is its focus on durability, and the DG8668 is no exception. The iron is equipped with an easy-to-clean calc collector, which prevents limescale buildup and helps maintain consistent performance. This is a particularly important feature for users who live in areas with hard water, as it reduces the frequency of maintenance required to keep the iron in good working condition.
The calc collector is easy to access, and the cleaning process is straightforward, allowing users to quickly and efficiently maintain the iron. Rowenta’s reputation for high-quality appliances suggests that the DG8668 is designed to be a long-lasting investment, withstanding regular use over time without significant drops in performance.
Pros and Cons of the Rowenta DG8668
Pros:
- High-Pressure Steam: Efficient and powerful steam generation cuts down ironing time and smooths out wrinkles effectively.
- Microsteam 400 Soleplate: The stainless steel soleplate with 400 micro-holes offers even steam distribution, enhancing the ironing experience.
- Generous Water Tank Capacity: With a 1.3-liter removable water tank, the DG8668 offers up to 2.5 hours of continuous steam, ideal for large ironing loads.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: The soft cork handle makes it comfortable for prolonged use, reducing strain.
- Safe for All Fabrics: Suitable for a wide range of fabrics, from denim to silk.
- Calc Collector: Prevents limescale buildup, extending the iron’s life and maintaining optimal steam output.
Cons:
- Slightly Heavy: The iron’s weight could be a drawback for users who prefer a lightweight model.
- Moisture Build-up: The powerful steam can lead to minor moisture accumulation on the ironing board, which may require some care during use.
- Price: As a high-end model, the DG8668 comes at a premium price, making it more of an investment than a budget-friendly option.
Comparing the Rowenta DG8668 to Other Irons
In comparison to other steam irons, the Rowenta DG8668’s high-pressure steam and Microsteam soleplate set it apart in terms of efficiency and performance. Lower-priced irons often lack the same steam output and precision, which can result in longer ironing times and less even results. However, for users looking for a portable or travel-friendly iron, the DG8668 may be bulkier and heavier than preferred. While handheld steamers are more compact, they often can’t match the DG8668’s steam power and durability.
The DG8668 is best suited for users who prioritize speed and quality over portability. While the price may be higher than standard irons, the quality of construction, steam output, and ergonomic design make it a worthwhile investment for serious ironers.
Who Should Buy the Rowenta DG8668?
The Rowenta DG8668 is ideal for households that frequently iron a large volume of clothes or for individuals who value efficiency in their ironing routine. It’s also a great choice for professionals in need of a high-performance iron for frequent use, as well as those with a mix of fabric types that require varying levels of care. With its professional-grade steam output, it can even handle garments with challenging fabrics and larger household items like linens and draperies.
However, users looking for a more compact, lightweight iron might find the DG8668’s size and power excessive for their needs. This model is best suited for users who appreciate powerful, continuous steam and don’t mind investing in a premium appliance for superior performance.
Final Verdict
The Rowenta DG8668 steam iron is a premium option that lives up to its professional-grade reputation. Its powerful steam, high-capacity water tank, ergonomic design, and durability make it an exceptional choice for those who take ironing seriously. Although it is a bit heavier than some may prefer and comes at a higher price, its quality and efficiency make it a sound investment for high-volume or frequent ironing needs.
Rating: 4.5/5
