Let me tell you, it's worth every penny! The redesign of the handle and temperature dial makes for a much more comfortable grip. This soleplate glides as effortlessly as the older design, which is a relief. The spray function is wider and mists better, and the steam function is much more responsive and forceful. Also, the vertical steam actually works quite well on this incarnation.

The biggest improvement on this version is the amount of steam, the temperature, and the iron's over-all effective use of both. I was able to iron three very difficult cotton shirts (which had sat in the laundry basket for over a week) in about an hour. They had perfect creases, were completely wrinkle-free and totally dry when I was done.

As far as the light display for the temperature, I had thought that was a bit of a silly feature at first. After using it, however, I've found that it's a rather useful tool in maintaining the leak-proof operation of my iron. This is evident right after refilling, when the light warns you that the iron isn't hot enough to begin again.

Now, all I need to do is be more careful so that I can get many more years out of this one!

Rowenta leaks water (Rating: 3.00)
Review : I have owned 2 other rowentas loved them but I think the new tank design is not very good because water leaks out when you are ironing. I liked the other design better. However it does iron beautifully.

I'm a new man (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Would you believe an Iron can change your life? This beauty have psychologically affected me tremendously, from someone who HATES ironing into a man who creates an occasion for ironing. One thing I would say is the cord is too short I had to buy an extension cord to use it comfortably.

Do not buy it unless you can return it without penalty !!! (Rating: 1.00)
Review : LEAKS IMMEDIATELY FROM THE OPENING FOR THE WATER WHILE YOU IRON !!! Did anyone ever test it when it was being designed ? To make matters worse, I didn't buy it from Amazon, and can only return it for store credit minus restocking fee. And what am I going to do with this store credit ??? Buy another Rowenta iron ?

This is a fantastic iron! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I iron 365 shirts a year. I don't mind ironing but this iron made it a joy to do! This is by far the best iron I have every used. It does a much better job than any iron I have tried. My shirts look better than they ever have. The heat of the soleplate is constant, it glides effortlessly and the amount of steam is great. I wondered if I should be spending this amount of money on an iron. After using the Rowenta DX-9800 for over a month, I am so happy that I did! It is a great value for the quality of the product. I like the weight of the iron and everything about it. I got used to it right away and enjoy ironing with it. If do a lot ironing or even a little bit, you will be very happy that you bought this iron. It is a very superior product. Rowenta should get an award for the excellence of the design of this iron.