Customer Reviews

Black & Decker D2020 Digital Advantage Iron

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(28)

 

 

I needed to replace my GE iron that bottomed out after less than 2 years (I was lured in by the "retractable cord"- a handsome feature, but not worth the trouble of an inferior product). I wanted to get a Rowenta, but ended up exchanging it for the B&D Digital Advantage. So glad I did!

PROS: B&D's Digital Advantage has a large water resevoir, which helps you avoid having to refill it often. The digital display has numbers that correspond to temperature settings (i.e. #6 is for cotton, #7 is for linen, etc.). I was skeptical about purchasing an iron with a digital readout (prone to problems), but have had no problems. You can also vertically steam drapes, formal gowns, or anything you don't want to slap on an ironing board. It's a high end iron for a middle of the road price. And the long cord gives you more freedom when ironing longer items like curtains or tablecloths.

CONS: If you use the steam burst for every item (as I do), you may find yourself refilling the water resevoir more often than you like, since this iron uses a lot of water for this function. Even at that, though, I end up refilling less than I did with my old iron. Some may find this iron heavier than they like, but I personally don't trust lightweight irons- they feel too cheap, more likely to break down. Also, I am missing that whole retractable cord thing, but I still find this iron is worth it. If you've been thinking about getting a Rowenta, save some $$$ and try this iron.

I have had the D2020 for some time now and I have not had one complaint. For the past 5 months I have used this iron a few times a week and nothing has jammed, fallen off, or burnt. the steam function works great and makes my clothes look like they came right form the dry cleaners. I recommned this item to anyone looking for a valuable iron.

I researched steam irons on Consumer Reports before buying (because I was tired of irons that didn't heat up or didn't steam well). This was top rated, and was cheaper than many other lower-rated irons with big names. I love it! It has an abundance of steam which is easily controlled. It beeps when it has reached the appropriate temperature (heating or cooling). It slides and glides very easily on the clothing, and the self-clean is very easy to use. It doesn't spit all over the clothes like my old iron did (which was also a Black and Decker, just a little cheaper model). I sew a fair bit, and it has been wonderful for pressing the seams, etc., whether using it steam or dry settings.

We've had it a few months now and we have no complaints at all--I just wonder why it took me so long to go ahead and buy it! Definitely a good value for the price!

**UPDATE 1/12/10**
Would still highly recommend this iron and are using it exclusively years after purchasing it. No sign of it slowing down!

The D2020 I owned was purchased 04-05-2004. It stopped operating as a steam iron 09-09-2004. It was a great iron while it lasted. The stainless soleplate is better than any iron I have ever used. However the latch that covers the port where you fill the iron is very cheaply made, and if you're not careful it will break off. The iron on occasion even after cleaning each month,will drop staining droplets of water onto your clothing. You must be very careful when ironing white or light clothing. Also, I find it difficult to use the dial while cleaning. A person with weak hands will not be able to use this feature. I have read other reviews stating that this dial was very loose. My dial was stiff and hard to turn. And finally after just 5 months it stop giving steam. CS has offered to replace my 2020 with the 2000. I hope this is a better iron.

I had a warranty experience similar to one of the other reviewers here. After two months, the rubber on the handle began to peel off. Since the iron had a one year warranty, I called customer service (Applica) and was told I needed to cut off the plug and send it in, at my expense, with a check for $5, along with a letter explaining the reason for the return and including a reference number that I was given, which also needed to be on the check. Once I did all of these things, they said, I would be sent a new iron. It took exactly two weeks for the replacement to arrive. Not only was I without an iron for that period of time, but the "new" iron was not the D2020 iron I had originally purchased but a cheaper model. I've thought about calling customer service again to complain, but the rigmarole was off-putting enough the first time. The replacement will do for the time being, while I shop for another iron, and I can promise you that it WON'T be another Black and Decker. Nor will I be inclined to purchase any other of B&D's products. Why do companies do things like this? I know. Because they can. I guess they're more interested in one time sales than building any kind of long standing customer loyalty with well-built products and good customer service.

I read the reviews below after I bought the iron, and I guess I either got lucky or they fixed the little problems like the loose steam dial and the turn off thing. I bought it a month ago at Target and am very impressed by the solid finish, and very strong steam. I thought the digital screen was a bogus feature at first, but after using it I have to say that it is really convenient. It makes it really easy to set it, and even beeps when it is ready. Anyway, I recommend this iron.

I purchased the Black & Decker D2020 iron after it placed highly on a Consumers Reports ranking. These are my impressions after using it for a few months.

Overall, it's difficult for me to find fault with this iron:

* The iron warms up quickly, irons (glides) smoothly, and produces prodigious amounts of steam! The stainless sole is easy to maintain, and compared to my prior iron, seems to generate more heat.

* Initially, the digital readout appeared to be a gimmick, but its value lies in that it beeps when the iron has reached operating temperature, eliminating any guessing on your part.

* The iron's ergonomics are quite good with the exception of the button used to select the setting & turn off the iron. It is quite small, and requires a deep press to engage. I did not find this iron to be "heavy."

* Other reviewers have complained that the steam selection dial is too loose. I think the problem may be more the positioning of the dial in relation to the handle, rather than the firmness of the dial. From habit, I held the iron handle toward the front of the iron, which caused my hand to rub & move the dial while ironing. I've learned to use the middle of the handle, which reduced my moving the steam dial while ironing.

* To clarify another review, you *can* turn off this iron: hold down the select button for 2-3 seconds. There is a light at the base of the iron that remains on as long as the iron is plugged in, similar to the power light on your TV or DVD player.

* Since I've only used this product for a few months, it's difficult to comment on it's durability over the long haul. However, my old iron was a Black & Decker, and it lasted well over two years. I'm hoping to get as much, or more, out of this one.

My wife has R.Arthritis, she used to hate ironing, me too. Now I iron every morning before work. This iron has enough weight and steam to make QUICK work of anything cotton. A real pleasure to use.
The long cord and water refill cup are a bonus.

The best iron I have ever owned. After owning many and figuring you shouldnt pay too much for an iron; I decided to try this one after reading Consumer Reports. They were right and it's excellent.

We purchased this item from Target over a year ago and it was wonderful, easy to use, and very smooth! Unfortunately it just stopped working after a few months (5 or 6) for no apparent reason. We liked it so much that we purchased another one sometime last July (04) and enjoyed it until it give up the ghost just a few days ago (that's two in a row). I suspect it has something to do with the Digital components. This was a good iron but it is useless if it doesn't work. Be prepared for a short product life / have a backup. I give it 1 star because it should last a lot longer for the price.