laurastar steam iron

When it works, this is a terrific item. Unfortunately, in the past year it did not work for six months. The after sales service is the worst that I have ever experienced.

The servicing and repairs are carried out by a single company in the UK. The first problem we had was that steam constantly escaped. This happened within about one month of purchase. We contacted the service company who arranged for it to be returned. We lost only about four weeks. The next problem was that the handle broke. We called them and they said that we must have dropped the iron. We did not. But it seems that their own opinion was more valuable to them than what actually happened. We returned the iron again.

After many follow up calls, and little action, they said that they would (wait for it) sell us a reconditioned one! Needless to say, we told them that that was unacceptable. They eventually sent a new one.

About three months later, we broke the reservoir. It was virtually impossible to get a replacement. This was despite contacting the manufacturers in Switzerland (who ignored our emails) and repeated telephone calls and emails to the service company. Calls were not returned, emails were ignored; weeks passed and there was no advance on the replacement. I managed to get hold of the agents, who then told me that they would supply the part, and I paid for it. (It took six weeks to arrive). I took the opportunity of telling them when I had them that the steam was again escaping. They told me that they would arrange to have the iron uplifted. They did not do so until I sent them loads of reminders. And weeks had passed.

I have now returned the item, and have been promised a full refund.

It is really disappointing that the after sales service is so bad, as the product is so good when it works. It is far from cheap. My advice? Don't buy a Laurastar unless you are prepared to survive the frustration of zero after sales servicing.