Oliso TG1600 ProPlus Smart Iron Review: A First Look at the iTouch Auto-Lift Feature

Introduction

The Oliso TG1600 ProPlus is one of the most talked-about irons in the quilting and sewing world. It is a smart iron with a touch-activated handle that automatically lifts the sole plate off your fabric when you let go. This feature is designed to prevent scorching and to make pressing safer and more convenient. The iron retails for well over $200, which puts it firmly in the premium category. However, a pricing glitch at a major craft retailer made it available for under $50, which is what prompted this hands-on first look.

This review covers the initial experience with the iron right out of the box. It focuses on the core features, the steam performance, and the build quality. The goal is to give a practical assessment of whether this iron lives up to its premium price tag and its reputation.

Who This Product Is For

The Oliso TG1600 ProPlus is aimed at sewists, quilters, and crafters who spend long hours at the ironing board. The iTouch auto-lift feature is the main selling point. It is designed for people who frequently set the iron down and pick it up again while pressing seams, quilting blocks, or garment pieces. The automatic lift is meant to protect delicate fabrics from accidental scorching and to reduce the need to constantly flip the iron onto its heel.

This iron is also for those who want a large sole plate and a powerful steam output. It is a heavy, substantial tool that is built for volume pressing. It is not a lightweight travel iron. It is a stationary workhorse for a dedicated sewing space.

The iTouch Auto-Lift Feature

The defining feature of the Oliso TG1600 ProPlus is the iTouch auto-lift system. When the iron is plugged in and you are not holding the handle, two small feet pop out from the bottom of the sole plate. This lifts the hot plate off the fabric or the ironing board. When you place your hand on the handle, the feet retract, and the iron is ready to use. When you release the handle, the feet pop back up.

This feature takes some getting used to. It is a little startling the first few times the feet pop up on their own. The sensor is triggered easily, so the iron responds quickly to your grip. The benefit is clear: you never have to worry about leaving a hot iron face down on your fabric. It also means you do not have to flip the iron onto its heel manually. For someone who is used to a traditional iron, this is a novel and slightly strange experience at first, but it is easy to adapt to.

Steam Performance and Water Use

The iron has a dial for selecting fabric types and a separate control for steam levels. You can choose no steam, different levels of continuous steam, or a burst of steam. There is also a spray nozzle for dampening fabric directly. The water tank holds a decent amount of water, and the iron heats up quickly.

The manufacturer recommends using tap water unless you have hard water. If your water hardness is over a certain level, the recommendation is to use inexpensive bottled water or to mix half tap water with half distilled water. The manual specifically warns against using 100% distilled water, as this can cause the iron to spit and leak. This is a notable point, as many customer complaints about leaking may be related to water type.

In testing, the continuous steam function worked well for pressing out creases in quilting cotton. The spray nozzle was handy for dampening fabric. However, the iron did start to leak water when it was placed in a more upright position. The water seemed to escape from the tank area. This is something to be aware of, and it suggests the iron is best used with the sole plate facing down or at a slight angle.

Build Quality and Sole Plate Concerns

The Oliso TG1600 ProPlus has a large sole plate with a diamond ceramic finish. It is marketed as easy to clean and is designed to glide smoothly over fabric. The iron itself is quite heavy, which can be a consideration for those with hand or wrist strength issues. The long swivel cord is a nice touch, as it gives you plenty of reach without tangling.

However, there are some build quality concerns. The body of the iron feels a bit plasticky and not as solid as the price tag would suggest. More importantly, the sole plate on one unit had a small raised bump, a rough spot that was visible upon close inspection. This is disappointing on an iron that costs over $200. A second unit had a couple of minor spots but was overall better. This suggests that quality control could be improved.

The concern with a rough spot on the sole plate is that it could snag delicate fabrics like silk or rayon. It is something to check carefully if you decide to purchase this iron.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There are a few things to keep in mind before investing in the Oliso TG1600 ProPlus. First, the price is a major factor. At over $200, this is a significant investment. The iTouch feature is nice, but it may not be essential for everyone. If you are happy with a traditional iron, this may not be a must-have upgrade.

Second, the leaking issue is a real concern. While it may be related to water type or the position of the iron, it is something that could be frustrating in daily use. Third, the build quality is mixed. The heavy weight and the plasticky feel of the body, combined with the potential for sole plate imperfections, mean you should inspect the iron carefully upon arrival.

Finally, consider how you will use the iron. If you do a lot of pressing and want the safety and convenience of the auto-lift feature, this could be a good fit. If you are on a budget or prefer a simpler tool, there are many capable irons at a fraction of the price.

Buying Advice

The Oliso TG1600 ProPlus works well as an iron. It heats up quickly, produces good steam, and the large sole plate covers a lot of ground. The iTouch auto-lift feature is a clever innovation that adds a layer of safety and convenience. However, it is not a perfect product. The leaking in certain positions, the plasticky feel, and the potential for sole plate flaws are all things to weigh.

If you can find this iron at a significant discount, it is worth trying. At its full retail price, it is harder to recommend. The core ironing performance is solid, but the premium price does not always translate to premium build quality. For most sewists, a well-reviewed traditional iron will do the job just as well for a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

The Oliso TG1600 ProPlus is an interesting product with a genuinely useful feature. The iTouch auto-lift is a thoughtful addition that can make pressing safer and more efficient. The steam performance is good, and the large sole plate is a plus. However, the build quality issues and the leaking problem are hard to ignore at this price point.

This is a product that is best purchased on sale. At under $50, it is a fun and functional tool. At over $200, it is a harder sell. If you are curious about smart irons and can find a good deal, it is worth a shot. Otherwise, there are more reliable and affordable options available.