Focus Steam Iron 1700-Watt Stainless Steel Soleplate DW5080

Rowenta

The Rowenta Focus Steam Iron features German engineering with a precision-tip stainless steel soleplate and 400+ steam holes for efficient ironing. Delivering 1700 watts of power and 35 g/min of steam, it glides smoothly across various fabrics. The thermostat knob allows customized steam output, while safety features include an automatic 3-way shut-off system and anti-drip lid.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:N/A
Lifespan:2+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:Germany
Manufacturing:Made in Germany primarily by robots for consistent quality and performance

Research Summary

The Rowenta DW5080 epitomizes a luxury product undermined by reliability issues. When working, it's exceptional—delivering powerful steam through its 400-hole soleplate that makes ironing dramatically faster. However, chronic leaking issues typically emerge within 1-3 years, rendering it a poor BIFL choice. The iron's sealed design complicates DIY repairs, and the meager 1-year warranty provides inadequate coverage for a premium-priced product. Best for those prioritizing short-term performance over longevity, or willing to replace every few years despite the premium price.

  • Initially performs brilliantly with best-in-class steam distribution, but widespread leaking issues emerge typically within 1-3 years
  • Internal components aren't designed for DIY repair, with sealed design and hard-to-source parts limiting home fixes
  • Bare-minimum 1-year warranty is woefully inadequate given the premium price and documented reliability issues
  • Poor value proposition—premium pricing without matching longevity, showing clear quality decline from previous generations
  • Community consensus points to a brand that has abandoned its once-solid BIFL reputation for short-term profits

Repairability Notes

4.5

The Rowenta DW5080 shows mixed repairability potential. Some users report successful warranty repairs where the manufacturer replaced the entire reservoir to fix severe leaking, returning the iron to perfect working order. However, common failure points include chronic leaking issues and premature component death after 1-3 years.

  • Parts access: One teardown revealed a hard-to-replace seal as a failure point, suggesting internal components aren't designed for easy DIY repair
  • Warranty support: Rowenta offers 1-year warranty with repair service available, though shipping costs for warranty claims aren't specified
  • Design flaws: Temperature dial placement causes accidental adjustments, and the tinted water tank makes proper filling difficult

Bottom line: While the manufacturer does repair some units under warranty, the iron's sealed design and hard-to-source internal parts make DIY fixes challenging. Better suited for warranty service than home repair.

Durability Notes

4.5

The Rowenta DW5080 is a tale of two irons - when it works, users call it the best they've ever owned, but chronic leaking issues torpedo its BIFL credentials. The evidence shows a clear pattern: exceptional performance hampered by questionable longevity.

  • Performance When Working: Users rave about wrinkles shriveling up because they saw this thing coming and praise the 400-hole stainless steel soleplate that makes ironing dramatically faster
  • Fatal Flaw - Leaking: Multiple users report leaks developing within months to a few years, with one saying it doesn't matter if you under fill, drain religiously, store carefully upright - they leak, eventually
  • Quality Decline: Long-time Rowenta fans note this 3rd iron is clearly not of the same caliber as previous models that lasted 15-20+ years, suggesting the brand has moved away from true BIFL quality

Bottom line: Great iron for 2-3 years if you're lucky, but with widespread reports of premature leaking and only a 1-year warranty, this isn't the heirloom-quality tool BIFL seekers want. Could've been great, but the community consensus is clear - modern Rowentas are a no-go for lifetime use.

Warranty Notes

5.0

Rowenta offers a basic 1-year limited warranty on the DW5080 steam iron, covering only manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship for domestic/private use.

  • Coverage limitations: Warranty becomes void if used with incorrect voltage or for commercial purposes.
  • Claim process: Contact Rowenta Customer Service at 1-800-769-3682 with proof of purchase.
  • User experiences: Mixed reports on warranty fulfillment, with some users mentioning successful repairs of leaking issues, while others express frustration with premature failures shortly after warranty expiration.

Bottom line: A standard but unimpressive warranty that provides minimal protection for a premium-priced product. The 1-year term is especially disappointing given the recurring complaints about leaking issues and component failures in years 2-3.

Social Analysis

4.5

Community sentiment is deeply divided on the Rowenta DW5080. Many praise its German engineering and powerful steam performance, but chronic leaking issues dominate Reddit discussions.

  • Polarized reputation: Users either love their long-lasting German-made models or report failures within 1-3 years, with multiple reviewers saying modern Rowentas are a no-go
  • Leaking plague: The most consistent complaint across platforms - doesn't matter if you under fill, drain religiously, store carefully upright... they leak, eventually
  • Quality decline narrative: Long-time users report current models are clearly not of the same caliber as previous generations that lasted 15-20 years

Bottom line: Once a BIFL favorite, Rowenta's reputation has eroded significantly. While some units perform excellently, the high failure rate makes it a risky purchase for durability-focused buyers.

BIFL Total Score:
4.5Poor
Focus Steam Iron 1700-Watt Stainless Steel Soleplate DW5080
Amazon
$109

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
4.5
Durability Score
4.5
Repairability Score
4.5
Social Score
4.5
Warranty Score
5.0

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Excellent steam performance removes wrinkles efficiently

400-hole stainless steel soleplate distributes steam evenly

German engineering with premium feel

Some units last 10+ years

Areas for Improvement

Chronic leaking issues develop within months

Only 1-year limited warranty

Quality decline compared to older models

Difficult to repair after warranty expires

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

Focus Steam Iron 1700-Watt Stainless Steel Soleplate DW5080 - Main view

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: As NeededMaintain the Rowenta Focus Steam Iron as needed to remove limescale and dirt.

Step 1

Clean

Use the self-clean function to remove scale deposits: fill the tank, preheat on DRY, unplug, and hold horizontally over a sink. Press the steam control into the self-clean position until water emerges from the soleplate. Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth afterward.

Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Use untreated tap water or a mix of tap and distilled water if water is very hard. Avoid using distilled, filtered, or softened water. Regularly use the self-clean function to prevent scale buildup.

Step 3

Protect / Store

After use, empty the water tank, set the thermostat to minimum, and store upright or on its base. Keep the iron away from sharp objects like metal buttons.

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