Oliso Mini Project Iron Review

There’s a new little player in my quilt studio, the Oliso Mini Project Iron, and we’ve been getting to know one another. I thought I’d share an honest Oliso Mini Project Iron review with you today.

I want to thank Oliso for providing me with this mini iron for review. (I’m not affiliated with Oliso in any way.)

I have to say, I am very pleased with this little mini. So let me tell you a little about what I like about it in this Oliso Mini Project Iron review.

The Size. While a bit bigger than other minis I have had, it is still compact enough to fit comfortably in the hand or to easily tuck into a tote for a quilt retreat.

The Weight. This little iron has a very nice feel in the hand. While it is lightweight, it also has a nice heft that allows for a good crisp press. The weight is balanced well enough that my hand doesn’t get tired when pressing several items.

Cord Length. The cord length is 8 feet. This is a big deal when going on a retreat and ample cord length is needed at the work station. Also, the cord is sturdy and doesn’t tangle. The cord wraps easily around the base of the iron for storage.

Steam with Tap Water. I like that I can use my tap water when I use steam with this iron. Even hard water can be used by following the instructions.

No Leakage. I’ve used this mini iron for almost a month, using steam some of the time. It does not leak. Not once. Not even a drip. That’s a big win.

Quick Heat. With both dry heat and steam, this mini iron heats up quickly and it gets very hot. The buttons light up when it is ready. The steam covers a good area and can be used while the iron is flat on the surface or while being hovered over the pressing area. The water well for the steam is easily accessible and holds a decent amount of water.

Smooth Soleplate. I have to say, this mini iron has the smoothest soleplate I’ve ever used. It just glides over the fabric. The tip is flat and thin and slips easily between two pieces of fabric.

Silicon Soulmate. The silicon resting mat that comes with the Oliso Mini Project Iron is cleverly called the soulmate and is very unique. It has two sides. One side has edges that lip over the soulplate for protection, storage and transportation. It’s simple to put on and take off. There is a little triangular design at the top that allows for hanging the mini iron if you don’t have shelf space for storage. It holds firmly enough that there is no concern of the mini iron releasing from the soulmate.

Flip the soulmate over, and it becomes the rest for the iron while at rest. Unlike the large Oliso iron, the mini iron doesn’t pop up on feet when at rest, so the soulmate is necessary for the mini iron. (You cannot tip this iron up as you would other irons; the placement of the cord does not allow you to do that.) The soulmate protects the pressing surface while the mini iron is at rest.

Things I’ve Had to Get Used To

There are some things I’ve had to get used to with the Oliso Mini Project Iron. While they wouldn’t keep me from purchasing the iron, I do want to highlight them for you.

The Grip. The grip is ergonomic and comfortable, but it does take some getting used to. Initially I kept wanting to grip behind the steam buttons, but quickly found that my hand would get tired, and my fingers would get very hot. It is important to grip the mini iron with your fingers fully on the steam buttons for both comfort and ease of use.

I also discovered that it is necessary to have your fingers fully over the buttons when depressing them in order for the steam function to work. Once you get the hang of it, it works like a dream.

The Heat. As I mentioned this little mini iron gets very hot, which is a big plus. Along with learning the proper grip, I also had to learn to trust that it wouldn’t scorch my pressing table while sitting on the soulmate. With the mini iron at its highest heat, and my pressing table covered with fabric, I kept a close eye on it. While it never did scorch, it was very warm under the soulmate. Once I turned the heat down to medium, I wasn’t as concerned but still cautious. Even at medium heat, the press was still nicely hot and crisp.

(Side Note: I have wool pressing mats, and I have yet to let it rest on my mat. I use my mat but have the mini iron off of the mat. )

While the issue of the heat beneath the soulmate concerns me, it would not be enough to make me reluctant to purchase it. If the heat is a concern, it would be easy enough to find an additional heat resistant surface for it to rest on.

No Auto Shutoff. My regular iron has auto shutoff, so this is something I need to get used to with this mini. When I’m done using it, I make sure it’s turned off and unplugged.

I hope this Oliso Mini Project Iron review has been helpful to you. I am delighted with my mini iron, and hope you will give it a try. Let me know if you have a question that I haven’t covered. I’ll be glad to answer it if I can.

Have a pieceful day, my friends!

Wendy