Abstract: In a steam iron an improvement is provided comprising a separate molded plastic baffle that is inserted from the bottom of the tank into the riser portion, the baffle having a transverse vertical wall extending completely across the tank. To the vertical wall, an integral horizontal wall is cantilevered on one side to provide a stop by abutting the underside of the tank top when inserted from the bottom. A pair of vertical channels is offset from the vertical wall on the other side thereof and the channels extend into the riser portion being spaced to provide an opening for handle-mounted components including the dump rod, the channels being designed to direct water into the tank. A slanted and offset aperture in the vertical wall for guiding ribs around it, the aperture providing a supported guide for the low end of the rod.

Abstract: In a lightweight steam iron with a soleplate and means to selectively deliver water for steam distribution and having a first plastic plate above the soleplate coextensive therewith and a skirt portion around the plastic plate with a second plastic housing having a handle and sealingly supported by the plate whereby the skirt and housing form internal water tank walls and also enclose other iron operating components. A water gauge is supplied for the iron and an improvement on the gauge in this combination includes an entirely integral elongated rectangular niche or cut-out with back, bottom and sides, so the niche forms one of the housing edges parallel to the handle. The niche has spaced apertures in its back side facing outwardly of the iron and connecting with the interior of the tank top.