Hamilton Beach Durathon Steam Iron and Vertical Steamer (Model 19701) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and care of your Hamilton Beach Durathon Steam Iron and Vertical Steamer, Model 19701. Please read all instructions thoroughly before first use and retain this manual for future reference.

Figure 1: Hamilton Beach Durathon Steam Iron, Model 19701.

The Hamilton Beach Durathon Steam Iron features a scratch-resistant soleplate, adjustable steam settings, an 8-foot cord wrap for storage, 3-way auto shutoff, anti-drip technology, and a self-cleaning function. It operates at 1500 Watts, providing efficient wrinkle removal and vertical steaming capabilities.

2. Important Safety Information

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using the iron.
• Use the iron only for its intended use.
• To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not immerse the iron in water or other liquids.
• Always turn the iron OFF before plugging or unplugging from the electrical outlet. Never yank cord to disconnect from the outlet; instead, grasp plug and pull to disconnect.
• Do not allow cord to touch hot surfaces. Let the iron cool completely before putting away. Loop cord loosely around the iron when storing.
• Always disconnect the iron from the electrical outlet when filling with water or emptying, and when not in use.
• Do not operate the iron with a damaged cord or if the iron has been dropped or damaged. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble the iron; take it to a qualified serviceman for examination and repair. Incorrect reassembly can cause a risk of electric shock when the iron is used.
• Close supervision is necessary for any appliance being used by or near children. Do not leave the iron unattended while connected or on an ironing board.
• Burns can occur from touching hot metal parts, hot water, or steam. Use caution when you turn a steam iron upside down – there may be hot water in the reservoir.
• The iron must be used and rested on a stable surface.
• When placing the iron on its stand, ensure that the surface on which the stand is placed is stable.

3. Product Components

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your Hamilton Beach Steam Iron:

Figure 2: Iron dimensions and key features. Note the temperature dial, steam buttons, and water fill opening.

• Soleplate: The heated surface that glides over fabric. This model features a Durathon nonstick soleplate.
• Water Fill Opening: Located on the top of the iron, used to add water to the reservoir.
• Temperature Control Dial: Adjusts the heat setting for different fabric types.
• Adjustable Steam Switch: Controls the amount of steam produced (Dry Iron, Min, Max).
• Spray Button: Releases a fine mist of water.
• Steam Blast Button / Self-Clean Button: Provides a powerful burst of steam; also used for the self-cleaning function.
• Cord Wrap: Integrated storage for the power cord at the heel of the iron.

4. Setup

4.1 Initial Use

Before using your iron for the first time, remove any labels or protective covers from the soleplate. It is recommended to iron an old piece of fabric (e.g., a cotton towel) to ensure the soleplate is clean and to remove any manufacturing residues.

4.2 Filling the Water Reservoir

1. Ensure the iron is unplugged from the electrical outlet.
2. Set the Adjustable Steam Switch to the "Dry Iron" position.
3. Open the water fill cover.
4. Using a measuring cup, carefully pour tap water into the water fill opening until it reaches the "MAX FILL" line. Do not overfill.
5. Close the water fill cover securely.

Figure 3: Steam output from the iron's soleplate.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Temperature Settings

1. Plug the iron into a standard electrical outlet.
2. Turn the Temperature Control Dial to the desired fabric setting (e.g., Silk, Wool, Cotton, Linen). Refer to garment care labels for appropriate settings.
3. Allow the iron to heat up. The indicator light will turn off when the selected temperature is reached.

5.2 Dry Ironing

For dry ironing, ensure the Adjustable Steam Switch is set to the "Dry Iron" position. Iron garments as needed, following the recommended temperature settings.

5.3 Steam Ironing

For steam ironing, ensure the water reservoir is filled. Once the iron has reached the desired temperature (indicator light off), move the Adjustable Steam Switch to the "Min" or "Max" steam setting. Steam will begin to emit from the soleplate. For an extra burst of steam, press the Steam Blast Button.

5.4 Vertical Steaming

The iron can be used as a vertical steamer for hanging garments or drapes. Ensure the water reservoir is filled and the iron is heated to a high temperature setting (e.g., Linen). Hold the iron upright, close to the fabric, and press the Steam Blast Button repeatedly to release bursts of steam. Do not allow the soleplate to touch the fabric during vertical steaming.

Figure 4: Using the iron for vertical steaming.

5.5 Spray Function

To dampen fabric, press the Spray Button. This is useful for stubborn wrinkles or for fabrics that require moisture before ironing.

5.6 3-Way Auto Shutoff

For safety and energy conservation, the iron is equipped with a 3-way auto shutoff feature:

• If left motionless on its soleplate, the iron will automatically power off after approximately 30 seconds.
• If left motionless on its side, the iron will automatically power off after approximately 30 seconds.
• If left motionless upright on its heel, the iron will automatically power off after approximately 15 minutes.

To reset the iron after auto shutoff, simply move it. The iron will begin reheating to the last selected temperature.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Self-Cleaning Function

Regularly using the self-cleaning function helps remove lint and mineral buildup, extending the life of your iron. Perform this function over a sink.

Figure 5: Self-Clean button location.

1. Turn the Temperature Control Dial to OFF (O) and set the Adjustable Steam Switch to "Dry Iron".
2. Fill the iron with water to approximately half of its maximum capacity.
3. Turn the Temperature Control Dial to the "Linen" setting and allow the iron to heat for 2 minutes. Keep the Adjustable Steam Switch on "Dry Iron".
4. Turn the Temperature Control Dial to OFF (O). Unplug the iron and hold it over a sink with the soleplate facing down.
5. Turn the Adjustable Steam Switch to "MAX" while pressing the Self-Clean/Blast Button repeatedly. Boiling water and steam will flow out of the steam vents. Allow all water to drain from the iron.
6. Gently move the iron front to back to allow water to clean the entire soleplate area.
7. If water still remains inside the soleplate, reheat the iron as indicated in Step 3 and repeat the draining process.

6.2 Cleaning the Soleplate

To clean the soleplate, use the steam function on an old cotton towel. Fill the unit with water, allow the unit to heat on the cotton setting for 2 minutes, then use the steam feature while ironing on the cotton towel. This will help remove any buildup that may be on the soleplate.

6.3 Emptying Water After Use

Always empty all water from the reservoir after each use. If water is not emptied, it may interact with the metal components of the iron and cause water discoloration, which could then discolor clothing during future use.

6.4 Cord Storage

The 8-foot cord can be wrapped around the heel of the iron for neat and easy storage. To access the cord storage, gently pull and wiggle the cord storage section at the rear of the iron.

Figure 6: Cord wrap feature for convenient storage.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Model: 19701
• Power: 1500 Watts
• Soleplate Material: Durathon (Aluminum with ceramic and nonstick coating)
• Special Features: Self-Cleaning, Anti-Drip, 3-Way Auto Shutoff, Vertical Steam, Cord Wrap
• Product Dimensions: 11.8"L x 4.7"W
• Item Weight: 14.1 ounces
• UPC: 040094197019
• Year of Manufacture: 2012

Figure 7: Durathon soleplate, 10x more durable than traditional nonstick.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Warranty Information

This Hamilton Beach iron comes with a One (1) year warranty. Additionally, the Durathon soleplate is covered by a Ten (10) year limited warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Figure 8: Ten-year limited soleplate warranty.

9.2 Customer Support

For further assistance, product registration, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the official Hamilton Beach website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or product packaging.

Hamilton Beach Official Website: www.hamiltonbeach.com