Just to add, specifically on the dressmaking question, for fusing interfacings I always use a dry iron with a pressing cloth. There is no way that 'intelligent technology' iron would be hot enough for the task. I do have a £14 iron from Lidl for the sewing room, which was a great buy, but I wouldn't want to tackle a pile of ironing with it.
This thread is very useful for helping me decide what to get to replace the hated Phillips. I'll probably go back to Tefal. So many thanks, Bobbinalong!