(checked 2026-10-10)A second Prima listing (B01LOUU2WA) has 1,243 ratings and a 10% 1-2 star share. The 5,478-rating listing used here may pool variants.
Wirecutter's multitasking pick: it gets very hot (465°F) for one-pass straightening of thick curls, and it waves hair too. But the metal body gets hot, it is big for short hair, and Amazon owners report units failing at around 6 months.
Top complaints
- Body gets hot
The plates run to the edges and the stainless steel casing gets 'pretty darn hot' (Wirecutter). A few testers found it too hot to handle confidently without the included glove. Some Amazon owners mention burn risk.
- Bulky, few heat steps, easy-to-bump lock
It is 13 inches long and 14 oz, and testers with short hair found it cumbersome. It has only five settings, with a big jump from 410°F to 465°F. The lock sits where index fingers land, so testers engaged it by accident. There is no auto-off.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Some units fail; heat feedback mixed
Amazon's summary says several owners report it breaking after about 6 months (durability: 58 negative vs 23 positive mentions). Heating feedback is mixed, with some saying it doesn't get hot enough. Value for money is split.
What owners love
- One-pass straightening on curls
Testers with 3B-and-up curls could straighten sections in one pass thanks to the 465°F top setting. One called it 'crazy-powerful but effective' (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Doubles as a curling iron
Its near-cylindrical shape and beveled edge-to-edge plates make waves and curtain bangs easy, though the technique takes practice (Wirecutter). Amazon owners also like it for both straightening and curling.
- Sturdy, glides through hair
Wirecutter says everything about it feels sturdy, with a thick cloth-wrapped 9-foot cord. Amazon owners praise how it glides and leaves hair silky straight.
- You have chin-length or shorter hair
- You want fine temperature steps
- You have fine or fragile hair
- Thick, curly or coily hair that needs high heat
- Straightening and waving with one tool
- Long hair
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Pick for straightening plus curling (updated 2026-09-02). Its 465°F top setting is hotter than experts generally suggest (they cap it at about 420°F), but testers with tight curls valued it. It may be too big for short hair.