Number 1, I do not like to spend a lot of time on my hair.  I got things to do, places to see, and so I needed a curling iron that did what I needed it to do... make me look pretty in 4 minutes or less.  This does it!!! It heats up fast and it is just the right diameter to do what I need... curl my bangs.  I was glad I read the reviews about how hot it gets because, yup, this machine DOES get hot so I only put it to a medium heat level.  I love the easy way the bar flips up and down so I can I easily lay it on the counter while I brush my hair.  The only problem is it does not automatically shut off.  Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.