Learn about the Oliso M3Pro Project Iron in this product review and comparison. Comparing the M3Pro to the M2Pro Mini Project Iron.
This is a sponsored post. Oliso provided me with the M3Pro Project Iron in exchange for an honest product view. Although this post is sponsored by Oliso, the opinions are 100% my own!
When I first launched the Hooked on Sewing blog in October 2021, Oliso was kind enough to help me celebrate the launch with a giveaway. I was so excited to work with such a great company and provide my readers with an opportunity to win an essential sewing tool.
But, guess what? I honestly didn’t feel like I could recommend the Oliso M2Pro. I really wanted it to be an amazing mini iron and I wanted to be able to say to you “buy this iron”. But, I couldn’t.
![Oliso M3Pro Project Iron with Solemate](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/HOS-Oliso-M3Pro-Project-Iron-01-683x1024.jpg)
Oliso M3Pro Project Iron Comparison
Before I tell you all the wonderful things about the Oliso M3Pro Project Iron, let me explain what my issues were with the M2Pro.
Video Review
I put together this video showing the M2Pro and M3Pro irons from Oliso. You’ll see me unboxing the M3Pro and comparing the features of both irons. CLICK HERE or on the below image to go to my YouTube channel to watch the video.
What I Don’t Like About the M2Pro Mini Project Iron
- Handle – The handle was just not comfortable nor was it a natural grip. And my fingers were just too close to the heat source.
- Steam – The M2Pro has steam buttons in front of the handle that you have to squeeze with your thumb and index finger. The problem is that you have to squeeze REALLY hard. And then once you do get the steam to work, you may not be able to get it to work the next time. Just inconsistent and very difficult to use. So difficult that I recommend you NOT use the steam function.
- Cord – It may seem like it’s a good idea to have a swivel cord on the back of the iron, but it’s not. The placement of the cord prevents you from having the ability to stand the iron up vertically.
![M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-01-1024x683.jpg)
Feature Comparison
Here are the features of the M2Pro and M3Pro irons. If you were to just look at the features, you would think the only differences are the LED light, auto-off, size and weight, and dual steam zones.
FEATURE
LED Light
Ceramic-Flow Soleplate
Detailer Tip
Auto-Off
Fabric Selector
Solemate
8′ cord
Warranty
Iron Size
Weight
Dual Zone Steam
Watt Power
8′ Cord
M2Pro
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
3 year
7.5″Lx3.7″Wx3.7″H
1.6lbs
No
1,000
Yes
M3Pro
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 year
7.9″Lx4.4″Wx4.4″H
2.0lbs
Yes
1,000
Yes
Like I said, if you just look at the set of features, there doesn’t appear to be much of a difference. But, let me tell you there is a BIG difference!
![soulplate of M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-06-1024x683.jpg)
![left side view of M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-02-1024x683.jpg)
![water fill port M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-03-1024x683.jpg)
![front view M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-04-1024x683.jpg)
![top view M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-05-1024x683.jpg)
Oliso M3Pro Project Iron Review
So, I talked about what I don’t like about the M2Pro Mini Project Iron and gave you a side-by-side list of the features and specs of both irons. Now, let me tell you what I like about the M3Pro model.
ProLight™
The ProLigh is a genius idea from a quilter named Dorothy Hackethal. Dorothy thought it would be a “bright idea” to add a light directly to the iron. It is very clever!
![Oliso M3Pro Project Iron](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-09-1024x683.jpg)
Solemate™
Both irons come with a silicone mat that Oliso cleverly calls a “Solemate”. The mat has a dual purpose. One side is an iron rest, the other side is for storing the iron. The Solemates also have built-in storage loops – perfect for hanging the iron for storing.
![side view of the M3Pro and soulmate](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-10-1024x683.jpg)
Ergonomic Handle
The handle of the M3Pro fits snugly in your hand. It gives you a good grip and keeps your fingers safely away from the heat of the iron.
![grip on M3Pro](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-12-1024x683.jpg)
Dual-Zone Steam
There is a front steam zone and a rear zone. You can operate the zones independently or together.
![M2Pro and M3Pro soulplates](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-06-1-1024x683.jpg)
Fabric Selector
Although the M2Pro also has three fabric selector settings. The M3Pro is lit up and you can actually hear the iron click into place at each of the settings: Synthetic, Wool, and Cotton/Linen.
![top view of M2Pro and M3Pro irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/Oliso-Project-Irons-05-1-1024x683.jpg)
Auto-Off
The M3Pro heats up pretty quickly. But, it also has a safety shut-off that will automatically put the iron into standby mode after 30 minutes when you have the iron in the vertical position or 10 minutes in the horizontal position. All you have to do to turn the iron back on or take it out of standby mode is to grab ahold of the iron and raise or lift it.
Lefty Cord Conversion
I am not left-handed, but I know plenty of lefties. Fortunately, you can actually switch the M3Pro cord from a righty to a lefty. Just follow the instructions in the “changing cord exit position”. CLICK HERE or on the below image to download the instructions.
Where to Buy the Oliso M3Pro Project Iron
You can buy the M3Pro online from Oliso, Amazon, Fat Quarter Shop and other online retailers. It’s also available in your favorite craft stores, quilt shops, or home goods stores.
![side view of M3Pro Project Iron](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/HOS-Oliso-M3Pro-Project-Iron-02-683x1024.jpg)
Summary
The M3Pro is a great travel size iron. Whether you use it for sewing or quilting, you’ll find the compact, ergonomic, lightweight design of the iron to be the perfect mini iron. The iron will fit nicely right next to your sewing machine and stows away easily for travel.
Do I recommend the Oliso M3Pro Project Iron? Definitely!
If you are limited on space or simply like the convenience of having an iron right next to your sewing machine, you’ll love the new and improved M3Pro Project Iron from Oliso!
If you have questions about the Oliso M2Pro, M3Pro, or the full size TG1600 irons, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
![M2Pro and M3Pro project irons](https://hookedonsewing.com/wp-content/uploads/HOS-Oliso-M3Pro-Project-Iron-03-683x1024.jpg)
I purchased my little pink Oliso project iron after watching several YouTube reviews. The company was out of the popular mini iron, so I had to wait for it a bit to be restocked, and when I finally received it, I was very disappointed. I couldn’t get it to stream, no matter how much I researched it again. I hadn’t been sewing as much at the time with other projects at the forefront of my day. I was revamping an empty nest bedroom into my sewing/craft room. So it is interesting that you had the same concerns I do. If I need steam, I head downstairs to my laundry room. The very place I wanted to avoid when marathon sewing. It makes me wonder how valid all those reviews really were. Had thet sewed like I do or just tried it for the video is suspect. Perhaps they occasionally used it and simply got a free iron. A true user, like you or me, would have known this little iron for what it is. A toy that does get hot and useful if you have a spray bottle handy. I should check my purchase date again, but the newer one is likely more expensive. So much for coordinating my room in colors and tools that actually work. Thanks for an honest review.
I was definitely disappointed with the M2Pro. Had I actually spent money on it, I would have been even more disappointed.
I do like the Auto-lift feature of the full size Oliso iron, but I doubt I would ever pay that much for an iron. I had a Rowena that I just loved, until it got dropped in our move.
I am glad to report the M3Pro is a huge improvement over the previous version. I’ve used it quite a bit over the past week, both with and without steam and it’s worked just great.
I haven’t actually tried any other mini iron, so I’m afraid I can’t really recommend any besides the new Oliso M3Pro.
Thanks for leaving your feedback!!
Pam Baker
Hooked on Sewing
I’m disappointed with my Mimi pro too! It turns off and I can’t get it to turn on again. I use the standby when not using it for the moment so it doesn’t turn off ( red light showing) and it use to work, but after a couple on months it stopped working! I called company as I think it had a short coming on and off, and they are replacing it. OOS right now but will be in in July. I hope this next one works so I will love it again! On that note, I didn’t like the handle as I like to have my hand around a handle for a good grip, like you’re supposed to have. Also I never use steam so I don’t have to worry about calcium deposits since you aren’t supposed to use distilled water.
Hi, Cynthia. I hope that Oliso is sending you the new M3Pro and not the M2. The M3 is such a better mini iron than the M2. Just no comparison, in my opinion. Let me know how it goes.
I used my M2 for the first time yesterday and couldn’t get it to steam. Of course I hadn’t brought my spray bottle with me so was pretty annoyed. Also noticed the way I had to grip the phone with my fingers; Not good.
I really appreciate your review as I have been looking for one before I invest in the M3 Pro Mini. I am sold after reading it except I now can’t find the aqua one anywhere, just the pink or pistachio ones. Do you know why?
Thank you for a thorough review.
I just know the aqua is out of stock. Maybe the demand for that color was greater than Oliso expected?
The M3 is definitely a better iron and one I feel comfortable recommending. I did also recently purchase the Dritz mini iron. It’s a very inexpensive option. The only “con” for me with the Dritz is its light weight. The cord tends to pull the iron.
And, personally, I do prefer the Oliso. I don’t know if it’s worth the price difference. But if you had the two irons in front of you, you could clearly see and feel the difference. The Dritz is about 1/4 the price. Just something to consider.
Let me know what you decide!