After I ordered this waffle maker, I went back and reviewed all the advice previous purchasers gave about it. I was shocked by all the disappointment people had with it, but it made me even more curious about what it would be like. I have to say that even after only one use, I completely disagree with the bad reviews this waffle maker had received!
I understand that it would be frustrating if it dies after only a few months or even a year. We all desire for small appliances to last a long time. And since I just received it this week, I cannot speak to how it will fare for me, BUT, it's performance and the pleasure of my family at breakfast this morning far outweighs my concerns about a short life span of this waffle maker.
It makes amazing !!! waffles. My mom always gave me the advice that before you start trying your own recipes, use the ones that come with the machine. So, I started out with the overnight waffle recipe from the manual. I made it last night and then added the eggs, vanilla, and baking soda this morning per the recipe. I followed the directions (which were wonderfully detailed) and made a batch of delicious waffles. I started with the setting on #4 as the manual recommended and actually preferred them a little darker (in between the 4 and 5). My husband was blown away by how light and airy the waffles were. We (my husband, mother, and I) all agreed that we have never had a lighter, airier waffle!
So, I am truly excited about this waffle maker. There are a few other reasons (besides the waffles themselves) why I love this waffle maker. #1: There is an audible beep when it is ready to be used and it beeps when the waffle is done. This is great for a mom like me (of 3 little ones) who is always on the go and not always within eyeshot of the waffle maker.
#2: There is an on/off switch. Every other waffle maker I've ever seen only turns on and off with the plug in of the cord.
#3: The cord neatly wraps around the inside of the bottom.
#4: The measuring cup is the perfect guide of how much to put in for each waffle.
#5: The nonstick grid works great. I sprayed it each time with cooking spray (and the directions note not to spray it until it is heated and ready for use). I used regular cooking spray from BJ's. I didn't need to pay for the expensive high heat spray and it still worked great. I noticed another reviewer preferred that and I'm sure it works great, but if you don't have it, your regular spray will work fine.
#6: The removable tray that goes under the waffle maker makes clean up a snap!
I did carefully read and follow the directions which made it easy to use. Use the enclosed measuring cup (which is packed in the carboard around the waffle maker), pour in the batter, and then turn 180 degrees, and cook. At first, my batter oozed out along the edge. The main reason for that is that our kitchen is a tiny bit slanted. But, I think all houses are like that. So, make sure you pick the counter in your kitchen that is most level.
As for the cost versus the life of this appliance, I have one thought to share--For my family, it would cost $45 for us to go out to breakfast and have Belgian waffles in a restaurant. After only 2 breakfasts, this waffle maker will have paid for itself!
Happy Waffling!