Update to my original review May 2023: I wanted to come back here now to tell everyone how much I still use and love this waffle maker. So, I planned on buying this back in 2020 anyway; however, it really was a bonus at the time because COVID-19 had just begun and we had this during lockdown and work/school from home. Well, it's now 2023 -- 3 years later and this waffle maker is still awesome. I make waffles for all the mornings after kid sleep-overs. Moms ask me about my waffles because their kids/teens love them so much and they can't seem to replicate what I do. Now...I'm no Betty Crocker, so I blame a lot of it on this particular maker. First, the size is perfect. It's a good size waffle for most people. The two-sided cooker means that I can keep the waffles flowing when we have crowds too. I tend to make a big batch normally and freeze them for school mornings (I pop it on a plate for 30 sec, turn over for another 30 sec and it's perfect). They are large waffles, so my kids sometimes only eat half one morning and save the other half for another morning. I finally found the perfect tupperware to store them too (8" diameter x 4" height) through publishers clearing house. lol (see pic) It has a flat bottom so I can store up to 5 waffles in there (I generally separate them with wax paper). Although I will make them from scratch often -- I find the Krusteaz Belgian Waffle mix is very good when you want to do it with much less work. I use the Professional version as you don't need to add eggs and you can make as much or as little as you want. I tend to make my waffles a bit more fluid as it makes them fluffier/less dense. (so I add more water to the batter so it pours easily). Less water will give you a thicker batter and a more dense waffle. Both are good, we just prefer fluffy. As for clean-up, it's still a pain. But really, nothing too horrible -- takes a few minutes at most, once cooled. I let it cool down for at least a half hour, take a wad of paper towels to wipe all the inner surfaces and use some glass cleaner around the outside afterwards to get off any dripped grease from the Pam that I use to quickly coat the inside before pouring in the batter.So, after three years of relatively constant use (at least 3-4 times per month because I make large batches), my Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker (2 sided) is still working great. We love everything about it. Clean up is a bit of a hassle, but that's why I also make large batches because I don't have time in the morning for cleanup.I do not use this to do any of the other recipes in videos. I see folks cooking with cheese and sauces and all that. Well, that's really not me. I bought this with one purpose in mind and only use it for that. So, for me, clean-up is really easy. For other stuff, I pull out a frying pan. So, I really can't tell you about that side of it.Original Review Written in 2020: I've always wanted a waffle maker -- even better -- Belgian Waffle maker. But I was worried it would not be used after a while, and clean up in the past for all these sorts of things was horrible. Not with this one. Every week I'm making a batch because my son absolutely loves them. I usually make a bunch and freeze them for the week because of schedules and work. I've made some from scratch; but I have to admit that most of the time it's easiest to use a mix (Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix, is my preferred).Directions: I use a very light spray of Pam, because the oil wasn't as efficient and Pam gives it a lighter, more complete coverage. I also make sure the batter is able to flow of a spoon, rather than being thick. BUT not too watery. I find this helps move the batter around better for a more complete waffle. I do not necessarily like a crunchy waffle, so I start with it on "3." However, as I cook more waffles, I find I need to turn it down to almost "2" because the temperature continues to rise. A silicon set of tongs makes removal very safe and easy -- kids can help on that end.Pros: Easy clean-up, very simple to use, perfect waffles every time. I've added chocolate chips to batter and fruit and nothing sticks and it's very easy to just wipe it out once cooled.Cons: If you do use a little too much Pam, you'll find it drips down the back, the temperature setting could be more accurate (but not a huge issue), maybe a slightly longer cord would be nice too. As you can see, I really do not have many cons here. This thing has been perfect so far. Unlike some of the other posts, I've not seen any of the problems with the plastic on the back melting or anything...so I can only imagine that they have since addressed the issue? I bought mine a few months ago and we have used it regularly since, without issue.Suggestions for Cuisinart: Accessories would be nice!!! Like a case/cover to protect it when it's on the counter or put into a cabinet. But I would especially love to see an 8" round waffle freezer storage box -- maybe to hold 3 or 4 waffles? That would make my day (especially ecofriendly)!!!All-in-all, I completely recommend this waffle maker to anyone...well, waffling about which one to get.