I was truly disappointed in this item. After purchasing it we followed the directions for conditioning the non-stick grids both before using it for the first time as well as before each use as listed in the “use and care guide.”

It sounds simple enough. Wait for the green indicator light to come on, add the batter close but do not latch the lid. The green light will go off, when it comes back on the waffle is ready. The only problem is the waffles were burnt and were stuck to the lid as though glued in place with epoxy glue. The waffles ripped into pieces when trying to get them loose from the maker and they also tasted like burnt toast crusts.

We said “Well, OK, maybe it just needs a couple of waffles cooked in it before they start to come out right.” 7 sheets of waffles later they were still coming out as bad as the first.

The price is great, the design is nice, the over all appearances are wonderful but it simply does not work, at least not for us.

I told my wife I would take it back to the store and exchange it. She said, “don’t you dare bring another one of those things home with you.”

It’s to bad too, we both love waffles.

Here’s what I’ve learned: First, read the directions carefully. Do exactly what they say. Except, disregard the non-stick claims! Get a spray bottle of canola oil. (Available at the grocery store near other oils.) Spray the black interior really, really well before adding batter. Over the years, I’ve needed less and less oil, but at first I needed a good spray before each batch.

Also, if you don’t have one, invest in a spatula that won’t melt at high heat. (They might cost as much as the waffle maker, but I use mine for all kinds of things…Rubbermaid Professional Heat Resistant Scraper). You will need it to pop the waffles out without burning your fingers.

Watch carefully. The light usually works for me, but you should also use steam as a clue. When it stops steaming, the waffles are done.

Lastly, if you use a recipe basic for pancakes, add an extra egg. It seems to help make them moist and fluffy.

I should also add that, as a health nut and author of the book Feeding the Kids, I always make whole-wheat waffles and don’t add much sugar to the batter since the waffles will be smothered with toppings anyway. However, I doubt these healthy waffles make much difference to how the waffle maker functions.

-The plates are NOT non-stick.

-They are also difficult to clean.

-The green light that lets you know when the waffles are ready, is notoriously incorrect.

Every time I’ve made waffles, they come out worse than the time before. So, I am tossing mine and looking for a maker that has removable plates. You get what you pay for after all.