I got a new waffle maker!
The other one that I had, the one Rich got me for my birthday a couple years back (Cuisinart WAF-100) still works, but due to a "metal utensil vs. non-stick coating" incident that somebody had, it was damaged and needed to be replaced. Unfortunately it has been discontinued and since the plates aren't removable, buying them separately from the machine was out of the question.
After doing some research and lots of browsing, I chose the WAF-300 model.
It has a beautiful brushed stainless steel exterior and a matching handle. It fits in perfectly with our other kitchen appliances.
Here it is fitted with its "pancake" plates, but it's not just for pancakes! It makes super quick eggs and is awesome for making breakfast sandwiches.
These are the non-stick waffle plates with nice deep pockets as Belgian waffles should have. There's a button on the right hand side of the machine, top and bottom that releases the plates for easy clean up. A little soap and water does the job!
What a beauty! This machine works great. My waffles come out golden and crispy outside and nice and fluffy inside. Of course it depends on your batter- I've been making vegan waffles and don't even miss the eggs, milk and butter in them.
And of course, a pair of non-stick safe tongs. They're included in the box which I am thankful for!
If you're in the market for a waffle maker, I highly suggest you find one with removable plates. I can't stress this enough. The worst thing to happen is to buy a waffle maker and not use it, because you dread the clean up. We got a great deal on this Cuisinart machine, at Shop.ca for $70. The pancake plates were a bonus.
The only improvement I would like to see with the WAFF-300, would be the ability open the top all the way flat, so that it becomes a griddle. It would also be nice to have addition plates so both sides would be fitted with pancake plates or the griddle plates. Oh and I wish companies would make appliances that have the option of silencing the alarms. Or at least volume adjustments!
I totally recommend this machine.
The plan is to waffle anything and everything food!!