Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this item for use at my beach house, in spite of many reviews that stated the product would not heat up sufficiently. The waffle iron arrived as promised and works like a charm. Removable, dishwasher safe grids are fantastic. Folding handle helps with storage. My family was so impressed that another one was purchased for use at our primary residence. The 2nd waffle iron DID NOT HEAT TO NEEDED TEMPERATURE (as indicated by many other reviews). A call to Hamilton Beach customer support was no help. I was advised to pre-heat and cook longer. Still did not finish waffles. I turned on the waffle maker with the grids removed, and realized that the heating elements were not turning red. Another call to Hamilton Beach was no help at all. Due to a family vacation, I waited too long to return the 2nd none-functioning waffle maker. But I still love the 1st working unit. I purchased a 3rd Waffle Iron. When it arrived and was fresh of the delivery truck, I unboxed the unit, removed the grids and plugged the unit in. The heating elements glowed a reassuring red and generated lots of heat. Bottom line is that the product is outstanding if you get one that works. Do the "red heating element visual test" as soon as your product arrives. If you got a good one congrats, if not, send that puppy back and request a replacement, repeat as needed. My batting average is .666 (2 for 3). I love this product's design and the waffles that it makes. Just make sure the one that is delivered can heat up to the desired temperature...