Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was gifted a waffle iron a good 10+ years ago; it looked a lot like the one I've bought again. Almost instantly I am reminded why I used the first waffle iron I had once and let it collect dust until I donated it when I moved last. I think it is most important to note that the waffle batter is important. Baking is science basically and this should be no different. I read some of the complaints here and I realize that what is missing is the recipe people used. The recipe could likely be the culprit behind lack luster waffles, right? So in short, my recipe includes egg whites, cornstarch, baking soda and baking powder alongside of vegetable oil and flour. There is some sugar, vanilla, buttermilk, and milk in there as well. I think the baking soda and cornstarch are pretty important to a waffle that crisps, has good air, and is light. Maybe I am wrong. The waffle iron is what people say that it is, a waffle iron. The price point can raise concerns that there are quality issues and I don't deny that I will have to see what happens down the line, but for starters, this waffle iron seemed solid enough to give me what I wanted and that is a waffle. I made my batter, heated the iron and poured exactly ½ cup of batter in the center of the iron. I closed the lid and the lid lifted. It should not have done that at all, right? Well it did. I set the iron on 3 as the directions suggested (as did other reviews) and waited for the green light. In all the excitement I watched the green light go on and I just kept taking pictures. I left the waffle on there a bit too long but you know, it is a throw away because it was the first I made out of the box (after wiping the iron down) and I wasn't about to eat that. I posted some pictures. The first one shows the waffle a bit darker than what I like and stuck to the top. That was tossed. I show pictures of the lid lifted, the batter (1/2 cup exactly) oozing out a bit, and of course the separation between the front and back of the lid. Attempt 2: This one I actually waited for the green light to go on and then I lifted the lid. I suggest using a hot glove because there was enough steam and heat that was a bit hot on the wrist. Attempt 2 resulted in a split waffle. It was that moment that I realized I hated waffle irons or that I recall hating them. What a hot mess, right? Attempt 3: Well this is going a bit better. I increased the time to "4"and waited. I used ½ cup of batter and lifted the lid slightly. It resisted so I took another 30 seconds or so and lifted the lid again. It split mostly but stuck to the top more. I tried it out just to see if my new batter recipe was delicious; I mean I am sure going through a lot just to find out the darn recipe was disgusting. It was delicious and I was pleased. I gave some to the dog and she was pretty happy. She doesn't judge when the waffle served to her is split. Attempt 4: Thinking about my timing and realizing that setting 3 is not enough time and nor is 4, I thought I could either increase it or just leave the waffle on there a bit longer after the green light is on. I opted to go with setting 4 and another 30-45 seconds on the clock after the green light went on. Eureka!! I had a waffle! What is the secret other than time? Well I called on Pam. I realize it is said that non-stick spray isn't necessary (and shouldn't be used on non-stick surfaces anyway) but Pam was the only saving grace I think. For the price of this thing I won't worry about messing up the surface, I guess. Also, I used just slightly less than ½ cup of batter. It made a difference. I don't need a perfectly round waffle, I'm not IHOP. This was suitable for eating. Attempt 5: I figured I needed another waffle or at least one to share with the dog so off I went. This time I used the same "just shy" of ½ cup of batter, setting 4 and 30-45 seconds more on the clock. This one was equally delicious and the dog was pretty stoked that I didn't give up. My tummy was happy I stuck with it as well. So here it is... You get what you pay for, blah blah blah, but if you think that your first waffle out of the gate is going to be a winner then you're wrong. Unless you've done this before, I assure you that the amount of batter you were so worried about wasting will be used on throw away waffles. For $30 this is a keeper. After using it another two mornings I found that the best thing to do is let it heat up for a good amount of time before the first waffle. Even if the red light turns green, I suggest waiting. Letting it get to a real nice temp is key and the last time I used it, I didn't have to use PAM at all. It could be that it is seasoned a bit but something this inexpensive doesn't seem like it will have the best non-stick coating on it in the first place. Unlike cast-iron for example. I'm still quite happy with this. I will add that I do not get the spillage that people seem to get in the images. I would probably stop using it if I had that much clean up. This is out of being lazy more so than anything else. I think it is important to adjust the batter portion to get it to a point where you don't get spillage. I also think the batter matters. I didn't use the basic batter recipe. Pros: Price Works Makes classic waffles instead of those thick Belgium ones. Easy to use Quick cleanup Stores easily Cons: Plastic timer dial thing is well, plastic and cheap.