Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I raved about this product to my friends when I first got it, but after fewer than perhaps 15 uses, the plastic (PLASTIC!) locking clips for the HOT metal plates MELTED, and rendered the otherwise well-designed product completely useless (and ruined my dinner, and I burned two oven mitts dealing with the hot metal plates and the food on them and on the floor). Obviously this is the Achilles heel of the machine -- and a MAJOR design flaw. (See all the other one star reviews having the exact same problem.) Fortunately I bought this at Sur la Table and they were able to look it up on the computer and take it back for a full refund to my credit card. I regret I can't replace it with the same thing with improved locking clips, but such is the state of affairs at Cuisinart. I expected better from the company, and frankly they have to know there's a problem by now and should have addressed it. This is so dangerous (not to mention the landfill factor). Just shameful. The same short life occurred with my Cuisinart rice cooker. I just don't buy their products anymore, especially since they ruined their food processors, which used to be the state of the art. Don't throw away your money on this. You'll regret it. I replaced this with this and it's been stellar, with no problems ever since: Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill