T-fal SM601003A Avante Nonstick Sandwich/Waffle Maker

Purchased: May 4, 2006

It works really well. It is sturdy. The heating elements are thick and also seem like they will last.

The interchangeable plates are connected by two "lips" towards the hinge and two push-button retractable retaining clips in the front of the unit, sort of like what you would see on some built-on luggage locks.

It is easy to clean, even the stainless top. The plates do pop off easily and clean well in the dishwasher.

UPDATE: (Jan 2007) It is still going strong and the non-stick plates are still doing a good job. One problem with the unit is trying to oil/butter the upper plate because the butter or oil tends to drip inside the unit. The next time it heats up, it leaves a bit of a residue on the counter. As someone suggested, a non-stick spray may work better, but I prefer not to use propellants.

UPDATE: (Feb 2009) I'm amazed this thing still works so well. The non-stick surface is still intact, no peeling. It still makes great waffles. I couldn't be more pleased.

UPDATE: (August 2010) Still makes wonderful waffles. I really received a good return on my investment. The non-stick plates are still holding up well. Love this thing.

UPDATE: (October 2011) Still works well. Love it!

UPDATE: (June 2012) Still going strong...

This seems to be a pretty popular item since it's always out of stock. I finally received mine and have made sandwiches and waffles. The plates are easy to remove and clean. The pocket sandwiches turned out great. A regular slice of bread overlaps the edge of the plates and the crust gets really crispy, which to me is the best part. The sandwiches need to sit a couple of minutes to crisp up once they are taken out of the machine. I think the Avante did a decent job on the waffles but keep in mind this isn't intended to serve up a quick breakfast for a large family. The recipes included with the machine makes 12 waffles which will take over 20 minutes to cook. I make 6 to eat right away and finish and put the rest in the freezer for another day.

I have also used the waffle plates to make the garlic shimp kebobs recipe that's in the instruction manual. They were really good.

Also, the plates may smoke a bit when they are used for the first time, mine did, but the taste of the food wasn't affected.

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OUR T-FAL AVANTE SANDWICH MAKER HAS ALREADY PAID FOR ITSELF. WE HAVE MADE DELICIOUS WAFFLES AND GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES. THE RECIPES INCLUDED ARE VERY GOOD. THE PLATES THAT SNAP OUT FOR EASY-CLEAN IN THE DISHWASHER ARE A BIG PLUS.ALSO, THE INDICATOR LIGHTS LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR SANDWICH OR WAFFLE IS DONE TO A 'T.'

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This is a great sandwich and waffle maker for a couple or a single person since it only makes two at a time. This is fine for my house but may not be for yours. The plates are non-stick and dishwasher safe but the best thing about them is that they pop out with the touch of a button and snap back in easily. We received this for a wedding gift and have used it at least 3 times a week ever since.

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It makes pocket (almost Panini) sandwiches and it makes waffles.

Not many cookers out there that do both, and this one does them well.

Is it as good at toasting sandwiches as a $100 Panini Grill? No, but unless you really do a lot of that, who needs it?

The sandwiches work really well, and the waffles are good.

It only does two at a time, but again, unless you feeding a lot of people...

For under $30 this is a real bargain.