T-Fal SM601003A Avante Nonstick Sandwich/Waffle Maker
|
List Price: Category: Kitchen See more product details |
|---|
(Click here)
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of T-Fal SM601003A Avante Nonstick Sandwich/Waffle Maker
Customer Review: Love this thing!
Summary: 4 Stars
I had the Cuisinart WM-SW2 Dual-Sandwich Nonstick Electric Grill for a couple of years and it served me satisfactorily, but it had a few issues. Firstly, I always thought it overcooked the sandwiches a bit. This was not too much of an issue, you just took them out earlier than the timer indicated. Secondly, it was not so easy to keep clean, despite my best efforts, with lots of nooks and crannies that gathered crumbs, grease, or melted food. Thirdly, and the main reason I abandoned it, was that the plastic non-stick coating on the hot grilling plates eventually wore off, so it had to be replaced anyway.
Enter the T-Fal Avante. True, it was a little more pricey than the Cuisinart, but already I'm a big fan. Worth noting is that this one DOESN'T have a timer for when the sandwiches are done like the Cuisinart has, but that's not a problem. The hot plates on this one are metal and heat up so well you only need a minute or so to get lovely golden-brown toasted sandwiches. The fact that these metal plates are removable is a real bonus. It makes it much easier to clean by running them under the tap. As there aren't the same nooks and crannies like in the Cuisinart, the entire machine remains much cleaner and generally more hygienic.
So, in the end we have a more expensive machine, but its solid metal plates, excellent heating abilities, and easy clean-up make it a real joy to use. One thing to note though is that I've only used this for sandwiches... not sure on its waffle-making skills, but I'm sure it must be able to do a good job. As others have mentioned, the plastic latch could be a problem in the future as it feels quite weak, and seriously sandwich-maker folks: isn't it about time these machines came with a dedicated on/off switch on the unit itself? I don't mind removing it from the outlet, but I always worry that one day I'll forget and burn myself or damage the machine.
Customer Review: Makes superb grilled cheese sandwiches
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my second T-Fal Avante Waffle & Sandwich Maker. I dropped the last one on the kitchen floor once too often -- the heating element still worked, but the hinges were broken.
I love anything made with melted cheese (except maybe ice cream), and I like this product because it makes crispy, evenly-browned grilled cheese sandwiches. Try it with good quality French bread, swiss and smoked turkey. Other styles I've had did not brown as evenly, or make the sandwiches so crispy.
The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove your sandwich in one piece, even if some cheese seeps out onto the plate. I do spread a small amount of margarine (I use soft tub margarine) on the outside of the bread before making my sandwich. The click-in plates are easy to clean. The outside of the appliance can be cleaned with stainless steel cleaner. My old one is still shiny on the outside, and I must have used it 500 times.
I have never made waffles with the appliance, since I am not crazy about waffles, and have no more children living at home.
My only criticism is that the T-Fal Avante Waffle & Sandwich Maker should be bigger -- not deeper, but wider and longer. If you make your sandwich too thick, the cheese that runs out the edges sometimes seeps into the hinges. And the hinges are difficult to clean.
However, even if this happens, you can still remove the sandwich from the grill easily, and it still tastes delicious.
ONE last thing: The price on this item is very variable. It went down several dollars since I bought it (must be tied to the stock market), and is not listed as on sale.
Customer Review: very pleased
Summary: 4 Stars
I have used this item a handful of times, so I can't vouch for the durability, but I'm very pleased so far. It's small and can stand on end for vertical storage. The removable plates are a huge factor for me. I love that for cleaning! As for the waffles: I made sure to lightly butter the plates every other batch and let it come back to temp before the next batch. It doesn't take long, and ensures good results. The square shape means frozen leftovers will fit in the toaster. It would be nice if it made 4 waffles at a time; that would have gotten it 5 stars. The waffles were evenly browned, thick and a hit with kids and adults! We have also made sandwiches (pizza fillings, ham and cheese and bacon, egg and cheese). The sandwiches were really great. I am more than pleased with them. I bought this primarily for waffles, but the sandwich function is a massive bonus! I was lucky enough to get this on clearance at Target, and feel like I really lucked out. Some people complained about the smoke the first time you use it. Mine did smoke quite a bit the first time, but never again. In my experience, this is not unusual with small kitchen electrics. If you're very concerned, take it outside or by an open window for the first start up. I would definitely recommend this product.Customer Review: Wonderful Waffle Maker
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: Better for sandwiches than waffles.
Summary: 4 Stars
I use this as a sandwich maker at least once or twice a week, sometimes more. I love to make a quick and easy hot sandwich for lunch. Now I do NOT have to stand over the stove and watch it cook and flip it over and spill out some of the contents!
We use a heavier multi-grain bread so I always cut off the crust and it works much better. Also, I didn't want to use butter every time so I tried a generous spray of Buttery Flavored Spray and it works great and makes it even easier to fix a fast sandwich. It is a snap to wipe clean. (I don't want to put it in the dish washer. I'm afraid the harsher chemicals will spoil the T-Fal finish.)
I have made waffles with it and it worked OK. It cooks waffles a little too slowly in my opinion. We like our waffles cooked nice and crispy. The waffles are also a little smaller than our old waffle maker, which is probably a good thing, less carbohydrates! Our whole wheat cinnamon waffles were very tasty.
I use it so often that I decided to just leave it out on the counter top. My only real complaint is that it does not have an on/off switch and you have to unplug it to turn it off.