Review on 🧇 Stainless Steel Oster Belgian Waffle Maker (CKSTWF2000) - 10 Inch by Allison Taylor

As I write this review, I have just received my third Easter waffle maker. #2 still works but is well used and they were on the $14 flash sale today. This is a very simple device that requires a little learning. There's no ON/OFF button, there's no timer, it's kinda small and doesn't click. The lightweight material the plates are made of (believed to be aluminum and Teflon) does not produce large wafers compared to cast iron plates. The thermostat is cheap with only proximal sensors. However, it's cheap, can be stored vertically, and does a good job (if you learn to use it). ---------- There are a few tricks to produce better waffles: 1. Ignore the READY indicator. Preheat this oster so the plates are fully heated before using. I usually turn it HIGH, wait a bit, check the distal rim with a small drop of water and watch the hiss. It's okay, just wait. When these plates are fully heated, pour out the batter (first the edges, then the center) and then reduce the temperature to the desired level. I can't stress this enough - GET IT HOT - Enough. I only oil the plates once before pouring the first batter (not before preheating, otherwise the oil can burn). Just before pouring out the batter, I quickly spray both plates with nonstick. Waffles stick less and are therefore crispier on the outside. I treat my Easter like it has cast iron platters, but that's just my preference because I love a very crispy outside and soft inside.3. Use real waffle mix or make your own. Waffle mixes have higher fat and sugar content, which improves the texture of the waffles. Combined pancake and waffle mixes, or just plain pancake mixes, look more like waffle-shaped pancakes. Cold dough is cooked differently than dough at room temperature. Cold takes longer to break down fats and caramelize sugars. So you need to adjust time and heat.5. Do not put down the top plate immediately. I let some steam escape and then lower the lid. If your buttered plates hold steam, the center will have a different texture than the edges. Because the dough lowers the temperature of the bottom platen and not the top platen, the top platen gets hotter and hits the hotter dough. This will ensure that the waffles cook evenly. I never know how long I'm waiting, but it could be 10 or so seconds.6. If your first few games aren't very good, be patient. You need to experiment and practice. It took me a while to refine my waffle and cornbread results to my liking. For example, when my waffles were undercooked in the center and not browned on the outside, I replaced 2% cold milk with 4% room temperature milk, reduced the milk content and replaced it with room temperature sour cream, added more sugar. , changed to salted butter at room temperature and replaced a whole egg with whole egg powder. I took notes using the exact measurements and weights with modifications (I worked in the bakery for 5 years). Upgrade from 4 to 5 stars. Any device that will last me for years and only costs $15 deserves 5 stars. ------ ---------Update2/23/19 Blocks 2 and 3 still work perfectly, both are well seasoned and the non-stick coating is fully intact on both.