Waffling on. (Cuisinart Roto Pro Waffle Iron)

Member Name: Cat19

Product:	Cuisinart Roto Pro Waffle Iron
Date:	05/01/09 (356 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Delicious waffles, easy to use, easy to clean

Disadvantages: None

Early December and I found myself menu planning as the hostess for Christmas this year. Whilst doing so it dawned on me that I have made smoked salmon and scrambled eggs served with champagne for every "special" breakfast in living memory. I decided it was time for a change. This year it would be waffles.

I didn't spend a long time researching waffle makers and chose the Cuisinart Roto Pro because; I (inexplicably) didn't want something that looked like a sandwich toaster, because it was not as bulky as some and because it could be delivered within two days. I felt it was very important to get the maker as soon as possible in order to perfect my waffle making technique you see.

Upon delivery I unpacked and was pleased that it was in one piece with no assembly required. The circular bit that actually makes the waffles is about 7 inches in diameter and overall the unit is about 16 by 9 inches (ex handle). I find it does not take up too much space so mine now has a permanent home beside the toaster and spares me from digging it out from the back of a cupboard every time I want to use it.

The instructions were very clear and the only part that is trial and error is selecting the setting from 1 to 6 which governs how brown the waffles will turn out, after my first batch I decided upon a 4 and use that every time now. A small jug is included with a fill line so that there is no guesswork around how much batter to pour in.

Making lovely waffles could not be easier with this appliance. Simply switch on, wait for it to warm up, spray with Frylight or similar, pour in mixture, close lid and rotate 180 degrees. When the waffles are ready, the unit will beep very loudly. I did not trust it at first and would open up to check progress, but there really is no need and I don't check any more. The waffles are perfect every time.

Cleaning has not presented any difficulties either. The waffle pan is non stick and the frylight makes doubly sure that the cooked waffles come away cleanly. All mine has required has been a quick wipe clean once it has cooled down. Should one forget to use frylight and I suppose it could be a different story, in this case it should be noted that the waffle tray itself is not removable so you can't take it over to the sink for a scrub clean should you need to.

The instructions booklet includes some very scrummy sounding recipes, although I thought some of them were overly complicated and seemed to include far too many eggs! My favourite recipe is one that I came up with myself and is a cross between one in the instructions manual and one found in my own cookery book. I decided to share it below.

Cat's waffles

In a large bowl mix 1 cup of flour with a tablespoon of brown sugar, a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. In a jug whisk two eggs with 1 and ¼ cups of milk and 1 and ½ tablespoons of melted butter.

Gradually mix the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture, a handheld electric mixer produces best results. When fully mixed, add some chopped pecans and chopped dried fruit. Cook as per the waffle maker instructions. Serve with maple syrup and lashings of squirty cream.

The waffle maker is available from various kitchen appliance retailers and typically costs £70.

Summary: My favourite kitchen appliance and my shortest ever review!