I have risked to buy this waffle maker after I have read some bad reviews as it was 30 quid from Argos and I wanted one for Xmas. Practically I had all the problems which were mentioned in the reviews. 1. The manual says fill it up till you can't see the "pocket maker" spikes using one full measuring cup (provided) to prevent overfill. problem: one full cup does not cover the spikes resulting uneven waffles 2. I have covered the spikes with batter, closed it and flipped the pan. Now the green light should be off and only should lit up again when the waffles are ready. Problem I.: the pan opens because of the produced steam from the waffle. (I suppose it is a kind of safety feature as otherwise it would blow up). Problem II.: The green light switches on and off in a completely random manner. problem III.: it is not possible to turn the pan back as it is half open and you cannot push it back either, because it is too hot and the steam burns your hand (+ it is not normal operational mode anyway) Problem IV.: you burn your waffle as often you cannot open it, the heat control feature is pointless. Problem V.: you desperately trying to reach your waffle. Eventually the machine pity you and the bakelite piece which prevented you from closing the thing back on (so you can flip it back) snaps off and finally you have a good enough reason to bring this useless piece of machinery back to the vendor. Job done I gave two stars as it actually cooks waffles quite well if you manage to flip it, than close it back, than flip it back and you have a stop watch to time it as the green light is having it's own separate life from the machine itself...