The description on the safety and how to use the waffle maker along with a few recipes got me started on a morning waffle treat. Each mini waffle took about 4' x 8 waffles, approximately 32' cook time. I suppose you could refigerate the batter if not much time to cook all 8 waffles. You have to allow for the prep time to make the recipe from scratch, approximately 20'. Or get a premade waffle mix. Or if someone isn't patient or has a really big appetite and prefers a larger waffle size then the larger waffle maker is best. I had great waffles thanks to the basic waffle recipe and enjoyed them with several different kinds of maple syrup. : )