The system is cute and compact but after making a dozen snowmen waffles it was so hot I had to use a pot holder to open it. The pancakes had to be thinner than I am used to but they came out cooked and browned perfect.I won't let anyone else use it because how hot it gets. to fix I will use self adhesive silicone grips on the handle top and bottom.I will use a silicone band to hold the handles closed. that way I get equal brown top and bottom.