My husband surprised me with this griddler/panini maker. Actually, I had been thinking of a Le Creuset Panini Maker, but he saw this, liked that it was versitile and brought it home. Thank God. I have used it for quick, after-the-movie paninis, grilled hot dogs, excellent, tender grilled chicken, french toast, and a quick dessert just in the last four days. The sets of griddle and grill plates snap out with no effort, and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher very easily. The top folds all the way back to lie flat for cooking eggs or pancakes, etc. I can't find a fault and recommend this as a very useable and useful appliance to keep on the counter ready to go.