I had a Black and Decker waffle iron since 2007.  It was used a lot and did an awesome job making waffles.  The heating element went out recently. We purchased a waffle iron just like the one we had but were so disappointed with the initial use.  They did not cook evenly and never turned golden brown.  The grid came off in use as the clamp to hold it in place was not good.  We tried another time after waiting a few days and the result was the same.  The heating elements do not do the job.