KRUPS FDE312-75 Universal Grill and Panini Maker with Nonstick Cooking Plates, Silver

Awesome while it works! If your stops, here is how to fix it!
Well, this product makes great panini! You can use it to make just about any sandwich very special. If you use really fresh ingredients, the results are as good as at any market in Italy (that is where I got hooked on these). It not only makes Panini, but can be used to grill chicken, hamburgers, sausage, etc, and then throw in the buns before assembling for a gourmet treat.

I got mine as a Christmas gift and used it at least weekly for about 6 months till I moved, and had to pack it for a while. When I got it out of storage (January the next year) it worked for only 4 times, then just stopped. It wouldn't heat; lights wouldn't come on, nothing worked!

I called the local Krups repair site, and they told me if it was over 1 year old, throw it away and buy another. I was royally upset! Appliances that cost over $100 should not fail in 6 months of use! In the old days, a repair shop could fix anything, and they would never tell you to throw it away...

Krups vs. DeLonghi
Had the Krups model for about 3 years before it decided not to turn on one day -- so to replace it, thought I'd try something different. Went with the DeLonghi CGH800 this time, about $20 cheaper. I loved my Krups, and initially thought I'd like the DeLonghi a bit better. Here's my experience:

*Krups always "sparked" at the outlet when I unplugged it. Not so with the DeLonghi.

*DeLonghi has adjustable heat, so, although I only used the Krups for Panini, I'm kind of excited about the options I now have with the DeLonghi. I'm inspired to try a burger or chicken! It also has a channel where the grease can run off -- and a little cup to catch the grease. If you'd ever use the Krups for anything other than a sandwich -- the grease would have no where to go.

*DeLonghi has wider channels on the grill plate -- which make it a lot easier to clean up. BUT, this is also the reason the panini DOES NOT get as crispy as it does on the Krups.

*The...

PANINI PERFECTO
Undoubtedly, the Earl of Sandwich never dreamed of these mighty little morsels that have crossed the ocean from Italy and are now found here in bistros and take-outs. Another good place to find them we've discovered is at home - if you have this Krups grill.

Panini, as most know are delectable cheese and meat sandwichs (think prosciutto and mozarella) that are toasted on a grill, flattened to a slim configuration.

This Krups grill has nonstick plates on both top and bottom, so it's easy-clean. Very much like all of the other Krups products I've used it is well made - no wobble (we have a waffle iron that appears to dance).

And, it's multi-purpose - great for burgers, chicken breasts.

Kudos to Krups for this one!

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