We got this toaster a few weeks ago after my trusty Breville broke, in fact we bought 2 (one as a present)....However how I wish I had read the reviews on the slightly cheaper model as mine has exhibited most of the negative traits of its slightly cheaper brother...
When we first used it we found that the sandwiches didn't seal as the bread was too small for the plates ....After speaking to Cuisinart we were advised to use a specific bread which we did and got a marginal improvement, Ref minimal leakages whilst cooking but the sandwiches fell apart when cooked when removing from the toaster or putting on the plates....
When we received the 2nd toaster (the present) it arrived with a crack in the casing..It took nearly a week to arrange a return .....
Getting back to the first toaster we have now used it about 1/2 dozen times following the instruction IE oiling the plates buttering the bread etc but the Non- stick coating on the plates is no longer non-stick...we noticed this starting after about 3 uses and tried everything from washing with detergent using the dishwasher but it got worse.All we are doing is wasting food and electricity....we will be returning this machine and the 2nd which is still to arrive ...