I used to have a more expensive model with removable plates, except that every time I opened it when it was hot the top plate fell out; try putting it back in when it's hot enough to toast bread! Anyway, this model does not have removable plates and heats up quite quickly. On the down side, the indicator lights are very dim and you will need to stand directly over the machine to see when the green light is lit, or keep turning off the kitchen light.
I would suggest giving the plates a good wipe when you take it out of the box, then switch it on with nothing inside and leave it for 10 minutes or so, otherwise the smell of burning metal can end up in your first toastie (and it doesn't taste very nice, I can tell you).
Also, the top slice of bread needs to be placed further back than the bottom slice, as the top of the sandwich maker will push to top slice forward allowing the filling to escape (more cleaning).
All in all, very good value for money with free delivery from Amazon Prime.