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.
Well, I went to Amazon and read the many similar stories of short life, and sudden failure and realized I was out of luck.After the one year warranty expires, the repair places (who normally would just get a new warranty replacement from Krups and have it sent to you) won't touch it.
Having nothing to lose, I removed the single Phillips screw in the center of the underside of the unit and opened up the unit.The griddle surface separates from the stainless base once this screw is removed.In here I saw a device which looks like a resistor held in place by two small clamps inside a clear plastic tube.I plugged the unit in and tested the voltage across the terminals of this device, and it read 125V.I knew immediately that this was the problem, as it was preventing the entire unit from getting voltage.I disassembled the clamps and slid the tube off, then cut the part off of the two wires.
Looking on the web, I found out the part is a simple and very common "heat fuse", intended to break the circuit if the thermostat (located in the top half) failed and the unit started to melt down or overheat.
This device does not reset once the unit cools, but sacrifices itself.When it exceeds 240 degrees centigrade, it disconnects power to the unit permanently and must be replaced.This is the reason so many people have had failures.
Either the unit runs hotter than the designers anticipated (most likely), the current is too high (doubtful as the unit draws 1500 Watts, 750W per side and the device is rated for 15 Amps at 120 Volts.1500W only draws 12.5 Amps, so that is well below the 15 Amp capacity of the component), or it was a faulty component.Considering that these components are used in a huge number of heating appliances, it is most likely that the designed temperature for this component is too high.Here is an excerpt from the manufacturers web site:
"The temperatures experienced during normal operation, including expected temperature overshoots, will determine the life expectancy of the TCO. Nuisance trips can result if the thermal cutoff rating is too close to the temperatures experienced during normal operation (this is probably what happens!). Continuous temperatures above 200°C will cause the sealing compound to weaken and ultimately fail. In addition, as shown in figure 4, each thermal cutoff calibration has a maximum temperature overshoot rating (TM). Overshoot temperatures above this rating may cause dielectric breakdown of the thermal cutoff and allow reconduction to occur. See Therm-O-Disc's MICROTEMP® Thermal Cutoff Technical Bulletin for more information.
The safest way to repair the unit is to replace the failed temperature fuse.It is made by Therm-O-Disc and is a Microtemp model G4A00240C.You can find these on the web for about $6.00 (or free if you request a sample from Therm-O-Disc on their web site).You will need a crimp tool and some bare crimps to crimp the wires to the new temperature fuse.I just used some bare (non insulated!) crimp spade lugs and cut off the spade part (Radio Shack or any auto parts store).Do not use insulated spade lugs as the insulation will melt under these temperature extremes.When you dissemble it in the first place, take a picture of the insides before you start unscrewing and cutting.Then you will know exactly how to reassemble the parts.As the positioning of the temp sensor is critical, make sure when you reassemble, you do it exactly the same way it was (direction of the clamps holding the wire and temp fuse, etc).
As my patience was thin after speaking to the Krups repair facility, I took the unsafe route and simply bypassed this component (cut it out and crimped the two wires together).All works perfectly now.As I never plan on leaving the unit unattended, I am not too worried about the temperature fuse not being there (worst case, the thermostat gives out and the heating unit melts the griddle, which will drip into the stainless steel housing, short out the power, and blow a breaker.)I do not recommend the later solution, as the UL listing will be compromised.
If you take the safe route, you should buy a few of these temperature fuse units, as the design problem is not corrected by replacing the part, and it may only last a few months before you have to do it again.When you crimp the component in, make sure you do a good job (tight crimp), if you can pull the wires out of the crimp with your hands, you didn't crimp hard enough.If this happens, the poor connection will generate its own heat and cause the temperature fuse to trip.
Remember, all of these components are subject to very high temperatures, so do not attempt to "lengthen the wire" or use electrical tape, or solder to make the connection.Unless you have materials rated for 240 degrees C, do not use them in the repair.You can use solder but only in addition to a good crimp.
Well, I am back to making great Panini and didn't have to buy anything!I am a happy camper!Cheers.
Good luck!I hope this helps some people!
Best regards,
Wayne
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 Krups latch, meant to hold the top & bottom together so you can store it on its side, was flimsy and broke after a week.It latched when I didn't want it to -and wouldn't when I did.(A minor thing, but it got to be annoying.) There seems to be no threat of that happening with the big latch on the DeLonghi.
*The DeLonghi is kind of "chunky" -it takes up more space when stored on its side than the Krups.The Krups also has a slightly bigger grill surface.
There's my 2 cents.Happy sandwich-making!
Buy KRUPS FDE312-75 Universal Grill and Panini Maker with Nonstick Cooking Plates, Silver Now
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!
Read Best Reviews of KRUPS FDE312-75 Universal Grill and Panini Maker with Nonstick Cooking Plates, Silver Here
Mine gave up the ghost after about 10 months of very light use (maybe used 15 times). It was purchased earlier so no warranty. I opened up to see if there is any fuse inside or heating elements weant bad. Turns out there is a thermal fuse to prevent overheating (I guess it is a double safety measure in case thermosotat fails). I called the Krups customer service to be told that to buy a new one. I asked if they would provide the fuse, they said no. I asked the cutout temperature, they said no. Being dumbstruck, I expressed my thinking when it comes to next appliance purchase, I am going to be remembering this. He says, "well then" and hangs up the phone.
It is a Radio Shack item and $1.50 each (443?F (228?C) Thermal Protector Fuse Model: 270-1321, Catalog #: 270-1321).
I gave one star because the life span and awful customer service afterwards.
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I've been using this for two weeks and the panini I'm making are delicious. It's so easy to use that I never hesitate to make panini; all you do is plug it in and wait a few minutes for it to heat up. Clean-up is also easy because of the non-stick surface. My one complaint, and the reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5, is that the handle, which wraps around three sides, is not entirely covered in protective plastic and gets as hot as the grill surface. I keep accidentally hitting the sides with my hands and getting tiny burns. Now, after reading the other reviews, I hope that my panini maker lasts a long time and does not break or mysteriously die. If that should happen, I shall post an update. For now, I give it two thumbs up with a word of caution to guard those thumbs from getting burnt.
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These are great for a single person but would be a waste for a family. I have to get use to these again. My son cooked bacon in one and it was sticking really bad. I know there are tricks to using cast iron, so I'll start doing some research to get back in the old groove. I love cast iron and these smaller pans are good for just me. If you are planning to purchase these, please note they are all really small. The little one would fry one egg, the middle one would do pancakes or tortillas and the largest one is good for bacon or a couple of pork chops. That should give you an idea of how big they are. Hope this helps.
