This is easier and more fun than I imagined. I was a bit concerned about a flipping waffle maker. I wanted the more expensive dual (rotating) waffle maker I had used several times at a friend's, but this one was half the price. It makes ONE waffle at a time (just so you know. It stores in the upright position ("Ladies and gentlemen, please return all of your seat trays and waffle makers to the upright position.") which is weird and unnerving, but it hasn't fallen over yet. It does this trick by way of a hard plastic shim that you slide up when you press both of the sides together upright. It seems goofy but it works.Now, as to the waffles. You open it and let either side rest on the counter (as shown in the product image). Pour a standard scoop of waffle batter on the center (there are recipes and directions--both were quite clear) and allow it to spread. Be generous. This waffle maker makes THICK waffles (which I like) and you will almost always ending up putting too little batter in, and end up with incomplete waffles. Anyway, pour, watch it spread (that is kind of fun) and close the lid. Wait a few minutes and flip it over--not the whole thing, just grab the handles and rotate the waffle (you will understand how to do this when you have it in front of you) and you can lift the lid in case you want to check it. I like that you can check both sides of the waffle without having to take the waffle out. You can even pop some butter (not margarine please) onto the waffle and close the lid and in 2-3 seconds (maximum) your waffle is buttered.Use PAM cooking spray for best results--not a lot--just a quick but thorough shot to make the waffles pop right out. Also, if you use melted butter instead of oil in the recipe your waffles will taste MUCH better.Now, let's say that you do manage to pour a teensy bit too much waffle batter into the iron. Let it spread and start to cook for a few moments before you close the lid. GENTLY close the lid and wait a few minutes before you flip it. You may dodge the bullet right there, but even if you do not, there is a circular groove (you can see this in the product shot) that catches and cooks excess batter. If you put WAY too much on this thing is SUPER easy to clean. Simply grab a few wet paper towels or a Handi-Wipe and brush it off quickly while the iron is hot. Post-waffle clean-up is non existent unless you really did pour too much batter in. Even then a green scrubby pad and a sponge works great, but be sure to hand dry this with a towel or the stainless will look crappy.Again, this thing looks kinda flimsy and funky, but when you use it you will LOVE it and see that it really is a well-built and well-designed product. It is also super portable. You can take it anywhere you can get juice (110 AC outlet).Hope this helps: happy waffles!