$15 Kmart appliance leaves shoppers furious as flaw makes it unusable
- Replies 1
Anyone who’s browsed Kmart’s aisles—or scrolled through its online deals—knows the excitement of snagging a handy gadget for a bargain.
One standout has been a compact appliance promising perfectly golden waffles at home without the hefty price tag.
But what was once a shopper favourite is now drawing frustration, with many owners ditching theirs after a surprising flaw came to light.
The Kmart Mini Waffle Maker quickly became a must-have for breakfast lovers and solo cooks alike.
Its small size made it perfect for single serves, and its price made it an easy impulse buy.
Social media groups buzzed with photos of perfectly cooked waffles and creative recipes.
Kmart shoppers say the $15 Mini Waffle Maker often sticks, prompting some to toss it out. Credit:
But as the months rolled on, a different kind of post started popping up: complaints about the non-stick coating failing, batter sticking, and the machine becoming impossible to clean.
One frustrated shopper summed it up: 'Why does this keep happening every time I use this? It used to work perfectly, and they never stuck.
I always spray it with oil and clean well after use. What am I doing wrong?' Despite following all the right steps, many found themselves scraping off caked-on batter, only to eventually give up and throw the whole thing away.
Emily, a 33-year-old from Melbourne, shared her experience: 'For the first few months, it worked perfectly. I’d make myself waffles every Saturday morning as a treat. It was super handy for camping, too.'
But after a while, she noticed the mixture started sticking—at first just a little, then so much that 'there was more mixture caked onto the insides of the machine than actual waffle.'
Emily tried everything: different oils, butter, margarine, changing the timing, and even adjusting the batter.
'Basically, I tried everything and nothing worked.'
In the end, she binned the appliance, echoing the frustration of many others: 'Even though it was only cheap, it was still frustrating to have to throw it away.'
Despite the sticky situation, not everyone has had a bad run. The Mini Waffle Maker still boasts over a hundred five-star reviews online.
Some users rave about its convenience, portability, and the joy it brings to family breakfasts.
'Such a good little machine. Take it to work, on holiday and use at home. Meals anywhere,' one happy customer wrote.
Another said, 'The waffles turn out really cute and evenly cooked. We’ve had waffles every weekend since Christmas. Cook time is quick as well. For $20, it was well worth it. Would highly recommend.'
At $15, the Kmart Mini Waffle Maker is undeniably cheap and cheerful. However, as many have discovered, the non-stick coating may not stand the test of time, especially with regular use.
If you’re after a long-lasting appliance, it might be worth investing in a higher-quality stainless steel model, as some shoppers have decided.
This story also highlights a growing problem with budget appliances: they’re often not built to last, leading to more waste and frustration.
While it’s tempting to snap up a bargain, sometimes spending a little more upfront can save you money—and hassle—in the long run.
Have you tried the Kmart Mini Waffle Maker, or another budget appliance that didn’t quite live up to the hype? Did you find a fix, or did it end up in the bin? Share your tips, tricks, and tales of triumph (or disaster) in the comments below.
Read more: Still wrestling with a bulky TV? Kmart’s $99 projector could be your space-saving solution
One standout has been a compact appliance promising perfectly golden waffles at home without the hefty price tag.
But what was once a shopper favourite is now drawing frustration, with many owners ditching theirs after a surprising flaw came to light.
The Kmart Mini Waffle Maker quickly became a must-have for breakfast lovers and solo cooks alike.
Its small size made it perfect for single serves, and its price made it an easy impulse buy.
Social media groups buzzed with photos of perfectly cooked waffles and creative recipes.
Credit: @alicias.kitchen / TikTok
Kmart shoppers say the $15 Mini Waffle Maker often sticks, prompting some to toss it out. Credit:
But as the months rolled on, a different kind of post started popping up: complaints about the non-stick coating failing, batter sticking, and the machine becoming impossible to clean.
One frustrated shopper summed it up: 'Why does this keep happening every time I use this? It used to work perfectly, and they never stuck.
I always spray it with oil and clean well after use. What am I doing wrong?' Despite following all the right steps, many found themselves scraping off caked-on batter, only to eventually give up and throw the whole thing away.
Emily, a 33-year-old from Melbourne, shared her experience: 'For the first few months, it worked perfectly. I’d make myself waffles every Saturday morning as a treat. It was super handy for camping, too.'
But after a while, she noticed the mixture started sticking—at first just a little, then so much that 'there was more mixture caked onto the insides of the machine than actual waffle.'
Emily tried everything: different oils, butter, margarine, changing the timing, and even adjusting the batter.
'Basically, I tried everything and nothing worked.'
In the end, she binned the appliance, echoing the frustration of many others: 'Even though it was only cheap, it was still frustrating to have to throw it away.'
Despite the sticky situation, not everyone has had a bad run. The Mini Waffle Maker still boasts over a hundred five-star reviews online.
Some users rave about its convenience, portability, and the joy it brings to family breakfasts.
'Such a good little machine. Take it to work, on holiday and use at home. Meals anywhere,' one happy customer wrote.
Another said, 'The waffles turn out really cute and evenly cooked. We’ve had waffles every weekend since Christmas. Cook time is quick as well. For $20, it was well worth it. Would highly recommend.'
At $15, the Kmart Mini Waffle Maker is undeniably cheap and cheerful. However, as many have discovered, the non-stick coating may not stand the test of time, especially with regular use.
If you’re after a long-lasting appliance, it might be worth investing in a higher-quality stainless steel model, as some shoppers have decided.
This story also highlights a growing problem with budget appliances: they’re often not built to last, leading to more waste and frustration.
While it’s tempting to snap up a bargain, sometimes spending a little more upfront can save you money—and hassle—in the long run.
Read more: Still wrestling with a bulky TV? Kmart’s $99 projector could be your space-saving solution
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