So, I just bought this:
It feels like it's face punch worthy, just from a cost standpoint. But I have a few caveats for it, and you tell me if I'm getting value or if I'm just rationalizing.
1st, I have an 8 year old daughter that loves waffles and having a waffle maker will cut/eliminate one of our "going out for a treat" expenses. I'm trying to re-set my daughter's expectations that these types of treats necessarily involve going out to a restaurant. The more we can do this type of stuff at home, the happier I am.
2nd, I wanted something that was built to last (over built, truth be told), and also something that had removable plates to make clean up easier. I checked craigslist and eBay but no deals there for the past few weeks.
3rd, this is my largest purchase of anything this month. In the past, $84 wouldn't have even been a blip in my overall blizzard of spending habits. So just the fact that I notice and expend mental energy on this is a big change.
Anyway, my assumption is that we'll have this waffle maker for a very long time, and it'll save us many, many trips to the local waffle place. Hell, even 3 saved trips pretty much pays for it.