A:AnswerNot hot enough and it's not getting done. Try setting it higher and WAIT FOR THE LIGHT TO SAY IT'S HOT ENOUGH. I have mine turned up quite far. Just lift a corner and it's out in one beautiful waffle.
A:AnswerHonestly, I thought it was a pain at first as well. But the pleasure of eating waffles i made at home far out weighed that. If you follow measuring instructions pretty well and get to know your machine you won't have excess spillage or clean up. I have excluded a pic of where the food or batter was an issue for me. But this is also my Oster after normal cooking experience. Just clean it. Somethings come with built in joy.