Don't be too afraid of the thrift store variety. Consider price and take a chance. The waffle iron I have is one my mother bought for me when I was first setting up housekeeping some 45 yrs ago. She was helping with a group yard sale when a fellow came through with this waffle iron--priced at 25 cents. She commented that she wished she had seen that for her daughter and he responded that he had several and she could have it! It badly needed a new cord so I bought one at the local hardware store, replaced it and have been using it ever since. Makes wonderful waffles. The thing to remember about the old ones is to not destroy the tempering once you've begun using them. Made before teflon, etc. Just brush out the crumbs or maybe wipe with a damp cloth, if necessary. I use the recipe in my well-worn Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.(also about 45 yrs old!--both front and back are loose as are many pages but still my favorite recipes)