Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I'm surprised to see 50 1-star reviews! I mean, this is the cheapest one I see on the list, and I have used it for every Valentine's day since 2011 plus several birthday parties and it's still going fine! It is not high-end, and it does take practice to get it to work optimally. Things to try before you write a scathing review of what is actually a pretty decent value for the price: 1. There is a tiny rubber disc thing that needs to be in the center of the bowl. It creates a seal. Make sure it is securely in place. (And don't lose it when you're cleaning up after!) The machine doesn't work if that's not in place. 2. Warm up the unit for about 10 minutes before adding chocolate. 3. Make sure the chocolate is nice and thin and drippy by adding oil as needed. 4. If it's only pouring down one side, two of the feet are adjustable. Keep turning the adjustable feet until it flows evenly. 5. Yep, it's NOISY. Only turn it on at the end of the party! 6. It's messy, but when you get the hang of clean-up it's not a big deal. I use a plastic table cover underneath the unit. When we're finished with it, I turn it off and unplug it, let it cool BRIEFLY (don't let the chocolate harden!), then use damp paper towels to wipe most of the chocolate off the parts while it's still assembled. It takes a lot of paper towels, and I just pile them right onto the plastic table cover, which can be drawn up at the corners and used as a self-contained trash bag. Pour out the chocolate from the basin into a disposable container or bag, which you can save or toss with the rest. (The chocolate will harden.) I then soak a paper towel in VERY hot water and drop it right into the basin for a minute before wiping that clean as well. Remember, while cleaning, don't lose that little rubber disc in the center! 7. Fill the sink with HOT soapy water and after you wipe down the parts, dunk them in and let them soak for a few minutes. Then rinse them really well and wipe dry. This is definitely a cheap and noisy unit, best for the last 15-20 minutes of a kids' party. It is not a wedding-grade fancy Viennese-table accessory for an elegant affair, but it is definitely the hit of a tween birthday!