For the last 4.5 years, I have thrown away two expensive branded German toasters for home use; the first one burned out after 2.5 years, and the second one after two. This was the reason I decided not to buy a home-use toaster-grill again and to switch to a professional one.

A few words about the HEG-811E: This particular model is entirely covered with stainless steel, making it easy to clean. The grease collector is also made of stainless steel. The ribbed plates, both top and bottom, are solid cast iron with enamel coating that does not scratch or peel off like the non-stick materials in home-use toasters. Compared to home models, the plates take longer to heat up due to their large thickness, but they also take a long time to cool down and provide uniform temperature distribution across the entire surface of the plates. The plates are not removable but can be easily cleaned with a brush or sponge. The cooking surface is large enough to fit up to six sandwiches in two rows of three, and it can also accommodate large steaks.

The heating elements on the top and bottom are heavy-duty and difficult to burn out. The on-off switch is a heavy-duty illuminated type, covered with rubber to prevent moisture from getting inside. The thermostat is a professional heavy-duty type.

All spare parts, including the heating elements, thermostat, and other components, are available for purchase, and anything that might go wrong is easily repairable.

The HEG-811E is heavy, weighing around 18 kg, and bulky, so it is not recommended for small home kitchens with limited counter space