Kitchen gadget heaven - the Sage by Heston Blumenthal Smart Waffle

Few things delight me more than kitchen gadgets. This month, I've been playing with the Sage by Heston Blumenthal Smart Waffle RRP £169.95.

Have a look at my first try with it, making classic waffles and drowning them in golden syrup. I've edited it down loads so that you don't have to watch the timer count down, nor watch me eat for several minutes!

So to summarise the key features:

• Once you tell the Smart Waffle what kind of waffle you're making, the cooking time is automatically calculated to suit your waffle style and colour
• There are options for different batter types (Belgian, Classic, Chocolate or Buttermilk), plus a special "custom" setting
• There are recipes for all four types in the booklet that comes with the machine, plus an explanation of how different settings affect the end product
• A nonstick moat surrounds the main iron to catch and toast any excess batter, which then lifts off cleanly
• There's a 'Bit More' button lets you toast further if that's your preference

And if you want to try making the classic waffle batter yourself, just whisk 3 eggs, 420ml of milk, 125g melted butter and 1tsp of vanilla together in a bowl. Then, in a second bowl mix together 300g self-raising flour and 55g caster sugar, make a well and gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry. Makes eight waffles.

Ooh and a couple of notes before I go...you'll notice I left the Smart Waffle to heat with the lid open but you're actually meant to close it until it beeps. You're also not meant to close the storage clip while it's cook but I did. Oops. Still totally aced it though *high fives self*

Disclosure: we were sent the Smart Waffle to review.