re: raclette

From what I've read, machines like that were devised for the one narrow purpose. For other uses, I'd think it would depend on how wee the trays are and how hot the heating element gets. My first thought is that if the thing gets hot enough, maybe you could use it to heat up or brown -- or melt cheese on top of -- individual tapas or other appetizers, maybe? something like a thin slice of toasted baguette, topped with a thin slice of tomato, a basil leaf and a thin slice of romano cheese (small enough to fit, of course) and run it through the machine. Or, brush the tray with olive oil, preheat it and pour in a little beaten egg, pop the tray in until the egg is set and then top the egg with some kind of filling, fold it or roll it and you have some very small omelets. . .

michael