Waffle plates make 7.25" x 4" waffles; sandwich plates have "baking" area of 8.25" x 5". I am including an electric cord that has a switch (see photo). Cord works, and unit heats immediately, but I did not check to make sure the switch (on the cord) works.
Plates are easy to switch; one side of each plate has a peg, the other a small knob that holds it in place from the outside (see photo of knobs).
Temperature gauge works: shows HOT/COLD, but there is some debris under the glass.