We use ours at least once per week, and have a Proctor-Silex/Hamilton Beach that was part of a JCPenney sale where you bought one small appliance, get the second for $0.88. It has lasted 6 years with heavy use/abuse, and the waffles still don't stick and cook perfectly.
I'm a waffle-nut, though, so I do want to get a really good belgian waffle maker, at some point.
I think I've been really lucky. If you can afford a higher priced one, chances are it will be better.
ETA: Thought ours was a Magic Chef, but it's actually a Proctor-Silex/Hamilton Beach.