Electric raclette maker--advice needed on purchase

This is my first post on this board and I am hoping that some 'hounds can help.

I am thinking seriously of purchasing an electric table-top raclette maker. The Swissmar brand seems to be the most durable as well as offering the most options. That's the problem: I can't decide between the three different options for the grill-surface on the eight-person setups. You can get one with a granite top, a non-stick top, or a cast-iron grill-top.

You probably know the drill: the raclette cheese is melted on little plates below the hot grill, while thinly-sliced meats and/or vegetables are cooked on top of the grill. You enrobe these with the melted cheese to eat them. Bread, cornichons, and pickled onions are traditional accompaniments.

Of course I have read reviews and the information is slightly confusing: the granite top seems to function well, but some reviews mention that it has no "lip" on it to contain any juices or fat from falling onto your table. The cast-iron version must be seasoned and this looks like it would take a lot of time and effort. The non-stick version sounds good but I wonder how durable it is with use. . .

Anyone have any experience or recommendations? Thanks in advance.