A partially transparent cooking appliance includes first and second plates defining an externally accessible cavity therebetween. The first and second plates are at least partially translucent. A base is pivotally coupled with the first and second plates. The first and second plates are operable between a horizontal position and a vertical position relative to the base and an electrically resistive coating disposed on at least a portion of the first and second plates. The electrically resistive coating is in thermal communication with the cavity. A cam mechanism is operably coupled with at least one of the first and second plates. The first and second plates are operable between first and second distances relative to one another and a user interface is disposed on an exterior surface of an outer plate. The user interface is in electrical communication with the electrically resistive coating.