George Foreman grills were first introduced in 1994 and quickly became one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market. But how much are they actually worth today? Here we’ll take a look at the history of the George Foreman grill, its key features and popularity over time, and what you can expect to pay for one in 2023.
The History of George Foreman Grills
The George Foreman grill was invented by Michael Boehm and Robert Johnson, who came up with the idea of contacting former heavyweight boxer George Foreman to promote it. Foreman had made his comeback in 1987 after a 10-year retirement and was once again a household name.
Foreman agreed to endorse the grill in exchange for a percentage of the profits. The product was an immediate success when it launched in 1994 under the name “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine.” Over 100 million George Foreman grills have been sold worldwide since then.
Some key events and milestones in the history of the George Foreman grill include:
- 1994 – The first George Foreman grill is introduced, sells over 1 million units in its first year.
- 1999 – A larger, more versatile model called the George Foreman Grill and Broil is released.
- 2002 – George Foreman grills reach 35 million units sold worldwide.
- 2009 – The grill is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
- 2014 – George Foreman grill sales surpass 100 million units.
- 2016 – An updated George Foreman SmartKitchen Grill is released with Bluetooth connectivity.
Over the years, various models have been introduced with new features and capabilities. But the core concept – quickly grilling meats and sealing in flavor with top and bottom heating elements – has remained the same.
Key Features of George Foreman Grills
There are a few key features that set George Foreman grills apart from other indoor grilling appliances:
- Clamshell design – The floating hinge allows the lid to press meat between two cooking surfaces, grilling both sides at once.
- Slope – Grease and fat drain away from the food onto a sloped drip tray for healthier cooking.
- Heating elements – Dual heating elements in the lid and base are designed for fast heat-up and searing.
- Versatility – Most models can grill, bake, broil, and sauté a variety of foods.
- Nonstick coating – The nonstick cooking plates allow for easy cleanup.
- Compact size – George Foreman grills are designed for easy storage with removable plates.
These features made the grill stand out from panini presses, waffle makers, and other novelty kitchen appliances when it first hit the market. The quick, convenient grilling and fat removal benefits have kept it popular for over 25 years.
Popularity and Sales Over Time
George Foreman grills quickly grew into a phenomenally successful product after their introduction in the mid-1990s. By 2000, over 22 million George Foreman grills had been sold. According to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, 50 million were sold between 1994 and 2004.
Sales began to plateau in the mid-2000s but saw some resurgence when new models were released, including the Smokeless Grill in 2007. Demand reached its peak in 2009 with nearly 20 million units sold in the U.S. alone, mostly due to the economic recession making convenient home cooking attractive.
While millions continue to be sold every year, George Foreman grill unit sales have trended down significantly from their peak. From 2010-2013, sales declined about 15% each year. This can be attributed to market saturation and the rise of other convenient small cooking appliances like air fryers.
That said, many consumers still see value in the simplicity and versatility of a George Foreman grill. They remain ubiquitous on wedding and college registries and are frequently given as gifts. According to Spectrum Brands, which currently manufactures George Foreman grills, they are still found in a whopping 80% of all U.S. households.
George Foreman Grill Unit Sales Over Time
| Year | Units Sold (Millions) |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 2000 | 22 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2004 | 50 |
| 2007 | 70 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2013 | 60 |
Current Cost of George Foreman Grills
The average price of a new George Foreman grill today ranges from about $20 – $120 depending on size, features, and where it’s purchased.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for some of the most popular George Foreman grill models currently on the market:
| Model | Typical Price Range |
| GR2144P Extra Large Grill | $50 – $80 |
| GR10B 2-Serving Classic Plate Grill | $15 – $25 |
| GR2144R Reversible Extra Large Grill | $60 – $100 |
| GGR50B Indoor/Outdoor Grill | $120 – $200 |
| GR3020B Portable Propane Grill | $65 – $100 |
The entry-level 2-serving George Foreman grills start around $20 at most major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The larger grills designed to feed whole families can cost up to $200 if they include premium features like reversible plates, removable grill plates, and adjustable temperature controls.
You can sometimes find George Foreman grills on sale, especially around major holidays like Black Friday. Third party sellers on Amazon and eBay also list new and used models at discounted prices fairly often.
Used and Vintage George Foreman Grill Value
Because so many George Foreman grills have been sold over the years, you can often find used models at second-hand stores like Goodwill for very cheap. Older vintage models from the 1990s and early 2000s may only cost $5 to $10 at thrift stores.
If buying second-hand, inspect the grill closely to make sure the cooking plates are intact and not flaking. Test that it heats up properly before purchasing. Replacement George Foreman grill plates can be ordered online if needed.
Some vintage George Foreman grills may have collectible value for die-hard fans, especially unique models from the 1990s featuring the boxer himself.
On eBay, used George Foreman grills vary wildly in price depending on model, condition, and age:
- 90s models like the Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine can sell for $50 to over $100 if new in box.
- Used grills from the early 2000s typically go for $20 to $60 depending on condition.
- More recent used models may only resell for $10 to $40.
So while some vintage George Foreman grills carry decent value for collectors, more recent used models won’t sell for much more than $20 to $50 except in extremely lightly used condition.
Are George Foreman Grills Still Worth Buying?
For those considering buying a George Foreman grill, either new or used, they remain one of the quickest and most convenient indoor grilling options out there. Models with large cooking surfaces can churn out burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, and more family meal staples.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that indoor grill technology has improved over the decades since the original George Foreman grills were introduced. Grills with more precise temperature controls, versatile cooking plates, and added features like removable plates for easy cleaning are now available.
Many newer indoor electric grill models from brands like Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart and Ninja offer similar fast grilling performance and convenient cleanup as George Foreman grills at comparable price points. The George Foreman brand does still carry value, but it’s no longer the only player in the indoor grilling space.
For those who already have a George Foreman grill that still functions decently, it may not be worth upgrading to a newer indoor grill model unless a significant feature is needed. Replacement George Foreman grill plates, drip trays, grease catchers, and other parts are inexpensive and keep older grills going strong.
The Pros of George Foreman Grills
- Inexpensive entry-level models
- Convenient and fast indoor grilling
- Drains away fat for healthier cooking
- Easy to use and clean with nonstick surface
- Compact and easy to store
The Cons of George Foreman Grills
- Less precise temperature control than some newer models
- Grease runoff can make cleaning more difficult
- Smaller cooking surface than many indoor grills today
- Durability issues with cheaper models
- Not much innovation beyond the original design
Conclusion
While no longer the only game in town, George Foreman grills are still a budget-friendly option for convenient indoor grilling. Basic models start at around $20, while larger grills with more features can cost up to $120 new. Used and vintage grills are also widely available at discounted prices.
Over 100 million George Foreman grills have been sold to date. And they remain popular wedding and housewarming gifts due to their versatility, ease of use, and lean grilling capability. Just be aware of some shortcomings vs. newer indoor electric grill models before purchasing.
For those who already own a functioning George Foreman grill, replacement plates and parts are inexpensive to keep it going strong for many more years. While the George Foreman brand isn’t as dominant today, it still carries nostalgia and quality for many home cooks.