The George Foreman Grill has been around since the 1990s and is one of the most popular indoor grills on the market. But is it actually a good product? There are pros and cons to consider before deciding if the George Foreman Grill is right for you.
Pros of the George Foreman Grill
Here are some of the key benefits of using a George Foreman Grill:
- Fast cooking times – The George Foreman Grill heats up quickly and can cook foods very fast. Burgers, chicken breasts, and veggies can all be cooked in just a few minutes.
- Healthy cooking – The grill drains away fat and grease, resulting in healthier meals than frying or other high-fat cooking methods. This makes it popular for health-conscious consumers.
- Easy to clean – The sloped grilling surface and removable grill plates make cleaning the George Foreman grill fast and simple.
- Compact size – Most George Foreman models are countertop sized, making them a convenient cooking appliance for small kitchens.
- Variable temperature – Many George Foreman grills allow you to adjust the temperature to get the perfect doneness on whatever you’re cooking.
- Inexpensive – George Foreman grills are affordably priced, especially compared to larger indoor grills and barbecue units. The average cost is $30-$60.
- Versatile – You can grill way more than just burgers and steaks. George Foreman grills are great for making paninis, quesadillas, shrimp, vegetables, and more.
Cons of the George Foreman Grill
However, there are some downsides to the George Foreman Grill to be aware of:
- Small cooking surface – The compact grill plates of a George Foreman mean you can only cook a few portions of food at a time.
- Temperature unevenness – Some models may produce hot and cool spots across the grill surface, leading to uneven cooking.
- Difficulty with thinner foods – Delicate foods like fish or thinly sliced veggies can be tricky on a George Foreman grill.
- Not ideal for large batches – These grills work best for quick weeknight meals, not grilling food for a crowd.
- Prone to flare-ups – Grease drippings can cause flare-ups that burn food. This is a particular problem with fatty meats.
- Lacks versatility for true grilling – You won’t get the same char or smoky flavor on a George Foreman as you would on an outdoor grill.
- Small drip tray – The drip tray fills up quickly so you may need to empty it mid-cooking.
George Foreman Grill Models
George Foreman makes a wide range of electric grill models. Here is an overview of some of their most popular models:
| Model | Cooking Surface | Temperature Settings | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR2144P | 240 square inches | Adjustable, up to 400°F | Removable plates, sloped grilling design |
| GRP4842P | 240 square inches | Adjustable, up to 425°F | Ceramic non-stick surface, floating hinge |
| GR10B | 60 square inches | Fixed temperature | Compact size, drip tray |
| GGR50B | 240 square inches | Adjustable, up to 450°F | Reversible grill/griddle plates |
As you can see, cooking surface sizes range from 60 to 240 square inches. Some models have fixed temperatures while others allow temperature adjustment up to 450°F. Higher-end models boast ceramic coatings and reversible grill/griddle plates for added versatility.
George Foreman Grill Benefits and Drawbacks
Here is a summary of the main benefits and potential drawbacks of using a George Foreman Grill:
Benefits
- Fast, convenient cooking
- Drains away grease for healthier cooking
- Easy to clean grilling surface
- Inexpensive price point
- Small size good for apartments/dorms
- Can cook a versatile range of foods
Drawbacks
- Smaller cooking area
- Not ideal for batch cooking
- Prone to flare-ups
- Doesn’t mimic outdoor grill
- Thinner foods can be tricky
- Temperature inconsistencies on some models
Is the George Foreman Grill Right for You?
So is the George Foreman Grill ultimately worth buying? Here are some key factors to consider:
- Cooking needs – Do you mainly need to cook quicker weekday meals or food for 1-2 people? Then a George Foreman can be very handy. For larger families or big batches, it’s less suitable.
- Types of food – The George Foreman excels at cooking beef, poultry, veggies, and pressed sandwiches. For delicate seafood, you may want a different indoor grill.
- Grilling expectations – George Foreman grills produce great tasting food but don’t mimic an outdoor barbecue. Manage your expectations accordingly.
- Available space – These compact grills are perfect for smaller kitchens and apartments where space is limited.
- Budget – For under $60, a George Foreman Grill gives you an effective and convenient cooking appliance. It’s great value for money.
If you need a fast, simple way to cook healthy meats, veggies, sandwiches and more at home, a George Foreman Grill can be an excellent product. For larger scale grilling sessions, you may want a larger indoor grill or an outdoor barbecue. But for affordable everyday use for 1-4 people, the George Foreman continues to deliver.
George Foreman Grill Tips
To get the best performance from your George Foreman Grill, keep these tips in mind:
- Preheat the grill for 3-5 minutes before cooking.
- Use non-stick cooking spray to prevent food sticking.
- Adjust temperature as needed to prevent over or undercooking.
- For flare-ups, trim excess fat from meats before grilling.
- Allow thicker food pieces to finish cooking before slicing or eating.
- Clean grill plates after each use to prevent residue build-up.
- Empty drip tray frequently during extended cooking sessions.
George Foreman Grilling Recipes
Your George Foreman Grill can cook way more than just burgers and steaks. Try out some of these tasty and healthy George Foreman recipes:
Chicken and Veggies
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Coat chicken and vegetables in olive oil and Italian seasoning. Grill for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Grilled Fish Tacos
- 4 tilapia or cod fillets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 corn tortillas
- Shredded cabbage
- Pico de gallo
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
Coat fish fillets in Cajun seasoning and grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Serve in warmed tortillas with desired taco toppings.
Veggie Sandwiches
- 2 portobello mushroom caps
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 2 ciabatta rolls
- Pesto mayo
- 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Grill veggies 3-5 minutes until tender. Grill ciabatta rolls for 1 minute. Spread pesto mayo on rolls, fill with veggies and feta cheese.
Shrimp and Pineapple Kebabs
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
Thread shrimp and vegetables onto skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks. Brush with teriyaki sauce. Grill kebabs for 6-8 minutes until shrimp is pink.
Conclusion
George Foreman Grills have remained popular for over two decades because they provide a fast, easy and healthy way to cook delicious grilled food at home. The compact size and affordable price makes them ideal for smaller households. With some basic care and cleaning, these grills can deliver consistent results for years of everyday use. Their sloped grilling surface drains away grease for healthier cooking compared to frying. While they can’t completely mimic an outdoor barbecue, George Foreman Grills produce tasty weeknight meals in a flash. For quick home grilling for 1-4 people, the George Foreman grill remains a good product choice.