Contact Grill Reviews

I am glad i bought it. I had the GF small grill but wanted a larger family size. I am too cheap to pay the 99.00+ for the family GF grill so i bought this one and I am so glad i did. We started a Healthy eating plan a month ago. IF it were not for this grill i would not have lost 17 pounds in 36 days. I cook everything on this grill. My (teens) also love it. so fast and Fat free cooking could not be easier. I have even cooked eggs on this. a fast spray with non fat cooking spray and BAM you are cooking away. Can not go wrong on this one.

I bought two of these over a year ago. I gave my retired parents one and keep the other. They clean up with ease
and cook really fast. I cook chicken breast and beef patties the most with mine, but have used it for a lot of other items.
My mom liked hers so much that she gave both of my siblings one for Christmas presents. I'm trying to decide who's left on my list that might enjoy one.

The Hamilton HealthSmart Grill is a glorious piece kitchenware I Love it, It allows you to lower your fat intake as well as count calories. It's wonderful for Meat, bread , grilled vegetables and even grilled fruit. When it comes to dinner, With the Hamilton Grill it's a no-brainer makes cooking enjoyable. The clean up is a cinch. I use my grill very often because it's healthy, easy and fast. I recommend the hamilton for every one...........................

I have hoped by now that I would see a review on the DeLonghi Retro Panini Grill CGH800 and have been looking since October 2003. I have read other reviews on competitor's models, but to date no one has written in on this wonderful unit so I feel I should.

I had a bad experience with another Panini Grill, also comparable in price but with handle breakage problems. In the reviews for the one I had purchased prior there was another with the same problem. I was hesitant about getting another, but I loved the concept and was willing to try another brand with high quality standards. In November I purchased this product.

The unit is very heavy and well made, and the handle is strong. I have made many Panini sandwiches and everyone is excellent. The grilling of the sandwich takes about 4-5 minutes and produces wonderful grill marks and the contents inside are very hot. I have used homemade bread, French bread, rye bread, pitas (which I feel are too thin) hoagie rolls and even store bought rolls all proving wonderful.

The combinations of sandwich fillings for Panini's are endless. I serve a large Panini with a bowl of soup for an easy weeknight dinner and a change of pace from the many recipes I make on other nights. We really look forward to each and every one and I am not disappointed in this product.

I want to comment on the non-stick - it is absolutely wonderful! Cheese or anything that may ooze out just comes up with a piece of toweling, nothing ever sticks. I have not grilled meats on it as I have three sizes of another well-known grill, but have grilled zucchini along side the sandwich. With the excellent coating I would not hesitate to cook meats and I like the fact that it has a trough for the grease to drip into the cup that is provided.

I also have not used anything but the highest temperature on the control as I only use this grill for Panini sandwiches, but I am sure that it would be perfect with something that needed a lower temperature. Also an additional plus, --it certainly would be ideal if my husband was not finished with something I served first and the thought that I could keep sandwiches warm and not burn the bread by turning the temperature to a low (keep warm) setting for sure is a wonderful addition to this product.

The product is pricey, but if you want quality and long life --this product is worth the investment. I am very happy with my purchase.

This grill is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have used it for both panini sanwiches and grilling meat and have had great results.

No on/off switch though, kind of a hassle, but compared to old wolfie's grill, this is top of the line.

clean-up is easy, temp control is a plus and very fast cooking time. 1" chops in 8 min WOW!!!

There are too many great things to say about this little device: It's affordable to anybody, even if you are a student stuck living at school. It's compact, you can store it anywhere--a closet, your car, your office, the kitchen cabinet. It's powerful--I have plugged it in and in just minutes began working on an entire three course meal for six people with only this unit to work with. It's easy to clean--this is one of the few products out there that is every bit as easy to clean as the commercials show it to be on TV. It's is economical, using very little electricity to do a just that would waste electricity in a conventional oven or even an older model microwave oven. It's versatile--I have cooked everything from thin pieces of tempeh strips to thick steaks and it cooks both to perfection. You never would have been able to convince me to buy anything on TV before (and most certainly not from a former boxing champion...) but since a friend both this grill for me I have thanked them time and again (and in turn bought the same gift for many a friend of my own).

Love this combo! The grill is great; cleanup is a snap if you do this: place wet paper towels on the grill as soon as you unplug it, close grill and leave paper towels in place while the grill cools. A quick wipe with a dish cloth and it's done! The pancake maker is super. I have never been able to make good or pretty pancakes. With this appliance, I can. Pancakes are ready in 3-4 minutes. Haven't tried the toaster. The grill comes with two drip trays and two plastic scrapers. I haven't needed to use a scraper. I recommend this combo highly. A good deal too. (...) I am very pleased with my purchase.

Forget Grorge... this Sanyo grill is a great bargain. It's larger then the Grorge Foreman gill and cooks better. The fats drips into a tray and very easy to clean.

I have this grill in the elec mode and gas, there is a giant one, however, it is hard to find. Cooking is very good but the best is the clean-up, wipe it clean or wash it off since it fits in a normal sink. The nicest feature of the portable gas one is it is clean, ever put a charcoal or gas grill in your car?? The Target price is nice, I got some on clearance for $24.97!! I have also paid $99 when they could not be found anywhere else! However, each store carries on the average of TWO so you better buy it when you see it! I am e-mailing everyone on my family list that they are on Amazon.com for $59 with free shipping. We love them.

I never thought I would cook my own food. BUT, after watching a shopping network show with my sister I ordered this grill with my steaks. It was easy to set up, well made, and cooked an awsome steak. It was extremely reasonably priced. Im really impressed. Its a great value.

I have owned the grill for two month now. I have to tell you I wasn't looking for one, but when my dad (a huge grill fan) came to visit, of course he wanted a cookout, now he is an expert. I went to the internet and do some research, I needed something really good and cheap, because I don't grill. So I found this George Foreman and thanks I read all the reviews before bying online; I drove to the store and really it was on sale, I saved few money and my dad was so happy with the real grilling taste of the meal that he wanted one for him.

I bought the George Foreman for its lean cooking quality. It is the best thing! Not only can I grill chicken, but I found myself grilling veggies I would not eat before such as asparagus and eggplant. It's also great for all sorts of seafood; I now have catfish at least once a week without frying it. The extra large description of it is not very accurate. If I am cooking for two people, I usually do the veggies first and then grill the fish or meat since it does not all fit at once. Next time I will probably get a bigger one.

I am a thirtysomething woman with the cooking skills of a teenage boy, and the GF Grill was "prescribed" to me by some friends and family who sympathized with my ongoing struggles...and I must say that it has proved to be excellent "treatment plan!" I LOVE IT! I have grilled chicken breasts to mind-blowing juicy perfection, portabella mushrooms, turkey, tofu dogs, and many assorted vegetables -- even such tricky ones as okra -- on this grill. I've found no need to thaw anything or use cooking spray. I admit that I haven't even read the directions that came with it. And it really did clean up beautifully with nothing but wet paper towels. I recommend the "family" size even if you live alone, so that you can grill your entree and side items all at once. This delightful thing now has a permanent home on the counter, and my take-out bills and waistline are sure to improve dramatically. Warmly recommended to all...and remember, friends don't let friends eat fast food!

I am seriously cooking challenged, perhaps the biggest moron from any kitchen in North America. In my early 40's, I can barely boil water and have never made a hot meal for myself. I rely on fast food and my dinner generally consisted of Cheerios (literally). Everyone at work have urged me for over a year to get the George Foreman grill. I warily watched George's infomercials and grudgingly resisted taking the plunge to buy this grill. I thought there was no way it could possibly be as easy as Foreman made it seem. Boy, was I wrong.

I have had this grill for over a year and can honestly attest this is the best fifty bucks I have ever plucked down. Already I have made hamburgers in a jiffy, grilled salmon, shrimp and boneless chicken breasts. This may seem like nothing to you, but for someone who regarded Shredded Wheat as a gourmet meal, this grill has put a huge smile on my face, not to mention my husband, who is dancing a jig whenever the cooking aroma wafts his way.

Using the grill really is as easy as the infomercials claim. Grab your hamburger patties, sprinkle on some seasoning, pluck them down on the grill, close the lid and six minutes later you have a perfectly cooked burger. I was in ecstasy the first time I tasted one of my creations. No longer am I the most cooking challenged human being on the planet, I am giving Julia Childs a run for her money. God bless George Foreman, this product is fantastic. If you're a novice cook or a pro, you can't go wrong with this product.

This is our first day with our GF grill, but we've already made grilled vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions) and Boca burgers. Everything turned out very well, and it was quick and easy. I think it's pretty easy to clean, too (much easier than your average broiler pan). This is a good size for two people, but don't expect to cook everything at once (i.e., meat and vegetables together). There isn't enough room, and if the items aren't of uniform thickness, the thinner items won't be as nicely grilled. Also, you may have to turn some items midway to get grill marks on both sides. I don't think the bun warmer does much good on its own, but it can be useful for keeping bread products warmed after you've heated them in the toaster. All in all, I'm very pleased. My husband and I had fun playing grill chefs indoors on a chilly fall day.

This is one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life I love this grill. its easy to use and clean up, plus it makes even the most time "unconcious" person make everything good and not burned.I still have the one my mother bought when it first came out and its still working like a champ. There is no reason for you to buy this. It makes cooking a snap and it is very quick for those ,OH GOODNESS I'M ABOUT TO FAINT IF I DON'T EAT SOMETHING QUICK, meals.I say this because I sometimes forget to eat.

There are too many great things to say about this little device: It's affordable to anybody, even if you are a student stuck living at school. It's compact, you can store it anywhere--a closet, your car, your office, the kitchen cabinet. It's powerful--I have plugged it in and in just minutes began working on an entire three course meal for six people with only this unit to work with. It's easy to clean--this is one of the few products out there that is every bit as easy to clean as the commercials show it to be on TV. It's is economical, using very little electricity to do a just that would waste electricity in a conventional oven or even an older model microwave oven. It's versatile--I have cooked everything from thin pieces of tempeh strips to thick steaks and it cooks both to perfection. You never would have been able to convince me to buy anything on TV before (and most certainly not from a former boxing champion...) but since a friend both this grill for me I have thanked them time and again (and in turn bought the same gift for many a friend of my own).

I have used two Hamilton Beach grills of this type and three Geroge Foreman Jumbo grills over many years.

The cleaning problems and stupid drip tray design of the Foreman led me to the Hamilton Beach.

The fixed hinge design and LOW HEAT of the Hamilton Beach led me back to the Foreman.

I have decided that good food is better than dishwasher convenience, and have stuck with a recent Foreman model.

PS

Will some manufactuer make a contact grill that is very hot on one half and less hot in the other half?...you do not cook often by grilling all at the same temperature. Sear then grill. So far, no one has a clue, and this would be simple to do. Include the appropriate timers etc....

Unfortunately, most people want a grill to work like a microwave. Because of heat retention on the plates, I think this is unlikely...but multistate cooking would be a big plus for these grills! Surely the engineering expertise of the industry can improve on this.

We subscribe to Consumer Reports and read all about these types of grills. The George Foreman and the Hamilton Beach MealMaker Express Grill seam to be the most popular but the HB beats ALL the competition hands down!
Many people who already have the George Foreman grill all have told us they hate it because it's so difficult to clean. With the removable grills on the HB model, this problem simply does not exist. We love how fast this grill cooks chicken and steak. The best part is that the meats are so juicy and delicious.
I highly recommend the Hamilton Beach MealMaker Express Grill.

I purchased a Foreman grill and was very unhappy with it. The surface plates are not removeable and the teflon finish was rather porous and very difficult to clean. A friend of mine purchased a Foreman grill and had the same results. These grills are now stored in the same place-the garage. This Hamilton Beach model rocks. Removeable plates that can go in the dishwasher or be cleaned by hand very easily and the cooking time is half that of the Foreman grill. Buy this productt and dont waste your money on the Foreman grills. I just bought another as a birthday gift for my friend that had purchased the Foreman Grill

I got the George Foreman Contact Roaster for a Mother's Day gift. I love kitchen gadgets and could not wait to add this one to my collection. The first thing I cooked in it was the egg casserole (recipe in the booklet) and it turned out great. The second thing I made was a 3 lb. chicken. The aroma as it cooked was amazing. It was moist, tender and juicy. It took an hour and a half to cook. I would suggest NOT to line your roaster with sliced onions as I did to enhance the flavor of the chicken. The onions carmelized, then burned and got stuck in the drip hole. It was not very easy to clean that out. The roaster is also a bit small. I wish I would have requested the larger model as we are a family of 4 (soon to be 5) and I can see us outgrowing this appliance long before it wears out. I love to create recipes and cannot wait to see what I am able to concoct to cook in this roaster. It is very versetile and does not heat up the kitchen. It is smaller than the crock pot I used to have, and I probably will never buy another seeing how much fat this machine drains from meats. I will never again cook a chicken in a crock pot and let it sit in all that grease! The booklet that comes with the roaster is easy to read, although there are not many recipes in it. The little cleaning tool is great, it works very well and the additional drip tray comes in handy in case you have a very fatty cut of meat or you want to cook a second item right after the first is finished cooking. All in all, a wonderful appliance and highly reccomended.

What I like about this Contact Cooker is that it's perfect for roasting chickens (less than 5 lbs), roasts, and whatever else you can fit in the cooker's cavity. It heats up in less than five minutes and is ready to go when you are.

The cooker comes with a removable insert which I used most of the time so the meat can roast in it's own juices. It also makes it easier to collect the juice for gravy, just make sure to use pot holders.

The only cons I have are:

1. The insert tray handles stick out of the sides of the cooker. It gets hot and can burn you if you're not paying attention. Plus, an unknowing person may accidently try to pick up the cooker thinking their handles for the cooker itself. It can be a potentially very dangerous situation when the cooker is being used.

2. You don't have a choice to the heat settings. Heck, it took me a while to find out what the cooker's heat setting was. It's a permanent 325. But, since you're cooking using all sides of the cooker, the temperature is quite practical for all meats.

3. The cooking cavity is not as big as I would like it to be. It's fine for anything less than 5 lbs and not overly large. Great for family meals of 4 or less - but don't expect to fit a pork shoulder roast or Thanksgiving turkey. It also doesn't allow room for me to slip in a temperature probe very well.

The Pros:

1. Easy to clean. The teflon coating clean up really nice. The insert tray take a little more work to clean, but it's not too bad.

2. Fast warm up. It's ready in less than 5 minutes.

3. Doesn't radiate heat as much like your oven would. A big plus, especially in the summer time.

4. Less mess overall. I use less pots and pans. What a relief.

5. Just about foolproof if you follow directions. Even though I like using temperature probes to keep tabs on my food, it really isn't necessary to do so.

This is a really nice cooker to have. Lots of pluses to having it, especially when you start using it. You'll discover the benefits yourself.

I love this cooker. For a family of 2 or 3 this is great. Just the right size. It easily cooks a 5# chicken. I put a pork roast in the roasting pan and it came out so tender and juicy. Fixed wings first by putting in the bottom part and getting rid of some of the grease then put them in the roasting pan, then added barbeque sauce. Great. Would recommend this to anyone. Especially someone watching not to eat alot of grease.