Buying guide for best george foreman grills
Grilling is a healthy, tasty way to cook a wide range of meats and other foods. But if you don’t want your grill use to be affected by the weather, an indoor grill is a must-have. And when it comes to indoor grills, the models from George Foreman aren’t just the best known — they’re also some of the best.
A George Foreman grill is usually a countertop appliance that features two grill plates that open and close along a hinge. You place a steak or other food item on the bottom plate and close the top plate over it, so both sides are cooked at the same time.
George Foreman grills are available in a wide range of models, but which one is right for you? Our buying guide can help you determine the size, features and options that best suit your grilling lifestyle.
Key considerations
Indoor vs. outdoor
All George Foreman grills can be used indoors. Most are actually compact electric models that are designed to sit on your countertop for easy operation. But some George Foreman grills are actually indoor/outdoor models. They are also electric and must be plugged into an outlet for use, but they include a removable stand that allows them to convert to a free-standing grill for your patio, deck, or apartment balcony.
To use your grill indoors, you simply remove the stand and set it on your counter. Bear in mind that indoor/outdoor grills don’t have contact plates, so you have to flip your food halfway through cooking. If you need to use your grill outdoors, be sure to purchase an indoor/outdoor model. Standard George Foreman grills are meant for indoor use only.
Cooking area
The cooking area of a George Foreman grill determines how many servings you can cook at one time. Most grill manufacturers indicate cooking area in square inches, but George Foreman grills make it even easier — they measure cooking area in terms of how many servings a model can accommodate.
All George Foreman grills can prepare at least two servings at a time, so if you only cook for one or two people, any model will suffice. For families, a model with a cooking area that serves four or five is usually sufficient. If you have a larger family or entertain regularly, you may prefer a George Foreman grill with a cooking area that can fit six to nine servings at once. Most indoor/outdoor model George Foreman grills can accommodate 15 or more servings a time, so they’re ideal for barbecues, cookouts, and other large gatherings.
George Foreman grills vary in size, from large models to compact grills that consume little counter space. We factor this into our process when shortlisting the best George Foreman grills.
When we consider a grill, we look to see if it is compatible with plates that would make it versatile enough to prepare different types of foods.
While some basic grills by George Foreman have just one temperature setting, comprehensive models offer variable heat control. We take this into account when looking for the best.
Some George Foreman grills have a floating hinge that adjusts to allow the lid to fit over thick food. When offered, we research this feature to determine its effectiveness and user-friendliness.
High-end George Foreman grills often sport digital controls. We look at the settings on these controls, including temperature and timer settings.
We examine the cooking space offered by each Foreman grill we recommend, noting that models vary in the amount of food they can hold. The company makes grills that fit 2 to 15 servings.
George Foreman grills are designed for indoor use, but many can also be used outside. In fact, some come with a stand for outdoor setup. We factor this into our shortlisting process.
George Foreman grills have angled cooking plates that drain fat and oil away from food. We find out whether the angles on these plates are fixed or adjustable.
We research the quality of the nonstick coating on George Foreman grills, scrutinizing reliability and durability.
We want to know if a grill’s plates are removable and dishwasher safe. These features are convenient when it comes time for cleanup.
Features
Temperature range
Many basic George Foreman grills heat to a single temperature, so you’re unable to control how hot the grill gets. But some models have variable heat controls that allow you to adjust the temperature.
The lowest temperature for George Foreman grills with variable settings is usually 300°F, but there is some variation among the models in terms of maximum temperature. Some can only heat to 400°F or 425°F. Other grills can attain a temperature of 500°F, so you’re able to properly sear your meat.
Digital controls
Basic George Foreman grills don’t have any type of controls because they only have a single setting: on. Once you close the lid and plug the appliance in, the grill begins heating. Mid-range models with variable temperature controls have a slide button or knob that allows you to adjust the temperature. Some high-end George Foreman grills have digital controls that allow you to choose precise temperature and timer settings.
Floating hinge
Because the majority of George Foreman grills are contact grills with plates that close over your food, a floating hinge is an important feature to consider. A floating hinge allows the grill to adjust for foods of various thicknesses, so you can be sure that the top plate comes in contact with the food to cook it properly on both sides. A grill without a floating hinge may not be able to close completely on thinner foods, which means the top of the food may not cook at the same speed as the bottom of the food.
Adjustable cooking angle
One of the benefits of a George Foreman grill is that its design encourages fat and grease to run off the food you’re cooking and collect in a drip tray beneath the grill for healthier eating. Some models allow you to adjust the angle of the bottom plate, so you can control how much fat runs off your food. It’s an extremely handy feature if you want to reduce the amount of fat in your diet.
Removable plates
Some George Foreman grills feature removable plates, which makes them much easier to clean. Instead of lugging the entire grill to your sink, you can just remove the plates and hand wash them with soapy water.
Additional grill plates
If you opt for a George Foreman grill with removable plates, some models may come with additional plates. You can remove the standard grill plates and substitute them with waffle plates or griddles plates for more cooking options. Some George Foreman grills even come with a baking pan and a muffin pan that fit in place of the plates.
George Foreman grill prices
George Foreman grills vary in price based on their cooking area and the special features.
Inexpensive: Basic George Foreman grills that only heat to a single temperature are usually the most affordable. They typically don’t have removable plates or a floating hinge and can only be used indoors. They usually cost between $15 and $60.
Mid-range: With prices ranging from $50 to $100, mid-range George Foreman grills often have variable temperature settings, but they usually feature slide or knob controls. Grills in this price range may have removable grill plates and a floating hinge, but they can only be used indoors.
Expensive: The priciest George Foreman grills have variable temperature settings and often feature digital controls. High-end models usually have a floating hinge and removable grill plates, and they may even include additional specialty plates. Some models are safe for outdoor use, too. High-end Foreman grills typically cost between $100 and $140.
Tips
- While George Foreman grills have nonstick grill plates, you may want to lightly mist them with olive oil before grilling your food. Not only does it ensure that foods won’t stick, but it also imparts more flavor.
- There’s no need to flip your food on most George Foreman grills because the contact plates cook both sides simultaneously. Indoor/outdoor models don’t have contact plates, though, so you’ll need to turn your food.
- You can cook meat on a George Foreman grill without defrosting it — you’ll just need to grill a bit longer than you would with fresh meat.
- Removable plates from a George Foreman grill are dishwasher safe. Allow the grill to fully cool, remove the plates, and place them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Other products we considered
With so many George Foreman grills to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a model that suits your grilling needs. The George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill is an ideal option if you’re looking for a grill that you can use both inside and outside your home. It has a 240 square-inch round grilling surface that fits up to 15 burgers, so you can easily cook for a crowd on a patio, or in your kitchen.
We also like the George Foreman Grill & Broil 7-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill. Versatility is this grill’s forte. Not only can it grill and broil, but it can also do waffles, paninis, and baked goods. A truly versatile model.
FAQ
Q. Are George Foreman grills covered by a warranty?
A. All George Foreman grills come with warranty protection. Most models have a three-year limited warranty, which protects against any damage that results from material or workmanship defects. The grills aren’t protected against damage that occurs due to accidents or misuse.
Q. Can I use a George Foreman grill on my apartment patio or balcony?
A. If you have an indoor/outdoor model, you can usually use your George Foreman grill on an apartment patio or balcony. In fact, even if your building doesn’t allow charcoal or gas grills, a Foreman grill is usually still permitted because it’s electrically powered.
Q. Can I use an extension cord with a George Foreman grill?
A. Yes, you can use an extension cord with your George Foreman grill as long as it has an electrical value that’s equal to or greater than the rating of the grill. If you’re using an indoor/outdoor model, make sure that the extension cord is suitable for use with outdoor appliances, too.
