Toastess THG489 Smokeless Indoor Health Grill, Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)The grill arrived on Friday and was returned on Monday (used once) because of the following: (1) Cheap construction, (2) One grill support bracket was broken, and (3) The grill does not heat up quickly (it took 15 minutes) and does not get hot enough to cook food properly. The bottom line on this product is: "Look elswhere".


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No need to give up summertime grilling when the weather turns cold thanks to this easy-to-use indoor electric grill. The countertop appliance not only sears those tasty grill marks onto food, but its design also keeps food up and away from grease, fat, and other excess liquids for healthier cooking. The removable drip tray catches run-off fat, and by filling it first with water, it's easy to enjoy virtually smoke-free cooking. Even more, the grill provides a handy "on" indicator light, two rack levels for cooking delicate foods, and an adjustable thermostat-control knob for setting the heat at the right temperature for the job, whether it's veggie burgers, shish kabobs, red peppers, or baby potatoes. When finished, the grill, base, and drip tray clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The multi-purpose indoor grill measures approximately 19-2/3 by 18-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches.

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Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATED REVIEW Oct. 15, 2008:
Well, I posted a nice review on Dec. 27, 2007 after purchasing this grill. After use of 2 to 3 times per month for 9 months it's totally stone cold dead. Plugged it in the other night, no lights, no heat. I am very disappointed. I will be trying to receive a replacement because it's too late for money back. Just wanted to post an update on the product.
I would have rated with 0 stars but it would not let me change my previous star rating and would not let me post another review.
FIRST REVIEW Dec. 27, 2007:
Pros: Very easy to remove and clean the grill plates. When you replace the grill plates, they are secure. Cooks meat to perfection and makes a wonderful panini sandwich. Top locks in place, cord stores securely underneath for space saving upright storage. Clean stainless steel design.
Handle remains cool to touch.
Can be used under overhead kitchen cabinets. I have 18" from the top of my countertop to the bottom of the cabinet front and I have 1" remaining with the grill fully open.
Cons: Does not open all the way to lay flat for use as an open grill.

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With its powerful 1800-watt heating system, this tabletop grill can cook food 50-percent faster than traditional grills. Its interchangeable flat plate and two ribbed plates allow home chefs to grill steaks and make pancakes. The unit also provides adjustable height control with its floating-hinge top plate, which can be adjusted to six pre-set heights. Lower settings reduce the weight pressing upon more delicate foods like fish or vegetables, while higher settings work great for making open melt sandwiches or reheating. The removable non-stick plates firmly lock into place and can be removed with the touch of a button. In addition, the unit's adjustable-tilt feature controls the angle of the grill's lower plate. The "angle" position offers reduced-fat cooking, draining fat into the drip tray, and the "flat" position functions as a griddle for cooking eggs and pancakes. Nonstick plate surfaces ensure simple food release, and the plates clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Other highlights include variable temperature control from 350 to 425 degrees F, a polished die-cast metal arm, an attractive brushed stainless-steel body, and a design that locks closed so the appliance can be stored on its side to save on space. The grill measures 16-1/4 by 16-1/4 by 8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Sensio 13121 Bella Cucina Stainless-Steel Electric Grill and Griddle Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this piece of equipment because it really works well. It does all that it says and is a breeze to clean. ONE caveat though: the black labels on the dials (eg. warm, etc., 300 degrees, etc., grill, off, griddle) wash off!!! I have rewritten them with permanent marker but that's not a viable option on the stainless surface. I have been reduced to making a template/mockup. At least my efforts are a testament to my fondness for the product -- I don't correct mistakes like this often.

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Sporting a sleek, rugged design, this electric countertop grill and griddle provides endless cooking options and user-friendly controls. Its front panel consists of three dials: a "function" dial for setting the function from off to grill or griddle; a "griddle" dial for adjusting the heat from 200 to 450 degrees F; and a "grill" dial for adjusting the heat to warm, low, medium, high, or sear. Four cooking plates come included, each with a nonstick surface to ensure effortless food release and to help promote lower-fat cooking (no need for excess butter or oils). Lay the appliance completely flat in the open position, and with the grill plates in place, use it to cook up bacon, veggie shish kabobs, or salmon fillets. Or, close the unit for simultaneously cooking both sides of a hamburger or panini or grilled-cheese sandwich; its floating-hinge system accommodates thicker foods like steaks and pork chops. Change out the grill plates for the griddle plates for making pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and more for the whole family. The unit provides a handy drip cup to collect grease run-off, and the removable cooking plates clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Housed in brushed stainless steel, the 500-watt grill/griddle measures 13-4/7 by 13-2/5 by 6-2/7 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Sensio 13267 Bella Cucina Nonstick Panini Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this particular panini press due to the small size, which was important to me b/c I don't have alot of kitchen storage. It is perfect for 2 sandwiches. It has a great non-stick coating which is super easy to clean. I wipe it down with a wet paper towel. So far I have only used it on the highest heat setting and it works fast and produces perfectly crunchy sandwiches on the outside and warm, melted ingredients on the inside. It's also very attractive with its highly polished chrome exterior.
My only negative points and the only reason I did not give it 5 stars: The plastic lock (which holds the top and bottom together for easier moving/storage) is difficult to latch and does not stay put. The plastic drip tray is a bit flimsy. And so far, in my experience, the heating light does not work properly. It stays on all of the time instead of indicating "ready". But that is not really a problem for me as I can tell when its hot (only takes a few minutes).
I admit, this is my first panini maker. I read alot of reviews here on Amazon before choosing this one based soley on its size. And I seem to be the first to review this one. It was between this one and a George Foreman grill. And once I touched the GF grill in person at a store, I didn't like it. Trust me, this is a much better quality appliance and well worth the money! So overall, I would highly recommend it!

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Make healthy, delicious hot sandwiches with this easy-to-use panini grill. The countertop appliance features a non-stick grilling surface, which means there's no need for butter or oil--cooked food slides effortless off the grill and onto a serving plate. Thick, crusty breads like Italian, French, or focaccia work best for panini sandwiches; the appliance can also be used to grill vegetables, pork chops, fish, and more. Simply place food on the grill, lower the lid, and adjust the temperature as needed by turning the dial from low to high heat settings. Once food has fully cooked or sandwiches have turned a crispy golden brown, remove from the grill and enjoy. The grill provides a red "power" and a green "ready" indicator light for foolproof operation. Other highlights include a chrome-plate cover, a generous lid handle, a slide-out drip tray for quick cleanup, handy cord wrap when not in use, and a sleek design that will fit in well with any kitchen collection. The panini grill measures 13-1/4 by 10-4/5 by 4-2/3 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Bella Cucina Panini Press Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a pretty good panini press. It heats pretty evenly and I have never burned anything with it. It flattens pretty well except when I stuffed a sandwich with tomatoes and red peppers and then used focaccia bread that had a rounded crust. The insides kind of slid out and I had to manipulate it until it stayed put. The top portion pivots, but you have to use an oven mit to adjust it to the height of your sandwich since it's too hot to move with your bare hands. It has a non-stick coating and it's pretty easy to clean, unless you make oily, saucy or buttered sandwiches. I pretty much wipe it with wet, slightly soapy paper towels or a sponge but then I wipe again to make sure to get any soapy residue off (cannot submerge in water). The edge is lipped so crumbs and food particles have to be picked out. It's an attractive looking press as well.

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Calphalon HE600CG Removable-Plate Nonstick Countertop Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had many indoor grills, this one outshines all of them! It is a large grill, with space enough for four burgers, sandwiches, chicken thighs or breasts, etc. It heats up fast with minimal, if any smoke. I love the timer option and control of the temperature. It is super easy to clean and the removable plates fit nicely in the dishwasher. The drip tray is huge and located where it should be, in the back, so when you open up your grill while cooking, the grease goes in it and not on your counter or under the grill. This is a bonus safety measure which I describe in detail later on in this review.
The cooking quality is excellent. One of the reviewers complained about how poorly his chicken and steak turned out. I do not understand that, he must have cooked at the wrong temperatures (too hot), because we've had perfect results every time. It doesn't taste like steamed anything, but like grilled food. And yes, it makes a mean panini sandwich!
This grill is well made with quality parts. The only part that is questionable is the adjustable height knob, which is plastic, and I could see this breaking down the road, since we use this grill daily. I called customer service about it, and they said should it break, they would send out a new part, no problem. Good to know.
This grill looks so good on the counter, that I leave it there. It does not look tacky like the other models out there, where I found myself wanting to hide them right after use.
There was a huge fire hazard defect on a no-name cusinart model that I bought from Walmart for $50, which occurred well after the warranty ended. That grill ended up in the trash can. What happened with it is the grease leaked underneath whenever I opened it while cooking, melting the plastic that housed the wires, leaving the wires exposed. Thankfully I caught this before anything bad happened. So, when I looked for my next grill, I specifically looked for one that addressed this issue (the grease leaking underneath whenever you open the grill while cooking). The Calphalon addresses this issue with the drip tray in the back. Other grill makers need to follow suit!
The price tag seemed high to me, but it does come with a much better warranty than other models, it is made from higher quality parts, and it looks like something one would see in a professional kitchen. My husband is a chef, and is extremely happy with this grill as well. I'm not one known to buy high-end appliances, but in this case I did and can honestly say that I have no regrets. I highly recommend this grill!JULY 18th 2010: UPDATE
I just wanted to update and let everyone know that after daily use for well over a year, I can happily report my Calphalon indoor grill is still going strong!
Cleanup is still a breeze and the coating is still perfect. After you cook on it and the plates have cooled down, place the plates in the sink and spray a little water on them, let them soak for a few minutes. Then rinse. I have never had anything clean as easily as these plates!
I read that some people have problems with the front panel coming off or knobs breaking. I haven't had that happen. I'm wondering if there was a bad batch of these, and somehow I lucked out. I bought my grill from Amazon, if that helps. Everything still works like a charm and we put this grill through its paces!
Someone mentioned the top plate coming off while they were cooking. They must not have put it on correctly. If it doesn't snap in, it isn't on there right. Be careful with that.
My grill heats up in about 5 minutes. No problems there. I love the timer. 350 degrees seems to be a magic temperature for me. I cook almost everything at that setting. This is a wonderful grill. I'm very happy we splurged last year and bought it.

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Cook for a few or for a crowd with the extra-large capacity of this countertop grill. The unit features heavy-gauge cast-aluminum nonstick grill plates that can fit up to six burgers, six 4-ounce chicken breasts, or four Panini-style sandwiches at a time. And, since it cooks both sides simultaneously, food grills quickly and efficiently. To use, simply turn the control knob to select the desired heat setting from 200 degrees F for warming up to 450 degrees F for searing. After about five minutes of preheating, a "ready" light will illuminate. Place food on the lower grill plate, close the lid, and select "always on" for continuous grilling or set the 30-minute timer for a designated cooking time--a bell will sound at the end and the grill will stop heating. Other highlights include an Opti-Heat system for premium heating, adjustable height to accommodate everything from thick steaks to grilled-cheese sandwiches, an internal drip tray to catch excess fat, and easy-to-read controls. To protect the nonstick coating on the grill plates, use only non-metal, temperature-resistant utensils, such as wood or nylon. The removable drip tray and grill plates can go in the dishwasher or be washed by hand and the base wipes clean easily with a soft, damp cloth. For compact storing, simply empty and clean the drip tray, close the grill, move the height selector into the lock position, and tuck the grill away either laying flat or standing upright. Housed in stainless steel with a sleek contoured shape, the 1500-watt grill measures 12-8/9 by 15-2/3 by 6-3/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Krups FDE312-75 Universal Grill and Panini Maker Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, this product makes great panini! You can use it to make just about any sandwich very special. If you use really fresh ingredients, the results are as good as at any market in Italy (that is where I got hooked on these). It not only makes Panini, but can be used to grill chicken, hamburgers, sausage, etc, and then throw in the buns before assembling for a gourmet treat.
I got mine as a Christmas gift and used it at least weekly for about 6 months till I moved, and had to pack it for a while. When I got it out of storage (January the next year) it worked for only 4 times, then just stopped. It wouldn't heat; lights wouldn't come on, nothing worked!
I called the local Krups repair site, and they told me if it was over 1 year old, throw it away and buy another. I was royally upset! Appliances that cost over $100 should not fail in 6 months of use! In the old days, a repair shop could fix anything, and they would never tell you to throw it away.
Well, I went to Amazon and read the many similar stories of short life, and sudden failure and realized I was out of luck. After the one year warranty expires, the repair places (who normally would just get a new warranty replacement from Krups and have it sent to you) won't touch it.
Having nothing to lose, I removed the single Phillips screw in the center of the underside of the unit and opened up the unit. The griddle surface separates from the stainless base once this screw is removed. In here I saw a device which looks like a resistor held in place by two small clamps inside a clear plastic tube. I plugged the unit in and tested the voltage across the terminals of this device, and it read 125V. I knew immediately that this was the problem, as it was preventing the entire unit from getting voltage. I disassembled the clamps and slid the tube off, then cut the part off of the two wires.
Looking on the web, I found out the part is a simple and very common "heat fuse", intended to break the circuit if the thermostat (located in the top half) failed and the unit started to melt down or overheat.
This device does not reset once the unit cools, but sacrifices itself. When it exceeds 240 degrees centigrade, it disconnects power to the unit permanently and must be replaced. This is the reason so many people have had failures.
Either the unit runs hotter than the designers anticipated (most likely), the current is too high (doubtful as the unit draws 1500 Watts, 750W per side and the device is rated for 15 Amps at 120 Volts. 1500W only draws 12.5 Amps, so that is well below the 15 Amp capacity of the component), or it was a faulty component. Considering that these components are used in a huge number of heating appliances, it is most likely that the designed temperature for this component is too high. Here is an excerpt from the manufacturers web site:
"The temperatures experienced during normal operation, including expected temperature overshoots, will determine the life expectancy of the TCO. Nuisance trips can result if the thermal cutoff rating is too close to the temperatures experienced during normal operation (this is probably what happens!). Continuous temperatures above 200°C will cause the sealing compound to weaken and ultimately fail. In addition, as shown in figure 4, each thermal cutoff calibration has a maximum temperature overshoot rating (TM). Overshoot temperatures above this rating may cause dielectric breakdown of the thermal cutoff and allow reconduction to occur. See Therm-O-Disc's MICROTEMP® Thermal Cutoff Technical Bulletin for more information.
The safest way to repair the unit is to replace the failed temperature fuse. It is made by Therm-O-Disc and is a Microtemp model G4A00240C. You can find these on the web for about $6.00 (or free if you request a sample from Therm-O-Disc on their web site). You will need a crimp tool and some bare crimps to crimp the wires to the new temperature fuse. I just used some bare (non insulated!) crimp spade lugs and cut off the spade part (Radio Shack or any auto parts store). Do not use insulated spade lugs as the insulation will melt under these temperature extremes. When you dissemble it in the first place, take a picture of the insides before you start unscrewing and cutting. Then you will know exactly how to reassemble the parts. As the positioning of the temp sensor is critical, make sure when you reassemble, you do it exactly the same way it was (direction of the clamps holding the wire and temp fuse, etc).
As my patience was thin after speaking to the Krups repair facility, I took the unsafe route and simply bypassed this component (cut it out and crimped the two wires together). All works perfectly now. As I never plan on leaving the unit unattended, I am not too worried about the temperature fuse not being there (worst case, the thermostat gives out and the heating unit melts the griddle, which will drip into the stainless steel housing, short out the power, and blow a breaker.) I do not recommend the later solution, as the UL listing will be compromised.
If you take the safe route, you should buy a few of these temperature fuse units, as the design problem is not corrected by replacing the part, and it may only last a few months before you have to do it again. When you crimp the component in, make sure you do a good job (tight crimp), if you can pull the wires out of the crimp with your hands, you didn't crimp hard enough. If this happens, the poor connection will generate its own heat and cause the temperature fuse to trip.
Remember, all of these components are subject to very high temperatures, so do not attempt to "lengthen the wire" or use electrical tape, or solder to make the connection. Unless you have materials rated for 240 degrees C, do not use them in the repair. You can use solder but only in addition to a good crimp.
Well, I am back to making great Panini and didn't have to buy anything! I am a happy camper! Cheers.
Good luck! I hope this helps some people!
Best regards,
Wayne

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010942200338 Features: -Color: Chrome with Black Accents. -Non-stick cooking plate. -Cool Touch Therm-insulated handle for added safety. -Automatic floating hinge system to accomodate different food thicknesses. -Grill plate allows multiple uses (chicken, fish, steaks). -Locking latch to keep unit closed for upright storage. -Panini recipe book for easy to make recipes. -Warranty: 1 year limited warranty. -Overall Dimensions: 6.62'' H x 8.87'' W x 14.37'' D. This Panini's maker is more that what it looks! If you love panini's, but you also enjoy eating grilled steaks, fish, and chicken, then this the right appliance for your kitchen. This sandwich makers allows you to make Panini's, but it also works as a multi-use grill. Sleek and modern, this grill and sandwich maker has an automatic floating hinge system that accommodates different food thickness. A Panini recipe book is included so that you enjoy fast and delicious meals. Instructions

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Breville 800GRXL Die-Cast Indoor Barbeque and Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this grill. Yes, it's big, but for a family of four that's good. Problem? The non-stick surface is beginning to bubble after only 9 months of light use. At first, I thought it was just food left on the grill, but, alas, it is the surface coming away. It might be possible to make the grill last another year or so, if one were careful, but I don't think this should happen so soon. I don't think I have used it more than 25 times. I have sent an email to Breville asking for information on returns/repairs. I'll update this post after they respond (assuming they do).
UPDATE:
I contacted Breville via email, and they promptly replied with information on how to send it back. Assuming they concur with my assessment of the bubbling problem, I should receive a replacement. Can't ask for better customer service than that! A+

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Breville die cast heavy duty die cast stainless steel Indoor BBQ and Grill has a sophisticated brushed stainless steel design. 184 square inches of contact grilling surface and 368 square inches of BBQ surface.This items has the World's first patented grill lock mechanism - use as a contract grill or an open BBQ grill.It has a premium non-stick Quantanium scratch-resistant cooking service.Patented adjustable grilling height control and patented base place tilt dial are just two of it's features.It can cook on a flat surface or ribbed plate.

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Villaware V2160 UNO ProPress Panini Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I had lusted after this little baby for some time and finally bought it when I found a great deal on it. It makes the most amazing sandwiches, which you can custom-tailor to your tastes. I also used it for a rolled flank steak, stuffed with mushrooms and cut into thick slices. Each slice cooked perfectly at medium heat, although like all steaks, it requires a watchful eye to prevent overcooking.
My experience with vegetables was similarly good. Peppers, onions, eggplant slices all cook in minutes with good result. I have not tried chicken breasts, but from reading the other reviews, imagine that the results will be similar.
One negative: fish can be a tricky business on this grill. I cooked an ahi steak for only a few minutes and it was overdone. I bought a stovetop grill pan specifically for fish after that (well, I confess I do throw a little bacon on it too from time to time).
I am quite satisfied with this panini grill, and love my homemade paninis. I found that a sliced kaiser or hoagie roll works well, as well as thickly sliced Italian or sourdough bread. My favorite sandwich?: thickly sliced bread, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper slices and sliced fontina. Who said heaven isn't right here?

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Grill thick sandwiches, chicken and meat.Professional highly polished aluminum housing with restaurant-style handle.1400 watts 11 inch by 9 inch grilling surface with non-stick coating.ProPress hinge adjusts for foods up to 3 inches thick.

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The Sharper Image 8147SI Stainless-Steel Super Grill with Interchangeable Nonstick Plates Review

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(More customer reviews)The unit cooks great....I found it to cook evenly on both sides. Love the interchangable plates. But the instruction booklet is more about covering the Sharper Image for legal liabilities than it is actual instructions for the user. I did not even know it had an articulating hinge until I discovered it on my own by looking at the pictures on the box and on the web. The booklet said nothing about it. That's why it only gets 4 stars. However, I would recommend purchase of this product. Another qwirk is that the unit only comes with one flat interchangable plate. So if you want to cook eggs or pancakes on both sides with the unit flat in the wide open position, you can only cook those items on one flat side the other side will be a raised grill plate. Don't know who came up with that brilliant idea....not a cook!

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Enjoy the taste of grilled foods all year long with the help of this indoor countertop grill. The unit provides generous cooking space for grilling summer vegetables, juicy burgers, shish kabobs, and more, while its floating hinge accommodates thicker items like panini sandwiches. Open the hinged cover all the way for use as an open grill--or as a griddle with the included interchangeable griddle plates, which offer a smooth surface designed for silver-dollar pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast fare. It also comes with waffle plates for making delicious homemade waffles that are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. A nonstick surface on the interchangeable cooking plates helps ensure effortless food release (no additional butter or oil needed) and quick cleanup. Other highlights include user-friendly manual controls, adjustable temperature from 200 to 400 degrees F, a sleek modern design, and a stay-cool handle for safely raising and lowering the lid. Accessories include two drip trays for catching excess grease and a scraper to help facilitate easy cleanup. The indoor countertop grill measures approximately 15-4/5 by 14-2/5 by 9-4/5 inches.

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Hamilton Beach 25450 Gourmet Panini Press Review

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(More customer reviews)You can't give this machine a bad rating. This Hamilton Beach Panini Press does one thing and one thing only, but it does it very well. If you enjoy pressed/grilled sandwhiches you will love this machine. As I write this I'm eating a feta/olive/artichoke/roasted peppers on pita sandwhich hot off the panini press, and it's scrumptious. I actually bought this as a christmas gift for my mother, but I probably use it more than she does.
The machine looks good on the counter, and has a large, non stick service. It's not on a hinge so it's designed to accept even the thickest sandwhiches without squeezing all the filling out. You can even "lock" the lid down to apply constant pressure, or lock it up to maintain minimal pressure or to not make contact with the top at all. It's great for quesidillas as well. Ignore the user that says it takes too long to heat up, it takes only a couple of minutes, about the time a waffle maker would take to heat. Even cooking on the stove you need to take a few mins to heat the pan! Also ignore the comment that this machine burns the bread before heating the filling, I've never had such problems, although I do wish there was a temperature control for further versatillity. But my bread never burns... I find 2-6 min will brown the bread perfectly, from lightly browned to nice and crispy (depending on how you like it) without burning it at all. I've never burned anything on this machine. I even once used it to grill some chicken, and it did the job nicely, though it's not really designed for that.
The only down sides are that there are no frills. I've seen other models that come with nice recipe books, this one has just a few hastily thrown together recipe ideas in the instruction booklet. There's no temp control either, which is fine, but it would be nice to have some kind of control (it would be more convenient if you wanted to use it for alternative purposes. The machine gets very hot, but that's to be expected. There's no alternate "plates" or cooking surfaces for say a flat "griddle" style surface, so you'll have to settle for the striated grate style surface, which in all honestly is not a big deal at all.
This is a great machine, at a decent price. It could be better with a temp control, some extra features, and a better recipe book, but all-in-all, you can't complain. It does its job, and does it very well.

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The Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker is an excellent appliance to have on hand to make grilled cheese and other hot sandwiches. Every deli sandwich tastes better hot and with melted cheese. This Panini Press can handle sandwiches of any size.

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Cuisinart multifunctional Griddler Gourmet maker Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the griddler in February of 2005 and have taken care to ensure it lasts. The Griddler is heavy and sturdily constructed. It heats up quickly, and cleans up even faster. We have used it for Panini, grilling meat, and toasting burger buns. The griddler comes with interchangeable dishwasher safe griddle and grill plates. The unit can be used as a Panini press or as a griddle.
The base of the unit heats up and maintains temperature better than the top. This creates uneven toasting of the Panini or other items. It's not so much of a problem using as a griddle, since one side will simply cook faster than the other.
After a year the nonstick surface has started pealing off of the grill plates. I have never used metal on the nonstick surface and have taken great care to preserve the finish. Perhaps it is in the design, but the now I will have to take care not to get pieces of the nonstick surface in my food. The plates don't stay attached in the top anymore either. It's very annoying trying to reposition a hot plate into place.
On the surface, the Griddler has the looks and design to be a great product. Cuisinart has some bugs to work out to attain even heating and plates that last. If I were to buy a new Panini press, I would not look to Cuisinart again.
PROS:
Heavy and sturdily construction
Heats up and cleans quickly
CONS:
Non-stick surface does not last
Uneven heating

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Cuisinart multifunctional Griddler Gourmet makerThe CuisinartTM GriddlerTM makes "multifunctional" an understatement! Make perfect panini... plus! With four separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and panini. It helps you prepare more servings of more kinds of food in less time, so you can cook for a crowd -- no one has to wait!Simply change the cooking plates and adjust the floating hinge to use the Griddler as a Contact Grill, a Panini Press, or your choice of an extra-large double Open Grill or Griddle.Product FeaturesContact grill, panini press, flat grill and griddleRemovable, nonstick grill and griddle platesCooking plates drain grease for healthy cookingHinged, floating cover adjusts to thickness of foodSelector knob with "power on" indicator lightTwo adjustable temperature controls with indicator lightsBrushed stainless steel and cool-touch housingTwo drip cupsCleaning/scraping toolInstruction/Recipe bookLimited 3-year warrantyLimited 3-year warranty, backed by the Cuisinart reputation for quality

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Cuisinart GR-2 Griddler Express Contact Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)The Griddler cooks like a dream. It's fast!! I've tried hamburgers, chicken, fajitas and they all came out really well. I'm looking foward to trying paninis next. The only problem is cleaning the unit. It takes longer to clean than to cook most items. I have figured out that if you spray water on the plates once it has cooled it cleans much easier but you still have to methodically clean each groove in the grill and then when you clean down the drip trough you have to reclean the grooves. I'm considering changing over to the new George Foreman grill just to be able to remove the plates and put them in the dishwasher.

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Grill steaks, burgers, chicken, veggies, potatoes, and more--rain or shine--with this indoor, electric grill that sits right on the kitchen counter. The unit's extra-large upper and lower 12-by-9-inch nonstick, non-removable grill plates provide even grilling and toasting, plus offer a drip spout and cup to catch excess fat, making it easy to drain grease away from food for healthier cooking. Its professional-style floating hinge precisely positions the top plate to accommodate any sandwich thickness and to ensure both sides of foods, including the popular panini sandwiches, are always evenly grilled. The contact grill features "power-on" and "ready-to-cook" indicator lights, plus variable temperature settings that include Off, Low, Medium, and High. For added convenience, the nonstick grilling plates require little or no oil and are simple to clean.An instruction book with recipes and a cleaning tool with the Cuisinart logo are included. In brushed stainless-steel housing embossed with "Griddler Express," the contact grill measures 15-1/2 by 6 by 15 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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Factory Reconditioned Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Griddler in February of 2005 and have taken care to ensure it lasts. The Griddler is heavy and sturdily constructed. It heats up quickly, and cleans up even faster. We have used it for panini, grilling meat, and toasting burger buns. The unit can be used either as a panini/grill press with the floating top or opened up to use as a griddle.
The base of the unit heats up and maintains temperature better than the top. This creates uneven toasting of the Panini or other items. It's not so much of a problem using as a griddle, since one side will simply cook faster than the other.
After a year the nonstick surface has started pealing off of the grill plates. I have never used metal on the nonstick surface and have taken great care to preserve the finish. Perhaps it is in the design or a fate of nonstick coated products in general, but the now I will have to take care not to get pieces of the nonstick surface in my food.
The Griddler comes with interchangeable dishwasher safe griddle and grill plates with a lock and release system that is intuitive to use. The plates easily release with the press of a button for cleaning. To place the plates back on the Griddler, one simply rests the plates in the groves located towards the rear or bottom and snaps the front or top into place. The plates don't consistently stay attached in the top section like they once did. It's very annoying trying to reposition a hot plate back into place.
On the surface, the Griddler has the looks and design to be a great product. Cuisinart has some bugs to work out to attain even heating and plates that last. If I were to buy a new panini press, I would not look to Cuisinart again. As a matter of fact, I now enjoy using a Breville 800GRXL Indoor Barbeque and Grill instead.
PROS:
Heavy and sturdily construction
Heats up and cleans quickly
CONS:
Non-stick surface does not last
Uneven heating

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A floating hinge and two sets of cooking plates turn this multifunctional unit into a contact grill, panini press, large open grill, or griddle. Made of brushed stainless steel, this four-in-one, space-saving appliance offers cooking options that range from pancakes, sausages, and grilled cheese to fish, hamburgers, and panini. Its floating hinge adjusts to the thickness of food, while adjustable temperature controls ensure food is cooked properly. The unit features a sturdy panini-style handle and convenient indicator lights, as well as nonstick grill and griddle plates that are removable, dishwasher-safe, and designed to drain grease away from food for healthier cooking. Two dishwasher-safe drip cups to collect grease are included, plus a dishwasher-safe scraping tool for easy cleanup. The unit measures 13 by 11-1/4 by 6-1/2 inches and carries a limited 90-day warranty. --Catie Unger

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Cuisinart GC-17 Griddler Grill Centro 1700-Watt 2-Tier Grill/Griddle with Rotating Skewers Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw this product on QVC and was intrigued by the possibilties. The model on QVC turned out to be only 1500 watts with less cooking real estate for the same $99.00 I paid on Amazon.
The package was delivered quicker than I had anticipated so no complaints from me. The box was intact and didn't look like it had been abused during shipping.
The Griddler was easy to assemble and as advertised most of the parts are dishwasher safe. After running the parts through the dishwasher, we used it for the first time this evening.
In the lower area, I placed 6 skewers of beef shish-ka-bobs and on the upper grill, grilled a steak. The shish-ka-bobs were cooked to perfection in about 20 minutes. The veggies were cooked but still had a little "crunch" while the meat was very tender and cooked to medium.
The grill imparts some attractive "grill" marks on the steak, and the steak was cooked evenly. Even though the steak had been rubbed down with some olive oil and other seasonings, there wasn't any smoke. The cooking task was completed in about 10 minutes for medium. Unfortunately meat grilled on an indoor electric grill doesn't taste the same as meat grilled on an outdoor gas grill. That's probably because the dripping meat juices can't be vaporized on an indoor grill like they are on an outdoor gas grill. Those vapors help flavor the meat further. I expected as much so I didn't take off any stars.
Give the Griddler ample time to cool down before attempting to clean. It is very easy to clean. As stated before most of the parts are dishwasher safe. The grill plate was particularly easy to rinse and wipe off before putting it into the dishwasher. Crusted cooking residue didn't stick and could be removed with your fingers under a litte running water.
Something everyone should be aware of is the Griddler puts out a lot of heat. It will get hot. Very hot. Families with kids need to understand that when the lower cooking area is being used, the upper cooking grill/griddle is just as hot. Keep young kids away and be careful that nothing gets placed on the upper cooking area (except food to be cooked) while the unit is in use. I used the Griddler on the stove where the kids know to stay away.
Overall this is an easy product to recommend. While I prefer the taste of meat grilled from a gas grill, the Griddler will work fine when outside temperatures and inclement weather dictate using the indoor grill. Finally this unit is not small and will take up some room if you're going to store it. But the Griddler is attractive enough to leave out and its functional enough that it should be used often.
UPDATE: We used the Griddler rather extensively over the weekend. Hotdogs were cooked on the lower level while the buns were toasted on the upper cooking area. The dogs were cooked perfect. Later we sauteed a large amount of onions and mushrooms on the griddle. Again the results were perfect, and we could lower the heat to keep the onions and shroons warm while other items were prepared. Cleanup was very easy and quick.


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Cook up a range of outdoor favorites any time of year with this unique indoor grill. More than just a countertop grill, however, the clever appliance features a two-tier design that allows for expanded cooking capabilities. The unit's bottom tier offers automatically rotating skewers that evenly cook shish kabobs or hot dogs to perfection, while its top tier provides a reversible nonstick die-cast grill/griddle plate--use the grill side for cooking hamburgers, pork chops, grilled-cheese sandwiches, or slices of eggplant and pineapple; flip it over to the griddle side when making pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast fare. Thoughtfully designed, the unit also provides adjustable temperature control, a simple on/off switch, a power "on" indicator light, solid stainless and die-cast housing for long-lasting durability, and removable dishwasher-safe drip trays for quick cleanup. A 10-piece stainless-steel skewer set and a 10-piece hot-dog roller set come included. The 1700-watt grill measures approximately 24-1/2 by 13-1/2 by 7-8/9 inches.

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Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought a G4 Griddler from Amazon in 2005, and used it a couple of times a week (at least) until it had to be put out to pasture in 2010 due to failure of the non-stick coating on the plates. (The coating started to bubble and peel, and no one wants that in their food...) I loved it. (See my review of the Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler Stainless-Steel 4-in-1 Grill/Griddle and Panini Press) It was still working great, but replacement plates were not available.
I was elated when offered the opportunity to review its smarter younger brother, the GR-4NAM Griddler. I could hardly wait for it to get here and run it through its paces.
At first glance, the GR-4NAM looks virtually identical to the G4. However, closer inspection reveals that it has been totally redesigned, and for the better.
Improvement: The grease catcher used to be a little cup that had to be set under a spout on the side of the bottom plate. If it was positioned incorrectly, (or forgotten about), greased dripped out on the counter. The grease catcher is now integrated into the Griddler as a drawer-like device that can be pulled out to clean, and then put back in place for the next use.
Improvement: The original G4 had two sets of plates - one flat set, one ridged set (for paninis). There is now one reversible set of plates (ridged on one side, flat on the other), and therefore no need to find a storage place for the plates not in use. The new plates have a good substantial weight. I don't have the old ones here for comparison, but the quality of the plates certainly was not cheapened.
Improvement: It used to be a little tricky to put the plates in place and to remove them. There was also a difference between the top plate and the bottom, so you had to be careful not to try to put them in the wrong way. The plates now have an identical shape, so they are interchangeable, and the release buttons activate a spring-loaded mechanism that pops the plate loose for easy removal.Now, to see how it cooks: The Griddler takes about as long to warm up as a good-quality waffle iron. Just when you start to get impatient with it, it's ready.
The first thing that I cooked was a no-no in the eyes of Cuisinart - a bone-in, skin-on leg and thigh chicken quarter. Too thick, they say. HA! says I, because I am a bit of an anarchist. I marinated the chicken in olive oil and rosemary, heated the Griddler to Medium. I cooked it on the panini plates because I love those little fake barbeque stripes across my food. It worked just fine. (I should have taken a picture, it came out looking beautiful. But I was hungry.)
Word of warning: Do not cook thick or fatty meat on High - you will get grease spatters all over the place. Medium works just fine in such instances.
I discovered from my old Griddler that when cooking meat it's best to turn off the heat before it's done, and let it finish cooking with the residual heat in the plates. That way the meat does not get overdone.
For clean-up, I let the plates cool down, and then put a wet paper towel across the bottom plate and close the lid and let it sit for a while. The dampness softens anything that is stuck to the plates, and then it can be easily washed off with a sudsy sponge or dish wand.
Today for lunch, I made myself a sandwich with sliced sourdough bread, cooked sliced chicken breast, fresh grated parmesan cheese and dried basil. I followed the panini directions in the small cookbook that comes with the Griddler. Well, I sort of followed the directions... Cuisinart recommends brushing the outside of the sandwich with olive oil. I prefer to use melted butter on panini because it makes the sandwich crisper.
I preheated the Griddler on High, placed the sandwich inside, and applied light pressure for about 30 seconds, and then let it cook. The directions say to cook panini for about 4 -5 minutes, but my sandwich was ready to eat in 2 minutes. Maybe the butter makes the bread brown faster than olive oil.
In any case, it was beautiful - evenly browned, crunchy and delicious, and I did take a picture (see product images).
How durable will the GR-4NAM be? Good question. From everything that I can see so far, Cuisinart has only made the Griddler better. But time is the real test of quality. I will report back from time to time regarding durability.
Right now, I'd say this looks like an excellent buy.UPDATE, January 2011:
The Griddler is still in great shape. Granted, I am not using it as frequently as I did my original one, but that's because there are fewer mouths to feed in my household now than there used to be. I have no cautionary tales to add to the review. Hmmm... I think I'll go make a grilled cheese sandwich....


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Compact in size but big in features, Cuisinart's countertop Griddler offers five-in-one functionality as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. The stylish brushed stainless-steel housing looks sleek and modern in the kitchen and features a wide panini-style handle and a hinged floating cover that adjusts to various food thicknesses. On the base, two temperature controls and a function selector are clearly marked and have indicator lights for quick reference and accurate, no-guesswork operation. Open the cover and customize the cooking surface with removable and reversible nonstick grill and griddle plates that snap in and out easily and drain grease to an integrated drip tray for healthier cooking. The Griddler also comes with gourmet recipes and a cleaning scraper tool. The cooking plates, drip tray, and scraper all go safely into the dishwasher. Limited three-year warranty. From the Manufacturer Parts & Features Base and Cover: Solid construction with stainless steel self-adjusting cover Panini-Style Handle: Sturdy cast-metal handle adjusts cover to accommodate thickness of food Removable and Reversible Cooking Plates: Nonstick and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup Grill Side: Perfect for grilling steak, burgers, chicken, and vegetables Griddle Side: Prepare flawless pancakes, eggs, bacon, and seared scallops Controls: Indicator lights signal Power On and Ready to Cook Selector: Choose the Grill/Panini or Griddle function Grill/Panini: Adjust temperature from "warm" to "sear" Griddle: Adjust temperature form 200°F to 425°F Drip Tray: Collects grease and removes from base for easy cleanup (dishwasher safe) Cleaning/Scraping Tool: Helps clean grill and griddle plates after cooking Plate Release Buttons: Push in to release and remove cooking plates Hinge Release Lever: Allows the cover to extend back for cooking in the flat position The Griddler\'s Many Uses To Insert Cooking Plates Adjust the Griddler to the flat position with the controls directly in front of you.Insert one plate at a time.Each plate is designed to fit in either the upper housing or the lower housing of the Griddler.If you are facing the Griddler, the drip spout should be at the rear of the plate.Locate the metal brackets at the center of the housing.Tilt the back end of the plate and line up the cutouts at the back of the plate with metal brackets.Slide the plate underneath the brackets and push down the front end of the plate.It will snap into place.Turn the Griddler around and insert the second plate on either its grill or griddle side into the upper housing as you did with the first plate. To Remove Cooking Plates Once the Griddler is cooled, adjust to flat position.Locate the plate release button on one side of the unit.Press firmly on button and the plate will pop up slightly from the base.Grasp the plate with two hands, slide it out from under the metal brackets, and lift it out of the base.Press on the other plate release button to remove the other cooking plate in the same manner. Drip Tray The drip tray is located on one side of the base inside the slot.Grease from the food will run off the plates through the grease spout and into the drip tray.In between recipes, use a wooden or heat-proof plastic utensil to scrape excess food buildup through the grease channels and into the drip tray, and then wipe off any residue with a paper towel before proceeding with the next recipe.Grease should be safety disposed of after the Griddler has cooled down completely.The drip tray can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher and stored in the Griddler when not in use. Cleaning and Care Once you have finished cooking, turn the selector dial control to the Off position and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.Allow the unit to cool down for least 30 minutes before handling. Use the cleaning/scraping tool to remove any leftover food from the cooking plate.The scraping tool can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.Dispose of grease from the drip tray once cooled.The drip tray can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.Press the plate release buttons to remove plates from the housing.Be sure that the plates have cooled completely before handling (at least 30 minutes).The cooking plates can be washed in the dishwasher.The housing base, cover and control knobs can be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth.For tough stains, dampen cloth. Bringing the Good Life Home Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long. Specialty items, like the Griddler, offer today\'s consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends. Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time. Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today\'s relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

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