Compact indoor grill versus a frying pan

qualityshopper · ‎12-04-2011

I've been looking at indoor grills (George Foreman, Cuisinart, etc.) and got to wondering if there's really any advantage over using one of these to cook meat versus a regular frying pan (non-stick and not cast iron). I can see some of the advantages, such as having the grease drain off, as well as being able to apply heat to both the top and bottom of what you're cooking. Just not sure if those pluses make it worth it to purchase one. Cooking in a skillet may take longer since you have to do one side at a time, but no big deal, and you can always use paper towels to absorb the grease. So, are there other advantages that I'm just not aware of? Thanks for any advice.

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

We gave up our foreman a few years back, we had the one with the removable plates so cleaning was easy. I now have ridged grill pan that is great, along with an air fryer broiler combo

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

DiAnne · ‎09-22-2010

I have had a Cuisnart Griddler for several years. I like the fact that it is light to get out of the cupboard. I can make panani sandwiches on it or grill lamb chops. It is also handy when you need an extra burner. I purchased mine at Costco for $35 and is worth much more than that!

Eileen in Virginia · ‎08-25-2010

We have both, but I use my electric skillet several times a week and can't remember the last time I used my George Forman grill. For a while there, I really liked my George Forman grill, but even the larger ones got crowded when grilling 3 Delmonico steaks or enough chicken cutlets for 3 or 4 grilled chicken sandwiches. Also, they work best on boneless cuts of meat, as bones don't allow the grill plates to come in contact with the meat fully. Steaks are the only thing I don't cook in my skillet that I used to cookin my George Forman grill. I just sear the steaks in a cast iron frying pan and finish them in the oven. I still have my George Forman grill, just in case, but I rarely use it.

blackhole99 · ‎08-22-2013

I try everything and I like the GF grill for cooking outside in the summer, but never used it inside. I do have a GF grill, the first one they came out with that had no heat control feature on it. I still use that to grill sandwiches, but I never cared for the way it cooked meat and the grill is heavy. IMO you can't beat a good non stick pan for cooking just about anything.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

I also have the Cuisnart Griddler to use as a panini. One of our favorite meals is to take shredded potatoes grill then and fold in half stuffing with lots of veggies. You could devour this at any meal....so good. I also use it to grill homemade plant burgers and grilled veggies. If you like grilled sammys...perfect. Easy to clean...you can use the smooth plate side or grill marks. It gets a workout in my home....love it!

@DiAnne wrote:
I have had a Cuisnart Griddler for several years. I like the fact that it is light to get out of the cupboard. I can make panani sandwiches on it or grill lamb chops. It is also handy when you need an extra burner. I purchased mine at Costco for $35 and is worth much more than that!