Indoor Grills

[chathamf]

What does everyone recommend for a good grill? Mostly want it for grilling meats and would like the panini press option as well. All I really know of are the George Foreman's but I'm sure there are better options out there.

[flipstah]

George Foreman's are the best ones that you can get. I'm on my second one solely because I wore the non-stick coating out of the first one. Still works though.

[chathamf]

What model do you use flipstah?

[firebane]

I've owned a George Foreman and I honestly found it to large and bulky and more of a pain in the ass.

I grabbed a Hamilton Beach indoor grill that has a double cook surface meaning one side is flat and the other is ribbed for cooking meat and prefer it much more.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by chathamf
What model do you use flipstah?

I had this model:

http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/products/classic-plate-grills/gr10b-champ-grill-black-grill-small-grill-healthy-grilling.aspx

Then I ruined the coating and now I have a bigger one:

http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/products/classic-plate-grills/9-serving-classic-plate-grill-gr2144p.aspx

[chathamf]

These work well as a panini press?

[flipstah]

Can't say. Never made a panini before. :dunno:

There is a model that isn't angled so that could be a better option?

http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/other-products/other-foreman-products/panini-maker-pn2pc180.aspx

[Strider]

Sorry Flipstah, but the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler is 10000x better than any goofy George Foreman nonsense.
http://www.cuisinart.ca/cuisinart_product.php?item_id=102&

You just missed a sale at Lowes, they had it for $80 (minus $10 if you sign up for their newsletter). Next best place to buy it is at Costco (in-store is cheaper than online).

But to be honest, if you're primarily using it to cook meat (vs paninis, etc) you would probably be way better off with just a simple stovetop grill pan - creates less mess and easier to clean.

I'd be partial to a Lodge cast iron pan like this:
http://www.lodgemfg.com/seasoned-cast-iron/grill-pans-and-griddles/square-grill-pan-L8SGP3

But there's tons of options if you prefer non-stick, etc. You can even get one that comes with a press for those odd times when you want to panini.

[chathamf]

I have a nice cast iron pan (although not the grill style one) but I find it hard to cook with. Really need to work on getting it seasoned properly and learn to use it right.

I've seen those 5 in 1s and that was what I figured people would suggest really wanted some input on them. Don't think I'd make a ton of paninis but it's a nice option for grilling a sub or something too.

[95EG6P]

i always wanted to try a indoor grill for Korean bbq but doesn't that stink up your house big time

[Strider]

Originally posted by chathamf
I have a nice cast iron pan (although not the grill style one) but I find it hard to cook with. Really need to work on getting it seasoned properly and learn to use it right.

I've seen those 5 in 1s and that was what I figured people would suggest really wanted some input on them. Don't think I'd make a ton of paninis but it's a nice option for grilling a sub or something too.

I only used my 5-in-1 for meat once (wife wanted Korean short ribs in the winter when the BBQ was buried under 2' of snow) - never again. It's just too messy. The plates come off and are dishwasher safe, so that part is easy... but grease coming off the meat still seems to spray everywhere out the sides. Then you have to clean the countertops and the nooks and crannies of the appliance (hinges, cord, etc) instead of being able to just throw a pan into the sink.

Other than that, it's fantastic as a panini press (especially things like grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas) and as a griddle for pancakes, etc.