George Foreman Grill
What Makes the George Foreman Grill Different
The George Foreman Grill is an electric indoor grill that cooks meat, vegetables, and sandwiches while draining fat away from the food. Its sloped surface channels grease into a drip tray below, which built the brand’s name as a healthier way to cook burgers, chicken, and fish at home.
Unlike a flat griddle or an outdoor barbecue, it presses food between two heated nonstick plates that cook both sides at once. A patty takes four to five minutes; chicken breasts finish in about six. That speed comes from the floating hinge, which adjusts to the thickness of whatever you place inside. The nonstick plates also mean no oil or butter, a real edge over pan-frying. In our testing, the tray caught a couple of tablespoons of grease from a single fatty burger.
How George Foreman Became the Face of the Grill
George Foreman, the former heavyweight boxing champion, didn’t invent the device. Salton, Inc., the manufacturer, developed it in 1994 and approached him about an endorsement. He had already rebuilt his image as a friendly, relatable figure after returning to the ring in his 40s, and his infomercial became one of the most successful in television history, alongside the other as-seen-on-TV products that defined late-night advertising.
He reportedly earned over $200 million from the deal, more than his entire boxing career. Spectrum Brands now makes the line, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide. The pitch worked because it was honest: he showed the tray of rendered fat, grilled a meal in minutes, and ate it on camera.
What Can You Cook on It?
Most people buy one for burgers, but it handles far more than ground beef:
- Chicken: pound the breast to an even thickness so the pressed contact heats it through without drying the edges.
- Fish fillets: salmon, tilapia, and cod all cook well; a light coat of spray keeps them from tearing.
- Vegetables: zucchini, peppers, onions, and potato rounds pick up real char marks. Cut them to a consistent thickness.
- Panini and pressed sandwiches: the clamshell shape works like a panini press. Butter the outer bread for a crisper result.
- Breakfast: bacon, sausage patties, and eggs in a silicone mold turn the unit into a meal station.
One trick owners work out eventually: preheat for at least five minutes before food goes on. The indicator light says it’s ready, but an extra minute gives better sear marks.
How Do You Clean One?
Cleanup depends on the model. Newer units with removable plates are easy: pop them off, cool them, and put them in the dishwasher. The drip tray is submersible too and rinses in seconds.
Older fixed-plate versions need a different touch. While the unit is warm, not hot, lay a damp paper towel across the surface and close the lid; the steam loosens stuck-on food, then wipe with a soft sponge. Never use abrasive pads or metal utensils on the coating. That low-effort cleanup is one reason the brand lasted three decades while rival gadgets came and went.
Where to Buy a George Foreman Grill
You can buy one almost anywhere kitchen appliances are sold. Amazon and Walmart carry the widest selection, and Target and eBay stock both current and older models. Entry-level fixed-plate units are inexpensive; multi-serving models with removable plates and digital controls cost more.
| Model type | Plates | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Compact fixed-plate | Built-in | One or two people, lowest price |
| Removable-plate | Dishwasher-safe | Families who want fast cleanup |
| Digital / smokeless | Removable, temperature control | Precise cooking, less smoke |
If scrubbing is your least favorite chore, the removable-plate models earn back the extra cost on cleanup alone.
What Most Reviews Won’t Tell You
The angled slope that drains fat also drains flavor and juices. For a premium steak, a cast-iron skillet wins. The grill shines with leaner proteins and anything where fat removal is the point. One thing most reviews skip: most models run at a single fixed heat, so you can’t sear hot and then drop to low, and that fixed temp dries out fish or thin veggies fast if you wander off. Set a timer.
The George Foreman Grill earned its spot in American kitchens by doing one thing well: fast, low-fat grilling with almost no cleanup. It won’t replace an outdoor setup or a professional range, but for quick weeknight meals it still delivers what the original infomercial promised.
Where to Buy the George Foreman Grill
The George Foreman Grill is sold on Amazon and through major retailers. Compare current prices on the most popular options below. As an Amazon Associate, allfromtv.com earns from qualifying purchases.
- 4-serving grill: Check price on Amazon
- 5-serving removable-plate grill: Check price on Amazon
- Indoor/outdoor grill: Check price on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the George Foreman Grill actually healthier?
It removes a meaningful amount of fat because the sloped surface channels grease into the drip tray. For sausages and ground beef patties, the manufacturer’s testing shows this can cut fat by up to 42% compared with pan-frying.
Do all the grills have removable plates?
No. Only mid-range and higher models have removable, dishwasher-safe plates. Compact entry-level units use fixed plates you wipe by hand, so check the listing if easy cleanup matters.
Do people still use these grills?
Yes. The brand has sold over 100 million units since 1994 and still releases models with removable trays, digital controls, and larger surfaces. It remains a best-seller on Amazon and at Walmart.
Can you make panini on a George Foreman Grill?
Absolutely. The clamshell shape presses sandwiches flat and toasts both sides evenly. Butter or oil the outer bread for a crisper finish, the same way a dedicated panini press works.