Whether you are looking to eat a little healthier or just enjoy a good grilled steak, an indoor electric grill can be a great investment. And when it comes to electric grills, the George Foreman grill is the brand everyone knows.
There are dozens of different George Foreman grills for you to choose from so it can be hard to choose the grill that’s right for you.
That’s why I’ve researched the grills available and compiled this buyer’s guide to help you find the one that’s best for you.
First I’ll explain how the grills are divided into four different categories so you narrow down your choices. Then I’ll give you a more in-depth look into the best grills from each category.
At the end, I hope you can easily pick your next grill.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Let’s get started:
First, there are George Foreman indoor/countertop grills and there are outdoor grills. Our guide is mostly about the indoor grills which George Foreman grills are famous for. If you’re interested in the outdoor grills – Click here and jump straight to the outdoors grill part – otherwise, keep reading.
A lot has changed since the first George Foreman grill debuted on the now famous infomercial. Once primarily used by bachelors, apartment-dwellers, or personal trainers, the grill is now quickly becoming a kitchen appliance as ubiquitous as the microwave. The brand has expanded as well, with four categories of grills that cater to everyone from bachelors to large families.
Now first, what exactly is a George Foreman grill, and what makes it different from other electric grills on the market? The first thing you notice when you are looking at a George Foreman grill is the clam shell shape. These grills have two grill plates connected with a floating hinge. This enables the grill to cook both sides of the food at the same time – reducing the cooking time.
Another feature unique to George Foreman grills is the floating hinge. The floating hinge allows for the space between the grill plates to adjust to the thickness of the food put on the grill. So, both thin slices of bacon and thick cuts of steak can fit between the grill plates.
A third unique feature is the downward-slanting angle of the grill plates. That, coupled with the nonstick surface, allows for the fat to drip away from the meat while it is cooking and into a separate reservoir, where it can then be discarded.
George Foreman grills have expanded into four categories: Basic Grills, Advanced Grills, Premium Grills, and Indoor/Outdoor Grills. Basic grills tend to be a little smaller, with sizes ranging from 2-9 servings. Advanced grills are similar in size to the Basic grills, but the grill plates are removable for easier cleaning either in the sink or dishwasher.
Some advanced grills offer features like timers, adjustable temperature controls and LED readouts. Premium grills include the newest innovations in countertop grills, with different grill plates, high-heat searing, and broiling abilities. Indoor/Outdoor grills feature a removable stand and larger grilling surface, with space for 12-15 servings.
So there are many differences between the grills in each category. We reviewed the grills available in each of these categories, so you can find the one that’s best for your needs.
Although the features and price point varies from group to group, some features are common among all Foreman grills, regardless of the group to which they belong.
- The patented sloped surface design.
- The non-stick Advanced George Tough™, ceramic and George Tough™ surfaces.
- An indicator light to show when the food is cooking.
- Embedded heating elements to allow two-sided cooking at the same time.
- The cover attaches to the bottom grill plate through a floating hinge.
- The detached drip tray is dishwasher safe for more thorough cleaning.
- All indoor grills have a multifunctional design that lends itself to cooking burgers, steaks, chicken pieces, or panini sandwiches.
- The fast cooking time ensures that both sides of anything you make in the machine will cook simultaneously.
- Preheating takes a fraction of the time that a traditional oven or grill takes.
- Far less mess to clean up than there is with a charcoal, gas or flat indoor grill.
Basic Grills
The Basic grill category includes the most economical options. These grills are good for single people or small families. With all of the classic George Foreman grill features, with none of the fuss. They are easy to use, slim in profile, yet offer the great functionality people have come to expect from a George Foreman grill. None of the grills in this group have removable grill pans, but they all have a dishwasher-safe drip pan. The Model # GR2081HM 5-Serving version of this grill is more elaborate than other models in this group. In addition to cooking indicator lights, this model has a sliding knob for temperature adjustments. The top is attached via a one-inch adjustable hinge that accommodates foods of different thicknesses.
Basic grills have just one advantage over the advanced grills – they come in a really small, 2-serving size.
Basic grills get the job done, but I can’t recommend them for anyone else except maybe college students with really limited space and a tight budget. The reason is that the price difference between a same sized basic grill and an advanced grill is just around $10 and advanced grills offer you so much more. So unless you’re on a really tight budget, getting an advanced grill instead of a basic one is a no-brainer.
So there’s just one basic grill which I can recommend and it is:
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Advanced Grills
All models in this group have a multifunctional design that makes it possible for grill owners to use the machine as a panini maker, or as a grill. On the five and six-serving models, the legs are adjustable to allow a user to cook on a flat surface when making a panini, or to tilt the grill at an angle when cooking meats.
The patented design on all George Foreman grills includes a floating hinge makes it possible to adjust the height of the cover for thick burgers or thin fish filets. Unlike the basic models that only have a one-inch opening when the grill is closed, grills in the advanced series can adjust to 1 ½ -inch, making it possible to cook thicker foods. Advanced grills also have an upgraded heating element that allows grills in this category to heat up 35% faster than basic grills.
What really makes the advanced grills to stand out from the basic grills are removable, dishwasher-safe grill plates. This makes cleaning your grill very easy and since the price difference between same sized basic and advanced grills is very small, this feature alone makes an advanced grill a better choice.
From this group I would like to highlight the following grill:
From all the George Foreman grills – this one offers the best value for your money!
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Premium Grills
The premium group represents the top of the line models. This is where the company pushes the limits beyond what most people think the George Foreman grills are capable of doing. While Foreman offers a few different premium grill models, there’s really just one worth considering: The new George Foreman Evolve™ Grill.
Once you enter the world of premium grills, you leave the plebeian world of single-purpose appliances behind. Who said a George Foreman grill can’t make blueberry muffins? Well, this one can and then some.
The Evolve™ Grill is arguably the most versatile of all of the grills. It has a digital temperature control and a control panel that clearly displays the cooking time and temperature. Sear feature adds a burst that boosts the grill temperature to 500 degrees for 90 seconds. The Evolve grill also includes an adjustable cooking angle, so you can choose to have the cooking surface slope to remove fat or sit flat for baking.
This particular model includes ceramic grill plates (for grilling and Panini pressing), a bake dish (for baking, sautéing, and griddling), and a muffin pan (for muffins, single-serve quiches, meatballs, and more). Separate accessories for the machine include a griddle plate, two waffle plates, a mini-burger grill plate insert, and an omelet plate. Additional plates are available for purchase separately.
So if you want an awesome grill with multi-functionality, this is the one! I personally have an Evolve Grill and I love it.
Only downsize of this grill is the price but if you can get one for under $100, it’s a great buy.
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Indoor/Outdoor Grills
The Indoor/Outdoor grill group features several electric models and one outdoor-only model which uses propane.
Only two grills in this series have non-stick ceramic plates. The two models that feature the ceramic plates are the 12+ Serving Rectangular Electric Grill With Ceramic Plates (GFO201RX), and the 15+ Serving Round Domed Electric Grill With Ceramic Plates and Temperature Gauge (GFO3320GM). The cooking surface on all other models is the George Tough™ non-stick surface. All of the electric grills in this series come with a removable grill stand, an accessory that makes it possible for grill owners to use these appliances in their homes on a countertop, or outside.
The George Foreman Portable Propane Camp & Tailgate Grill (GP200GM) is the only grill in this group that is exclusively an outdoor grill because it uses propane. It is equipped with an electronic push-button starter switch, a variable temperature control feature, and heat regulating knobs. Like all of the George Foreman grills, its design includes a fat-draining slope, which in this case, is controlled with a tilt and lock dial. It is the only grill in the Indoor/Outdoor Grill Group that has a removable, dishwasher-safe, reversible grill/griddle plate.
There are several good grills in this category but the best one is:
When it comes to an electric grill that can feed a crowd, this is the best choice. Its portability and good size helps it take the prize for best Indoor/Outdoor grill. Its versatility in adapting to countertop or outdoor stand use makes it ideal for tailgaters, outdoor enthusiasts or just about anyone who needs a large stand up grill.
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And if you’re going to places with no electricity, then your only choice is:
The first propane grill offered by George Foreman, the GP200GM takes special mention for anyone looking for a good camping grill. Since it has the time-tested features of the other George Foreman models, that of non-stick grill and griddle plates and sloping surface, plus the added feature of true portability, this is a great grill to take with you into the woods.
Play Grills
Unfortunately, there’s only one grill available in this category: The Play-Doh George Foreman grill Playset. This battery-powered grill makes a realistic sizzling sound when you press it down. It features an easy-to-use mold for pressing chicken legs, steaks, fish, chops and hamburgers. You can make hot dogs, mustard, ketchup and french fries using the extruder behind. Also comes with a two-sided grease catcher/veggie mold, two grill surfaces, extruder rail and one plate.
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So, whether you are looking to eat a little healthier, save space, or feed a crowd, there is a George Foreman grill available to you. With the electric grills, even apartment-dwellers can have grilled steak or barbecue without breaking their lease or alarming the neighbors. And as this guide shows, George Foreman grills are no longer just for apartments anymore! There are George Foreman grill options available for any size home or family. We hope that you have found this buyer’s guide helpful.
Quick Summary:
Single people with a really tight budget and limited space: George Foreman GR0040B 2-Serving Classic Plate Grill.
Small family with a tight budget: George Foreman GRP1060B 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill
Anyone who loves grilling/cooking and has around $100 to spare: George Foreman GRP4800R Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
Outdoor use or for someone with a really big family or likes to have big parties: George Foreman GGR50B 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
You don’t always have electricity available: George Foreman GP200GM Portable Propane Camp & Tailgate Grill
Hopefully, you can now pick your next grill. If you have any questions – leave me a comment below.
Now get to grilling!
I have a GF Evolve grill. I use it every day and works fine for us. The only complaint I have is when you lift the lid to remove your food, the grease drips down the back and onto the counter. When will they make one that corrects this problem? I use it slanted, not flat. I love this grill, but it’s messy.
I have and love the evolve grill but you did not mention the newer grill and broil. It is almost if not maybe better than the evolve.
I have the model 10099, which is coming to the end of its life (buttons are starting to no longer work). Do any of the modern grills have a timer? I do not see it mentioned.
Good morning
I need to ask how I can use this grill on 220 v out of the states
I am looking for one with the classic waffle plates. Which one am I looking for?
You want the Black or Platinum Evolve Grill listed on Amazon. The Red one comes with different plates.
My husband is looking for a Foreman grill that has removable plates yet the heating elements are not exposed when the plates are off. Is there such an animal?
After using the grill, I unplug it. But the cord at the socket is warm, is that normal or even safe?
I have an older model George that I can no longer get clean. I have also noticed Teflon is beginning to peel off. I absolutely love this particular Model GRB72P. It has locking hinges. This feature allows you to reheat food with no contact on the top. The hinges lock and you have heat, no contact, from the top. This is ideal for reheating pizza or for cooking fish. Which model should I look for that allows for the locking hinge feature?
I love the new George Forman with the porcein plates with the nice clips and the plates come off and easy to clean the
only thing is you can not use is cooking spray. you don’t need it. I give this grill 5 stars. I had to replace my old one
grill. I have had this for 7 months and I wont look back. .All I can say is give it try. you wont be disspointed
\i am looking to buy a George foreman grill and have settled on your recommendation one Evolve GRP 4800R
Is this the latest model ?
Thank you
I use the slanted grill everyday but grease goes out the back all over counter and everything else on counter. Any suggestions. I have tried extra drip plate in back does not help.
Hello! I’ve just purchased the new smokeless & digital George Foreman Grill, after using one of the original models for many years. WOW….WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! Although it’s not very sleek looking, it’s a great little powerhouse of technology now! Love the digital appointment and the removable plates that can be placed in the dishwasher along with the drip tray!!! BUT ABOVE ALL IS THE FACT I HAD NO SMOKE WHATSOEVER…AND…NO AFTER SMELL, which used to linger for a few days after grilling a steak or burgers!!!!! I LOVE THIS MACHINE and would recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a new grill. This was absolutely worth the money, for SURE!!!!!!
I use the George foreman 15-serving indoor/outdoor electric grill. Although cleaning it is a bit difficult for its large size and the stand is not very reliable, but it is a great one for an indoor party!!!
All I want is a George Foreman indoor grill with removable dishwasher-safe grill plates and at least a 165 sq in grill surface. I don’t need a digital temperature control and a control panel that clearly displays the cooking time and temperature, sear feature, ceramic grill plates, a bake dish, or a muffin pan or a myriad of separate accessories. The George Foreman GRP1060B 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill is TOO SMALL and the Evolve is just too much extra that I’ll never use and have no room to store. Surely there is a model somewhere between the two that offers what I actually want and need!! The one I have now is a basic model, no removable grill plates (and the non-stick surface has worn out), no temp control or timer, and has about an 18×9″ grilling surface. It is PERFECT for our family of 3…I’m ONLY replacing it because the non-stick surface is no longer as non-stick as it used to be, and since I have to replace it I prefer to get the removable grill plates.
I have a red & green light on top of grill, but no temp guide. Do I grill a steak until green light comes on or how do I time it?