Does the grill get hot enough to leave sear marks on steak or chicken?
313907
I was very disappointed in the heat level. Given the price and manufacturer I expected a glowing heating element that would work something like a broiler in my larger oven. I'm not sure if the one I got was defective, but I couldn't get the element to heat enough to emit a glow that was visible even in a darkened room. Needless to say that didn't lead to the "indoor grill" results I had hoped for. It cooks but your oven broiler would do a faster job of browning. Obviously if you let it get hot enough it will leave marks but so will a George Foreman grill at a fraction of the cost. I was very disappointed in the heat level. Given the price and manufacturer I expected a glowing heating element that would work something like a broiler in my larger oven. I'm not sure if the one I got was defective, but I couldn't get the element to heat enough to emit a glow that was visible even in a darkened room. Needless to say that didn't lead to the "indoor grill" results I had hoped for. It cooks but your oven broiler would do a faster job of browning. Obviously if you let it get hot enough it will leave marks but so will a George Foreman grill at a fraction of the cost.
313908
Yes..Properly preheat. Season grate on first use only with lard ..not cooking oil..cooking oil will be sticky but lard not.. You will love this grill..The best of indoor electrics.
313909
Have not used it for steak!!...Gets hot enough for chix breast and does leave a sear mark.............would not use it for steak, as I am VERY picky about the cooking of a great cut of beef!
1881080
Yes they get very hot! You need to use an insulated kitchen glove and set it on a pot holder or trivet. Grilling a sandwich they don't get as hot as grilling a steak. It depends on what you are grilling or if you use it in the oven. I cook with cast iron a lot and have handle covers of silicone or insulated nylon and gloves and pot holders.
117494
There is no temperature gauge. It does not get as hot as the gas version, but is plenty hot enough to put a good sear on a steak. Cooking times are almost double those of the gas version.
1815844
I just soak it in soapy water for a few moments and I use a soft scrubber and yes it did leave grill marks on it . I love my broiler pan .
468841
I have used my grill at least once a week or more for the past few years and have not noticed any visible degradation of the Teflon surface. Remember, this is a low cost small grill without the features of larger more expensive units but I think that it gives the most bang for the buck for those who are preparing small meals. Why get a large unit if all you are going to do is grill one chicken breast or one burger, etc.? Cleaning really is simple so long as you clean the unit right away before the grease hardens and bakes on. Simply rub downward along the ridges with a wadded paper towel and then with a damp to wet paper towel and the unit is clean and ready for its next use. I have used my grill at least once a week or more for the past few years and have not noticed any visible degradation of the Teflon surface. Remember, this is a low cost small grill without the features of larger more expensive units but I think that it gives the most bang for the buck for those who are preparing small meals. Why get a large unit if all you are going to do is grill one chicken breast or one burger, etc.? Cleaning really is simple so long as you clean the unit right away before the grease hardens and bakes on. Simply rub downward along the ridges with a wadded paper towel... » Read More I have used my grill at least once a week or more for the past few years and have not noticed any visible degradation of the Teflon surface. Remember, this is a low cost small grill without the features of larger more expensive units but I think that it gives the most bang for the buck for those who are preparing small meals. Why get a large unit if all you are going to do is grill one chicken breast or one burger, etc.? Cleaning really is simple so long as you clean the unit right away before the grease hardens and bakes on. Simply rub downward along the ridges with a wadded paper towel and then with a damp to wet paper towel and the unit is clean and ready for its next use. « Show Less
633889
My grill is so hot I will only use steel tools....I have seasoned it the same as you would any cast iron pan or skillet. Scratches are nominal wear, remember this is cast iron. Look up seasoning cast irion pans on youtube for more help.
1040598
Not really! It does allow slight grill marks on food like steaks. We really love it, though. What a difference in "clean-up". The mat just easily washes off in the sink and is ready for the next use and the actual grill plates stay very clean. We have two of them and use them every time. Great for doing veggies.
124457
If cooking steak or burgers it doesn't really sear very well. Meat gets a grayish color with light sear lines. If you leave it on the heat longer to try to sear, the meat gets dry and over cooked. It works well for grilled sandwiches Haven't tried hot dogs or saugages yet but would likely work well. Not impressed with steaks and burgers. One tip, be sure to pre-heat for at least 10 minutes to get griddle evenly hot.
1663446
I believe it to be 400-425. The last marked temp on my gauge is 350, and the next one says "sear" without a number, but you can't "sear" at 350 very well. Use it cautiously until you get used to what it will do and how quickly. It will "burn" very quickly if you don't watch closely. You can get very nice grill marks. The mid area of the cooking surfaces on my unit provide the most uniform and accurate temperatures.
1379323
No, but I have only had mine for six months. It grills chicken evenly with the grill marks making it taste like it just came off of the grill. Im very happy with my purchase. An easy way to clean up for me is to place wet paper towels onto the grill and close the top. Making sure it was been unplugged of course. Return and hour later, throw out the towels, wiping off as much yuck as possible.Then I clean with a soapy sponge and rinse. So easy. Never take a scrubber to the grill pieces or else you'll damage the the surface of the grill plates.
2104639
Yes you can get your grill marks etc., everything we grill gets done just like before, but a smidge better because the juices, marinades stay with the food and the occasional "grease flames" do not occur
1956902
No...there is only one function with the grill gettinghot enough that it sears the grill marks into the meat while cooking.
976866
I don't know the hottest temperature it reaches but I haven't had any problems cooking anything on it. Chicken, steaks, pork chops or hamburgers. I cooks great
1651879
Not yet. I use it pretty infrequently, but I AM still using my plates from my old grill... Not the new set that came with it. The quality seems about the same on both sets. I think what you are likely to see is that if you clean the plates immediately, while they're still very hot, you have to scrub less, and the non-stick will last longer. I would also recommend using silicone utensils to reduce the potential for scratching.
1328787
Not really because it uses the fan and burns wood at a very fast rate. Your food will taste like it's been cooked over a fire when you use the grill though. Nive light smokey taste
1093782
I have never cooked vegetables on the two that I have but I have fried oysters, eggs, french toast, grilled sandwiches. I would think that a steak would be good because of the high temps. You can't go wrong with this grill. The only thing I don't like and it's just me, I wish it cleaned up nicer. I would like it to stay looking new but because of the diamond surface it is a little more difficult to keep looking like I just got it out of the box. They might call that seasoning, it has no effect on how the food cooks.
1822472
Oh, yeah. Cast iron can handle the high heat. You're gonna love the grill marks. It's really the way to go.