What's the difference between the panini maker and a george foreman grill? Pardon my ignorance, but I was wondering what's the difference between a panini press and a george foreman grill. They both have hot surfaces from both sides. What's the difference between the panini maker and a george foreman grill? Pardon my ignorance, but I was wondering what's the difference between a panini press and a george foreman grill.... » Read More What's the difference between the panini maker and a george foreman grill? Pardon my ignorance, but I was wondering what's the difference between a panini press and a george foreman grill. They both have hot surfaces from both sides. « Show Less
1054401
Good question. I used the George Forman grill ( which I have had for years) as a Panini Press . It works fine except that it doesn't have a floating hinge, so you can get angled sandwiches on thick bread. Some of the panini makers have adjustable hinges, some have floating ones, but all have some sort of hinge adjustment. The Forman Grill (at least the one I had) didn't. But you can pretty much use them interchangably. Watch for drip trays on some (particularly if you want to use them like a grill for chicken or things that might drip). But I like the convenience and clean-ability of the panini presses that I have now. So I'm going to stay with the press rather than the grill. Hope this helps. Good question. I used the George Forman grill ( which I have had for years) as a Panini Press . It works fine except that it doesn't have a floating hinge, so you can get angled sandwiches on thick bread. Some of the panini makers have adjustable hinges, some have floating ones, but all have some sort of hinge adjustment. The Forman Grill (at least the one I had) didn't. But you can pretty much use them interchangably. Watch for drip trays on some (particularly if you want to use them like a grill for chicken or things that might drip). But I like the convenience and clean-ability of the... » Read More Good question. I used the George Forman grill ( which I have had for years) as a Panini Press . It works fine except that it doesn't have a floating hinge, so you can get angled sandwiches on thick bread. Some of the panini makers have adjustable hinges, some have floating ones, but all have some sort of hinge adjustment. The Forman Grill (at least the one I had) didn't. But you can pretty much use them interchangably. Watch for drip trays on some (particularly if you want to use them like a grill for chicken or things that might drip). But I like the convenience and clean-ability of the panini presses that I have now. So I'm going to stay with the press rather than the grill. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1156922
I bought mine a little over a year ago and it is more square than round. I don't know which version/shape provides more surface area for cooking. I don't see a downside to either version. No hot or cool spots. All things being equal, the heating source is the key to success. The slightly square version fits nicely and is stable on my portable gas grill.
373221
i switched to the Cuisinart for that very reason. the GF (after you remove the grilling plate) you'll notice a small centrally located heating element. The Cuisinart has one that covers the entire surface. The GF is a poor design unless you are cooking in dead center. and, even then, it seems to take forever to heat up. if you are getting NO heat then you obviously have a defective unit.
512742
Nope, there is no difference. The sides are the same. Either way is fine. Enjoy!
990374
I'm not that sure since I don't even like it much for outdoors. If I were you I'd get a Foreman or Panini maker. That way you'd know when it's cooked.
861673
I don't think there is a difference. The oven cooks using convection and infrared technology. I don't know why they list them different. I bought this black one with the extender ring. I love it. It comes with a pan, 2 metal racks, the extender ring and a DVD to show you how to use it. They also give you a plastic coated 8x11 card that is a quick guide to how long to cook meats and a little cook book. Here's my advice to you. They give you this lid holder. Don't use it. I think that is one of the reasons people's domes are cracking. The plastic gets really hot and the heating unit on top is heavy. When I want to check or turn the food, I pause it and completely take the dome off and place it upright on a wooden cutting board. Further more. When your food is done cooking, take the heating unit off the dome and let them cool separately. After the dome is cool, as in after your meal, hand wash it. People seem to have a problem with the dome cracking. I don't. I never put it in the dishwasher and I never leave it on it's side. Other than that, it's a great oven and I highly recommend it.
1690348
Basically they are the same. After adjusting the cover of this one ($34.99) it works great, and cleans easily! If you buy a different one be sure to get one with screw-on brass gears like this one. The ones with pressed-on plastic gears may be doomed because of the heat. Also, you want to be able to unscrew the handle and stirring rod so you can clean them.
1026772
yes-cooks more evenly this way. I have a deli, and will never have any other type of panini again!
1375185
The letter "P" in the model number stands for plastic. The outer lid/base both are plastic unlike older models that are metal. Seems George has went soft over the yrs... Its been known to crack on some models according to reviews so take precautions and dont knock it around or drop it. Not near as tuff as the early George Foreman.
1306449
The Deni grill is very easy to clean. The grill plate snaps into/out of the base. I have also found that the grill plate is easier to clean if wiped down with a paper towel before it cools completely. Make sure it's turned off/unplugged for a few minutes before you attempt this though.
1800705
I don't know how they compare but my husband is very pleased with this grill. It seems to be very sturdy and works great. Good size for food for 2-3 people.
2240010
It really depends on how much you plan to grill vs griddle at one time. I used the grill side to make breakfast meats while using the griddle to make pancakes and french toast. If you need the griddle space... get the double. I prefer the half so I can have the option of both at once, and will likely buy the other single griddle to have as well for times I only need griddle.
1979544
This particular round press is good and heavy. That is a main difference between it and our square one. And yes, fitting the round pan is a plus. If there was a heavier square one, we would like to have it for griddle cooking. Other than that, I can't think of any other differences.
446639
Good question. I used the George Forman grill ( which I have had for years) as a Panini Press . It works fine except that it doesn't have a floating hinge, so you can get angled sandwiches on thick bread. Some of the panini makers have adjustable hinges, some have floating ones, but all have some sort of hinge adjustment. The Forman Grill (at least the one I had) didn't. But you can pretty much use them interchangably. Watch for drip trays on some (particularly if you want to use them like a grill for chicken or things that might drip). But I like the convenience and clean-ability of the panini presses that I have now. So I'm going to stay with the press rather than the grill. Hope this helps.
2009898
I feel like this give you more of an actual grill flavor and I love the grill marks it makes on food. I would compare the George Forman grill more to a Panini press. I love using the MaxiMatic because I'm not comfortable using our big outside gas grill this gives me the perfect substitute.
603348
Well, I'm no expert but I would say it's the difference between a charcoal pizza and a "wood fired" pizza. This incorporates chunks of wood that flame up in the rear of the unit as well as indirect coals to increase the heat.
1124841
I looked at both and I believe it is a matter of design, not function. The materials seem to be identical. In the time I have had these pans (I started with a saute pan to evaluate them) I have been very pleased both with the functionality and the design. This is an expensive investment, that from my early indicators will last many, many years.