The small grill would be too small for family cooking, but has been great for two! Simplicity itself -- plug in, heat up, cook! When you're finished, unplug! Cleanup is swift and easy. I originally thought it had to be cleaned while it was still hot, which was very inconvenient, but I have discovered that a couple of wadded up wet paper towels clean it in a jiffy when dinner is over.

My husband passed away earlier this year. Who's going to bake or broil one steak, one chicken breast or one serving of fish? Now "My George" grills for one! No heating the oven, no splattering on the stove top! I put a potato in the microwave to bake while my steak grills, fix a little salad, and in fifteen minutes I have a great, nutritious meal for one!

88 of 89 found the following review helpful:

perfect steaks -- and more -- every time!  May 02, 2000
By Christopher J. Klugewicz
This appliance has literally changed my life. To explain this bit of what may appear at first to be hyperbole, you must understand that I am in the military, am currently deployed to faraway lands, and am living in what can only be described as "primitive conditions."

Prior to purchasing my "George" cooking meant microwaving some tasteless frozen or canned product into that uniquely textured, unevenly heated form that only a microwave oven can produce. When I wanted to eat well, I ate out -- which in the military, usually means fast food.

It was on a trip to Iceland that I discovered "George": several of my compatriots had smaller versions of this grill in their barracks rooms, and the wonderful smells of their steaks, chicken breasts, and pork loins cooking at dinnertime led me to investigate and eventually purchase one of my own.

The grill is simplicity itself: plug it in and it works. There is no temperature control and no on/off switch. Wait till the little light goes out, then throw your chosen foodstuff on the non-stick surface. Both sides of whatever you're grilling are seared at once, making the meat (or veggie) moist and tender. Fat drains down the sloped surface into the helpfully-provided receptacle. Cooking time is remarkably short due to heating elements both above and below, and if you like your meat slightly crispy on the outside, you will be very, very happy.

Cleanup is a simple matter of wiping the nonstick surface with a few paper towels and is best accomplished with the grill slightly warm. A quick wipe with a damp sponge and you're done.

So far, I have cooked steaks (fabulous!), chicken breasts (delicious -- be careful not to overcook), pork loin (particularly good after marinating -- like chicken, be careful not to overcook), grilled cheese sandwiches (the best I've ever had), fajitas (veggies and meat -- turned out great!), and fish (stick to more steak-like fish such as salmon and tuna and you'll love it).

I highly recommend this grill to anyone who loves the taste of grilled food -- especially folks like me who are cooking just for themselves or who find it difficult to find the time or a place to fire up the barbeque.

54 of 55 found the following review helpful:

George Foreman XL grill  Nov 14, 2000

If you are thinking of this for a family go the next size up. this is a great grill but not big enough for a family. Can only cook 2 hamburgers or chicken breasts at a time or 1 steak.

The food cooked on it is great though and takes so little time.

38 of 39 found the following review helpful:

Simply Awesome for the College and Military Single People!  Nov 12, 2000
By Star Sailor "Worldwide Traveler"
This is a bachelors kitchen dream! No mess, no fuss and no dishes!! Just wipe it clean after each use and enjoy a juicy hamburger, steaks cooked to perfection and grilled chicken that's perfect and juicy. Anybody can use the George Foreman Grill! Just plug it in, set your favorite meat on the grill, close it up and cook until it is golden brown! This grill works fast, which is why it is perfect for us single fellas who hate cooking and love a hot meal once in awhile when we're not eating at a friends house where someone else is cooking for us:)

The only flaws I have with this unit: 1) TEMP CONTROLS! Where are they??? There are none to be found and unfortunately this grill doesn't cook fish real well unless you're standing next to the grill at all times to avoid overcooking. 2) ON/OFF SWITCH! Nowhere to be found! To turn off the unit you have to "unplug" an electrically charged unit, meaning that sparks initially fly when turning it off (possible fire starter).

Those are the only flaws I found. I love this thing and every mother looking for a good gift for their son or daughter at college or stationed in the military should not omit this from their son or daughters Christmas list. Don't pass this one up!!

See all 81 customer reviews on Amazon.com