We used a George Foreman Champ model grill for a year before dropping and breaking it.We replaced it with the George Foreman Grilleration model.Since there already so many reviews of the Champ - here's a comparison of the Champ versus the similar, but larger, George Foreman Next Grilleration:
Cleaning: The Grilleration grilling plates come off and go on easily, and cleaning them in the sink or dishwasher is a breeze.The base unit doesn't even get dirty!The Champ has fixed plates and the unit can't be submerged, so cleaning is much more difficult.
Cooking area: Grilleration: 72 sq. in., large enough for 4 hamburgers.; Champ 42 sq. in., large enough for 2 hamburgers.
Fat dripping:Both units drip into the provided tray with no leaking out the back or sides.
Floating hinges:Floating hinges on both units allow varying thicknesses of food to be held tight on the top and bottom.
Weight: Although the Grilleration can be hefted with one hand (if you have big hands), it's much larger and heavier than the light and petite Champ.
Thermometer & temperature control: Neither unit has these, but they aren't needed for most things.Price is lower as a result.
Both units offer an easy, fast, and inexpensive method to cook many foods:(chicken breasts, burgers, hot-dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.).
Taste of cooked hamburgers & chicken:The first time we used a Grilleration to cook hamburgers, we put them on when the temperature light said the grill was hot (around the 7 minute mark), as per the instructions.Instead of grilling the burgers, it slow-cooked them.We suspected this was happening, since there was no "sizzle" sound while cooking.The worst of it was, the burgers had almost no taste, as though they had been baked.Next time, we let the grill heat up for a full 15 minutes before putting the meat on.The plates got much hotter, and, as a result, the burgers sizzled.They also tasted much better.
Even pre-heating for 15 minutes, this Grilleration doesn't get as hot as the Champ.The Champ is ready to start in 7 minutes and cooks faster (because it runs hotter).The Grilleration doesn't stay as hot during the cooking cycle as does the Champ, especially if the grilling plates are covered with food (e.g., 4 hamburgers).This is easily discernable as the "sizzle sound" dies out as the cooking progresses. There are two reasons why the Champ gets hotter:
1.The Next Grilleration heating coils heat the sealed base unit, and transfers heat to the removable grilling plates, which are touching the base unit.The Champ system is more efficient, as its heating coils directly heat the non-removable plates.
2.The 760 watt Champ cooking area is 42 square inches, or 18 watts per sq. inch.The 1000 watt Next Grilleration cooking area is 72 square inches, or 14 watts per sq. inch.(That's 1000 claimed watts.According to my Kill-a-Watt meter, the Grilleration actually draws 955 watts.)
The Grilleration would need to be in the 1400 watt range to cook as hot as the Champ.
Summary of important differences:
- Foods needing high heat to grill taste better with the hotter operating Champ model.
- Champ's cooking area is 42 sq. in. versus 72 sq. in. for the Grilleration.
- The Champ is a pain to clean since you can't submerge the base unit, whereas cleaning the Grilleration plates is simple.
Recommendation:
If taste is most important, get the Champ model, or, if it's too small, buy two Champs (for less money than one Grilleration).
If ease of cleaning is most important, buy a Grilleration or other [larger] unit with removable grilling plates.
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George Foreman Grilling in Hot MetalsProduct Description: Incredibly easy to clean Superior quality, non-stick coated grilling plates wipe off with a damp sponge. No need to add any fats don't cook your burgers, bacon or shops in a pool of hot grease. Patented grooves channel the fat and greases into a separate tray. Knock out the fat you'll see the results immediately This patented grill cooks from both sides at once. This item will take 2-3 weeks to ship. Shipments cannot be expedited on this item. .
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I have used a Big Chief for years and decided to leave it at my girlfriends house and pick up a Little Chief. I like the smaller size and also the front loading.I never filled the big chief or even came close so I was heating lots of air. The Little Chief shares its big brothers ability to make some absolutely terrific smoked foods. Chicken and steak smoked and then grilled are awesome. Smoked salmon is my favorite.Very easy, I never mess with brine unless I am smoking bacon or making some sausage. I have used much more expensive smokers and while they are nice they don't make food taste one bit better. This unit would get five stars except it is not as well built as the Big Chief. The metal seems thinner and the racks are kind of flimsy. Would still recommend without hesitation.Also make great gifts.We have given several and they gets lots of use and compliments.
