George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill Review

We purchased the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

The first George Foreman grills were indoor contact grills that featured an innovative fat-draining system. This indoor/outdoor electric grill is quite different from those models, but it still includes a fat draining and collecting system that keeps your food from steaming in juices or cooking in excess fat. The large domed lid gives you a lot more overhead cooking space than contact grills, so you’re not limited to steaks, burgers, and other thin foods. Yet this grill is still compact enough for small spaces, and the pedestal stand makes it comfortable for outdoor grilling as well. But how does it cook? We grilled everything from burgers to pizza, inside and outside our Colorado home, and we’ve got details to share.

Performance: Good grill marks, easy cooking

We found that this grill does a fine job with basics like burgers and sausages, producing nice grill marks. It also did a surprisingly good job cooking a frozen pizza, producing a crisp bottom crust and properly melting the cheese. When we cooked juicy foods, the fat and drippings drained through strategically placed holes in the grill surface and into a drip tray, so cleanup was easy. One downside is that grease can spatter out the sides of the grill during high-heat cooking. During outdoor cooking, the spattering made the control dial a little greasy. Indoors, the spatter required a little extra countertop cleanup, but cooking is always a little messy.

When turning the grill on for the first time, we noticed an odor as the materials left from manufacturing burned off. This isn’t anything to be concerned about it, but it might be a good idea to start it it outside initially.

Read more reviews of best indoor grills available to purchase online.

Design: Distinctive look

While this doesn’t look like a traditional grill, it works well for outdoor use, with a pedestal stand that raises it to a comfortable cooking height. It looks top-heavy because of the large dome lid, but we found that it’s actually quite lightweight, so it’s easy to move yet feels stable in use.

While you can use the pedestal indoors, the grill can also be removed from the stand for countertop cooking. We thought using the dome under low cabinets was a little awkward, but the grill could easily be placed anywhere there’s a convenient electric outlet. There is a small vent on the top, but it does not have an integrated thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature.

Setup Process: No tools needed

Assembly was easy and tool-free, taking us about ten minutes. To remove the grill from the base for tabletop use, we simply pulled the pieces apart. However, it’s a snug fit so it requires a bit of strength. Setting up for cooking simply requires plugging in the grill, turning it on, and letting it preheat before adding food.

Features: Just dial it in

This operates via a simple dial with a light that indicates that it’s on or that temperature has been reached. The settings are from 1-5, as well as “off.” It’s easy enough to adjust the temperature as needed during cooking, and after using it a few times we realized that high was actually more than we needed for most grilling. It was perfect for the initial sear, but then we turned down the heat to finish cooking.

Take a peek at our guide to the best small grills.

Price: Very affordable

At under $100, this is a very affordable grill, and it offers plenty of space for family meals or even for parties. The fact that it can be used indoors makes it an even better buy, since cooking won’t be limited by the weather.

Competition: Depends on your needs

The Weber Q1400 Electric Grill is another highly rated outdoor electric grill that has a price tag about three times higher than the George Foreman grill that we reviewed. The cooking area is slightly smaller on the Weber, and it doesn’t include a stand so it requires a table. However, the major difference between the Weber and the George Foreman is that the Weber has enameled cast iron cooking grates similar to that on a standard grill, and it produces smoke as you cook (one of the reasons it’s considered an outdoor-only grill).

The George Foreman grill doesn’t produce smoke during cooking, unless of course you’re burning something, and is as easy to clean as a nonstick skillet. If smoky flavor is a must, the Weber is a good choice, but at a higher price. If smoke is not a consideration, the George Foreman will save a lot of money while also giving more cooking space.

For about the same price, the Cuisinart Griddler is an indoor grill that offers more cooking options but less cooking space than the George Foreman grill. When fully opened, the Griddler can function as a grill, a griddle, or half-grill and half-griddle for mornings when you want to cook pancakes and sausages at the same time. When in the closed position, it works as a panini press or contact grill. Optional waffle plates are also available.

If you’re just comparing the indoor functions, the Griddler might be a better choice if you can work with the smaller cooking area. If outdoor cooking is required, the George Foreman provides that option as well as more cooking space.

Need some more help finding what you're looking for? Check out our guide to the best electric grills.