best summer product for women review on Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill
Over the years I've tried nearly every type of indoor grill . The only one I haven't tried is the Kenyon, and thats because of price. But I started years ago with Farberware, had a Tfal for the brief time they had one, tried Foreman, tried Cuisinart, Delonghi, others. Before finding the Breville I was using a Sanyo which actually was pretty good except a nightmare to clean.
Now, the Breville Smart Grill. I purchased in late at night and couldn't wait so grill ed at 11 o'clock at night. Instant love. I've now used it 4 to 5 times a week for nine months. I grill steaks, hamburger, hot dogs, pork butterfly chops, chicken breasts, chicken tenders. I love the way it cooks them all. I use it open like a barbecue most of the time and was amazed how quickly it grill ed steaks. I do use the ribbed grill for them even though it takes slightly longer as we just like it better. I do the chops and chicken on the flat grill .
I love that the grill plates fit so nicely in the sink. As to the drip pan it cleans so easily but I'm amazed how little drippings I get. Mostly get them when grill ing bacon wrapped beef tenderloin.
I love it. I have just purchased extra plates and I know over time will need replacemen ts, but I am fine with that. It is the best countertop grill I've found. While more expensive than many, I'd tried all the cheaper ones so it actually saved me money because I was ready to try one far more expensive.
I owned an older version of the Cuisinart Griddler Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler which had become an indispensable tool in the kitchen despite its issues but the plates were wearing out so I was looking for a replacement or an upgrade. I first tried the Cuisinart Elite Griddler (a Williams-Sonoma exclusive) but there were issues that bothered me including uneven heat and scorching. I finally measured the plate temperatures using an IR thermometer and found that the temperature was varying by over 100F. If the temp was set to 350F it would heat up to 350F and then cool down to 240F before it the heat would come back on. (I uploaded the recorded temperatures as pictures.) It also put scorch lines in my food along the heating element line (see pancake photos). I now suspect that may be because they design it to cycle over 100F and the heat doesn't have a chance to spread given how long it has to be on to raise the temp by 110F. As an aside, I performed the same measurements on my original Griddler and it varyed by 100F as well. This has to be by design. It did not scorch the food though probably because the heating elements are not embedded in the plates like the Elite Griddler and the Breville Smart Grill.
ReplyDeleteI finally returned it and tried the Breville. I own their countertop oven Breville BOV650XL Compact 4-Slice Smart Oven with Element IQ and it is fantastic so I figured it was worth the risk. I was not disappointed. The plate temperatures are controlled within about 20F. It also cooks the food evenly. I concur that there is a cool spot on the plates over the connection point but that is more easily accommodated then having heating elements that are on so long that they scorch the food. The plates are easier to remove and install than the Cuisinart as well. I read one review of the Breville that it did not have a floating hinge but that is not true. The hinge floats and the height adjustment is easy. I also like the tilt capability to help grease move toward the drip tray, a must if you are making bacon.
One issue that prompted me to try the Cuisinart first was the reversible plates of the Griddler. The way I looked at it the Breville costs $100 more if you want a full set of grill and flat plates. But here is another way to look at it. When your plates wear out on the Griddler you have to replace the entire griddle since the plates are not sold separately. At least with the Breville you can keep the griddle and just replace the plates as they wear out.
Bottom line: these appliances are supposed to be about preparing food. Cuisinart seems to have forgotten that. Tight temperature control is not an option. If my oven varied by over 100F in temperature it would be out at the street for the trash pickup. When I set a cooking temperature of 350F I don't want it to be 240F. The Breville however is designed for cooking and it delivers.
This grill is incredible. We love Benihana, but it is pricey. Since we got the grill, everything tastes like we ate at Benihanas! The steaks are quick, easy, and the grill cleans up EASY! My kids use it to cook homemade burgers and since we got the grill three months ago, this is our most active kitchen appliance. The kids dont ask for fast food anymore! THEY LOVE THEIR OWN BURGERS!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, this is worth every penny and more. Chicken, paninis, everything comes out succulent! We even grill veggies on it! yum!
GO GET IT TODAY! YOU WON'T BE SORRY!
Breville products are a bit pricey but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. I am definitely impressed with the quality. This grill works as advertised. It's easy to clean and store. I own the Breville smart oven and intend to replace all my small appliances with Breville products when the time comes.
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ReplyDeleteOver the years I've tried nearly every type of indoor grill. The only one I haven't tried is the Kenyon, and thats because of price. But I started years ago with Farberware, had a Tfal for the brief time they had one, tried Foreman, tried Cuisinart, Delonghi, others. Before finding the Breville I was using a Sanyo which actually was pretty good except a nightmare to clean.
ReplyDeleteNow, the Breville Smart Grill. I purchased in late at night and couldn't wait so grilled at 11 o'clock at night. Instant love. I've now used it 4 to 5 times a week for nine months. I grill steaks, hamburger, hot dogs, pork butterfly chops, chicken breasts, chicken tenders. I love the way it cooks them all. I use it open like a barbecue most of the time and was amazed how quickly it grilled steaks. I do use the ribbed grill for them even though it takes slightly longer as we just like it better. I do the chops and chicken on the flat grill.
I love that the grill plates fit so nicely in the sink. As to the drip pan it cleans so easily but I'm amazed how little drippings I get. Mostly get them when grilling bacon wrapped beef tenderloin.
I love it. I have just purchased extra plates and I know over time will need replacements, but I am fine with that. It is the best countertop grill I've found. While more expensive than many, I'd tried all the cheaper ones so it actually saved me money because I was ready to try one far more expensive.
I bought the Breville Countertop oven (BOV800XL) a little over a year ago and I continue to love it, so I thought I'd take the plunge and get a Breville panini maker which was on sale. This was their cheap version which does not have many controls and has non-detachable griddle surfaces. I hated it and returned it promptly. I was surprised at the poor quality in light of it being made by Breville.
ReplyDeleteDespite this experience, something made me consider this "top of the line" Breville griddle which I'd been resisting (it cost more then their countertop oven and offering less utility- so I thought!) I purchased it on impulse, preparing myself to be disappointed. I'm NOT..I love it.
Today I grilled eggplant rings which I very lightly brushed with olive oil. After grilling them I topped them with sauce, mozz slices and a sprinkle of parm cheese. I raised the level of the top griddle to melt but not touch the cheese. My huband claimed it was more delicious then traditional eggplant parmasan. Definately less fattening. Every day I have a new discovery that makes this griddle so much fun.
The removeable, interchangable, replaceable griddle surfaces are fantastic. The griddle heats up quickly. It looks very impressive on the counter. Its surfaces are very easy to clean. I also like to keep my countertop appliances unplugged when not in use and Breville has designed a brilliant plug with a finger grip hole that makes this easy to do. It's beautifully designed.