Named for boxer George Foreman, the countertop George Foreman Grill uses sloped, nonstick contact plates and a drip tray to channel fat away while cooking. Modern lines include single-serve units, family-size grills, and multi-plate models with removable, dishwasher-safe plates. The grill cooks quickly and cleans up easily, making it useful for burgers, sandwiches, fish and vegetables, but it cannot reproduce the smoke and high-heat sear of an outdoor grill.

Why the George Foreman Grill became popular

The George Foreman Grill is a countertop electric contact grill named for the boxer George Foreman, who lent his name and image to its marketing. Its defining design - sloped nonstick plates and a drip tray - channels fat away from food as it cooks, which helped position the product as a convenience and "healthier" grilling option.

How it works and what it cooks

Contact plates heat from above and below, so food cooks faster than on a single-sided skillet. Typical uses include burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, fish, chicken, vegetables and quick one-pan breakfast items. Some users also adapt the grill for small baked items, like single-serving cakes.

Models and features today

George Foreman grills now come in multiple sizes and configurations: single-serving units, family-size grills, and larger electric outdoor-style models. Many current models offer removable, dishwasher-safe plates and interchangeable plates for grilling, griddling and baking. Some multi-plate models (marketed under names such as the G5 series) include five plate options for different tasks.

Surface area options vary across models. Small grills often have a cooking surface around 8x9 inches, while larger family or outdoor-style units advertise surfaces ranging from roughly 84 square inches up to models that list around 160-240 square inches.

Pros and limits

The George Foreman design heats quickly, is compact, and makes cleanup easier when plates are removable and dishwasher-safe. The sloped plate plus drip tray reduces visible fat in the cooking area, but the grill does not replicate the char and smoke of an outdoor charcoal or gas grill. It also works best for relatively thin cuts and quick-cooking foods.

Availability and buying tips

George Foreman grills remain widely available online and at major retailers in a range of prices. When choosing a model, check plate size, whether plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, available plate types, and the advertised cooking surface area. If you want an outdoor-grill flavor, pair the unit with marinades or finishing techniques that add smoke or char notes.

Bottom line

The George Foreman Grill keeps its original strengths: fast, compact contact grilling with easy cleanup and reduced surface fat. It suits everyday indoor grilling but does not fully replace open-flame grilling for flavor and high-heat searing.
  1. Confirm original commercial launch year and the exact original product name (e.g., 'Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine').
  2. Verify historical sales figures (total units sold) and reported earnings associated with George Foreman's endorsement.
  3. Confirm dates and product details for the 'Next Grilleration' models and the G5 multi-plate series.
  4. Confirm typical marketed cooking surface ranges (specific square-inch figures for current models: 84, 160, 200, 240).
  5. Confirm current corporate ownership/licensing details for the George Foreman brand as of 2025.

FAQs about George Foreman Grill

Does a George Foreman Grill reduce fat from food?
Yes. The sloped plates and drip tray channel away fat that renders during cooking, which reduces fat that stays in direct contact with food compared with a flat pan.
Are the plates dishwasher-safe?
Many modern George Foreman models have removable, dishwasher-safe plates, but you should confirm the specific model's instructions before washing.
Can it replace an outdoor charcoal or gas grill?
Not entirely. The George Foreman Grill cooks quickly and reduces fat, but it cannot reproduce the smoke, open flame, or the same high-heat sear of outdoor grills.
What kinds of food can I cook on it?
Common uses are burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, fish, chicken, vegetables and quick breakfasts. Small baked items or grilled desserts are possible on some models.
How do I choose the right size?
Pick a size based on how many servings you typically cook: single-serve or small 8x9-inch plates for one or two people; larger family-size plates or models with 80-240 square inches of surface for feeding more people.