Showing posts with label portable grill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portable grill. Show all posts

10/11/2011

Grillex US-10 Indoor Brazilian Portable Barbecue Grill Review

Grillex US-10 Indoor Brazilian Portable Barbecue Grill
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Got mine yesterday, used it for every meal except breakfast since. Marinate some meat, coat some veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, throw it on the skewers when you're ready, and 20 minutes later you're eating! I was skeptical about feeding eight people, but if you use all the pieces it comes with, you really can cook about 4 lbs of meat, (well spaced cubes of chicken and beef) within the stated times.
I was also afraid to crank my gas all the way up to the "medium" specified as my burner generally runs hot enough to smoke up the house at that level, but if you follow the instructions (water in base), you won't have any problems. I've even gotten brave and cranked it to high a few times (I love that char-grill flavor) and still no smoke, but I've been pretty vigilant about the water, refilling every hour or so at least.
Make sure to use the toothpicks included for veggies so they don't slide off the ends, so far I haven't really had a problem with meat slipping, but you never know, so throw 'em on just in case. I break mine in half and sometimes they burn a bit, but still no smoke alarms yet. I thought it was kind of gimmicky when I first saw it, but I can see it becoming a standby for lower fat and still tasty cooking.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grillex US-10 Indoor Brazilian Portable Barbecue Grill

Inspired by traditional Brazilian barbecues, this portable barbecue grill makes it easy to bring the authentic taste of outdoor cooking indoors. To use, place the unit over a gas-stove burner or a portable camping stove; the gas flame enters through a circular opening in the base of the unit, then moves through a diffuser to evenly heat the food inside. One pair of double skewers, five standard skewers, and a chrome-plated grill basket come included. Simply load food into the basket or onto the skewers and hang vertically inside the grill for cooking with the option to rotate with a quick turn of the stay-cool handle. The grill can be used to cook up anything from steak, chicken, and fish to carrots, onions, peppers, and more. Best of all, it serves up to eight people at a time, cooking almost 4-1/2 pounds of meat in less than 20 minutes. When used outside, a piece of charcoal can be placed in the heat diffuser to create the smoky flavor of an authentic outdoor barbecue (do not use charcoal for indoor cooking). Other highlights include a catch basin at the bottom to catch all meat drippings, an aluminum upper body and lid with an electrostatic painted finish, stainless-steel heat diffuser and skewers, and Bakelite handles that stay cool to the touch for comfortable handling and safe transport. When finished, the unit disassembles for quick cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. A fun addition to any party or gathering with family and friends, the portable barbecue grill measures approximately 14 by 18 by 16 inches. From the Manufacturer The Versatility of Grillex (It's Not Just for Brazilian BBQ) While the origin of the Grillex is Brazilian, the versatility of the Grillex is unmatched. In addition to the traditional Brazilian fare, Grillex can also be used to cook a wide range of foods: appetizers, simple or gourmet meals, desserts, and more.Below is a partial listing of the recipes developed for the Grillex that go beyond the typical meats, vegetables and cheeses of a Brazilan BBQ: Appetizers
Bacon wrapped Scallops
Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms
Soft Pretzel Twists
Fast & Easy
Grilled Herbed Broccoli
Grilled Quesadillas
Heavenly Chicken Nuggets
Bratwurst
Tequila Lime Beef
Turkish Style Kabobs
Grilled Teriyaki Skewers
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Hot Dogs/ Polish Sausage--with a twist
Gourmet
Green Chile and Lime Carne Asada
Honey Shrimp and Turkey Sausage
Mango Pork Tenderloin
Orange Pineapple Chicken
Peasant Lamb with Herbs
Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Blackened Portabellas with Tzatziki
Crab Stuffed Chile Rellanos
Garlic and Thyme Potatoes
International Corn Husk Kubideh
Desserts
Grilled Dessert Pineapple
Bananas Foster sans alcohol
Honeyed Greek Achladis
Cherry Cream Pastry
Chocolate Cream Pastry
Another benefit of the Grillex is that more than one type of food can be prepared and cooked all at the same time without taking a chance on the mixing of flavors--try that in a rotisserie!A perfect example of this is cooking two skewers of Soft Pretzel Twists while also grilling four skewers of Turkish Style Kabobs and rounding this out with two more skewers of bananas for Bananas Foster. Only in the Grillex can you cook all these at once without the mixing of the flavors.Not only does this make for great tasting meals, it's also efficient. No Smoke and Easy to Clean Take Grillex Outdoors or On the GoGreat Materials, Built to Last

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9/27/2011

Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi 10 by 18-Inch Charcoal Grill Review

Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi 10 by 18-Inch Charcoal Grill
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Packaged with four left legs (requires two left, two right)

One briquette grate is smaller than the other and falls to bottom as a result.

Had to drill / elongate hole to install grate support bracket

Paint on handles started to run when I handled them with wet hands. I tried to rinse off the remaining paint or ink under running water so that it will not continue to bleed off. What paint do you know of that rinses off under plain water?

Right cast iron grate cracked when it came in contact with heat.

The design and construction of this product shows clear disregard for the consumer and is absolutely unacceptable at any price. I have to question at this point weather or not the paint used on the grill and grates is toxic or lead based. I've come across my share of junk but this is really bad!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi 10 by 18-Inch Charcoal Grill

Portable and durable cast iron Hibachi charcoal grill. 157 sq. inch cooking surface. 3 position adjustable cooking grids. Wood handles for protected moving of grill and grids. 2 adjustable air vents for controlling charcoal burn rates.

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9/21/2011

Char-Broil 08401504 Grill2Go ICE Portable Gas Grill Review

Char-Broil 08401504 Grill2Go ICE Portable Gas Grill
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I live in a condo and only have a 1-car garage so, while I wanted to have a grill, there isn't much room in the garage (with my car in there) to have a big grill. The Grill2Go is nice because it is much slimmer (in depth from front to back) than pretty much any full-size grill I've ever seen. Sizewise, one of the downsides is that the 2 side trays do not fold down so, if you want to store it with the side trays, it is going to take up additional space width-wise beyond the size of the actual grill assembly. It wasn't a big deal to me, though I WAS used to having fold-down side trays in all my previous grills.
Before writing this review, I used the grill to cook a variety of foods because I wanted to be able to report on how the grill performed in various circumstances. The foods I grilled on 4 separate occasions were: smallish New York strip steaks, thick-cut pork chops, chicken breast chunks with veggies on skewers (aka shishkebob), hamburgers and hot dogs.
What I have learned about using this grill during this time is:
1. It is VERY important to give the grill adequate warm-up time. The instructions say to turn the grill on high and leave it to heat up for 15 minutes. In my experience, I would say that 20 or 25 minutes may be better, especially if, like me, you prefer a nice sear and grill marks on your food.
2. The instructions say to leave the grill on high for 15 minutes after you're done cooking to let the grease and such burn off. The books says that all the gunk is supposed to turn to ash. This was NOT my experience.
3. Each 1-pound propane container is adequate for a 15-20 minute warm-up, approximately a 20-30 minute grill time and a 15-20 minute "burn off" but not much more than that; i.e., don't expect to get multiple grill sessions out of each canister. And it is recommended to remove the canister when you put the grill away (i.e., don't store the grill with the canister attached). NOTE: The grill does NOT come with propane. I was able to find the 1-pound canisters at my local Lowe's.
4. The instructions say that if you're going to be grilling something fatty (i.e., steaks or burgers), you should leave the grill lid UP during grilling to lessen the chances of flare-ups. I did this on my first use (grilling 2 NY strip steaks) and ended up with steaks that were perfectly cooked on the inside and delectably tasty, but gray and bland on the outside--i.e., almost no searing or grill marks. Since then, I have left the lid closed almost 100% while grilling and have found that I had no flare-ups and had much better searing and grill marks.
5. While there is no question that the grill gets hot, I am used to cooking on a charcoal grill and I just don't seem to be getting the sear on this grill that I am used to. Perhaps that is just the nature of gas grills. I haven't owned a gas grill before, but I've eaten food cooked on them at other peoples' houses and never noticed the food looking gray like those steaks did.
6. Today was the first time I tried to warm up food in a pan on the grill. I was trying to heat up a pan of baked beans to go with the hot dogs I was grilling today but, after quite a long while on the grill, the beans were barely even warm, so I had to take them in and put them on the stove. Luckily, I was home and could do that. Perhaps if I had waited until the grill was fully heated first, I may have had a different experience.
7. While the concept of a portable grill that has built-in coolers is FANTASTIC for tailgaters and those who picnic at the beach or park, I found the reality less alluring. The grill is HEAVY, even with the coolers EMPTY! There's no way that I could get the grill into a vehicle by myself. Also, the handle which lifts up (like on a rolling suitcase) to move the grill does not lock into place, so it makes moving the grill really awkward--especially if you are a small person as I am and especially if the grill is HOT and you can't put your hands on it to steady it!
The accompanying video will give you a look at the grill in action.
I give CharBroil an A for effort as I think it is just an awesome concept. But, while I have really enjoyed having a grill again and love its small profile in my garage, the reality is that I would not be able to use it for its intended purpose without at least one other person (if not two), hence I could not give it 5 stars. Further, even moving the grill from the garage to the driveway to grill can be awkward because the handle doesn't lock in place. All in all, 3 stars.
Note: The grill comes partially assembled but still requires a good bit of assembly. Due to the weight of the grill components, my neighbor, who is a retired engineer, put it together for me. He said it took him about an hour. Given the number of pieces and screws, I'd estimate that it would have taken me about twice that time IF I'd have been able to hold up the grill assembly and use the screwdriver at the same time, which I didn't think I'd be able to do.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Char-Broil 08401504 Grill2Go ICE Portable Gas Grill

Designed with on-the-go grillers in mind, this portable gas grill works as well on the back deck or patio as it does at the beach, a campsite, or tailgating parties. The collapsible unit features two durable wheels and a lift-and-lock mechanism--similar to rolling luggage--for smooth transport from one place to the next. When ready to grill, just lower the handle, extend the grill to its full height, slide on the handy side shelves, and connect the regulator and fuel tank. The grill requires a 1-pound LP cylinder for operation (sold separately), and it features Char-Broil's patented infrared cooking system, which reduces overall cooking time, uses 1/3 less gas, and creates no exposed flames, so there are less flare-ups to worry about. The grill may cook faster and more efficiently, but it doesn't sacrifice seared-in flavor or mouthwatering results.
Best of all, the unit provides a generous 290 square inches of grilling space for anything from hot dogs and hamburgers to salmon fillets, veggie shish-kabobs, thick slices of fresh pineapple, and other favorites. To add smoky flavor to meat and vegetables, simply drop wood chips through the grates and lower the lid using the stay- cool handle; choose from a variety of wood-smoking chips, including mesquite, hickory, alder, oak, or cherry (not included). For added convenience, the grill comes equipped with two removable coolers that sit side by side on the bottom shelf (a protective shield on the bottom of the grill keeps them safe from the heat). Each 30-quart cooler offers two easy-grip loop handles, a wrap-around zipper, and ample space for filling with ice, food, drinks, and other items that need to be kept cold. The portable gas grill measures approximately 29 by 44-1/2 by 37-1/2 inches and carries a 90-day limited warranty.
Take it Anywhere
Easy to Use, with Tasty Results
Specifications
Model Number: 08401504
Two 30-quart soft-sided coolers
10,000 BTU Infrared Cooking System
290-square-inch grilling surface
Rugged pull cart
Heavy-duty grilling grates
3 hours of grilling per 1-pound tank


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8/26/2011

Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill Review

Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered this heavy (33 pounds) little jewel from Amazon a week ago, got it much earlier than expected and tried it out the day I got it. I now have 4 grills: An "oil barrel" type that is perfect for when the family tribe shows up, 2 Weber kettle types in different sizes for weekend entertaining and now the Lodge.
I've had several cast aluminum discount store hibachi's over the years and after the wooden handles fall off, the legs become impossible to tighten and then the "adjustable" supports for the grill crack. I don't see that happening with this hibachi.
Let the grill pre-heat, spray it with PAM and then enjoy the meal. The heat is even, cooking times may be a bit faster than you think, but the dish will be excellent.
HOWEVER! If one is cooking on a wooden deck, as I do, invest in some bricks or concrete pavers to go under the feet. Like all cast iron, this sucker retains heat and you don't want to burn your house down while entertaining guests.
Look for the book "The Honerable Hibachi" by Kathryn Popper. An excellent guide/recipe book.
I wonder if this would be safe to use in a large fireplace in winter months. Any ideas?
I'm thinking about getting another Lodge and then finding a home for the smaller Weber.
Get one and then enjoy your hibachi.
Update Feb 26, 2006:
I've now had the Lodge Hibachi for 4 months and typically use it several times a week. Clean-up is even easier than it was when new. Remember to put a little olive oil or PAM on the grids first and the seasoning improves. In cold, rainy weather, the hibachi fits and cooks nicely in my fireplace (thanks, Ukiechris!), but I crack a window when I do that.
Although quite heavy, it's a great picnic grill and will easily cook chicken, steaks or burgers for 4 people. My Webers must think I don't love them anymore. I do, but the Lodge is perfect for 1-4 people and chicken cooked on the hibachi has a flavor my kettle or barrel grills just can't match.
Besides cooking for that tribal gathering, I'll let you know if I find something the Lodge can't do.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill

Made with durable, even-heating cast iron, this rugged, charcoal, hibachi-style grill works great for picnics, tailgating, car camping, or anywhere a self-contained outdoor cooking source is needed. The unit's cooking grate is also made of cast iron--a treasured cooking material that heats slowly yet retains its heat for long periods of time, making it far more efficient than aluminum or steel grates. The grill's cooking surface measures 17-1/4 by 9 inches and comes seasoned and ready to use. Easily temper the cooking speed of food by rotating the grate away from the heat source. The grill has two adjustable heights, along with a draft door that regulates the heat--so in addition to frying or grilling, the unit can warm a pot of coffee or chili. Coals are accessible behind a flip-down door. Other convenient features include four steady legs, a useful carrying handle, and a simple-to-clean design--just hand wash with a stiff brush and hot water. The Sportsman's charcoal grill measures 19 by 10-1/4 by 8-1/4 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty.

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8/02/2011

Cobb Premier Portable Stainless Steel Grill & Smoker Review

Cobb Premier Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Smoker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had mine for about a month now, and have done 3 chickens, 2 tri-tip roasts and a DOUBLE rack of Baby-backs... and am gearing up to try baking/smoking a pile of shortribs soon.
So far, I have only used the roasting rack to cook with...wet mesquite chips wrapped in heavy alum. foil in the firebasket smoke the meat nicely, just perfect. Surprised compliments from everyone who've tasted the results. Chicken, in 1 1/2 to 2 hours, comes out so tender you'll wonder if it's really done (it is). The Babybacks smoked up wonderful and were as tender as you'd want.
I'm a tri-tip guy, and all my friends step back in respect when I approach a grill with a Tri-tip in hand. I'm good at it. This Cobb Grill makes the best I've ever had.
Pro's:
*Convenient for apartments, small patios, any lifestyle or condition when you want the BBQ to come out and go back to stashed away. It is small, compact, all the accoutrements fit comfortably into the carrying case, even the extra accessories you might buy. Speaking of which, search the internet for the cheapest roasting rack...some will sell this wire rack for $39...it's about an $6 item, but if you can find one for $15, get one. You'll use it for roasting and allows you to NOT need to turn over the ribs, chicken, etc. during the cooking process. It's probably the most convenient of all the accessories.
*Easy setup, easy stash. Minimal fuel (10-12 briquettes).
*A moat! You can add water, soda, beer,etc., in the built-in moat and you get results like doing a Beer-can chicken. Most moist and great taste for everything. Results are great.
*Easy to smoke meats. Add your wet chips to the firebowl when you put on the meat. I've been using about 2 tablespoons of chips for a nice amount of smoke flavor.
*Both portable and movable. Not only is this little thing really portable, it can be moved anytime during the grilling by just picking it up with your bare hands. Its sides are cool. It's halfway to 'Kid-Friendly' and is a pretty safe grill to have around kids. The dome is hot, but the sides are not. This is especially handy if you want to shuffle ribs or flip some meat halfway thru cooking...I just pick it up and carry it to the kitchen where I can flip things without making a mess...then I take it outside again. Very handy!
*Set it and Ferget it. The nice thing is that you don't have to bother with the grill while its cooking. Go party. Relax. All you need is a timer to figure out when its all done. Because you are using a moat and liquid (if you do) it's hard to over-cook anything.
I haven't tried doing a plain steak yet, or hamburgers, without the lid...that's next week's project.
Cons: Expensive. I bought mine on sale for $85 and was lucky to get it at that. The accessories are expensive. The wok, the frying pan are well designed and might be worth the loot, but the roasting rack is just a wire grid who's legs happen to fit into the ring-holes of the included grill plate. At the mfg. cost of the wire rack, they should be throwing this thing in for free. Once you get your unit home, you can look for workable racks in thrift shops.
You can still find the earlier models, with the black plastic sides, available at a steep discount, around $50. These would be worth getting to save money. The new models are the ones with the stainless mesh sides.
*Cleaning. If you throw some sliced lemons in the moat-water, cleanup will be easier. The thing should to be cleaned after each use, which could be problematic for RV'rs. The quality non-stick grill surfaces are no problem, but the wire racks and the main steel bowl can need lotsa water or some soaking. You can rough clean it with paper towels and finish it at home, if you're off camping. Dawn Direct Foam works really well.
*Slow cooking, lower heat. Because it uses lower heat for a longer time, figure that it's going to be 2 hours for a chicken or a tri-tip, 2 1/2 hours for ribs unless you want to refill the firebox and go for 4 hours. That includes the 1/2 hour for the coals to get right.*Charcoal starter matches make things easier, so when you find them for sale, buy several boxes. The matches found on the Cobb site are overpriced. They run about $2.50 a box in grocery stores, and there are two kinds, the giant ones and the smaller ones. 8 to the box and 20 to the box, respectively. 2 big ones do it, or 4 small ones will light your charcoal just fine. DON'T leave the dome on while the charcoal is flaming/lighting, you'll start to melt the top handle (my stupid). Leave the dome off to speed the charcoal lighting.
All in all, I think this is an ideal charcoal grill that almost guarantees you'll wow yourself, your family and friends with the incredible results. It's slightly different cooking than the normal charcoal BBQ grill, so you'll learn to make your cooking adjustments...and you'll love the results. I would (and do) recommend this little baby to anyone who'll listen. My friends all recommend my using this as often as they can talk me into it.7/17/2010..........And now I've had it for awhile...just got back in town after being on the road for a bit....the first thing I did when I 'unhitched' was to fire up the Cobb and slam a Tri Tip on it. I'm still using it, still loving it, it's still in great shape, and still does a great job. My favorite seasoning is still Santa Maria Tri Tip Seasoning by Righetti Specialties, and a healthy dose of Bacon Salt never hurts nothing! Love this grill.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobb Premier Portable Stainless Steel Grill & Smoker

Cobb Premier BBQ Cooking System Includes stainless steel stay-cool base, fire grid, dome top, non-stick grilling surface, lifting handle, and carry bag. Dishwasher safe. The Stainless Steel stay-cool base offers all the features of the Classic Cobb but with a high-end look of steel. Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Fry and Boil with the Premier Cobb BBQ Grill & Cooking System. This is the complete solution, everything you need for the ultimate portable charcoal grill and weighs only 8lbs. The exterior remains cool to the touch while the interior cooks at up to 500 degrees. The perfect addition to your hurricane kit.

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