Ronco Ready Grill Electric Grill Review Perfect Indoor BBQ Flavor and Convenience

Description

Positives of the Ronco Ready Grill

Testing the Ronco Ready Grill RG1001BLGEN has shown me several impressive benefits that make it stand out in the indoor grill category. The four heating elements grilling both surfaces simultaneously is a game-changer, allowing food to cook evenly and fast without flipping. This feature instantly seals in juices, preserving the flavor and moisture, which is essential for meats like steaks, chops, and sausages. I appreciated how evenly browned everything came out, from chicken breasts to frozen fish fillets and crisp vegetables.

The two-position grill basket is another strong point that offers flexibility. Whether you’re grilling thin slices of zucchini or thick pork chops, the basket securely holds the food, ensuring consistent contact with the heated surfaces. The grill marks it leaves are surprisingly attractive, adding that authentic BBQ vibe that’s often missing in indoor grills.

Cleaning up afterward was straightforward thanks to the removable drip tray that collects all the grease and crumbs. The heat shields and basket guides come off easily, making the whole process less of a chore. I also liked that the grill is portable and doesn’t require any assembly, which means it fits perfectly in small kitchens or even RVs without any hassle.

• Four heating elements grill both sides at once
• Two-position basket for versatile food thickness
• Easy maintenance with removable grease tray and heat shields

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Despite the many positives, a few limitations surfaced during my use. The grill’s size is great for small spaces, but it restricts the amount of food you can cook at once. If you’re preparing a meal for a large family or hosting a get-together, this compact model may require multiple batches, which can be inconvenient.

Though the grill does an excellent job with typical proteins and veggies, it can struggle with very thick cuts of meat. The heating elements might not penetrate deeply enough to cook these evenly through without adjusting the time or flipping midway, which defeats the purpose of the contact grill design.

Another minor annoyance relates to the wattage. At 16.5 watts, it’s energy-efficient, but some users might find it slower to reach high temperatures compared to other electric grills. This means patience is necessary, especially when switching between different foods.

• Limited cooking surface for larger meals
• May underperform with very thick cuts of meat
• Slightly slower heating due to lower wattage

Versatile Design for Various Foods

What impressed me most is the grill’s ability to handle a wide variety of foods. From seafood and chicken to vegetables and frozen items, the grill cooked everything evenly and quickly. The adjustable basket made it easy to switch between delicate fish and hearty sausages without worrying about uneven cooking.

The black painted finish and stainless steel frame give it a sleek, modern look that fits seamlessly into any kitchen aesthetic. Plus, the stainless steel handle stays cool, which makes it safer to use during grilling sessions. I found it especially handy that the grill is free-standing and lightweight, making it easy to move around or store when not in use.

User Experience and Practicality

Using this grill felt intuitive right from the start. The built-in timer is a thoughtful addition that prevents overcooking by shutting off the grill automatically once the set time expires. This feature gave me peace of mind when multitasking or entertaining guests.

Family members, especially my kids, were excited about the grill because it offered that smoky BBQ flavor without the hassle of outdoor grilling or smoke filling the house. The compact size also made it a perfect fit for my apartment kitchen, where space is a constant concern. Its electric fuel type means I can use it indoors safely without worrying about propane tanks or charcoal.

Competitive Options Compared

Comparing this grill to similar products like the George Foreman Grill or the Cuisinart Griddler reveals some interesting points. The Ronco Ready Grill’s four heating elements simultaneously grilling both sides is an advantage over some competitors that only heat one side at a time. This results in faster cooking and better flavor retention.

However, the limited grill surface is smaller than some rivals, which offer larger plates or interchangeable surfaces for multiple cooking styles. While other products might boast higher wattage for quicker heat-up times, the Ronco’s emphasis on portability and ease of cleaning makes it a strong contender for small space users.

Unlike many electric grills, the Ronco also comes with a sample recipe cookbook, which is a nice touch for beginners wanting to explore grilling without outdoor equipment.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering its features and compact design, the Ronco Ready Grill offers solid value for its price point. It delivers the BBQ taste of an outdoor grill with the convenience of indoor use, which is a rare combination. The inclusion of multiple heating elements, adjustable basket positions, and easy-clean components justifies the investment.

If you prioritize portability and quick, clean grilling with minimal fuss, this device will make sense financially. However, those looking to cook larger quantities or extremely thick cuts might want to weigh other options that provide bigger cooking surfaces or higher power.

Practical Features and Accessories

The grill’s removable grease tray and heat shields are among the best features for easy maintenance. Plus, the two-position basket adapts well to varied thicknesses, ensuring no food gets left behind or undercooked. The unit plugs into any standard outlet, making it extremely convenient for quick snacks or small meals.

An interesting point is the availability of optional accessories like a mesh basket with kabob rods and a steamer basket, which can further expand its versatility if you want to experiment with different cooking styles. These extras aren’t included but are worth considering for those who want to maximize the grill’s potential.

Overall, the Ronco Ready Grill has proven to be a handy indoor appliance that balances convenience, flavor, and ease of use, with a few caveats depending on your specific cooking needs.

Additional information