Calphalon HE600CG Removable-Plate Nonstick Countertop Grill

Calphalon HE600CG Removable-Plate Nonstick Countertop Grill

Excellent indoor grill!
I've had many indoor grills, this one outshines all of them! It is a large grill, with space enough for four burgers, sandwiches, chicken thighs or breasts, etc. It heats up fast with minimal, if any smoke. I love the timer option and control of the temperature. It is super easy to clean and the removable plates fit nicely in the dishwasher. The drip tray is huge and located where it should be, in the back, so when you open up your grill while cooking, the grease goes in it and not on your counter or under the grill. This is a bonus safety measure which I describe in detail later on in this review.

The cooking quality is excellent. One of the reviewers complained about how poorly his chicken and steak turned out. I do not understand that, he must have cooked at the wrong temperatures (too hot), because we've had perfect results every time. It doesn't taste like steamed anything, but like grilled food. And yes, it makes a mean panini sandwich!

This grill is well...

Very nice - but then there is the non stick finish
I received one of these for my birthday, approximately nine months ago. I specifically wanted this one because I have had positive experiences with their cookware.

This is one of the best you can buy in this price range. It has a generous size, and gets hot enough for many things. The plates are removable, a big plus. One reviewer correctly pointed out that this grill does not get hot enough to grill a steak satisfactorily -- which is quite true. I cooked chicken breasts, boneless pork chops, bratwurst and sandwiches and it worked great. It has a cheesy plastic slider locking mechanism to hold the top and bottom together that looks like it will break at some point. Otherwise, it has a very nice look and can be stored vertically.

Okay - here it is - the "but" as hinted in my title. After less than 16 uses the nonstick finish simply started coming off. I hand wash the plates with a sponge and was surprised to see this happening; it was simply sloughing off with...

Amazing product
I recently purchased this item from Amazon.com. I have wanted one for months (I have tried many others that were junk). When it finally arrived it had scratches on the top and a small dent in the front chrome. The handle was ill fitting and it was obvious that it was ground down to fit the right side. The plastic underpart had small chunks broken out of it. All of this was done BEFORE ever being packed. Typical Chinese quality! That said: The temperature and timer markings are small and hard to read. The knobs are kludgy and hard to grasp. HOWSOMEVER! It cooks just near perfectly. I am truly amazed at the non-stick coating; all you need is a little warm water and a few swipes with a sponge and the grills are perfectly clean. I have never seen a product like it before. I think they said the coating is made by GE. Would I recommend it: A qualified -- YES but the price should be somewhat lower. At least it isn't obscene like that Cusinart junk is. That is another story. This grill...

Thanks to its advanced OptiHeat system, you'll get a beautiful, even golden-brown every time you use this stainless-steel indoor grill from Calphalon. The extra-large nonstick plate surface holds family-size portions of your favorite meats, sandwiches, panini and veggies, while adjustable grill heights, time and temperature controls ensure the perfect settings for whatever you're cooking. Great for low-fat meals.

Product Features
• Model: HE600CG
• Superior heat distribution with advanced OptiHeat system
• Extra-large nonstick removable plates for excellent release and easy cleanup
• Attractive stainless-steel exterior
• Adjustable grill heights, time and temperature controls
• Ideal for healthy, low-fat cooking
• 1-year full replacement/5-year nonstick warranty
• Instruction booklet with recipes

• 1500-watt countertop grill with heavy-gauge cast-aluminum nonstick grill plates
• Fits up to 6 burgers, 6 4-ounce chicken breasts, or 4 Panini-style sandwiches at a time
• Temperature control from 200 to 450 degrees F; "always on" setting or 30-minute timer
• Adjustable height; drip tray; stainless-steel housing; dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup
• Measures 12-8/9 by 15-2/3 by 6-3/5 inches; 1-year limited warranty