Ronco Ready Grill Review Electric Grill with Four Heating Elements for Juicy Meals

Description

Strengths of the Ronco Ready Grill

Using the Ronco Ready Grill RG1001BLGEN has been quite an interesting experience. Its four heating elements grilling both sides simultaneously really impressed me from the start. This feature not only speeds up cooking but also locks in the juices instantly, preserving the flavor better than many indoor grills I’ve tried. Whether I’m grilling chicken breasts or thick-cut steaks, the results are consistently juicy and evenly browned, which is no small feat for an electric grill.

The two-position grill basket is another highlight. It adjusts easily to fit both thin slices like fish fillets and thicker cuts like pork chops or ribs, ensuring even cooking without squashing the food. This versatility made meal prep much more straightforward. Plus, the grill marks? Spot on every time. I even tried some frozen foods, which cooked surprisingly well, thanks to the consistent heat distribution.

• Four heating elements for quick, even cooking
• Adjustable grill basket for various food thicknesses
• Excellent heat retention locking in juices
• Suitable for fresh and frozen foods

Drawbacks to Consider

Although the grill has several perks, there are a few downsides that can’t be ignored. For one, the overall size is compact, which is fantastic for small kitchens or RVs, but it limits how much food you can cook in one go. I found myself doing multiple batches for a family dinner, which can be a bit tedious.

The wattage at 16.5 watts seems low compared to some other electric grills, which might explain why it takes slightly longer to reach optimal cooking temperature. While it’s efficient and doesn’t produce smoke, this also means it’s less powerful for searing thicker cuts quickly. If you’re looking for a grill to handle heavy-duty cooking, this might feel underwhelming.

Cleaning is generally easy thanks to removable parts, but the grease tray is somewhat small, requiring frequent emptying during extensive grilling sessions. It’s not a deal-breaker but worth noting for those who grill often.

• Limited cooking surface for larger meals
• Lower wattage affects heating speed
• Small grease tray needs frequent emptying

Design and Build Quality

The stainless steel frame with a painted black finish gives the grill a sleek, modern look that fits well in most kitchens. At 7.5 pounds, it’s light enough to move around easily, which is handy for anyone who might want to take it camping or store it away after use. The free-standing installation requires no setup, which saved me some time and frustration.

I appreciate the removable heat shields and basket guides for cleaning. These parts come off smoothly, and it’s clear the designers thought about maintenance. The handle, also stainless steel, stays cool enough to touch safely during grilling, which added to the overall user comfort.

Performance and Cooking Experience

The automatic timer with shutoff is a thoughtful feature that helped me avoid overcooking, especially when juggling multiple dishes. It’s simple to set and doesn’t require constant monitoring. The grill’s ability to brown a wide variety of foods evenly — from seafood to ribs — impressed my family, who enjoyed the “outdoor grill” taste without the hassle of charcoal or propane.

Interestingly, the grill emits no smoke, making it perfect for indoor use without setting off alarms or filling the kitchen with lingering odors. This was a relief during colder days when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. The included cookbook gave me some creative ideas, though I mostly stuck to my favorites.

Value Proposition

Considering the grill’s features and ease of use, it offers decent value for money. The convenience of grilling indoors with minimal cleanup and no smoke is worth the investment. Although it may not replace an outdoor grill for serious barbecue enthusiasts, this unit shines in smaller living spaces or for quick meals.

Compared to more expensive models with similar functions, this grill holds its own, especially with the versatile basket and efficient heat elements. It’s a solid pick if you want something straightforward that performs well without complicated controls or large footprints.

Product Competitors

Compared to popular alternatives like the George Foreman grills or the Cuisinart Griddler, this model stands out with four heating elements covering both grill surfaces, which not all competitors offer. The George Foreman tends to have fewer heating zones, sometimes leading to uneven cooking on thicker foods.

However, some rival grills provide higher wattage and larger surfaces, which can cook more food faster. The Ronco’s compact design and lightweight build make it more portable but less suitable for large families or entertaining groups. Additionally, brands like Cuisinart offer more digital controls and preset cooking modes, which may appeal to tech-savvy users.

This product performs better in smoke-free indoor grilling and ease of cleaning, areas where some competitors struggle due to grease buildup or non-removable plates.

Usability and Cleaning

I found the grill easy to plug in and start using immediately. The no-assembly requirement is a big plus for someone who dislikes complicated setups. The removable drip tray caught grease and crumbs effectively, although it required emptying more frequently during longer cooking sessions.

The ability to remove the heat shields and basket guides made cleaning less of a chore, especially compared to grills with fixed plates. A quick wipe-down after grilling was usually enough to keep the unit in good shape. The lightweight design also makes it simple to lift and clean underneath or store away when not in use.

Versatility and Functionality

Versatility is a strong suit here. Grilling everything from vegetables to sausages felt natural. The two-position basket allowed adjustment for different thicknesses, making it easy to cook a variety of foods without pressing or flattening them. The even browning and grill marks added a touch of authenticity to indoor grilling.

I even experimented with reheating leftovers, and the results were surprisingly good — no sogginess or uneven heating. This grill seems to handle delicate items like seafood just as well as hearty meats, which is a rare find in this price range.

Overall, it’s a handy appliance for anyone craving grilled flavor without the fuss of an outdoor setup.

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