Microwave Panini Press

While I rate this grill with five stars, I do so from a perspective on how the grill met my expectations for performance. My expectations may or may not be the same as yours. I went through the same process as you are doing now, combing through multiple reviews trying to determine if this grill was really going to work for me. I was looking for a grill to use in a microwave that would produce a similar output for food cooked on a conventional grill, BUT, that was fully appreciating that a microwave is first and foremost NOT a conventional grill. In other words, as much as I wanted the food to look and taste like it was cooked on a conventional grill, there would be some limitations. So, I'll put it in this fashion - if what you are looking for is the same result as cooking on a Weber, then buy a Weber - why in the hell are you using a microwave. But, if a close alternative is worth the price of convenience offered by using a microwave, then this Maconee grill will suit you fine. Again, a microwave is not a gas grill, so lower your expectations, or at least accept that the end result will be something LIKE a conventional grill. I have cooked beef, veggies, chicken, tofu, polenta, plant based products, and grilled sandwiches with this Maconee grill, and all have come out simulating the output from a conventional grill as I wanted. Yes, everything had those appealing grill marks and cooked to the degree I expected. There is one caveat. Judging from some of the negative comments from others about the cooking aspect of this grill, keep something in mind: this grill is an utensil, like a frying pan, in which it will only work as well as your personal capacity to cook. Because it is a microwave, and we are accustomed to throwing packaged frozen meals in, push a few buttons and voila, it’s too easy to expect that there is nothing more else to do with this grill. Uh, no. Yes, cooking time, temperature, and the food item you are preparing are all things you will have to deal with in order to get the result you want. But, isn’t that what cooking is about? So if you want the same ease as cooking a frozen dinner, don't buy this grill. If you know what you are doing in the kitchen and have mastered how to treat the microwave as a flexible appliance for cooking, then you will find this grill to be an excellent addition to your arsenal of cookware. Some have complained about confusion, or lack of information from Maconee, about the appropriate cooking power level you are to use for your microwave given they state the grill should not be used in units over 900 watts. Easy-peasy - divide 900 by your machine's wattage if it is over 900, and you'll have the percent power level to use. Mine is 80%, or power level 8. There - no panic and you can get cooking. I also noticed some complained that the grill is too hot, or at least, hotter than the demonstration video suggests. Well, what’s the big deal? Use an oven mitt if it seems too hot. Again, look at this as a utensil like a frying pan. If an oven mitt is okay with that, is it really such a problem with this? It's not your first time at the rodeo or in the kitchen. If something is too hot, then deal with it. I personally have no problem picking it up by the sides quickly as instructed, but yeah, it’s hot. You'll decide for yourself if it’s too hot or not, but that is in no way a reason for not using the grill. Adapt. While the brief user's guide states some recommended cooking times for various food items, be prepared to put on your chef's hat and determine for yourself what works and doesn’t work based on what your endgame is and cooking. I can’t say this enough … it’s a utensil for cooking, so that means you should know how to cook. Figuring out cooking times by trial and error is part of the cooking process. If that seems too daunting, then stick with your GrubHub app. Otherwise, this Maconee grill will expand your repertoire with the microwave that you will find astounding. This does exceed the results from those early bacon trays, so if you fear this is nothing more than that, put that out of your mind. This truly does help you create that grilled food taste with your microwave ….. just don’t forget that it is a microwave.

Just like a pan toasted sandwich or Panini! WOW, it worked, I did spread squeeze butter on the bread before microwaving on high for 2 minutes, flipping then another 2 minutes, very fast. Pleasantly surprised at how it really toasted the bread and melted the cheese. I used regular sandwich bread, next time I'll use something denser like focaccia bread. This is a game changer for lunches at work and traveling in the RV. I can see it being a great college dorm item too. Clean up in dishwasher or by hand worked well. Good heavy build quality, easy to use, I bought the slightly larger size for larger bakery breads. For taste, it honestly tasted like I had fried it in a pan on the stove, surprised & pleased!

The only problem that I have with this product is a very poor operating booklet. It comes with all the normal warnings, then it jumps immediately into recipes, which are written in a light and small type face, so you'll need a good light and glasses to read it. It should show how you put the plates together and lock them, but it doesn't. Yes, it may be easy to figure out, but not for everyone. Otherwise, it works well. A bit pricey, considering that electrically-operated units are similar in price, but simple, durable, and fast if you have a good microwave oven. In my oven, it takes less than 3 minutes to cook a crispy, sandwich. I give it 2 minutes on one side and one minute on the other (depending on thickness)... and yes, it will hold thicker sandwiches. It also makes great quesadillas! All it is, is 2 non-stick metal plates with durable silicone ends that serve as feet, safe pot-holders, and a clip to hold the plates together. Yes, the plates (but not the silicone ends) get very hot! The silicone ends don't hold together well with small sandwiches, but the weight alone is enough to put good grill-marks on the bread. I also put the device on a microwaveable dish, because there will usually be dripping when you flip the thing over. I was intrigued by the recipe for cooking raw chicken wings, so I tried it out (my wife just got a good deal). They say you should poke holes in the (defrosted) wings first, then marinate them for 1/2 hour in a barbecue sauce In your microwave oven... I put it in my favorite hot sauce with a bit of corn starch to make it stick. This took about 4 minutes to get some a pretty-crispy, tasty, well-done group of 3 wings (that's all it will hold) in my oven. Not much to go wrong here, since the product is very simple.

I just got this handy little gizmo, and I used it immediately. As a lover of toasties, I have never been able to get the perfect one using A conventional sandwich press. Based on the reviews, I decided to give this a chance, and it really does deliver. Simple to use and the crispiest, tastiest toastie I have had outside of an Irish pub! I made one with ham, cheese, and onion, buttering the bread on the outside, and after 4 minutes (2 on each side), it was ready. Hot, crispy, and delicious. And as the sides come apart, it's super easy to clean; it’s silicone and can go into the dishwasher ( I didn’t try that yet, but the instructions say it’s dishwasher safe)—5 stars from me.

I had high hopes but this thing does not work. Regular grilled cheese, a bit mayo on the outside, butter inside, 4 slices of cheese. 2 min, flip, 2 min, check. Very little browning around the outside, middle of the bread soggy and wet. Ok, one more min.... still the same. Fine, let's try one more min... More browning around the left and right, middle still a soggy wet mess. Fine, before I burn the cheese, let's taste it. Oh, nice, some terrible chemical flavor was added! Inedible! Cooking the same in a hot pan would have taken the same time and delivered something desirable. This thing created soggy rubber with a side taste of burnt tire. Going right back in the box and back to Amazon, unfortunately. Interesting idea, but needs work. Unusable as is, and way too expensive. Unfortunately, was hoping this would work as advertised. Having doubts the youtubers I've seen this use didn't do some editing tricks to keep their revenue. Especially the chemical taste it added is awful, burnt plastic or rubber. And yes, I washed it first with hot water and dish soap. Do not buy.

I was hoping for something I could cook a handful of french fries or chicken nuggets in, and I also wanted to be able to nuke a burger or hot dogs. Frozen french fries do NOT work in this; they take forever, for starters, and you’d be further ahead trying to “fry” them in a skillet on the stove. After that failure, I didn’t even try the frozen chicken nuggets, knowing it would take too long. The grilled cheese sandwich turned out pretty well, although it took a lot longer than four minutes to get it crispy. It also smashed the bread down too much. Again, the frying pan would have been quicker and better. The hot dogs (NOT FROZEN) turned out okay as well, but I was thinking the grill plates had a recession to catch some of the drips. They don’t; it drips off into the microwave. I wouldn’t dare do a burger on this thing for that reason. So I’ve got this microwave cooker that I can do a passable grilled cheese sandwich in, and it cost me 32 bucks. Not worth it.

Works very well and the grilled cheese comes out just the way you like it .

Never thought I could have a grill cheese out of the microwave. This thing is awesome. Makes great grilled sandwiches and cleans up easy in the dishwasher. Just wish it was an inch longer so I could do two at once.