Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill
by Breville
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: BrevilleBrand: Breville
Release Date: 2007-09-10
Model: BGR400XL
Color: Stainless Steel
Product features:
- 1800-watt grill with interchangeable flat plate and 2 ribbed plates
- Adjustable height; adjustable tilt controls the angle of the lower plate
- Variable temperature control from 350 to 425 degrees F
- Stainless-steel body; nonstick plate surfaces; dishwasher-safe
- Measures 16-1/4 by 16-1/4 by 8 inches; 1-year limited warranty
- Breville BCG450XL Conical Burr Grinder
- Breville BSK500XL ikon Kitchen Scale
- Breville BES400XL Ikon 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine
- Breville CT70XL Ikon 2-Slice Electric Toaster
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill
Customer Review: Mine works well - but has a couple of quirks
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had my grill for about 5 months and used it many times. I'm very happy with the sandwiches it produces. I can't imagine that the commercial sandwich grills can do any better.
Unlike what some reviewers mentioned, this grill can get hot enough to sear a piece of meat although I don't think that it's best use is to replace a gas fired barbeque grill. For cooking sandwiches, which is what it's design for, it's great.
If you're interested in getting good results, it makes a BIG difference what bread you use. I've had the best luck with ciabatta bread. You must cut the crust off the top (and optionally the bottom too) for the best sandwitch. I also spray the top and bottom with a mist of olive oil which seems to help develop the brown stripes. As a sandwich press I don't have the heat set higher than about half way. And at that setting, it only takes about 3 minutes. If you have heavy, dense ingredients in the center of the sandwich and want them hot, don't try to cook the sandwich all the way through from the outside. Your best bet is to pre-cook thick pieces of meat on the grill first and then grill the finished sandwich in a second step.
Yes, the top plate can fall off if not inserted properly after cleaning. But this only happened to me once. I'm more careful now...
The removeable plates are the reason I bought this model and I'm very happy with that feature. If the sandwich ingredients run onto the plates I simply take them out and wash them in my dishwasher. Otherwise, they really don't need frequent cleaning if you're just toasting sandwiches that can hold their contents.
Yes, there is no power switch. I admit that that surprised me. But I found it easy to get used to just unplugging it. It has a hollow plug that you can insert your finger through so unplugging is very easy. No big deal for me.
Note that one of the reasons it cooks so well is that it uses quite a bit of electricity. You may experience circuit breaker trips if you try to use it on a 15 AMP circuit, especially if there's anything else plugged in and turned on. At 1800 Watts, this appliance should really have exclusive use of a 20 AMP branch circuit if you want trouble-free results.
If I turn it on next time and it won't heat up I won't be very happy, but so far it's worked just fine and I find myself using it a lot.
Update: As of 1/30/2009 it's still going strong.
Description of Breville BGR400XL Ikon 1800-Watt Removable-Plate Grill
Breville Ikon Removable Plate Grill has a top plate that can be adjusted to six pre-set heights. On the lower settings, this unique patented feature reduces the weight pressing upon more delicate foods like fish or vegetables. The higher settings are ideal for making open melt sandwiches or reheating. The removable non-stick plates firmly lock into place and are removed with the touch of a button. The three plates (two ribbed, one flat) are dishwasher safe. The adjustable tilt feature controls the angle of the grill's lower plate. The "Angle" position is perfect for fat-free cooking, draining the fat into the drip tray. "Flat" angles for use as a griddle for cooking eggs and pancakes.Kitchen & Housewares
Kitchen and Housewares
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