De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press
by DeLonghi America, Inc
List Price:
Our Price: $42.14
You Save: $97.86 (70%)
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Buy Used: from $28.99 (click here)
Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: DeLonghi America, IncBrand: DeLonghi
Model: CGH800
Product features:
- Fast, even grilling and toasting with double-sided contact cooking plates.
- Accommodates food of any size with the height adjustable hinge. You can easily grill meat, fish and panini sandwiches.
- Precise, customized grilling and toasting with the adjustable thermostat and easy-view temperature range window.
- Healthier and better-tasting food with a slightly tilted grill surface, channels drain away grease and oil into a separate cup.
- Easy-to-clean with non-stick grill plates and oil/grease drain cup. Simply wipe the grill plates and empty the cup.
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press
Customer Review: Very Satisfied! (helpful review if you want a comparison to a Foreman grill)
Summary: 4 Stars
After spending hours reading online reviews on indoor grills, I decided on this one. I've had it over a week now, have used it several times, and am happy with my choice. Can't speak to its durability or longevity yet, but DeLonghi seems to be reputable.
I had a very large fixed-hinge Foreman grill that had sat around for years, then just when I began to appreciate it, it stopped working. I would say it only had moderate use for a year or two, so I was obviously disappointed with its lack of longevity.
My priorities in purchasing a new grill were affordability, size, and quality/reputation. When comparing this grill with others, both online and in stores locally, I was surprised at the lower price, especially after receiving it. It looks really nice on the counter (it folds and stands on its edge), and is heavy and well-built. The cooking area is larger than many more expensive models. And it just looks classy!
I have grilled pork chops and chicken breasts, panini sandwiches (both with deli meat and breakfast type sandwiches with eggs, bacon and cheese) and everything came out delicious! The grilled meats are definitely juicier and more tender than they were on the Foreman. I think they cook more evenly and the floating hinge allows cooking on both sides without squeezing so hard that all the juices run out during cooking. The cooking area is large and it cooks quickly, so I cooked meat for five+ in 10-15 minutes. I've made sandwiches with different types of bread, and that's the key. So far the Ciabatta was my favorite. Nice and dense and crusty. Today I cooked a pound of bacon and I love the way it turned out. I cooked about 5-6 slices at a time, for 3-4 minutes, so it took about 10-15 minutes to cook a pound, and no grease popping on my hands, face, clothing, etc. It will be more work to clean than a skillet, but for me it's worth it. I have always hated cooking bacon on the stove!
Since this grill is open on the back and sides, I cover the counter top with a paper sack to keep it from getting messy. Depending on what you're cooking, it does splatter a bit, and it can be a pretty messy clean-up job when grilling meat, especially if it's very fat or you're using a sauce. But the plates are non-stick and the food will come right off if you do it right. Although the book that came with the machine doesn't say to spray with non-stick spray (except when cooking fish), I would recommend it. It really helps when grilling meat. (don't need it for bacon or sandwiches, since you'll coat them with oil or butter) What I found to work best is to scrape the grill while it's hot (used my plastic scraper from the Foreman grill). This gets the worst of the mess off and keeps it from sticking. After it's cool, I used the Foreman grill sponge (3-pack at Kohl's for $7) and hot water (don't think you're supposed to use soap). Since the top of the grill is movable, it's easier to clean if you lay it down against the counter by tipping the grill - but put a towel or something soft under it or you'll scratch the nice, shiny stainless like I did the first time.
Removable plates would be nicer for cleaning, but I've read that sometimes they're not ideal. They can come loose while cooking, and some say the cooking isn't as even with them. So it's a trade-off. I can't say first-hand because I haven't owned a grill with removable plates. Just couldn't find one that was large AND affordable (for me, defined as under $70).
In summary, cleaning is comparable to the Foreman I had (actually a bit harder to clean because of the open back and movable top). Quality of food is better, because of the floating hinge/panini press design. It isn't quite as large as my old Foreman, but it's larger than most others. It looks a lot nicer and is easier to store than the "monster" Foreman I had. And of course I'm hoping for a longer life, too!
Happy cooking!
Description of De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press
Enjoy contact grilling all year long with the De'Longhi Contact Grill and Panini Press. You will always get consistent and thoroughly grilled and toasted foods with the fully embedded plate and contact cooking, it distributes heat evenly to avoid any overly hot or cold spots. Impress your family and guests by preparing many different meals, from burgers to steak, to chicken and panini sandwiches, the adjustable hinge accommodates food of any size. For a healthier twist on grilling, the machine is slightly slanted allowing grease and oil to drain away from your food. And ensure precise grilling and toasting with the adjustable thermostat. If you've been grilling for hours, you won't be cleaning for hours, simply wipe off the non-stick grill plate and empty the drain cup. It's that easy! It's safety first with this contact grill, the cool touch handles allow for easy movement once grilling or toasting is complete. Other highlights include an on/off indicator light and safety locking system for convenient, upright storage. You'll enjoy grilled foods and delicious toasted sandwiches for years to come!Stuff two slices of of rustic Italian bread with mozzarella, prosciutto, fresh basil, roasted red peppers, and whatever else takes your fancy, brush with olive oil, then press between the hot plates of this grill for the best panini outside Italy. The nonstick plates are hinged to adjust to any thickness of sandwich, meat, fish, or vegetables, and the bottom plate slants slightly to allow grease and juices to drain off into the included plastic cup. Brunch guests will ooh and aah over the retro-look mirror-and-glitter finish of the grill with its wide sweep of a handle. A round polished knob lets you set and see just the right temperature in a small glass window. Measuring 14 by 12-1/2 by 5 inches, the grill includes a cord wrap and locks for upright storage. A comprehensive gift-quality recipe book featuring more than 60 recipes for panini, bruschetta, and spreads comes with the grill, which is covered by a limited 1-year warranty. --Ann Bieri
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