RIVAL GR212 GRIDDLE ~~An OK Griddle
Written: Nov 08 '08
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Pros: non-stick, dishwasher safe, cooks larger quantities, easy to use
Cons: not very versatile, heating is variable, storing is difficult, greasy foods are difficult
The Bottom Line: This griddle is just average. I haven't found many uses for it. However, the food I prepare on it is really good.
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| angelwings724's Full Review: Rival GR212 |
The Rival GR212 Griddle is just an OK appliance. It has some good uses, but the overall design could be better.
Features
Generous cooking area; nonstick coating; cool-touch edges and raised frame
Temperature control is removable and adjustable up to 425 degrees F
Built-in grease trough with removeable tray
Fully immersible and safe in the dishwasher with temp control removed
Dimensions: 25.7 x 13.6 x 4.6 inches
cooking surface measures 20-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches
Pros
This griddle is easy to use. Plug in the temp control and turn it on. The surface is non-stick, so excess grease isn't necessary. Sometimes I use the flavored non-stick sprays for flavor. It is dishwasher safe. Foods like pancakes, bacon, sausage, and grilled sandwiches are easy to make on this griddle. The edges stay cool even when it is in use. Cooking area is a good size. Cooking for a crowd is easier.
Cons
It's not very versatile. I haven't found many food items that will cook well on this griddle. The heating isn't even. There are areas on the griddle that cook at higher temps. The grease trough and drip pan will overflow if you cook anything that is greasy like bacon or burgers. You have to stop and clean it out if you cook very much food at one time. Storing can be a problem if you don't have enough counter or cabinet space.
When I purchased this griddle, I was thinking about all of the various foods I could prepare using it. However, after using it, I found it less hassle just to get out a skillet instead. You need ample counter space to set it up and cook with it. The edges stay cool to the touch, but you don't want it too close to anything else as you cook with it.
When the griddle is facing you (depending on which way you turn it of course), the drip tray is in the center front for easy access. The temp control is on the upper right. The griddle heats up quickly. The first time it is plugged in and turned on, it emits and smoky odor, but quickly goes away. I believe several appliances do that, at least in my experience. As for the drip tray, you have to keep an eye on it or it will overflow if you are cooking something greasy. The cord is average length but the griddle needs to be fairly close to the outlet. The griddle is white, with the cooking surface being black.
Cooking Ideas For This Griddle
meats - steak, burgers, chicken, fish, pork
veggies - thin-cut veggies like potatoes, squash, zucchini
sandwiches - grilled cheese or any panini is excellent
eggs - not very easy to turn an egg, sometimes they stick
pancakes - of course! They turn out fantastic!
french toast - great item for the griddle as well
These are all of the food items that I initially thought of when I purchased the griddle. I've tried all of them except the veggies (I'm not a cooked-veggie-eater). I don't cook meats on the griddle much because of the grease issue. Fish works really well on the griddle. I use a non-stick spray with fish because the fish is so delicate. I don't want to risk it sticking. Chicken and pork tend to dry out on the griddle, but I have brushed the sides with oil to try to keep them moist. Thick cuts of meat take longer to cook.
I mostly cooked the pancakes, french toast, and grilled sandwiches...all of which are just eas easy in a skillet, unless you are cooking for a large crowd. The cooking surface can hold up to 6 pancakes at one time, depending on the size. It doesn't take long to feed a crowd with pancakes, french toast, or sandwiches with the griddle.
I purchased this griddle at a local store for $39. I'm not sure the price is a pro or a con. On one hand, it is a good price, however, if you are like me and don't find enough uses for it, then the price seems too steep for the product itself.
Do I recommend it? Yes and No. I do still use it, but not too often. It is a hassle to get out of the cabinet and set it up - much easier to get out a skillet. However, I do enjoy the foods that I cook with it. So, before buying, have a good idea of what you want to cook with it. If the list is really short, just use a skillet, unless you need it for larger quantities.
Thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39
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angelwings724
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Location: Arkansas
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