James Baigrie

Hamilton Beach Meal Maker Express Contact Grill
Price: $75
Appearance & Taste: Good grill marks, food is moist and juicy.
Cleanup: Very easy. Wipes clean with a damp paper towel.
Special Features: Nonstick. Cooks food in half the time, drains grease away from the food into a removable drip tray. Also opens flat for two cooking surfaces. Unit gets very hot; be careful when handling.
Real Simple Rating: Best
George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine
Price: $60
Appearance & Taste: Good grill marks, but the pressure tends to flatten the food and squeeze out too much moisture if cooked too long.
Cleanup: Very easy. Wipes clean with a damp paper towel.
Special Features: Nonstick. Cooks food in half the time, drains grease away from the food (but separate drip tray has to be placed under the unit). Gets very hot.
Real Simple Rating: Best
Philips Indoor/Outdoor Grill (shown here)
Price: $60
Appearance & Taste: Great grill marks, juicy texture. Not as appealing a sear as with contact or grill pan.
Cleanup: A cinch. Grill, drip tray, and base are dishwasher-safe once cooled.
Special Features: Nonstick. Has an adjustable thermostat, conducts heat well. Grease drips directly into a drip tray. Has two cooking zones so some foods can be kept warm while others finish cooking.
Real Simple Rating: Best.
Hamilton Beach Healthsmart Indoor/Outdoor Grill
Price: $70
Appearance & Taste: Great grill marks, juicy texture. Overall color not as good as with contact or grill pan.
Cleanup: Easy. Grill and drip tray are dishwasher-safe once cooled.
Special Features: Nonstick. Provides heat settings from 1 to 5. Grease drips down cleanly into a drip tray.
Real Simple Rating: Better