Dimplex PowerChef Convertible #CBQ-120-ELESTAND Electric Grill with Stand, Black/Silver

1 rating: 3.0

Patio, Lawn & Garden

Dimplex PowerChef Convertible Electric Grill (CBQ-120-ELE) is powerful and compact. It cooks as much as a grill twice its size because every square inch performs with the same power and no cold spots. This barbeque is perfect for decks on apartments … see full wiki

Tags: Patio, Lawn & Garden, Barbecue, Electric Grills

1 review about Dimplex PowerChef Convertible #CBQ-120-ELESTAND...

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Welcome to quick, easy, anytime grilling!

May 5, 2010

by Cricketshops
posted in BBQ Gurus

Rating:

My video review will follow the assembly stages and my first use of the Dimplex PowerChef Convertible Electric Grill, but it's here that I will let you know what I really think.

Delivery - Buyers should be made aware that this will most likely ship via a freight company. Now while it's nice that the driver will carry it through the front door, it does require them to arrange a "time frame" for delivery. Mine was 8:00am - 12:00pm and of course it was delivered at 11:56am. For anyone on a 9-5 work schedule it's a bit inconvenient, but with the size of the boxes it's understandable.

Unpacking & Assembly - It comes in 2 large boxes. (See my customer image) Both the stand and grill are securely packed with plenty of styrofoam and can be easily removed from their boxes. Tools required for assembly are an allen wrench, small flat wrench (both included) and I recommend a power screwdriver if you have one, although a standard phillips will work. I am very comfortable putting furniture, toys, etc. together and was able to put the stand and grill together in less than 30 minutes.

Use - You have two options for cooking: A pre-programmed setting based on what you will be cooking or manual setting. My first time using it I chose a pre-programmed setting for pork, which worked very well and since then I've also used the manual setting which produced results just the same. After several uses now, my preference is the pre-programmed settings. It just makes grilling a no brainer and allows you to focus on guests or family instead of checking on it constantly. Not only does it preheat the grill, it tells you when to add and turn the meat over and then when it's done. My first night I cooked a marinated pork loin that came out juicy and not at all over cooked. (See my customer image) As a precaution I did use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and it was spot on. As for the taste, it was no different than if I had cooked on my gas grill. Additionally burgers and ribs have been just as delicious.

Clean Up - Before my first use I lined the drip pan with foil to help with clean up. This was the easiest thing to do and I continue to do it each time I feel it needs to be changed. As for the grilling grates, I made one mistake my first use. As with most grills you should oil it down before placing your food on it for the first few times to "season" it. I didn't do this and not only did the pork stick, but it left me a terrible mess to clean. I think it took about 30-45 minutes for me to thoroughly clean it off to my satisfaction. Since then I have oiled it well with vegetable oil before grilling and the meat is no longer sticking.

Overall - I have to admit that I like my gas grill. Preheat time is about the same and clean up is no different than the PowerChef. But where this grill sells me is on the fact that it's always ready (No running out of propane), timed cooking (No need to hover) and it's portable. We can easily remove the grill from the stand, put it in the back of the truck or even in a trunk and take it with us - of course you will need an electrical outlet! Will I be giving up my gas grill? Not yet, but it's not because I don't like the PowerChef. I live in the Pacific Northwest where we have lots of moisture and per the "Important Instructions #13 - Never use an electric grill in the rain, sleet or snow". So while this grill will definitely be our summer grill, it will probably have to go to the garage during fall, winter and spring. For anyone in a dry climate, this will be perfect for you year round!

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