For decades, the name George Foreman Grill has been synonymous with convenient, healthier cooking. The iconic sloped design that drains away excess fat revolutionized home kitchens. Today, the brand continues to innovate, and one of its most impressive modern iterations is the Smokeless - Digital Smart Select, Family Size model. This isn't your old college dorm grill; it's a sophisticated kitchen appliance designed for the modern family that craves grilled flavor without stepping outside. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into its features, performance, and whether this digital smart grill lives up to the legendary name.
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Premium Build
Right out of the box, the GRD6090B model makes a statement. The sleek stainless steel finish gives it a professional look that fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor, from modern to traditional. The build quality feels substantial and durable, a step up from some of the more basic plastic models. The "Family Size" designation is immediately apparent—the cooking surface is generously sized, officially rated for 4-6 servings. This means you can grill multiple chicken breasts, several burgers, or a large quantity of vegetables all at once, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners or small gatherings.
Smart Technology Meets Simple Operation
The "Digital Smart Select" part of the name is where this George Foreman Grill truly shines. The centerpiece is an intuitive digital control panel. Instead of a simple dial, you get precise temperature control and pre-programmed settings for various foods. This smart technology takes the guesswork out of grilling. Whether you're cooking poultry, beef, pork, seafood, or even just warming bread, a dedicated button sets the ideal temperature and time. This feature is a game-changer for consistency, ensuring your salmon is perfectly flaky and your burgers are safely cooked through every single time.
The Smokeless Promise: How Does It Work?
The most significant upgrade for many users will be the smokeless indoor grill technology. Traditional indoor grills, including older Foreman models, could often set off smoke alarms due to grease and food particles hitting hot surfaces. This model incorporates a specialized heating system and design aimed at minimizing smoke. In our testing, while no indoor grill is 100% smoke-free (especially with fatty meats), the reduction is remarkable. You can comfortably use it under a standard kitchen vent hood without filling the room with haze. This makes it a viable year-round cooking solution, not just a summer alternative.
Performance Review: Taste and Health Benefits
Performance is where the George Foreman legacy holds strong. The patented sloped design and non-stick plates work in tandem to drain excess fat away from your food as it cooks. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; you can visibly see the fat channeling into the removable drip tray. The result is noticeably less greasy burgers, steaks, and chicken. The even heat distribution from the electric elements ensures no cold spots, giving you those coveted, consistent grill marks and a delicious sear. The flavor is authentically "grilled," locking in juices while removing fats—a core tenet of healthy cooking.
Key Features and Daily Usability
- Large, Removable Plates: The non-stick grill plates are not only dishwasher safe for easy cleanup but also removable. This makes cleaning splatters and grease far simpler than with fixed-plate models.
- Adjustable Floating Hinge: This feature allows the top plate to adjust to the thickness of your food, whether it's a thin piece of fish or a thick portobello mushroom, ensuring even contact and cooking.
- Digital Countdown Timer: The timer beeps when your food is done, preventing overcooking. It's a simple feature that adds tremendous peace of mind.
- Space-Efficient Design: Despite its large cooking area, its vertical storage capability means it doesn't monopolize precious counter space.
Who Is This Grill For?
This particular family-size grill is ideal for households of 3 or more people, health-conscious cooks who want to reduce fat intake without sacrificing flavor, and anyone living in an apartment or region with harsh winters where outdoor grilling isn't always feasible. It's also excellent for meal preppers who can grill a week's worth of chicken breasts in just a couple of batches. If you're looking at the Smokeless Digital Smart Select model, you're likely seeking an upgrade from a basic model, prioritizing convenience, technology, and capacity.
Common Considerations and Tips
While highly effective, it's important to manage expectations. The "smokeless" function works best with leaner meats and proper cleaning. Marinated foods can cause more smoke. For the best results, always preheat the grill, avoid using aerosol cooking sprays on the non-stick surface (use a light brush of oil instead), and clean the plates while they are still warm for minimal effort. As with any high-quality kitchen appliance, a little care goes a long way in preserving its performance and lifespan.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
The George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Select Grill (GRD6090B) successfully modernizes a classic. It retains the core health benefits and convenience that made the brand famous while adding meaningful 21st-century upgrades: digital precision, significantly reduced smoke, and a premium, family-sized build. It transitions the George Foreman from a simple hot sandwich press to a legitimate, multi-purpose indoor cooking powerhouse. If your goal is to enjoy healthier, flavorful grilled meals indoors with minimal fuss and maximum consistency, this electric grill represents a compelling and worthwhile investment for your kitchen arsenal.
