Review on Maconee Microwave Sandwich Maker with Fast Cooking and Dishwasher Safe Features for Grill Cheese and Crispy Cookware by Erin Brown

While I give this grill five stars, I'm rating this in terms of how well the grill has met my expectations in terms of performance. My expectations may or may not match yours. I went through the same process you are going through right now, going through several reviews to determine if this grill would really work for me. I was looking for a microwave grill that would produce similar performance to food cooked on a regular grill BUT I was fully aware that a microwave is NOT a regular grill. In other words, as much as I would like the food to look and taste like it was cooked on a regular grill, there would be some caveats. So, I'll say this - if you're looking for the same result as cooking on a Weber, then buy a Weber - why the hell are you using a microwave? But if a near alternative is worth the convenience price of using a microwave, then this Maconee grill is for you. Again, a microwave isn't a gas grill, so lower your expectations, or at least accept that the end result will be something like a regular grill. I've cooked beef, vegetables, chicken, tofu, polenta, plant-based foods, and toasted sandwiches with this Maconee grill and it all came out like I'd mimicked a regular grill, just how I wanted it. Yes, there were attractive grill marks throughout and everything was prepared as I expected. There is one caveat. Judging by some of the negative reviews others have given about the culinary aspects of this grill, you should be aware that this grill is a pan-like cookware that only works according to your personal cooking ability. Since it's a microwave and we're used to throwing in packaged frozen foods, pressing a few buttons and voila, it's all too easy to expect nothing more to do with this grill. Oh no. Yes, cooking time, temperature, and the food you are preparing are all you need to deal with to get the results you want. But isn't that the essence of cooking? So if you want the same ease as a frozen dinner, don't buy this grill. If you know what you do in the kitchen and have learned to use your microwave like a flexible cooking utensil, then this grill is a great addition to your cookware arsenal. Information from Maconee on the correct cooking power to use with your microwave, as it states that the grill should not be used in appliances over 900 watts. Easy as pie - Divide 900 by your machine's power if it's over 900 and you'll get the percentage power level to use. I'm at 80% or power level 8. Don't panic and you can cook. I've also noticed that some have complained that the grill is too hot, or at least hotter than the demo video shows. Now what's wrong with that? Use an oven mitt if it feels too hot. Again, think of this as a dish like a frying pan. If everything is fine with the potholder, is that really such a problem? It's not your first time at the rodeo or in the kitchen. If something is too hot, live with it. I personally have no problem getting it overboard quickly as instructed, but yes it's hot. Whether it's too hot or not is up to you, but that's no reason not to use the grill. Adapt. While the quick start guide lists recommended cooking times for different foods, be prepared to put on your chef's hat and figure out for yourself what works and what doesn't, depending on what your endgame and kitchen is. I can't say this enough...it's a cooking appliance, which means you have to be able to cook. Figuring out the cooking time by trial and error is part of the cooking process. If that seems too complicated for you, use the GrubHub app. Otherwise, this Maconee grill expands your repertoire with a microwave that will surprise you. It surpasses the first bacon stands, so if you're worried it won't be more than that, forget it. It will really help you create the flavor of fried foods with your microwave... Remember this is a microwave.