Whatever Happened to the George Foreman Grill?

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  • čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
  • Weird History Food is going heavyweight on the history of the George Foreman Grill. To many, George Foreman is the 2-time Heavyweight Champion of the World. But to those with an appetite, Foreman was known more for his eponymous grill. We're going to look at the history of Foreman and his famous grill.
    #georgeforemangrill #georgeforeman #weirdhistoryfood
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Komentáře • 2,2K

  • @weirdhistoryfood
    @weirdhistoryfood  Před rokem +200

    What's the best thing to cook on the George Foreman Grill?

    • @mightymouse9001
      @mightymouse9001 Před rokem +53

      You can cook a decent grilled thin chicken breast in like 3 minutes. Perfect for salads or eating plain. Essential for when craving for sweets, but you know you should eat something healthier and “takes too long” is no longer an excuse

    • @monkeygraborange
      @monkeygraborange Před rokem +46

      In no particular order, steaks, burgers, salmon. Takes no time at all!

    • @howyoudurrinhunneh
      @howyoudurrinhunneh Před rokem +19

      I don't eat meat so idk, carrots?

    • @garycarpenter2980
      @garycarpenter2980 Před rokem +20

      Hamburgers, chicken breast and chuckwagon plus I also make sandwiches 🥪 and I heat up the bread 🍞

    • @RedCascadian
      @RedCascadian Před rokem +11

      Obviously a foreman. Preferably but optionally named George. With construction season coming I guess that brings a whole new meaning to "riding shotgun."

  • @DogDongDotCom
    @DogDongDotCom Před rokem +635

    I am sure tons of people got these as wedding gifts, I am also sure these grills have lasted longer than most marriages.

    • @aaronknight9759
      @aaronknight9759 Před rokem +38

      Perfect gift for when hubby has to move into the garage for a few days…

    • @retroguy9494
      @retroguy9494 Před rokem +12

      That's a pretty cheap gift for a wedding! LOL
      And yes, if they were Boomers II or Genxers, the grill probably DID last longer than the marriage!

    • @sarah2.017
      @sarah2.017 Před rokem +6

      Yeah, because most of those grills were used once or twice, if at all.

    • @BoyNamedSue4
      @BoyNamedSue4 Před rokem

      I’m dying 😂

    • @attananightshadow
      @attananightshadow Před rokem +10

      I’ve had a GF grill for 20 years, still works.

  • @jackhackett80
    @jackhackett80 Před rokem +1643

    About 20 years ago when I was a young adult trying to stay alive lol this grill was the best thing ever. Easy to use, easy to clean

    • @MrWolfstar8
      @MrWolfstar8 Před rokem +31

      Same. Loved my Forman Grill.

    • @AutismusPrime69
      @AutismusPrime69 Před rokem

      ​@@MrWolfstar8until you eventually get cancer from the Teflon carcinogens

    • @JordanShilkoff
      @JordanShilkoff Před rokem +96

      Sounds like the air fryer of yesteryear

    • @TyyTheFlyGuy
      @TyyTheFlyGuy Před rokem +39

      @@JordanShilkoffit was.

    • @benbaer4697
      @benbaer4697 Před rokem +6

      You don't have to make up stories lol.

  • @Ay-B
    @Ay-B Před rokem +57

    Years ago, there was a program on NPR called Hidden Kitchens. They interviewed Foreman and told him that the grill was a coveted possession of many immigrants who lived in shared accommodations. The grill allowed them to cook in the small spaces (shared rooms) they rent. In response, Foreman said he was happy to hear that because of how he grew up. Sometimes his family didn't have money to provide him with lunch for school. To avoid embarrassment, he would get a greasy paper bag, blow it up and pretend he had a lunch. When lunchtime came, he'd tell his classmates he was hungry earlier and already at his food. 😥 I'm happy whenever I hear about any success Foreman has. 💚

  • @hellzbelle229
    @hellzbelle229 Před 8 měsíci +173

    The George Foreman grill is one of the few celebrity endorsed products I’ve ever bought that was actually useful and met my expectations for it. I still have one from the late 90s or early 2000s!

    • @leegraves101
      @leegraves101 Před 8 měsíci +7

      I just bought one recently at Target to replace my old one. Can’t live without the grill and my air fryer

    • @kryztofkowalski4628
      @kryztofkowalski4628 Před 7 měsíci +1

      True!

    • @Gungho73
      @Gungho73 Před 3 měsíci

      @@leegraves101Trying to get my mother and father to use their air fryer instead of going out!

  • @dihexa7256
    @dihexa7256 Před rokem +338

    In awe of the fact George managed to go from a petty criminal to a world-champ athlete who has also devoted so much of his life to philanthropy and charity work. His coach must have been so proud of him.

    • @retroguy9494
      @retroguy9494 Před rokem

      Thanks to LBJ and his social programs before Vietnam gutted the funding for all of them.

    • @bundesautobahn7
      @bundesautobahn7 Před rokem +38

      It shows you how you CAN turn your life around if you commit to it. Now Foreman has enough money to live his life to the fullest while at the same time giving back to the community and not letting the fame get to his head. That should definitely inspire people positively, and it deserves the highest of respect.

    • @bundesautobahn7
      @bundesautobahn7 Před rokem +11

      @@vandiemansoul2056 Yes, but it is YOUR decision whether you want to take that help or not in the end. And he chose so. And yes, for every George that takes on that type of help and turns his life around, there are others who are offered the same opportunity but refuse to take it, as well as others who never get them offered.

    • @ODK321
      @ODK321 Před 10 měsíci +2

      You can change your life but you have to see the path forward and the light ahead. Problem is, many youngsters don't see that and they don't have anyone around to help them see that so they stay criminals thinking that's the only way because that's all they know and they think there is zero chance society will accept them due to their past.

    • @Toreadorification
      @Toreadorification Před 10 měsíci +3

      Also his Lord!

  • @PlanetaryDweeb
    @PlanetaryDweeb Před rokem +924

    It is wholesome to know George Forman works on his ranch to this day, as well as actively putting back into the community he came from. I want to be able to do that one day when I retire as well.

    • @etzerdlasgaudistuben5300
      @etzerdlasgaudistuben5300 Před rokem

      you are a normie and will never have enough to give back

    • @farghom
      @farghom Před rokem +12

      ye with 137 million lol

    • @marcpeterson1092
      @marcpeterson1092 Před rokem +7

      The PlanetaryDweeb Indoor Grill (TM)?

    • @CatFamOfficial
      @CatFamOfficial Před rokem +20

      All his horses are named George

    • @ahotdj07
      @ahotdj07 Před rokem +20

      I love when celebrities return to their humble beginnings and don’t forget those that helped along the way.

  • @infamyinfamy
    @infamyinfamy Před rokem +134

    Wasn't just in the US, absolutely everyone had one in the UK too. I relocated to the US a few years ago and one of the first things I bought was a new George Foreman Grill. They just work well.

  • @alext8828
    @alext8828 Před rokem +165

    The writing and narration are what make this video a champ. And, of course, we love George Forman.

    • @Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un
      @Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un Před rokem

      I cried it was so good. I'm shaking right now. Brilliant. Just Brilliant! wow! Genius

    • @rig85
      @rig85 Před 8 měsíci

      @@Glorious_Kim_Jong_UnAnd then everyone clapped.

  • @benvasilinda9729
    @benvasilinda9729 Před rokem +328

    I’m 50 now and most of my adult life was all about the Foreman Grill. No doubt the most successful grill for indoor grilling or grilling in general in unit sales. Congrats to Foreman for retiring on a high note like he did.

    • @silverranger3532
      @silverranger3532 Před rokem +10

      What does that mean? Did you devote your life to the Foreman grill? How do you do that?

    • @Adaephonable
      @Adaephonable Před rokem +2

      What a terrible, wasted life.

    • @cooldud7071
      @cooldud7071 Před rokem +16

      @@silverranger3532 I think he meant he used it often for grilling for most of his life. Just bad wording.

    • @xgtwb6473
      @xgtwb6473 Před 11 měsíci +8

      ​@@silverranger3532if you look after your grill your grill will look after you

    • @RusticRonnie
      @RusticRonnie Před 11 měsíci +4

      @@xgtwb6473he married his grill though

  • @frankandstein8618
    @frankandstein8618 Před rokem +292

    A few years ago I was dismayed that my George Foreman grill was failing to get hot enough, until I thought about it, and realized I had had it for more than twenty years. I went out and got a new (larger) one. They are useful for such a variety of things.

    • @retroguy9494
      @retroguy9494 Před rokem +6

      How do you find the new ones? I had mine for years and years too before it failed to get hot. But I was not impressed with the quality of the new ones when I went to look at them. Plus, I wanted one like my old model which they did not seem to make anymore.

    • @Nudhul
      @Nudhul Před rokem +2

      @@retroguy9494 with some electrical and mechanical knowhow you could probably replace the heating element in it yourself

    • @philondez
      @philondez Před rokem +11

      @@retroguy9494 I've got one of the new medium sized ones and I like it over the old big white one that everyone had when they first started taking off. You can pop off the cooking plates and throw them in the dishwasher if you want. Build quality seems roughly the same as the old one, still has the clicky thermostat and everything, no fancy electronics to die, just an orange light to show that it's plugged in and a green one for once it's up to temp

    • @retroguy9494
      @retroguy9494 Před rokem +2

      @@Nudhul Well, I really have no electrical OR mechanical (apart from classic cars) knowledge. I went to college rather than learn a skilled trade.

    • @retroguy9494
      @retroguy9494 Před rokem +4

      @@philondez That's cool! It's funny you mentioned it because mine WAS the 'old big white one!' 😂
      The only complaint I had was that it was not as easy to clean as they said, especially if you grilled chicken. It took a fair amount of scrubbing with a paper towel then wet cloth and you needed to do it while it was still hot or else it got like cement.
      Do the plates on the new ones actually come completely clean in the dishwasher? Or do you need to clean it off first?

  • @danshive4017
    @danshive4017 Před rokem +82

    My main concern wound up being the fate of the youth center, and was happy to hear it’s still going. It’s great when people who make it big give back.

    • @drdrew3
      @drdrew3 Před 7 měsíci +1

      He probably has earned over $300 million from the grill alone. Invested even modestly that would take care of your family in perpetuity. Couldn’t imagine he would donate some to his own charity. Given the tax advantage you’d have to

  • @mrbubblestea
    @mrbubblestea Před rokem +22

    My wife just bought us a foreman, and it's fantastically easy to use. I honestly love it and I plan to use it for a lot of my indoor grilling from now on.

  • @Clubbythaseal
    @Clubbythaseal Před rokem +230

    Grew up and went to school at the same place his kids went.
    I was too young to remember but once he came to a PTA event a day after one of his big fights. My dad told me his face was completely misshapen and bruised from the fight and he wore sunglasses to hide the worst of it.
    It was always nice to know that nothing stopped him from being there for his kids education.
    (Probably around 1996 or 97 right before he finally retired.

  • @SoftBank47
    @SoftBank47 Před rokem +238

    The best part about the Foreman Grill is that, when you live where it’s not possible/inconvenient to grill in the winter months, you can still have a burger or hot dog to your liking.

    • @EspinosaJ
      @EspinosaJ Před rokem +13

      Panini press all year round too!

    • @Matt-lp8de
      @Matt-lp8de Před rokem +10

      And I remember them being affordable to buy as well. 25 to 30 dollar range I believe. Don't know if they're still that cheap or not

    • @gregoryeverson741
      @gregoryeverson741 Před rokem

      I grill in the snow you pussy, Wisconsin bitches

    • @CP3oh322
      @CP3oh322 Před rokem +12

      @@Matt-lp8de Just checked the website and yup, you can still get the basic models for ~$30-$40

    • @BrianPetrick-lk8yd
      @BrianPetrick-lk8yd Před rokem +6

      I had one of those years ago, it was a Christmas present from a friend, and it was pretty good, too

  • @attananightshadow
    @attananightshadow Před rokem +59

    I’ve got one; got it when I moved out… I didnt have a stove for 2 years, so everything was done with either a microwave, hot plate, or the GF grill. 20 years later it still works and I keep it in my bar area for grilling appetizers.

    • @ACoolKidsProduction
      @ACoolKidsProduction Před 10 měsíci +2

      I definitely remember an NPR story about how people who don't have a stove (and especially those who can't afford one), using George Forman grills instead of hotplates. Same sort of thing, but much less fire risk.

    • @user-nv1gm2zj7y
      @user-nv1gm2zj7y Před 9 měsíci +1

      my mom still uses one........... its one tough griller

    • @marvindebot3264
      @marvindebot3264 Před 8 měsíci +2

      That;'s the thing, not only do they cook well and healthy but they are made well, they last and so few things do these days.

  • @Sugurain
    @Sugurain Před rokem +21

    I was a 90's kid in Brazil when this showed up in those TV sales channels, I remember it was incredibly expensive (as anything imported was), so I never knew anyone who bought it, but sure enough it left a really strong impression on a younger me and despite never seeing or hearing about it for 20+ years, I still remembered the commercial. hahah

    • @nilus2k
      @nilus2k Před 5 měsíci

      Which is a surprise because in the US they were kinda cheap. They were a frequent gift you got from family when got your first apartment

  • @justinweber4977
    @justinweber4977 Před rokem +56

    When I got an apartment, my grandmother gave me her old Foreman grill. That became central to my ability to cook for ages and was delightful.

  • @joet7136
    @joet7136 Před rokem +122

    Ingenious design. Cooks burgers faster since you're grilling both sides at once plus it keeps the splattering grease to a minimum because the food is covered PLUS the grease is easily captured by the drip pan. I've used a George Foreman grill for over 20 years.

    • @Smart-Towel-RG-400
      @Smart-Towel-RG-400 Před 8 měsíci +2

      Yah was perfect for young teens to ...my sister got one for me when I was 11 started me getting into cooking

    • @daveerhardt1879
      @daveerhardt1879 Před 8 měsíci +2

      I love my Foreman grill. I have the small one because I'm the only one in the household. It's easy to use, and I finally figured the best way to clean it, it's easy too.

    • @joet7136
      @joet7136 Před 8 měsíci

      @@Smart-Towel-RG-400 11? That's awesome. I was only making pb&j toast at 11!

    • @JohnDoe-vh4rt
      @JohnDoe-vh4rt Před 8 měsíci +2

      I kept coasters under the front legs so that the grill stayed level and kept the flavor in the meat. That grill cooked so many meals in my dorm room.

  • @davidorth4906
    @davidorth4906 Před rokem +2

    Outstanding History. George Foreman is an American hero.

  • @keysersoze7291
    @keysersoze7291 Před 6 měsíci +1

    I've had a George Forman grill since about 2006. I love it. I don't often grill ground beef. But I've grilled a hell of a lot of boneless chicken breasts and fish fillets. There are two things the video didn't mention that I find great about the grill. 1) Because of the upper cover, it cooks food on both sides at once. That cuts the cooking time in half. 2) I find it very easy to clean. After I'm done cooking and eating, I go back to the grill and turn it on again to heat the surfaces up. As it heats, I spray the surfaces with water using a small plastic spraying bottle. The heat and the water loosens up cooked-on fat and food remnants straightaway. Then I can just take a crumpled up paper towel and wipe the surfaces clean. (Note: the model I have does not have detachable grill plates that can be washed in a sink full of soapy water. But it turns out I totally note need to do that.) This quick heat, spray, and wipe technique let me clean the grill in just a minute or two. Usually it just takes one spray and wipe. Super convenient.

  • @PierreMontgomery
    @PierreMontgomery Před rokem +382

    It doesnt matter what grill it actually is, all grills that are of similar character, are called Foremans. He pretty much has an entire category of cooking devices named after him. Thats crazy when you think about it.

    • @AirLancer
      @AirLancer Před rokem +24

      Well it's a lot easier to say than "Double-sided Electric Cooking Appliance."

    • @filanfyretracker
      @filanfyretracker Před rokem +33

      @@AirLancer just like in the 80s and 90s, You didnt have a "Personal Cassette Stereo". It was a Walkman even if it was not a Sony.

    • @ArchimedesDaVinci
      @ArchimedesDaVinci Před rokem +19

      *@rmordica* So could we say that he has become the *_"Xerox"_* of portable indoor grilling appliances .

    • @louissteyn6871
      @louissteyn6871 Před rokem +9

      There is something similar in electrical work where most multimeters are just referred to as Meggers even though it is a brand name

    • @philippkemptner4604
      @philippkemptner4604 Před rokem +7

      It's so funny how brandnames associate with products depending on the region. our foreman grill in europe is the tefal grill. thats just the company name, it doesnt have a testimonial as far as i know. or our scotch tape is tesa film. or gaffa tape is panzer tape and so on...

  • @Adam-M-
    @Adam-M- Před rokem +89

    A George Foreman Grill is essential for apartment life! It does more than burgers and chicken breasts too. They have entire cooking competitions where people make some pretty elaborate stuff.

  • @GerardoSantana
    @GerardoSantana Před rokem +17

    George's story is an incredible one. He's humble and above all genuine.
    Truly a gentle giant

    • @minealsomine9663
      @minealsomine9663 Před 8 měsíci

      But his ass had nothing to do with this grill, the actual inventor got screwed

    • @theuncalledfor
      @theuncalledfor Před 7 měsíci

      A bully and a criminal. Disgusting.

  • @jeanpauldelachaumette2409
    @jeanpauldelachaumette2409 Před 7 měsíci +4

    I've had one of these for most of my life now. It also helped me on my journey of weight loss. I was 110kg at 13 and by 15 I was around 79kg. I still use one of these today. They are great for ANYTHING (to be used on grills)! Easy to use they newer versions are way more practical. Try a grilled cheese sandwich, some white cheddar with tomato and slices of onion with salt and pepper (My favorite guilty pleasure).

  • @monkeygraborange
    @monkeygraborange Před rokem +383

    I couldn’t imagine life without my George Foreman grill! That thing is a game changer!

    • @sammylane21
      @sammylane21 Před rokem +13

      I bought the 4 patty grill. Best investment in my young life.

    • @Adam-M-
      @Adam-M- Před rokem +4

      Yup, I still love mine.

    • @avalonvalley2722
      @avalonvalley2722 Před rokem

      Lol 3 ppl out of many millions huh

    • @KaliBella
      @KaliBella Před rokem +11

      Right?? I’m a 90s kid and never knew if anyone nowadays had appreciation for the George Foreman grill. It’s so good!! You can cook anything on it, and super fast. Honestly I think it should be a staple in any kitchen.

    • @jtgd
      @jtgd Před rokem +1

      Ok, foreman Salesperson

  • @sassylady2001
    @sassylady2001 Před rokem +5

    I have purchased several of these 2-burger grills at my local thrift store in the last year. They heat up faster than my skillet or stove and clean up easily. I LOVE them. I cook burgers, chicken tenderloins, hash browns and Texas toast on them. Best thing ever invented.

  • @Boone911
    @Boone911 Před 7 měsíci +3

    I had a George Forman grill as a bachelor between marriages. It was awesome. I cooked a lot of things on it. Admittedly, my favorite was burgers. I have no idea how I parted with it. If I had it, I'd still use it.

  • @justase64
    @justase64 Před rokem +83

    I remember my mom freaking out when I was a kid in the 90's because the family size GF grill was sold out everywhere and she had to buy the small one for Christmas. (the one that only fits 2 burgers at once) She eventually did get the family size unit and we still have both! One of the best grills ever made!!

    • @SegwayBossk
      @SegwayBossk Před rokem +4

      I bought my mom the 6 or 8 burger version to replace the 2 burger one my grandma got for us long ago. She still has the small one but rarely uses it

  • @beholder8467
    @beholder8467 Před rokem +45

    We've had our Foreman for close to 16 years and it's still going strong. Just used it yesterday for some burgers!

    • @someguy2972
      @someguy2972 Před rokem

      Did you drain the fat into a cup and then drink said fat?

  • @elgenetiamzon1062
    @elgenetiamzon1062 Před rokem +8

    I bought one at a garage sale almost 10 years ago and it still works great!

  • @jeffb5785
    @jeffb5785 Před rokem +10

    I still have two foreman grills, a small one good for a single burger and a larger one that can do three burgers. The larger one has removable cooking plates for easier cleaning. I don't use them often but they do work well.

  • @giovanni4304
    @giovanni4304 Před rokem +112

    My mom bought one in the late 90's, I have it now and still use it actually. Works surprisingly well even today and it's a quality product. Informative video, cool to know the history behind it.

    • @apersonontheinternet8006
      @apersonontheinternet8006 Před rokem +2

      I still have the Foreman rotisserie and still use it all the time, and it is amazing.

    • @ssaraccoii
      @ssaraccoii Před rokem

      Same here, but I inherited it after her passing and still use it to this day. I’m still afraid to use the Presto Hotdogger (electrocutes hotdogs).

    • @lynemac2539
      @lynemac2539 Před rokem

      ​@@ssaraccoiiThat sounds interesting! Electrocuted hot dogs!

  • @KayleeCee
    @KayleeCee Před rokem +60

    My mom got me one of these when I moved out on my own. It was great for a young person who didn't have a ton of cooking experience. It made cooking meat, hot sandwiches, quesadillas, and lots of other things really easy. It lasted me a good 10 years, but I eventually replaced it with a bigger one because I had a family at that point.

    • @brodriguez11000
      @brodriguez11000 Před rokem +3

      Toaster ovens were pretty popular for that reason as well.

    • @KayleeCee
      @KayleeCee Před rokem +6

      @brodriguez11000 She actually gifted me one of those, too. I loved the one we had at home as a kid/teenager and used it fairly often, so she figured that I needed my own. Toaster ovens are underrated, in my opinion. They're so useful and versatile. I had my regular oven break in my first apartment and it took a while for the landlord to get it fixed because the part he needed for it had to be ordered and it took several days to get it. My toaster oven really came in handy during that time.

  • @ChickensAndGardening
    @ChickensAndGardening Před rokem +2

    Very well produced documentary! We lived on Foreman Grilled food for years when our kid was young. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken thighs... we must have cooked hundreds of them on that grill. It finally died... or rather, the Teflon wore off... so we replaced it and kept on going. These days, we use an outdoor grill and an air fryer but still have fond memories for George's wonderful magical appliance.

  • @williamwhite2113
    @williamwhite2113 Před rokem +7

    I've used the Foreman Grill to make toast, defrost frozen waffles as well as cooking burgers, chickens, and meats. Versatile item and I highly recommend it for single people.

  • @lisapop5219
    @lisapop5219 Před rokem +39

    This was my #1 appliance for years. It's been a few years since I've used it. It's so easy when you're busy

    • @windows.95
      @windows.95 Před rokem

      'It's so easy when you're busy' sounds like a George Foreman Grill tagline

    • @lisapop5219
      @lisapop5219 Před rokem +1

      @@windows.95 😅

  • @RageyRage82
    @RageyRage82 Před rokem +18

    I have a personal sized one since 1998. Lots of steaks, burgers, meats, and sandwiches cooked on it, and I still use it today. It works just as good, not even kidding! Best product I have ever bought!

  • @Tacklebox3000
    @Tacklebox3000 Před rokem +13

    My parents wore out two of these grills over more than 20 years. I think they were a pretty successful product in their time

  • @gldni17
    @gldni17 Před rokem +61

    I used to make grilled cheese and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches on this thing all the time as a kid and teen. I did also make a fair amount of grilled, seasoned chicken breast (usually with lemon pepper back then). So easy to clean and never really required me to add more fat (aside from butter on the grilled cheese). I miss that little grill... X3
    Probably the only celebrity endorsed As Seen on TV product I genuinely think lived up to the hype of the infomercials.
    Added point, if you do have to lose your heavyweight championship, you couldn't ask for a better outcome than to lose to The Greatest himself, Muhammad Ali. Glad to see he found a good life after his multi-era career. ^_^

    • @gogereaver349
      @gogereaver349 Před 11 měsíci +3

      he would not put his name on anything that he thought was just cheap garbage. he of course was so impressed with these grills he did and well the rest is history. well after 20 years there sales are not what they used to be you still see them everywhere and they do indeed sell. hell i still have mine.

    • @lisag.4054
      @lisag.4054 Před 8 měsíci

      As soon as I clicked this video I could almost taste the chicken breast. I made so much chicken breast as a kid with this thing too. Also used lemon pepper 😂

  • @matthewdrummond1340
    @matthewdrummond1340 Před rokem +87

    It's embarrassing how many years it took to realise George Foreman was an actual person let alone a legendary boxer

  • @marshmellow377
    @marshmellow377 Před rokem

    I still have my George Foreman! Use it a few times a week, and absolutely love it!

  • @edwardturner1282
    @edwardturner1282 Před rokem

    Thoroughly enjoyed this video.

  • @demons27
    @demons27 Před rokem +55

    George Foreman almost didn't become the spokesman for the grill. According to an interview. Hulk Hogan was approached first to be the spokesman for the grill. Hogan refused the offer because he saw the grill & thought it was a cheap piece of machinery and a possible bad investment. Hogan already had some bad business investments before including his chain of fast-food pasta restaurants called "Pastamania".

    • @WastedTalent-
      @WastedTalent- Před rokem +30

      Honestly, I don't think the grill would've sold as well with Hulk Hogan. He's in your face and a living cartoon and people would've gotten tired of him quickly. George Foreman, on the other hand, comes off as a genuinely nice guy.

    • @BainesMkII
      @BainesMkII Před rokem +22

      Hogan has a long history of embellishing and outright fabricating stories to make himself look better. He's even told two conflicting versions of how he missed out on the George Foreman grill, and both of Hogan's versions conflict with the accounts of others.
      In one version, Hogan says he was offered deals for the grill and a meatball maker. Hogan claimed he not only chose the meatball maker, but that he is the one that suggested the grill be offered to his friend George Foreman. The problems with this version of Hogan's account are that no one else ever mentioned Hogan's alleged involvement and Foreman's lawyer has said that it was Foreman's decision to look for a "hamburger maker" endorsement deal that set everything into motion.
      In the other version, Hogan says that while picking up his kids from school, he missed a phone call that was offering deals for the grill and a battery-powered blender to both him and to George Foreman. Hogan claimed that in the few hours it took before he was able to return the call, Foreman had already taken the grill offer and Hogan was left with the blender. The problem with this version of Hogan's account is that everyone else has said it took months for Foreman to accept the grill offer. I think the "Hulk Hogan Thunder Mixer" might also have been released a few years after the George Foreman Grill.
      More than a decade later, when everyone was jumping aboard the knock-off grill bandwagon (such as Holyfield's "Real Deal Grill"), Hogan joined in with his own "Hulk Hogan's Ultimate Grill".

    • @user-qx7yg3hi8y
      @user-qx7yg3hi8y Před rokem +12

      @@BainesMkII came here to expose hogan for his well known lies. Thanks for taking care of the job. 🤝

    • @DSMTheEditor
      @DSMTheEditor Před rokem +7

      @@BainesMkII I WAS TOO BUSY TURNING METALLICA DOWN TO CHECK OUT THAT GRILL PROPERLY, BROTHER!

    • @mangrove
      @mangrove Před rokem +6

      Hogan is also a notorious liar. He's also claimed that he was up for both bass player in Metallica (debunked by Lars Ulrich) and the lead role in The Wrestler (debunked by director Darren Aronofsky).

  • @deirdregibbons5609
    @deirdregibbons5609 Před rokem +31

    Another great episode about an inspirational person who turned his life around and gives back to the community. It is great he is also a horse person and owns Icelandic horses. They are amazing horses and perfect for people who like trail riding and trekking.

  • @lydias2012
    @lydias2012 Před rokem +9

    My favorite story about this there were 2 appliances looking for a spokesperson. One was the grill and the other was a small blender called the Bullet. They were offered to Hulk Hogan and George. They made their choices. It went a tad better for Foreman.

    • @rahkuaschount
      @rahkuaschount Před 7 měsíci

      Hulk Hogan also made a quick service restaurant kiosk in the Mall of America called Pastamania....during the height of anti-carb craziness. Kind of like starting a food court restaurant called "Only Egg Yolks" in the 1970s when the teevee said egg yolks would klll you. (They later said they were fine, but egg whites were bad, then they were a super-food..and now I think eggs are racist).

  • @d.e.b.b5788
    @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +4

    I've had a Foreman grill ever since they came out; first one was a present, the rest I bought myself. I found the trick, is to wipe it down right after removing whatever I was cooking, and it always cleaned up perfectly. The current grill is now 18 years old, and still works like new. I've taken it apart several times to clean it. If you do that, just make sure that: 1. it's NOT plugged in, and 2. you let it dry out for a couple of days to make sure you got all the moisture out of it. Oh, did I mention that this grill only cost me $9.99 on clearance at a store going out of business? it's a square shape version, with a bun warmer clear lid on top. That still works fine, too. Thanks, George!

  • @Joshua-uw7wm
    @Joshua-uw7wm Před rokem +45

    The grill is not only worth it but it is a good buy. It really cooks burgers and hotdogs well. It's like an air fryer worth it to have one.

  • @joermnyc
    @joermnyc Před rokem +29

    My parents have one of the first ones, it still works decades later, though they only use it when it’s too cold to use the barbecue.

  • @GazzaBoo
    @GazzaBoo Před rokem +8

    I had one of these types of cookers way back in 1982 or so. It was awesome. It didn't slope but for me it was better because the base and lid opened flat and you could cook on double the surface area as both the base and top were heated, it cooked both sides at once when the lid was closed.
    This was back in Europe.

  • @kingjohnsoniii6986
    @kingjohnsoniii6986 Před 10 měsíci

    This thing Saved My Life as a kid. And without this product we would not have the air fryer. Thanks George👍

  • @Mr._E
    @Mr._E Před rokem +16

    Always fun to see what I'll learn next from this channel. Thanks for the great info.

  • @Zantsak
    @Zantsak Před rokem

    What a great video! Thank you. George is an inspiration.

  • @BuildinWings
    @BuildinWings Před rokem +5

    People scoff but my Foreman got me through all of college and my mid-20s, those impoverished years trying to scrap a life together. It's popular because it inexpensively fills a daily demand, and it does that even for people who can't necessarily cook.

  • @KaliBella
    @KaliBella Před rokem +5

    I love that you made this video. In 2023 I still use my George Foreman grill. It’s so good.

  • @adeedaas8966
    @adeedaas8966 Před 7 měsíci +1

    We have one from the early 2000’s. I’m glad that a celebrity endorsed product was of such a high quality for once, especially for the price.

  • @user-tf2ru7oz6w
    @user-tf2ru7oz6w Před rokem +7

    I can heartily recommend the George Foreman Grill. I wore out one and replaced it with a new one. I grill hamburgers, steaks and prok chops on it and they come out great. They're easy to clean and save me from having to use the grill on my oven, It's interesting to hear the story of their origin.

  • @TurdFergurson
    @TurdFergurson Před rokem +11

    When I was in the Army, my barracks roommate and I both had a GF Grill. I hid mine in its original box, wrapped in a towel, inside my suitcase in the top corner of my closet. We had to hide them when we weren't using them just in case there was a room inspection. It came in handy if you missed dinner at the chow hall or if you didn't feel like eating chow hall food.

  • @Joshua-uw7wm
    @Joshua-uw7wm Před rokem +20

    I straight up love George ❤️!! Great man, amazing grill really drains away the grease and cooks food evenly. Plus the Evander Holyfield game on the Genesis was so much fun.

  • @NickTarterOKC
    @NickTarterOKC Před rokem +11

    I have had a George Foreman grill for most of my life. My parents bought one when they first came out. I got one as a graduation gift when I was preparing to go to college. We've upgraded a couple of times. The one we currently use is big enough to feed a family of 6 regularly. We use it for cooking meat and as a panini press. Love it! Makes the cooking and cleaning up process easy.

  • @sharikmarius
    @sharikmarius Před rokem +3

    I've used the Foreman Grill for decades, only recently retiring my latest one because I now prefer to sear my steaks in cast iron and then broil in the oven. That, and the air fryer has become my new quick cook option.

  • @eggsaladsamich7396
    @eggsaladsamich7396 Před rokem +19

    I had a small Forman grill that I absolutely loved :) the little blue one with the bread warmer up top. That got me through having my first lock off apartment with no appliances besides it a mini fridge and a micro wave. I actually had 2 friends over once and we had to wait 30 minutes a piece for our steaks xp but we still lived it

  • @knightowl7
    @knightowl7 Před rokem +12

    I recently had to get my 20 year old one ,out of the cupboard after my cooker broke down and I have to say it worked like a dream and was an absolute life saver. I’ve bought a new cooker since, but I still use my George Forman Grill because it grills salmon beautifully.

    • @aliwantizu
      @aliwantizu Před rokem +1

      100% agree. Never had anything else that cooked salmon perfectly like the Foreman.

    • @yogizorch
      @yogizorch Před rokem +1

      I've got the jumbo size so I can do a full salmon filet. I use Tone's salmon seasoning from Sam's and it turns out perfectly in about 5 minutes.

  • @samsignorelli
    @samsignorelli Před rokem +6

    We've worn out many Foreman grills over the years...never had any issues with them. Currently, we have the smokeless one at 12:25 and have been very happy with it.

  • @fabricatedego
    @fabricatedego Před rokem +8

    I haven't used on of those grills in years, but I do want to get another one again. I loved cooking on it when I was a bachelor.

    • @HootOwl513
      @HootOwl513 Před rokem +1

      They've got 'em in thrift stores. Usually don't have the grease recepticle, but you could use a tin pie pan instead. About $10.

    • @fabricatedego
      @fabricatedego Před rokem

      @@HootOwl513 I melted my first grease trap lol

    • @HootOwl513
      @HootOwl513 Před rokem

      @@fabricatedego That must be why the grease traps are so rare. I did find one at a Goodwill. Probably 99 cents. They had no clue what it was.

  • @robertleslie2467
    @robertleslie2467 Před 10 měsíci

    I got a George Foreman grill when it debuted as such back in the day. Loved it. For a while. Went back to my cast iron. On another note, glad that George made money from my purchase. George is and will always be a man worthy of my respect and admiration and he should be honored as a true Texas son. God bless George and his family!.

  • @GizmoFromPizmo
    @GizmoFromPizmo Před rokem

    What an EXCELLENT success story! Good job!

  • @btetschner
    @btetschner Před rokem +19

    I had this grill and used it for breaks at college (had a meal plan so I hardly ever cooked) and then for meals at graduate school.
    I always thought it was incredible, it's so easy and convenient.

  • @LunarisDream
    @LunarisDream Před rokem +6

    45% of all profits is absolutely massive. It's crazy that the company accepted that deal, even if they didn't think the grill would be so successful at the time.

    • @ODK321
      @ODK321 Před 10 měsíci +1

      It is, but there's no way it would have been popular if he didn't endorse it. It would have been another failed invention. Strangely enough, I have heard Hulk Hogan claim they came to him first (or maybe after Foreman turned it down the first time). I don't think that would have worked either.

    • @adamriddle7425
      @adamriddle7425 Před 9 měsíci +1

      With as much as Hogan lies about pretty much anything and everything, who knows how much stock you can put into that story. In any case I definitely thought this would be one of those infomercial products that got a hot start and then flopped drastically, but I remember most people in my family and at college had one. I didn't know they were still pretty popular to this day though. I know money isn't an issue for him, but instead of being bought out completely I would have lowered my earned percentage and signed the naming rights over for maybe 10 years to see what would've happened with the product and renewed it if it was successful.
      That would have been a life long stream of income from how those things are still selling well today because it's a quality product.

    • @antcantcook960
      @antcantcook960 Před 8 měsíci

      “PROFITS”
      it would have zero popularity aka zero profits without George who was very popular at that time. Not difficult math.

  • @arthuridis
    @arthuridis Před rokem +1

    I love that Punch-Out!!! graphic at 2:26. As a 80's kid. You have no idea how cool that looks with Foreman on it.

  • @KeithMilner
    @KeithMilner Před rokem +2

    I still have one of these. It's a larger model which had an optional wheeled stand for outdoor use. I used to use this alongside a BBQ grill for larger garden parties. It's in my garage now, and hasn't been used for years.

  • @PeteJacksonPapasVlogs
    @PeteJacksonPapasVlogs Před rokem +2

    I've had many different versions of the Foreman Grill. Loved every one of them. Still have one to this day. From Burgers and Chicken to Paninis they've done it all.

  • @Hybris51129
    @Hybris51129 Před rokem +9

    Family used one for at least 15 years before during a move it took a couch to the top lid and broke a hinge. Great little machine.

  • @snarst
    @snarst Před rokem +1

    I knew about the existence of this grill as a child, I had no idea that George Foreman was a boxer until I was an adult.

  • @ecthelion222
    @ecthelion222 Před rokem +3

    We still have the same one in our family that we bought in the 90’s and that thing still works great. The top is actually loose at the hinges now and it’s still going strong.

  • @Bitbatgaming
    @Bitbatgaming Před rokem +8

    I actually use my George Forman Grill daily

  • @timbert4672
    @timbert4672 Před rokem +38

    I once got knocked out by George Foreman in 2004. Well, kinda. I was working at a catalogue store called Argos and I was doing a stock take in the back when someone refilling the shelves on the isle on the other side pushed too many boxes on high up, forcing a box containing one of those grills off on my side which then fell off and hit me right in the face.

  • @keithduff4124
    @keithduff4124 Před rokem +6

    We still have a George Foreman Grill sitting on our kitchen counter to this day. It is great at cooking hamburgers, but the problem is that food would stick to it and it was very hard to clean. We haven't used it in over 13 years, but there it sits.

    • @lisag.4054
      @lisag.4054 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Nonstick spray, my friend. It’s a George Foreman Grill’s best friend. No sticking, everything slides right off with a wet paper towel. I use the olive oil nonstick spray because, health. Cleaning it while it’s still somewhat hot helps a lot too.

    • @keithduff9344
      @keithduff9344 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks Lisa, I'll give it a try.

  • @Diwasho
    @Diwasho Před rokem +10

    I do remember how this grill's advertisements with Foreman were all the time on TV in the 90's and I always wondered how well these actually sold because no one I know ever had them. I kind of assumed they were just another gimmick that doesn't stand out from any regular indoor grill, didn't think they were actually popular this whole time, even to this day.

    • @shaun5552
      @shaun5552 Před rokem +3

      They were popular in Australia certainly, still a lot of them around today, and it's a genuinely good product despite the hype. It actually does cook quickly and well.
      In addition to household use I've seen quite a few used on construction sites where power is available. A hot lunch cooked in 10 minutes works well when time is limited and you don't have an actual kitchen.

    • @lemagreengreen
      @lemagreengreen Před rokem +1

      Everyone I knew owned one in the UK, they sold like crazy for something that was basically just a toastie/panini press. I seem to remember those multi-color units being the real popular ones, sometime around 1998-2001.
      I can't say why exactly but there was a giant global pent up demand for a little grilling machine at the time, it was quite strange.

    • @RatKindler
      @RatKindler Před rokem

      I'd never heard of anyone using one either, but my dad got a knock-off from another company and only used it a couple of times. I tried it once and thought it was awkward to clean so it's been sitting in my basement for 20+ years.

  • @MrTracker614
    @MrTracker614 Před rokem +1

    I still use my George Foreman Grill. Last used it, yesterday. I love it. 🇬🇧

  • @abrundag
    @abrundag Před rokem +9

    They're still around! I recently purchased one of the new models with the removeable grills that you can put in the dishwasher. The old one I had was a real pain to clean. Well worth the reasonable $40 price.

    • @outerrealm
      @outerrealm Před rokem

      You paid too much. $20 at Walmart

    • @gogereaver349
      @gogereaver349 Před 11 měsíci

      old ones hard to clean. not really you just wiped them down with a wet towel. i still have mine still easy to clean.

  • @skywalkerneoblade
    @skywalkerneoblade Před rokem

    Brings back some good childhood memories. Being sick at home from school and watching infomercials because we only had 3 channels.

  • @kathieharine5982
    @kathieharine5982 Před 11 měsíci

    I bought my first George Foreman Grill a few weeks ago and love it!

  • @gabriellagulla2542
    @gabriellagulla2542 Před rokem +3

    Me listening to this video while cleaning my actual George Foreman grill rn

  • @alexgeorge501
    @alexgeorge501 Před rokem +8

    i wanna see more videos on kitchen helping appliance brands like "copper chef", "ninja foodie", and other such products in future videos

  • @barcham
    @barcham Před rokem +5

    I have one of the newer EVOLVE grills and use it on a regular basis. I just wish the different grill plates were still available. Great unit though! I've gone through a number of different models over the years and I think I will always have one around.

  • @Cocytus
    @Cocytus Před 7 měsíci +3

    George Foreman Grills are actually pretty freaking awesome. I have one of the old school Indoor Smokeless Grills. It's not like the ones that are currently on the website. Mine is round, has a Center Cook Cup for sauces and marinades and features a round and sloped cooking surface with a round glass lid and a pull out drawer style fat collection tray. The idea behind this Foreman Grill is food "flavor infusion" and I have zero complaints.

  • @toko90s9
    @toko90s9 Před rokem +5

    We had one of these in the 90s. No idea whatever happened to it. Was pretty alright. Was really nice when our stove broke down and couldn't get another one for a good while.

  • @mickiemarielove
    @mickiemarielove Před rokem +6

    One of the funniest facts about the Foreman Grill is Hulk Hogan almost got the spokesperson gig.
    Hogan and Foreman had the same agent and he called them both with the offer. Hogan was picking up his kids from school and didn't get the message until after Foreman did and had accepted it.
    Hogan wound up with an endorsement for the "Thunder" Blender which went bankrupt in about 3 years.

    • @tims1979
      @tims1979 Před rokem +3

      Considering Hogan's other tall tales. Such as being offered the spot to be the new bassist in Metallica. I highly doubt this one as well.

  • @PaulinesPastimes
    @PaulinesPastimes Před rokem +1

    I bought one a few months ago after a recommendation from a friend and it is the best thing ever, I love it! Cooks a chicken breast in a little over 7 mins and is so easy to clean. 👍✨

  • @raymundenso
    @raymundenso Před rokem

    Been watching this in a certain channel in the Philippines. Such a nostalgic feeling.

  • @thesaplingturtle290
    @thesaplingturtle290 Před rokem +5

    I was given one of the older late 90's models in 2012 for my barracks room, used it through college.
    Later I was complaining to my sister it had finally died so my sister offered to give me her old GFG grill (which was much newer and nicer).
    Still use it to this day for grilling when I don't feel like setting a bed of coals to cook my steak or smoking out my room with the skillet.

  • @markjackson6431
    @markjackson6431 Před rokem +4

    i love the George Foreman grill. it only took me 29 years to get one. i wish i got it sooner. lol

  • @georgecoffin3191
    @georgecoffin3191 Před rokem

    Still using mine and still works great! Thanks George

  • @oraliamenottis871
    @oraliamenottis871 Před 10 měsíci

    I had a red one and loved it! Great and easy to use and clean up. I would definitely purchase another one

  • @TheElusiveReality
    @TheElusiveReality Před rokem +3

    we had one when i was a kid, sometimes on weekends my dad would make us some burgers after church, fond memories :')

  • @Twistdflinx
    @Twistdflinx Před rokem +4

    I haven't owned one in years. But I have worn out about 4 or 5 of them over the years. The non-stick surface eventually becomes a very sticky surface and gets harder and harder to keep clean.

  • @levisguy53
    @levisguy53 Před 11 měsíci +2

    bought one for my apt c. 2008. it was pretty good, did take awhile to cook burgers. took it with me when i left the navy. when i was back home during xmas of 2010, we realised we didn't have a gift for Uncle Kev. so, we cleaned it up, put it back in the back, wrapped it and gifted the used grill to Uncle Kev as new. despite the cleanup efforts, it still has residual fat deposits in the hard to reach crevices. needless to say, i had to leave the room when gifts were exchanged with Uncle Kev as i could not keep a straight face and refrain from laughter. looking back i feel like an ahole, but the grill worked perfectly fine and it was enjoyed.

    • @itoo3654
      @itoo3654 Před 11 měsíci

      Embarrassing 😂😂

  • @melodramatic7904
    @melodramatic7904 Před 7 měsíci

    My family had one of these grills. We loved it.

  • @PasleyAviationPhotography

    You can't go into a goodwill these days without finding several on their shelves.