Customer Reviews

Rival GRF400 Fold n' Store Electric Griddle

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I received this griddle for Christmas and was disappointed with it for several reasons. I decided to reserve judgement until I had used it for a while, as it was different from my previous griddle and perhaps I just needed to get used to the differences. I can now safely say that it is not worth the money.

Here are the problems that I have with it:

The cord is short(not 32 inches, I measured it at 26 in.). I presume this is a safety issue, but it is very inconvenient. I am restricted to the area of countertop directly in front of the outlet.

The drip pan attaches to the bottom of the pan. It must be removed prior to opening or closing the griddle. It is not easy to reach as it goes on the back side. I actually use the drip tray from my old griddle because it just sits under the griddle.

The plates are designed such that any liquid that you pour on them, such as pancake batter, runs immediately into the grease-channel that goes around the plate. You have to pour very slowly and have a spatula ready to divert the liquid from running off.

The plates were a bit difficult to put in originally. After months of use the ends are wearing, making it almost impossible to get the plates correctly into place.

I have found the temperature controls to be inconsistent. After using it for a while, like when we are cooking burritos one at a time, I find I have to keep turning it up to get the same results.

Lastly, and this is personal preference, it is too bulky when folded to fit in any cabinets or storage areas in my tiny kitchen. My old griddle stored neatly in the space between a wall and my refrigerator. I only point this "complaint" out to remind you to check the dimensions and figure out where you can store it.

I have to say that I cook much less on this griddle than my previous one. It is hard to use and makes cooking less enjoyable.

I will probably get rid of mine and buy one of the large Presto griddles. My old one was a very old GE and I was so upset when it finally "died".

Good luck making your decision!

I have been looking for a nice, large griddle for a long time in order to take the guesswork out of making pancakes (and to cook larger batches at a time.) A family member learned that I was looking for an electric griddle, so I was given this particular model (the Rival Fold n' Store) as a birthday gift.

First, let me tell you that I like to thoroughly research a product before I buy. I'm a firm believer in the old saying "buy cheap, buy twice." And, I'm very particular about my things and I'm very detail oriented. Ok, with that said, let's move on.

Out of the box, the first thing that I noticed about this unit is that the cooking plates are made of somewhat thin aluminum with a non-stick coating applied to the top. Thin = low thermal mass = they will heat and cool too quickly when food is applied.

The next thing I noticed is that there's a grease channel running around the entire perimeter of the cooking surface and a large seam (joint) where the two folding halves are joined in the center. What does this mean? Liquid foods, such as pancake batter or scrambled eggs will immediately flow toward this channel before they have a chance to stiffen up by cooking. And, the large seam down the center of the cooking surface means no pancakes can be cooked there!

Ok, so how well does this unit heat? I pulled out my non-contact infrared (IR) thermometer gun and took temperature samples after the unit had a chance to fully heat up (after two or three thermostat cycles.) With the thermostat(s) set to 350-degrees F., the cooking surface reached a whopping 460-degrees F.!! Ouch!! I watched as the griddle cooled and the thermostat clicked back on at exactly 350-degrees F. and, once again, proceeded to heat the surface back up to 460-degrees F. My suspicion is that because the heating element does not actually touch the cooking plates, and because the plates are so thin, the unit has to over-heat the plates so that when the cold food comes into contact with them they'll cool down to the approximate temperature you dialed in. A very poor design in my humble opinion.

Actually using the unit confirmed most of my fears. I tried making scrambled eggs on the unit. As soon as I poured the liquid egg onto the surface, everything made a run for the grease channel... so I whipped out the spatula and coaxed everything back into the center. Then there was that nasty crack down the center of the cooking surface... I kept thinking to myself that I had better keep everything away from there too! The lack of a raised edge around the cooking surface, and the presence of a grease channel everywhere I looked, made flipping the eggs somewhat difficult... you know, you slide the spatula under the food and it moves a little in the same direction that your spatula is moving. You've got to slide quick otherwise your food will slide off into a grease channel! A good analogy would be to think of it this way: Would you drive your car across a narrow bridge that has no curb or guard-rail. I think not!

All in all, I rate this griddle "1" star because I think it's all about form over function. Yes, it looks pretty, and it folds nicely, and you can fit it into a cabinet more easily, BUT it's a nightmare to cook on with its wild temperature swings, nasty joint right down the center, grease channels everywhere you look, and its thin and flimsy cooking plates.

If you're looking for a truly nice griddle that has a large cooking area, even heating, and accurate thermostat, I suggest that you look at the Presto Tilt'nDrain BigGriddle... that's the unit that I eventually purchased after returning this one!

I have to agree with the reviews below that this item has a major design flaw. I received it as a birthday present from friends who know I like to cook. However, after using this a few times, I have to say that I prefer the "old fashion" griddles that just sit on the stove.

The drip tray doesn't catch all of the grease and the design allows the grease to flow to the counter tops. I ususally spend more time cleaning up after using this than cooking. The temperature knobs are inconsistent. After a couple months of use, the same temperatures according to the knobs do not cook the meat as well as it used to. The two sides of the griddle do not heat up the same way. One side is usually hotter than the other when turned to the same temperature.

The drip tray has a spout that is supposedly designed for easy pouring. It's very poorly designed. Every time I tried pooring the grease into a jar, the grease flows through all over the place except the spout.

Don't waste your money on this. I rarely use the griddle. It now only takes up space in my already storage-space-challenged kitchen.

I received the Fold n Store griddle for a birthday gift, along with another griddle. I kept this product, because it freed up some space in my small kitchen.

The concept of this idea is great. However, in practical use, it doesn't work.

The temperature controls are not consistent. The temp you used to cook something last time, will not cook the same way the next time.

The plates are not well designed. The drip tray only goes under one side of the griddle. On the other side, the grease runs to the middle of the griddle, where it does not connect to the side that has the tray on it. So the grease will run through the split (where it folds up) and run all over your counter.

Customer service was nice enough to offer me a new one - of the same model. I don't think I wouldn't have the same problem with another new one that I have with this one. The design has not changed, so I would still have grease all over my counter.

It's also a fire hazard, as when the grease drips through the middle of the griddle, it has the potential to land on the heating element.

If all you're planning to use this griddle for is grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas, it should do the job fine. If, however, you want to cook any kind of breakfast meat on it (sausage, bacon, etc.), or make pancakes, you're in for one heck of a mess.

I wish I would have kept the other griddle instead.

Have had this appliance for about six months now. Love the dual controls. Love the fold-n-store feature. Hate the puddle of grease that ends up on the counter-top after use with fatty/juicy/runny foods. Despite our best detective work, we cannot find out how or where this unit is leaking/dripping grease or how it seems to miss the drip pan. I find it necessary to cover the counter-top under the unit with waxed paper before use with foods such as bacon and sausage. After a complete extensive wipedown and cleaning, I let the griddle sit for a while, folded and standing on its legs, so that the hidden grease can drip out of the unit. I then find it necessary to completely wipe down the appliance again before storage because sometimes grease continues to drip from somewhere. I am ready to chuck the appliance because I fear a grease fire some day.

I bought this item as a gift and we were very pleased with the product. My mom-in-law says it's the best griddle she ever owned, and we like all of the cool features. BUT, we saw the item on sale at a local Kohl's department store for the same price ($40) with no shipping. We should have gone that route and saved some dough. Also, I believe that a spare grilling surface was advertised on Amazon's site, but was not included in the package we received. Great product, but shop around to save on shipping.

I have been thinking about getting a griddle for a few years now. I have a family of four and then my brother and some friends crash here for the weekend pretty regular. Some mornings I am cooking breakfast for seven or eight people. (Don't mind and love doing it) My inlaws got me this model for a Christmas gift. I loved the concept of the fold and store but I was a bit skeptical of the seam down the center. I've been using it regularly now and the seam has not interfered at all. I like the fact I can pop the seperate plates out and just drop them in the dishwasher instead of trying to deal with washing a large clumsy item over the sink. The burners are in two square shapes under the surface that cause for nice even surface heat. Bacon and hamburger grease runs neatly out of the way down small channels that run all the way around the perimeter and into a little cup underneath. The two seperate heat controls are a helpful option. It folds neatly out of the way for easy storage. Best thing of all....I can cook pancakes for 8 people before my feet even start to ache!

I was very pleased with this product. Plus the Amazon price was considerably less than what I saw in local stores. The grill is easy to clean and compact to store. Only one drawback may be the plastic hinges. You have to be careful not to force them. Other than that, its a great value.

I absolutely love this griddle. It is so easy to use and clean. I have never had any of the problems the other customers had. The grease goes right in the cup, pancakes and grilled cheese come out beautifully. I have loaned it out and everyone who has used it has bought their own. If only it would clean the kitchen up.....

This fold-up griddle is unbeleivably handy and useful. With a temperature control on each section of the griddle, I can cook items requiring different temperatures - all at the same time on the same grill. Then it folds up for compact storage.