Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue Cast Iron Rectangular Grill Press

Please remember that unseasoned cast iron needs to be seasoned by the consumer before the first use. It will rust if not properly seasoned. To season the Grill Press, remove the handle by unscrewing the two screws on either end. Rinse with mild soap and water, then thoroughly dry. Rub cooking oil over the entire surface with a clean rag or a paper towel. Place it in an oven preheated to 250 degrees fahrenheit for approximately 2 hours. Handle with care when removing, as the Press will be quite hot. Use a hot pad. Let the Grill Press cool on a heat resistant surface, replace the handle, and then store as usual. Because cast iron is porous, each time you use the Grill Press following the initial seasoning more oil will seep through from foods and enforce the waterproof oil bond. The Grill Press should not be left in water and is not dishwasher safe. Rinse the press under hot water after each use and dry immediately by blotting water droplets with a towel. If directions are properly followed, your Steven Raichlen Cast Iron Grill Press should last for years.

I bought this Raichlen Cast Iron Rectangular Grill Press for two reasons: 1) I have several of Raichlen's books and have been very happy with them, and 2) it was less expensive than similar items. I have used it about half a dozen times, and I'm not impressed.

Positives: the lower price, large size and the heavy weight.

Negatives: Overall low quality in design and fabrication. The casting is of poor quality; the bottom (which should be smooth) is very rough, with deep pitted areas and bumps. As a result, it difficult to season, difficult to keep clean, and tends to stick to the food.

Take note that the handle is described as wood. Not the best choice, and worse construction. The paint is already chipping off -which is obviously undesirable for a cooking utensil. The handle is attached by a stainless steel screw at each end, and it tends to be loose. I can see that at some future point the wooden handle will need to be replaced.

I wish I had bought the Lodge Grill Press -it is a bit smaller, but the handle is metal. I have several Lodge products that are beautifully cast and built to last a lifetime. I would not have thought that there would be such quality differences for such a simple product. The problems with this product are hard to spot when shopping online (I bought it here on Amazon). Hope my experience helps!

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A previous reviewer complained about the metallic taste when using this item. It should be noted that nowhere on the package is the user told that seasoning must be done before it should be used. I have lots of cast iron utensils and pans so I was well aware of that fact. I don't use oil as it can give off an unpleasant odor if not completely absorbed into the metal. I use melted shortening instead.

As far as the grill press itself goes, I couldn't be happier with it. I used it with Steven Raichlen's Tuscan Grill and it produced very distinctive and flavorful grill marks on steak. It is great for grilling butterflied chicken too. In fact, it is so good with chicken that I might have to have a second one! If you feel that grilled food should not only taste great but look appetizing too, give this a try. You'll look like a barbecue guru!!

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The grill press works very well and is the correct weight. Just make sure to "season" it before the first use.

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Heavy duty press, love it but make sure you season it as it does not tell you to do this.