T-Fal (Tefal) has been around for years providing high-quality kitchen appliances, including their popular OptiGrill indoor grill line.
The company has also released the T-FAL OptiGrill+ model which is an upgraded version of their original Indoor Grill model.
There are a lot of similarities between the two models but also some notable differences in features and pricing that may affect your decision when choosing which one to purchase.
In this blog post, we will compare the 2 products (GC7 vs GC712 Models) in detail so you can decide which one is best for you!
Contents
What is an OptiGrill?
The OptiGrill is the perfect solution for all your cooking needs. It’s a line of indoor electric grills (similar to the Cuisinart Griddlers) that has 6 automatic programs to grill all your food to perfection. Perfectly sear and cook all kinds of food. It comes in 4 models: OptiGrill, OptiGrill+, Optigrill+ XL, and OptiGrill Smart with Bluetooth. Choose from six pre-set programs: Burgers, Poultry, Sandwiches, Sausage,s Red Meat, and Fish or the manual mode for fruits vegetables, or any personal recipes.
You can choose between four different sizes depending on how much space you have available in your kitchen! All models feature an easy-to-read LCD display with touch controls so it’s simple to use even if you don’t know anything about cooking! This product will change the way you think about grilling forever! No more worrying about whether it’s done yet – just set it up and go do something else while it cooks everything perfectly every time! And because this is an electric grill there are no messy charcoal ashes to clean up afterward either!
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How does T-FAL OptiGrill Work?
The OptiGrill has a sensor that is automatic. It changes the cooking temperature depending on how thick the meat is. This way, it cooks many different pieces of meat at the same time even without you having to lift up the lid to see what’s happening.
This works together with the LED Cooking Level Indicator. The indicator lets you know when your food is cooked correctly. There’s a pre-heating stage (pink), the start of cooking (blue/purple), rare (yellow), and well done (red). When it beeps, it means that the food is done cooking. It will stop cooking if you don’t take care of it.
What can you cook on an OptiGrill?
You can grill pretty much anything on the OptiGrill models. The 6 main preset cooking programs include:
- Burger
- Poultry
- Sandwich
- Sausage / Pork / Lamb
- Red meat
- Fish / Seafood
and also a Manual program to grill vegetables and fruits.
OptiGrill Overview (GC7 Model)
Cruise through the kitchen with ease by cooking frozen foods or anything you want your way.
OptiGrill is a first-of-its-kind electric indoor grill that cooks food, evenly and deliciously. Made from durable aluminum for an oven-safe surface, clean-up is as easy as pie! This dainty assistant fits right in with all appliances because it doubles as a microwave and conventional oven. So whether you’re prepping dinner to impress the guests or just looking to have a romantic evening with yourself, this multifunctional appliance will turn chilly nights chilly days into bona fide barbecue weather!
- 6 programs
- 2 modes
- Lightweight
- Easy to Clean
- Easy to Use
- Some users reported that you need to recalibrate the grill from time to time
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OptiGrill+ (OptiGrill Plus) Overview (GC712 Model)
You don’t need to be an expert chef to know how to cook a burger that is as juicy as it can be. The T-Fal OptiGrill is the perfect product for those who want their meat cooked medium rare, and not burned or overcooked. It has six different cooking modes: red meat, poultry, sausage, sandwich, fish, and a burger so rest assured you will always have the perfect setting for your food.
The infrared grills heat up fast and distribute heat evenly which makes them safe and easy to use – no more worrying about burning yourself with raw steam from the oven! Cooking time varies between one hour minimum (for frozen foods) and 18 minutes maximum (for manual mode). You’ll never leave something unfinished again.
- Easy to clean
- Good flavor
- Easy Storage
- Some reports of a short coating life
- The power cord is a bit short
- Some users question its durability
What is the difference between OptiGrill & OptiGrill Plus?
The OptiGrill (GC7) has 6 automatic cooking programs and one fixed temperature manual mode/setting. The OptiGrill Plus (GC712) also has 6 automatic modes but includes 4 total variable temperature manual settings (compared to the one fixed on the GC7 model).
According to some of the Amazon Reviews, the OptiGrill+ has a slightly larger cooking area as well compared to the regular OptiGrill.
Refer to the quick comparison table below:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | T-fal GC7 Opti-Grill Indoor Electric Grill |
| Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Home Depot |
 | T-Fal GC712D54 OptiGrill+ Grill |
| Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart |
Check the owner’s manuals here.
OptiGrill+ Video Review
FAQ
How does the T-Fal Optigrill work?
The T-Fal Optigrill is an indoor electric grill with a sensor that automatically changes the cooking temperature depending on how thick your meat is. This way, it can cook many different pieces of meats at once without you even needing to lift up the lid.
It works together with LED indicators for when your food has reached its optimal level of cooking. The pre-heating stage is pink, then the start of cooking is blue/purple, rare (yellow), and well done (red). When it beeps, that means your food has been fully cooked. It will stop cooking if you ignore it long enough so there’s no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking your food!
What kind of meat works best on the T-Fal Optigrill?
The grill can handle a variety of meats including beef, pork, chicken, and fish. But it’s especially good at cooking up burgers since they have a preset dedicated to them. You can also use it for vegetables or fruits but you may need to rotate the food so it doesn’t get stuck to one side.
How long does grilled meat stay warm?
It should stay perfectly hot for about 15 minutes after being cooked on the T-fal Optigrill, but if you want to keep your food warm then just leave it in a warming mode! The grill will do that automatically and it will keep your food nice and warm until you’re ready to eat.
Is the T-Fal Optigrill easy to clean?
It’s even easier than other grills since there are no messy charcoal ashes! Just take out the removable plates and throw them in soapy water or place them on a dishwasher rack for an easy clean.
Is the T-Fal Optigrill easy to store?
It’s not too big so it doesn’t take up much storage space but you can also mount your grill on a wall if you need more room! Just use some screws and get ready for delicious food every time without having to constantly check what’s happening inside of the grill!
How does the T-Fal Optigrill+ differ from the regular model?
The biggest difference is that it has several different temperature settings so you don’t need to keep checking inside of the oven every few seconds. It also includes a manual mode for grilling vegetables and fruits, whereas with just one fixed temperature on the regular OptiGrill.
What are the best foods to cook on an Optigrill?
The grill works with a variety of meats including beef, pork, chicken and fish so you can pretty much use it for anything! It’s also great at cooking up burgers since they have one dedicated setting just like any other types of meat. You can even cook vegetables or fruits on the grill but you may need to rotate them so they aren’t stuck in one place.
