Okay, so yesterday I really needed to cook dinner FAST before my kid’s basketball game. I’ve got both my old reliable George Foreman-style regular grill and that fancy vertical gyro spinner thing I impulse-bought last summer. Decided to finally settle which one’s actually quicker.
Setting Up The Battle
First, I grabbed two identical packs of store-bought sliced lamb from the fridge – didn’t want fancy marinades messing with the timer. Pulled both appliances onto the counter with that clunk sound appliances make when you’re in a hurry. Plugged in the regular grill first – just hit the power button and smacked the temperature knob to max. Done in 5 seconds.
Then came the gyro monstrosity. Had to unlock the spit rod thingy with that stupid safety latch I always forget about. Wrestled the meat onto the spindle like stacking soggy playing cards. Pressed the heat button… then realized the drip pan was missing. Found it soaking in the sink of course. Dried it with paper towels while muttering under my breath. Finally got the whole circus running.
Timing The Cook
Here’s where things got interesting:
- Regular Grill: Tossed meat slices straight onto hot plates at 6:05. Heard that sizzzzle immediately. Flipped them with tongs at 6:09 – edges already crispy brown. Pulled everything off at 6:12. Donezo.
- Gyro Grill: Pressed start at 6:05 same time. Spinner turns slower than DMV line. At 6:15 barely seeing color on edges. Kept standing there holding knife like an idiot waiting to shave meat. Finally got decent browned scraps falling at 6:22. Took till 6:29 to get enough for plates.
The Mess Factor
After eating? Regular grill just needed a quick wipe down. Grease trap emptied in 2 seconds. But that gyro contraption? Spent 10 minutes picking meat gunk out of the rotating mechanism with a toothpick. Then dismantled three parts just to wash properly. Had to wipe splattered grease off nearby cabinets too.
Real Talk Conclusion
Thought gyro would save time since it’s “continuous cooking”? Total lie unless you’re feeding an army. That setup time alone? Regular grill finished plating while gyro was still whirrrring pathetically. And cleanup? Add another 10 minutes for the gyro circus.
Why’d I even believe TikTok unboxing videos? Neighbor Dave told me gyros work better at stadium concessions, not my crappy countertop space. Won’t catch me using that spinning nightmare again unless hosting 20+ people. Regular grill for the win when minutes matter!