Hamilton Beach 840100500 User manual

Meal Maker Express™
840100500
Grill Safety...................................... 2
Know Your Grill.............................. 3
Grilling Options .............................. 4
Operating Instructions .................. 5
Cleaning ............................................ 7
Recipes .......................................... 8
Customer Service.......................... 16
In USA: 1-800-851-8900
In Canada: 1-800-267-2826

2
Consumer Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Grill Safety
In order to prevent the risk of fire, electric shock, burns or other injury or damage, follow
these instructions carefully. When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions
should always be followed including the following:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles
or knobs.
3. To protect against risk of electrical shock,
do not immerse appliance, cord or plug in
water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any
appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before cleaning. Allow to cool before
putting on or taking off parts, and before
cleaning the appliance.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a
damaged cord or plug, or after the
appliance malfunctions or is dropped or
damaged in any manner. Call our toll-free
customer service number for information on
examination, electrical repair, mechanical
repair, or adjustment.
7. Do not use outdoors.
8. The use of accessory attachments not
recommended by Hamilton Beach/
Proctor-Silex, Inc. may cause injuries or
serious damage to the unit.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or
counter, or touch hot surfaces, including
stove.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or
electric burner, or in a heated oven.
Do not use this unit near oven, heater
or fireplace.
11. Extreme caution must be used when
moving an appliance containing hot oil
or other hot liquids.
12. To disconnect, turn any control to “OFF,”
then remove plug from wall outlet.
13. Do not use appliance for other than
intended purpose.
14. For units with detachable cooking plates,
be sure they are secured before cooking.
This appliance is intended for household
use only.
This appliance is equipped with a grounded-
type 3-wire cord (3-prong plug). This type of
plug will only fit into an electrical outlet
made for a 3-prong plug. This is a safety
feature intended to help reduce the risk of
electrical shock. If the plug should fail to fit
contact a qualified electrician to replace the
obsolete outlet. Do not attempt to defeat
the safety purpose of the grounding pin by
modifying the plug in any way.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, do not
immerse the grill in water.
To avoid an electrical circuit overload do
not use another high wattage appliance on
the same circuit with the grill.
The length of the cord used on this appli-
ance was selected to reduce the hazards
of becoming tangled in, or tripping over a
longer cord. If a longer cord is necessary an
approved extension cord may be used.
The electrical rating of the extension cord
must be equal to or greater than the rating
of the grill. Care must be taken to arrange
the extension cord so that it will not drape
over the countertop or tabletop where it can
be pulled on by children or accidentally
tripped over.
An extension cord should be connected to
the appliance first, before it is plugged into
the outlet.
Always use a hot mitt to protect hand when
opening the grill.
CAUTION: Escaping steam may cause
burns.

3
5. Drip Cup
6. Support Leg
7. Spatula/Scraper
(available with select models)
Know Your Grill
Parts and Features
1. Cover
2. Nonstick Grill Surfaces
3. Base
4. Timer

Flat
1. Flip up the support leg, then lift
cover straight
up (this will
disengage the
locked hinge).
Support
leg
Grilling Options
The grill may be used in two different positions:
Closed Cover
This will cook the food on both sides
at the same time. This is the quickest
method.
4
Optional Features (on select models)
Removable Grids Cord Wrap
Drain Spout
Drain Spout Locking Tab
Open the grill for more grilling surface.
This will require a longer cooking time
but you can cook twice as much.
2. Lower the cover as far as it will go
to the flat
position.

5
Operating Instructions
BEFORE FIRST USE: Please wash the cooking surfaces of the grill as instructed
under “Cleaning.”
1. Plug into 120 volt AC outlet.
2. Brush grilling surfaces with oil or
spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Preheat grill by turning timer to
5 minutes. Keep cover closed.
4. When preheated, raise grill cover.
Place food to be cooked onto grill
and lower grill cover. Always use grill
with drip cup in place.
5. Set timer. The ON light comes on
when the timer is set.
6. When timer rings, use a hot mitt and
carefully lift
grill cover and
check food to
see if cooked
to desired
degree. Do not
cut food on
nonstick
grilling surface.
If additional cooking time is needed,
reset timer.
7. To turn food, use spatula/scraper
(available with select models), or
another utensil safe for nonstick
surfaces.
8. When food is cooked to desired
degree, remove the food and
unplug the grill. Let cool slightly
before cleaning.
Tips for Easy Grilling
•ALWAYS PREHEAT THE GRILL
5 MINUTES BEFORE USING.
•Read the Grill Use & Care Guide
before starting to grill.
•Grill cooking is so easy because
you can brown meats, cook onions,
grill vegetables, “stir-fry” dishes,
steam fish and toast sandwiches
with little attention from the cook.
•Use the grill to “prep and cook”
foods for traditional range-top
recipes: brown ground beef for
spaghetti sauce or stir-fry beef strips
for a Chinese dish. Since the grill
cooks top and bottom at the same
time, there’s no need to stir while
cooking.
•Cook “guilt-free” French fries
without the extra oil or make perfect
French toast that doesn’t need to
be turned during cooking.
•Use vegetable cooking spray for
convenient, stick-free grilling. Or if
you prefer, brush grill surfaces with
vegetable oil before preheating.
•Use plastic utensils on the nonstick
grill surfaces. Do not use metal
utensils as they will damage the
nonstick surface.
•Plan ahead for quick meals by
freezing boneless chicken breasts
and burger patties for future meals.
Place individual servings on a bak-
ing sheet and freeze. When frozen,
place in plastic bags. To grill, see
the “Grilling Chart” on page 6.
•Cleanup is easy! Let grill cool down.
Wipe grill surfaces with damp paper
towel or dish cloth.

6
Grilling Chart
PREHEAT GRILL 5 MINUTES WITH COVER CLOSED.
The following times are guidelines.
COOK TIME
5 min.
5-8 min.
10-12 min.
6-8 min.
5 min.
5-7 min.
10-12 min.
6-8 min.
10-12 min.
6 min.
8 min.
6 min.
6 min.
5 min.
6 min.
4 min.
4 min.
4-5 min.
FOOD
Beef strip steak, boneless,
fresh (8 oz.)
Chicken breast, boneless,
fresh (4-6 oz.)
Chicken breast, boneless,
frozen (4 oz.)
Fish fillet squares, frozen
(about 2 oz.)
Frankfurter (hot dog)
Hamburger, fresh (4 oz.)
Hamburger, frozen (4 oz.)
Pork chops, boneless,
fresh (4 oz., 3⁄4" thick)
Pork chops, boneless,
frozen (4 oz.)
Vegetables (frozen)
Peppers and onions
Potato wedges, frozen
Stir-fry vegetable mix
Vegetables (fresh)
Broccoli florets
Green or red bell pepper
strips
Mushrooms, sliced
Onions, sliced
Zucchini or summer
squash, sliced
Grilled Cheese or
Cheese and Ham
DONENESS
Slightly pink in center; brown
on outside
No longer pink in center
No longer pink in center
Fish looks white
Heated through
No longer pink in center
No longer pink in center
No longer pink in center
No longer pink in center
Cooked through
Cooked through
Tender-crisp
Tender-crisp
Tender-crisp
Tender-crisp
Soft
Tender-crisp
Golden brown on outside;
melted cheese

7
Cleaning
NOTE: If your grill has removable grids,
see the following section.
1. Unplug grill from electrical outlet and
allow to cool slightly.
2. Wipe grilling surfaces with a paper
towel to remove drippings.
3. Use the spatula/scraper (available
with select models) to scrape away
cooked-on food or grease.
4. Use a damp sponge with a small
amount of
dishwashing
detergent to
scrub grilling
surfaces. See
illustration.
Rinse out
sponge and
wipe surfaces
clean. Use a clean, damp cloth to
wipe surfaces again.
5. Do not use steel wool or any type
of abrasive cleaner to clean the grill,
as it will damage the nonstick grilling
surface, and void the warranty.
6. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe
clean the outside of grill.
7. Empty drip cup. Wash drip cup and
spatula/scraper in hot, soapy water.
Rinse and dry. (They can also be put
in top rack of dishwasher.)
8. The grill can be stored, closed and
upright, sitting on the hinge side.
DO NOT IMMERSE THE GRILL
IN WATER. DO NOT CLEAN THE
GRILL IN THE DISHWASHER.
Removable Grids (on select models)
1. Unplug grill from electrical outlet and
allow to cool.
2. While holding grid, slide locking tab
to release grid.
Open grill flat
and repeat
with other
grid. DO NOT
REMOVE THE
GRID WITH
THE GRILL IN
AN UPRIGHT
POSITION. THE GRILL SHOULD BE
FLAT TO REMOVE THE GRID.
Locking Tab
3. Wash grids in hot soapy water.
Rinse then dry. Grids may also be
washed in dishwasher.

8
Recipes
These recipes were developed for use with all sizes of the Meal Maker Express™
Contact Grills. Some ingredients are listed as a range; for example, 2 or 4 slices of
bread. Use the smaller amount for the small grill or if you’re only cooking for two
on the large grill. Use the larger amount for the large grill.
Guilt-Free Hash Browns
11⁄2or 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, Southern style
1⁄2or 1 green onion, finely chopped (optional)
1. Spray grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Place potatoes and onion on grill. Close lid and cook 10 minutes or until
potatoes are tender and browned.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.
Ham & Cheese on a Bagel
2 or 4 regular-sized bagels
4 or 8 slices (1⁄2ounce each) American cheese
2 or 4 ounces thinly sliced ham
1. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Place bagel tops on grill. Close lid and heat 3 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, place cheese slices on bagel bottoms. Top with ham. Place on
grill. Cover and cook 3 minutes or until cheese melts. Top with bagel tops.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.
Toasted Peanut Butter & Jelly
4 or 8 slices firm white bread
Peanut butter
Jelly or jam
1. Spray grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. On half of the slices of bread, spread peanut butter and jelly or jam. Top with
remaining bread.
3. Close lid and cook sandwiches 5 minutes or until heated through.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.

9
Cinnamon French Toast
3 eggs
1⁄3cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1⁄2teaspoon vanilla
4 slices bread
Cinnamon
1. Spray grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
Soak slices of bread in egg mixture.
3. On the small grill, place 2 slices of bread. Close lid and cook 4 minutes or
until done. Repeat with remaining bread. OR,
4. On the large grill, place 2 slices of bread and top with the remaining slices of bread,
making a French toast “sandwich.” Close lid and cook 5 minutes or until done.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving with butter and syrup.
Makes 2 servings.
Pizza Burgers
1⁄2or 1 pound lean ground beef
1⁄4or 1⁄2cup shredded mozzarella cheese (1 or 2 ounces)
1⁄4or 1⁄2teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
2 or 4 sandwich-size English muffins, split and toasted
1. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Combine beef, cheese, and oregano. Mix well. Shape mixture into two or four
31⁄2-inch patties.
3. Place patties on grill. Close lid and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until beef is no
longer pink. Serve on English muffins. Top with pizza sauce, if desired.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.
Grilled Ham & Cheese Special
4 or 8 slices rye bread
Thousand Island or Russian salad dressing
4 or 8 ounces thinly sliced ham
2 or 4 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
1⁄2 or 1 cup deli coleslaw
1. Spray grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. On half of the bread, spread salad dressing. Top with ham, cheese, and
coleslaw. Top with remaining bread.
3. Close lid and cook sandwiches for 5 minutes or until heated through and
cheese melts.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.

10
Turkey Garden Burgers
1⁄2or 1 pound lean ground turkey
1⁄2or 1 cup shredded carrot and zucchini
1 or 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
2 or 4 whole wheat or white sandwich buns
1. Spray grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Combine turkey, carrot and zucchini, onion, and parsley; mix well. Shape
mixture into two or four 31⁄2-inch patties.
3. Place patties on grill. Close lid and cook 5 to 6 minutes or until turkey is no
longer pink. Serve on buns. Top with low-fat mayonnaise, lettuce and
tomato, if desired.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.
Pepperoni Pizzawiches
2 or 4 English muffins, split
16 or 32 pepperoni slices
2 or 4 slices Cheddar or American cheese
4 to 8 tomato slices
Dried oregano leaves, crushed
1. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. On half of muffin halves, layer pepperoni, cheese, and tomato. Sprinkle with
oregano. Top with remaining muffin halves. Close lid and grill 5 minutes or
until cheese melts.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.
Cheesy Bean Quesadillas
1⁄2or 1 can (about 16 ounces) refried beans
4 or 8 flour tortillas (6-inch)
1⁄4or 1⁄2cup shredded Cheddar cheese (1 or 2 ounces)
1⁄4or 1⁄2cup picante sauce
1 to 3 green onions, sliced
1. Preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Spread beans on half of tortillas to within
1⁄2
inch of edges. Top each with
cheese, picante sauce, and green onions. Moisten edges of tortillas with water.
Top with remaining tortillas and press edges together. Cut each into halves.
3. Place one half on small grill or 4 halves on large grill. Close lid and cook 4 to
5 minutes. Remove from grill and cut each half into 3 triangles. Repeat with
remaining quesadillas.
Makes 2 or 4 servings.