There are several electric grills on the market that promise to make dinner in a snap. The most popular are those from George Foreman. Consumer Reports decided to size up some of the grilling competition.

More than 12 million electric grills were sold last year. Consumer Reports tested seven of them. Five grills are from George Foreman -- variations on the well-known "lean mean grilling machine." The other two are made by Hamilton Beach.

Testers used an infrared camera to see how evenly the grills heat. After preheating the grills, a picture is taken. All of them scored very well.

Another test assesses how well the grills stand up to tough scrubbing without losing their non-stick surfaces. The grills were subjected to 3,000 strokes with an automated scrubbing arm. Some grills showed a little wear, but none lost their non-stick ability.

Then it was time to try the grills out on the real thing â€" food. Testers cooked dozens of hamburgers, chicken breasts and salmon filets. Again, the grills performed well, cooking the food evenly and quickly.

When all the tests were finished, the $40 Hamilton Beach Meal Maker Express came out on top. It can cook two hamburgers in short order. It was also the only grill tested that has removable plates that can be put in a dishwasher.

For a grill that costs even less, Consumer Reports suggests trying the Champ from George Foreman. It has fewer features than the Hamilton Beach grill. But at $25, it's a great grill for the money, according to the testers.

While some of the grills claim to cook healthier food by draining off fat, don't count on it. Consumer Reports' tests show that there's no difference in the fat content of food cooked on any of the electric grills or food cooked on a regular skillet.