Buying guide for Best electric grills
Who doesn’t love the flavor of grilled meat, fish, and vegetables? And nobody needs to miss out because even if you live in an area that doesn’t allow cooking with an open flame, you can still use an electric grill. What’s more, when it’s cold and wet outside, many models are designed for delicious grilling inside!
The sheer variety of sizes and prices can make choosing the right model difficult, but keeping a few key details in mind can help you choose the best electric grill for you.
Electric grills: pros and cons
For some people, there’s no substitute for a charcoal grill, and that’s fair enough, but for a lot of town and city dwellers, an electric grill is the only option. That shouldn’t be seen as a negative. Many electric grills are extremely good, and the best provide flavors that are virtually indistinguishable from charcoal-grilled food.
Pros:
Reliable power at the flip of a switch
No charcoal to buy
No potentially dangerous propane gas to store
No smoke; use one virtually anywhere (Many areas/buildings have restrictions on other types of grills.)
Indoor models, outdoor models, and both
Cons:
Some say electric grills don’t give food the flavor of real flame cooking (but neither does a propane grill).
Electric grills don’t get hot enough for thick cuts of meat (many don’t exceed 400°F).
Your community might not allow outdoor grills, even electric ones. Check before ordering.
Key considerations
Size
This is an issue that can relate to both the number of people you want to feed and your living space. Two people with a small apartment might only want a tabletop grill, but don’t assume that all grills advertised as “tabletop” are small. Some can take up the whole table!
Other people want a grill that can be used indoors or out. There are numerous traditional-looking outdoor grills that offer the convenience and cleanliness of electric power. There may not be a perfect all-around solution, but it’s important to think about how you’ll use an electric grill most of the time.
Cooking area
This is usually given in square inches, which can sound impressive but isn’t necessarily descriptive enough. When physical space is important – to fit on a balcony, for example – you need the actual dimensions of diameter or length by width.
Cooking surface
This varies from a basic steel sheet with holes punched in it to a chrome-plated steel rack to a cast iron plate coated with ceramic. The surface can make a big difference in how efficiently heat is transferred and how easy the grill is to clean. Nonstick coatings are both effective and affordable, though the majority of high-end grills have cast iron.
Heating element
This has changed little in decades. It’s basically a coiled wire in a steel tube that gets hot when an electric current is provided. Now you’ll also find grills with infrared elements. These claim to be more efficient at directing energy because they produce radiant heat, which only heats the grill and food, not the air around them. Infrared is growing in popularity, and several propane grills and barbecues use a variation on the same technology.
Temperature gauge
This is often found on grills with lids, though all this really tells you is when the grill is hot enough to cook on. Grills that have heat-control dials (thermostats) or those that don’t have temperature control might only have a light to indicate they’re ready. By the way, not being able to adjust the heat isn’t necessarily a problem. Charcoal grills don’t offer much controllability!
Power
This is given in watts (W), though the figure can be deceptive. Many electric grills are in the 1500- to 1800-watt range, but that doesn’t tell you the maximum temperature they can produce. If you want to sear steaks, you’re going to need around 450°F, and some electric grills struggle to get that hot. Your choice will depend on how and what you want to cook, so it’s a feature that needs to be checked carefully.
Electric grill features
Removable stand
This allows you to use the grill in any number of locations – indoors or out. You’ll want one that can be attached and removed quickly or the task becomes frustrating. Some stands are telescopic and thus very compact when not in use. That’s important if space is limited.
Cool-touch handles
These are a nice feature. You don’t have to worry about wearing gloves or grabbing a cloth if you need to move your grill.
Removable drip tray
This makes cleanup easier.
Frame
Outdoor electric grills need a sturdy frame.
Wheels
Good wheels are a bonus.
Electric grill prices
Inexpensive
The cheapest electric grills we’ve seen cost around $40. These are basically little more than a heating element in a steel box (though you might find one with temperature control). These tend to be on the small side, and durability can be questionable.
Mid-range
Spend a little more, say $70 to $100, and you get an enormous range of both indoor and outdoor electric grills with a variety of features. Many of these are all the average family needs and offer superb value.
Expensive
Large outdoor electric grills, infrared models, and those from top brands can easily cost $200 to $300. The quality is usually excellent, and warranties usually reflect this. The most expensive electric grill we’ve seen is almost $1,000, but, good as it is, we’d struggle to justify paying that kind of money when so many good models are a quarter of that price.
For your safety
If you’re grilling outside, you may need an extension cable. For safety, make sure it’s plugged into a residual current device (RCD) or ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
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Tips
Invest in a thermometer or temperature fork. Along with a set of grilling tools, you might need a thermometer or temperature fork to make sure meat is cooked properly.
Don’t use stiff brushes or metal scrapers on a nonstick grill surface. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning suggestions to avoid damaging the coating.
- Wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from grease and getting burned. Don’t assume that because it’s electric the grill doesn’t get as hot as a traditional charcoal grill.
FAQ
Q. How long does an electric grill take to heat up?
A. It varies from one model to the next. Grill size and the kind of heating element have an impact, but on average no more than 15 minutes.
Q. Can I put the grill plates or racks in the dishwasher?
A. Often you can, with indoor electric grills in particular. Outdoor models, not so much. However, it depends on the materials and/or nonstick coatings. The only safe answer is to check the manufacturer’s instructions. With those parts that can be put in the dishwasher, it’s a good idea to first rinse off the worst of the residue so it doesn’t clog your machine’s filters.
Q. Can I smoke food on an electric grill?
A. You can get smoker boxes for outdoor electric grills. Some people just put a piece of hickory or oak on the grill and close the lid to add flavor. Of course, you can’t do either of those things if you’re grilling indoors.
There are also electric smokers that have grilling options, but it’s important to note that they use an electric element to heat wood chips or pellets. Again, they can’t be used indoors. If you’re looking for an electric smoker, they’re worth considering, but they differ from the indoor/outdoor portable grills we feature here.
