George Foreman Electric Grill
George Foreman nonstick coating technology
Adjustable temperature control probe
Includes removable grill plate, domed lid, and drip tray
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill
TRU-Infrared grill technology with a minimum of 65% infrared heat
Rust-resistant, porcelain-coated grill grates
Hood-mounted grill temperature gauge
Tayama Electric Grill
1,120-watt heating element with overheat protection
The integrated nonstick drip tray
Compact and portable, tabletop design
The electric grill is fast becoming a healthy and clean alternative to gas and propane grills. This type of grill is versatile and can be used inside and outside. This means that your BBQ is never going to be rained off! Some have removable stands and wheels for easy transportation.
Electric grills require little input from you. You just pop the food onto the grilling plates and let it do the rest. Many have temperature gauges and some even have adjustable heat controls. When the cooking is over, it is often possible to remove the cooking plates for easy cleaning and some are dishwasher-safe. There is no ash to clear away and no dangerous flare-ups to worry about. To help you decide which would be the best electric grill for your home, here is our useful guide.
The Best Electric Grill
1
George Foreman Electric Grill
A spacious and versatile grill that will produce 15 servings of all your favorite meals. In total there are 240 square inches of cooking space in a circular shape so it will have no problem coping when you get all your friends and family over.
Thanks to the tough nonstick coating, this grill is both durable and easy to clean and allows you to cook without butter and oil so it will do your low-calorie diet a lot of good!
If your BBQ gets rained off, you can simply move it inside because the stand is easy to remove and the device is safe for indoor use. Thanks to the adjustable temperature probe, you can choose from five heat settings. For this grill you need no charcoal and no propane and there will be no flare-ups for you to deal with.
240 square inches of cooking space
Tough nonstick coating
Adjustable temperature probe
- BrandGeorge Foreman
- ModelGGR50B
- Weight21 pounds
2
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler Electric Grill
Perfect for your kitchen countertop, you get five appliances in one with this product. You can use it as a contact grill in the closed position to cook steak and burgers or fold it out flat to double the one-sided grilling space options. You can use it as a full griddle in the open position for cooking eggs, pancakes or bacon or as a half grill/half griddle for the ultimate in versatility. The Panini-style handle and the hinged floating cover makes it perfect for making Paninis.
It has a brushed stainless-steel housing and is completely BPA-free. The cooking plates are both removable and reversible and are completely non-stick. They are also dishwasher-safe and will drain grease away for healthy cooking. It has adjustable temperature controls and indicator lights and comes with a handy scraping tool.
Five appliances in one
Panini-style handle
Completely non-stick
Cooking plates are dishwasher safe
- BrandCuisinart
- Model14.8 pounds
- WeightGR-4N
3
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
This is a 1560-watt electric grill that comes with a 6-foot grounded cord. The Weber electric grill is perfectly safe to use inside and outside and gives you 189 square-inches of cooking area thanks to the powerful heating element.
The cooking surfaces on this electric BBQ have been carefully crafted from porcelain-enameled cast iron and the body of the grill is made from cast aluminum, as is the lid. To keep you in control, there are several burner valve settings and no messy ash to clear away. It comes fully assembled and ready to use.
1560-watt electric grill
Porcelain-enameled cast iron plates
Powerful heating element
- BrandWeber
- Model52020001
- Weight29.4 pounds
4
Tayama Electric Grill
This is the low-fat, healthy choice for cooking inside your home. It is a counter-top appliance that takes up very little room but gives you 15 x 10 inches of cooking space so you can grill several items at the same time.
It is safe to use thanks to the cool-touch handles and the base stays cool too. To keep you in control of the cooking process, there is an adjustable temperature control. After cooking, it comes apart easily for cleaning and the drip tray can go in the dishwasher.
Cool-touch handles and base
Drip tray can go in the dishwasher
- BrandTAYAMA
- Model6 pounds
- WeightTG-868
5
Breville Smart Electric Grill
This is a sophisticated product for cooks who want to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor cooking. It is also superbly versatile and can be used for a variety of foods. The grill plates are completely non-stick so you can cook without oil and they are easy to clean. You are able to tilt the base at an angle so that fat drains out of meat and burgers or it can be laid flat for cooking eggs and pancakes.
It can cook from above and below when it is closed (it has six possible heights) and this also doubles up as a Panini press. For BBQ-style cooking, it will open up to give two flat cooking surfaces. You can choose from three temperature settings which range from 320 degrees F to 450 degrees F. It also features a countdown timer and a sound alert. The cooking plates are dishwasher safe.
Plates are completely non-stick
Six possible heights
Three temperature settings
Opens up to give two flat cooking surfaces
- BrandBreville
- ModelBGR820XL
- Weight22 pounds
6
Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill
Just what you have been looking for to grill steaks, seafood and vegetables. Because the shape of the cooking plate directs fats away from food to be collected in a drip pan, it is the healthy choice. You get a large ceramic cooking surface which is nonstick and will reach temperatures of 176 degrees F to 410 degrees F. The handles, however, are cool touch. It is completely safe to use and will not heat up unless it has been installed correctly.
Cooking plate directs fats away from food
Large ceramic cooking surface
Will reach temperatures of up to 410 degrees F
- BrandZojirushi
- ModelEB-CC15
- Weight1.03 pounds
7
George Foreman Rectangular Electric Grill
This impressive grill can cook enough food to feed 12 people at one sitting. It can be used indoors perfectly safely but is equally at home outside and has a removable stand for using on your patio. The perfect heat is achieved through the adjustable temperature control.
Clean up will be a breeze thanks to the nonstick coating and you won’t have to use oil for cooking. The sloped cooking surface uses gravity to remove up to 42% of the fat in meats which collects in the drip tray. After cooking, this can be placed in the dishwasher.
Can cook enough food for 12 people
Can be used inside and outside
Sloped cooking surface to remove fat
- BrandGeorge Foreman
- ModelGFO201R
- Weight16.5 pounds
8
Char-Broil Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill
Mess-free cooking and mess-free cleaning are what you are guaranteed with this electric grill. It will give you a full 240 square inches of grilling area as well as 80 square inches of warming rack which is enough to hold eight to 12 hamburgers.
It uses an electric TRU infrared cooking system which gives an even cook, moist food and no flare-ups. The cooking surfaces are made from porcelain-coated cast iron so they are very easy to clean and will not corrode. There are folding side shelves which give you some very useful work space. The temperature gauge is mounted on the lid and the temperature is controlled via the temperature control knob. It comes on a stand with wheels so it can be moved around.
Cooking surfaces are made from porcelain-coated cast iron
Temperature gauge mounted on lid
On a stand with wheels
- BrandChar-Broil
- Model17602048
- Weight54 pounds
9
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill
This grill is exceptionally easy to use and to clean up afterwards because the cooking grids are nonstick and removable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. It is designed to be used indoors but convinces you that you are eating food that has been cooked outdoors! You can comfortably cater for up to eight people as it has a 118 square inch grilling surface. The temperature is adjustable and can reach levels high enough to sear food. It has an extra-large drip tray to catch oil and grease.
Cooking grids are dishwasher-safe
118 square inch grilling surface
Hot enough to sear food
- BrandHamilton Beach
- Model25360
- Weight8.14 pounds
Best Electric Grills Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Look for in an Electric Grill
Here are some of the features that you should consider when you are choosing your electric grill.
- Size
The size of the cooking area is an important feature. Choose a grill that is big enough for you to cater for all your family at one sitting.
- Where you can use it
Some grills are designed for indoor use and some for outdoor use and some can do both! Because they produce no smoke or fumes, they are safe for indoor use. Some come with a removable stand and wheels so they can also be used outside.
- Cleaning
It’s a nuisance to have to spend hours cleaning your grill after cooking. Therefore, look for a model that has removable grill plates. If they can go in the dishwasher, that’s even better.
- Versatility
Some grills will do a lot more than grill! They will cook eggs and some will make Paninis too. This makes them a good investment. Some will open up flat to give a larger cooking area. An adjustable temperature control is always a useful feature.
- Grill plates
It’s a good idea for the grill plates to be non-stick so that the fat will run off them. This means that you can cook healthily with little fat or oil. Also look for a material that will not corrode. A ceramic coating is always a good option.
- Drip tray
This is a vital feature for catching grease that runs off the food. It’s best if it is dishwasher-proof.
Benefits of Electric Grills
An electric grill is a great addition to your household and you will soon wonder why you didn’t buy one before. If you have not had an electric grill before, here are the main benefits that you can expect.
- Cost benefits
Gas can be an expensive fuel to use for cooking. The cost is rising all the time plus you have to factor in the cost of going to the hardware store or gas station to get a new tank when yours runs out. Grilling on electricity costs a fraction of the price and if that electricity is derived from renewable sources, it is also the environmentally-friendly option.
- Safety benefits
When you cook on gas or charcoal, there is always the danger of fumes building up to toxic levels that could be dangerous. Carbon monoxide is one example. When you cook on an electric grill, there is no open flame and there are no products of combustion that could cause problems. As a result, the grill can be used inside and outside. Also, the possibility of flare ups is drastically reduced.
- Convenience benefits
Electric grills win hands down in terms of convenience. When you buy them, they are ready to go straight out of the box so there is no fiddly set up to deal with. They are compact and have small footprints so they don’t take up much space in the kitchen. There is very little mess with an electric BBQ and there is no problem lighting them, you just flick a switch and let them get on with it. Often the cooking grids can be placed in the dishwasher. Grease is caught in a drip tray which can also go in the dishwasher. There is no ash to dispose of afterwards. If the grill has an adjustable temperature control, this gives you much more control over the cooking process.
- Restriction benefits
Sometimes there are restrictions on where you can use cooking appliances that have a naked flame. This means that gas and charcoal grills may be banned from some apartments. This is not going to be a problem with an electric grill. They present a much lower risk of fire and this makes them the safe choice so they are less likely to upset your landlord.
Drawbacks of Electric Grills
When it comes to choosing a grill, you have the choice of a charcoal, gas or electric model. Whilst an electric grill is undoubtedly convenient, there are some drawbacks.
- Outdoor use. Not all grills are suitable for outdoor use which limits how you will use them. Many are kitchen countertop appliances only. Even the models that can be used outside will have trailing electric cables which can present a trip hazard and will be an electrical hazard if they come into contact it water.
- To get that authentic, outdoor BBQ flavor, you can’t beat charcoal grill. Electric grills simply can’t recreate it.
- It can be difficult to reach high temperatures with an electric grill. They are best used for cooking at more moderate heats. For this reason, many electric grill models are not great at searing food.
- Because of the presence of electricity, you have to be very careful about where water is applied. Much of the grill cannot be submerged in water.
Types of Electric Grills
You have a choice of electric grill for your home. Here are the main categories that you can select from.
- Outdoor electric grills
You will use these in the same way as you use outdoor propane gas or charcoal grill when you invite your family over for a BBQ. Instead of an open flame, the heat for cooking is provided by electricity. It may be a traditional electric grill or use infrared technology that retains the moisture of the food and hence its flavor.
You will need to be able to access an electric socket for an electric grill outdoor model to work. However, they require very little work. They are usually on a stand (which may have additional working surfaces for food preparation outdoors) and they may have wheels so that you can move them around easily.
- Indoor electric grills
If outdoor grilling is not possible for you, then this is the next best option. These models are often designed to sit on your kitchen countertop like any other kitchen appliance.
An indoor electric grill would be very useful for people who live in apartment complexes where gas and charcoal grills are prohibited or where any sort of outdoor cooking is not possible because you have no balcony or yard.
With these grills, you get the ‘feel’ of outdoor eating without all the risks. The other advantage is that they can be used inside in any weather so they are popular in areas that have a cold climate. They can be used every day for healthy meals as they help to drain a lot of the fat. Several small models are available for people who have very little kitchen space.
- Electric griddle grills
These differ to grills in that the cooking plates are smooth. You would use an electric griddle for making pancakes and eggs to name just a few. If these make up a large part of your diet, a griddle would be the best option for you. Some grills have interchangeable cooking plates so that you could use them as a grill and an electric griddle. Some will even double up as a Panini grill as well and a char broil electric grill carries out many cooking functions.
- Electric smoker grills
Smokers are special types of grills that cook in a special way. They are for outdoor use only. Some are powered by electricity but you need to add woodchips to give an authentic ‘smoky’ taste. Some appliances are combined smokers and grills. Smokers are designed for long cooking periods at a low heat. This helps to keep meats moist and full of flavor.
Electric Grills FAQ
Q: How do I clean my electric grill?
A: You have to be careful when you are cleaning an electric BBQ grill because it is dangerous to get water on the electrical components. Some grills allow you to remove the grill plates for easy cleaning and some can be put in the dishwasher. Often, the drip plate will be dishwasher-safe.
If you cannot remove the grill plates on your electric griller, you will have to clean them where they are by following these steps.
- Unplug the electric grill and let it cool down for 10 minutes.
- Scrape off the food debris with a rubber spatula. Never use a metal utensil, it will damage the surface. Many grills are supplied with a special tool just for this purpose.
- Wipe down the plates with some warm water and detergent using a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse it frequently because it will get greasy.
- Dry all of the components thoroughly with a paper towel.
Q: Is it healthy to cook on electric grills?
A: Electric grills are a healthy way of cooking. They are often sloped so a lot of the oil and fat will run out of burgers and joints of meat. This cuts down on the fat content of the food and is healthy for your heart. It also helps if you are trying to reduce your weight.
Also, because the cooking plates on an electric barbecue are often non-stick, you do not have to add fat and oil when you are cooking. Grilled food is generally regarded as a healthier option than baking or frying.
Q: Does it produce CO2 like the charcoal model?
A: There is no open flame in an electric grill so CO2 will not be produced by the device. This may appear to make them the most environmentally friendly option but it is not that simple! If the electricity that powers the grill has been produced by power stations fired by fossil fuels, they will have produced a lot of CO2 and caused environmental damage. However, if the electricity has been generated by renewable sources, such as wind or wave power, then little CO2 will have been produced.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for the best electric grill is a spacious appliance that produces 15 servings on 240 square inches of cooking space. It has a nonstick coating that is durable and easy to clean so you can cook without butter and oil.
It can be used inside and outside and has a handy removable stand. Thanks to the adjustable temperature probe, you can choose from five heat settings. For this grill you need no charcoal and no propane.
Sources:
- A Healthier Way to Grill - Web MD
- Taste of Food on an Electric Grill, Le Foodist
