If you want your food to be tasty and healthy, and you can cook it with a minimum amount of oil or without it at all, then you cannot do without a universal kitchen assistant - an electric grill.
What’s most remarkable is that with a good grill, your culinary abilities will not be important, and even a beginner will turn out such gastronomic masterpieces that you will lick your fingers.
A high-quality device can completely smooth out your inability to cook, choose the right roast, etc.
Some people buy a grill and cook on it not so much to satisfy their hunger as for pleasure. Dishes made on such a thing are very difficult for a non-professional cook to repeat on a regular frying pan.
But how do you choose such a wonderful grill, since there are so many criteria for purchasing? What is better than Tefal OptiGrill, GFgril, Delonghi, Bosch?
Let's try to figure out the formula for a good electric grill, regardless of its brand, and consider the main pitfalls during operation.
Which heating element is better?
First of all, you should decide on the type of grill. The most popular is the contact one - in which the heating element is located under the work surface and the food comes into contact with it.
We will study it in detail. There are also so-called rakletnitsy. They have two tiers at once.
The bottom one is for melting cheese or cooking scrambled eggs. And the top one is for frying bread, meat and vegetables.
This type is suitable mainly for preparing breakfast, rather than hearty, varied lunches.
Please note that there are contact grills in which the heating element is not built into the body, but is tightly mounted into the working surface itself.
Although the panel of such grills heats up faster and more evenly, do not forget about the operational aspects.
Tens tend to burn out sometimes. If such a heating element burns out in the grill body, it can be easily replaced.
What if this happens to an element built into a cast surface? What will you do then?
You'll have to buy other panels, but when paired they cost almost as much as a new grill.
Mistake #1
In addition, not all such panels can be placed in a dishwasher or under running hot water in a sink.
Please check this immediately upon purchase.
Regarding the shape of the heating element.
Mistake #2
At the same power, dog bone or butterfly-shaped heating elements are considered more effective than others.
The one in the photo on the right has the internal space of the rectangles warming up a little less. Very often people complain that the edges of the surface fry much better than the middle.
But spiral ones have dead zones in the corners. As a result, heating turns out to be uneven and a situation is observed when something burns out, while others are not fried at all.
Also pay attention to the place where the heating element contacts are located. These sites are the coldest during operation.
Mistake #3
The further they are located from the edges of the plate (and closer to the center), the worse it is.
Checking the grill heating with a thermal imager
Uneven heating and poor placement of the heating element are clearly visible in the stripes on vegetables.
It is immediately noticeable from them that the frying occurs in parts.
How to choose an electric grill or what to look for?
Deciding on a specific type of electric grill is not enough. To choose a really good electric grill, you need to pay attention to its parameters and additional functions. Each device offers different features that may or may not be useful to you.
Electric grill price
How much does an electric grill cost? It all depends on the model and the functions that the device offers. You can buy a good electric grill for about 1,600 rubles.
- Electric grills from a lower price category (from 1,600 rubles) will be made of less durable material - plastic. Recommended for people who are just starting their grilling adventure and don't care about professional appliances.
- Mid-range electric grills (3000-5800 rubles) - you will find raclette grills with stone grates, open grills with ceramic coating and closed toasters with adjustable temperature.
- High-end electric grills (6,000-16,000 rubles) are grills from well-known, reliable brands, often equipped with additional functions. These can be a raclette grill with fondue function, an electric toaster with a digital display and a grill with a thermostat.
Electric grill - what power?
The power of the device is one of the parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing an electric grill. The higher the power, the faster the grill element heats up, and thus the grilled food becomes ready to eat faster. Of course, each dish will require a different heating temperature, but the power is worth it. The best electric grill is one, the power of which is 1500-2200 V. There are also grills on the market with a lower power of 400-1200 W.
Good electric grill with switch
Contrary to appearances, not every electric grill comes with an on/off switch, so don't take it for granted! Only some models have a corresponding button that allows you to turn the device on and off. However, grills without such a switch can only be turned off by removing the plug from the outlet. And this is not a very convenient solution and can be dangerous if you forget it!
Electric grill - with or without a lid?
An electric grill may or may not have a lid. What will it be equipped with and what task does the cover perform? Tabletop grills for the kitchen, which require getting close to the grate or cooking surface when grilling, are most often equipped with a lid. The lid not only speeds up the process of grilling ingredients, but also protects against grease splashes. The lid must be adapted to the size of the grill and is most often made of tempered glass.
Grill temperature control
Keep in mind that each ingredient requires a different cooking temperature to achieve the desired flavor, juiciness, and browning. Therefore, it is worth having a home electric grill equipped with such functionality. The temperature is usually adjusted using a knob, but can also be set on the digital display.
Is the electric grill closed or open?
An electric grill can be completely open and even without a lid, but it can also be a double-sided electric grill, closed like a sandwich maker.
- Electric open grills without a lid are devices with a larger grilling surface, usually intended for use in the garden, on the balcony or at home for preparing raclette.
- Enclosed electric grills + toasters are smaller devices designed to be placed on a countertop and used in the kitchen. They allow you to grill ingredients on both sides at the same time. You can also use sandwiches to make grilled sandwiches with a variety of ingredients.
Easy to clean grill
Clearing the grill of congealed fat and burnt-on food remains is, of course, not the easiest task. When buying a barbecue, you should pay attention to whether the model you choose is easy or difficult to clean. Electric grills with a heating plate coated with a non-stick coating will not be as complicated as electric grills with a grate that allows melting fat to drip onto the heater. On some models, individual parts can also be removed and washed in the dishwasher, which makes cleaning the device much faster.
Open or closed?
Contact electric grills come in open and closed types. An open one is far from the best option for a kitchen at home.
Here are its disadvantages:
- no pressure cover
- only one surface is heated
- all products will have to be turned over
- takes twice as long to cook
- large dimensions
In a room, such a thing will take up a lot of space.
If you really want to buy an open grill, do not choose a model without a protective glass cover.
It will at least somehow protect you from hot splashes of fat. In addition, with a lid, you can turn on the extinguishing mode at a medium or low heat level.
By the way, there are closed models that fold out 180 degrees and with one movement of the hand easily turn into open ones! A sort of barbecue area.
Mistake #4
It is better to choose the grill body itself from metal rather than plastic.
Although it will cost a little more, it will last much longer. The metal case is protected from excessive heating by good thermal insulation.
Mistake #5
In this case, the grill legs should not slide on the surface.
All cheap models have this problem. Check this defect directly in the store.
With closed grills, all the disadvantages of open grills are automatically inverted and turned into advantages.
This grill is simply ideal for beef steak. During the cooking process, the meat is sealed on both sides and does not lose its juice.
As a result, the steaks are cooked not only faster, but also tastier.
One thing that is bad about closed grills is that if the pieces of meat or fish are too thick, the lid may not close properly.
Mistake #6
Just do not press down the steak with your hands in this case.
There is no need to forcefully squeeze all the juices out of it.
List of the best electric grill models in 2021
10. Clatronic MG 3519
Our rating opens with a completely budget model from a Chinese manufacturer. Despite the fact that the power of the product is not too high - only 700 W, it can be used to completely fry small steaks or chops, cook fish or hot sandwiches. This grill has a significant number of different functions and a small working surface, which is 23x14.5 cm. This is a closed device with a body made of stainless steel.
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It is worth noting that the case is quite easily soiled – fingerprints remain on it almost immediately, so it will have to be cleaned regularly. There is an operation indicator and a metal handle for carrying - it will practically not heat up during operation, but it is better not to touch the other surfaces of the model. Internal cleaning is carried out first with soft fabric materials, and then with a special agent. The product has a non-stick coating, the lock is only on one side.
Advantages:
- Quickly warms up to operating temperature;
- Small overall dimensions;
- All dishes turn out juicy;
- Two working surfaces, each of which heats up during operation, fit tightly to the food being prepared.
Flaws:
- It is not washed off as easily as we would like;
- The grease tray is not secured too securely;
- Slides on the table surface;
- If cooked without oil, food may burn severely.
Clatronic MG 3519
Maxwell MW-1960 ST
This is a fairly powerful device with which you can thoroughly fry thick pieces of meat - this figure is 2 kW, and it comes with two containers for collecting fat. The working surface has a Teflon coating that protects it from sticking of products. The lid has a lock and folds out 180 degrees. In case of overheating, the product automatically turns off, making it completely safe to use. It warms up within a few seconds, so you can quickly start cooking.
The meat turns out well-fried without any foreign odors; you can easily cook steamed vegetables and fish. Cleaning the surfaces is simple - just wipe them with a dry soft cloth, and then go over them with a damp sponge and detergent.
Advantages:
- Very clear controls;
- Quick preparation of any dishes;
- Low cost;
- High build quality;
- Small overall dimensions.
Flaws:
- The upper surface becomes very hot, which is why there is a risk of getting burned;
- Short power cord.
Maxwell MW-1960 ST
Philips HD 6360
It has a body made of high-quality stainless steel, which gives the product additional attractiveness and extends its service life. The weight of the device is about 5 kg with small overall dimensions - 45x14x29 cm. The power of the device is 2 kW, which is quite enough for frying thick pieces of meat.
The control is mechanical, stepwise, carried out by levers. The design includes a power-on indicator, the lid is made of tempered glass, and there are feet that prevent the product from sliding on the surface.
Advantages:
- If necessary, all removable elements can be washed in the dishwasher;
- Attractive appearance, the product is decorated with metal inserts and has a glass lid;
- The dishes turn out very juicy.
Flaws:
- Excellent for steaming dishes, but the grill function is rather weak;
- The power decreases during the cooking process, so you have to increase the temperature;
- Sometimes the shutdown system works on its own.
Philips HD 6360
Electric grill Steba FG 95
This contact device is very easy to operate, the working surface is quite spacious, and there is a built-in tray for collecting fat. The device has three removable plates. The total power of the device is 1800 W, which ensures maximum uniform frying of products. The temperature control is smooth, there are also a number of indicators - temperature, frying, thanks to which you can keep the cooking process under your complete control. All working surfaces are covered with non-stick substances, the grill has a timer with a built-in sound signal, and a device for winding the power cord is provided.
The appearance is very beautiful, the case is made of satin stainless steel with plastic and rubber inserts. All corners are smooth, there are rubberized legs, and a handle that is curved upward is provided. At the back there is a replaceable plate stored in one compartment, while fat is collected in another. The timer is adjusted in steps of two minutes. Before cooking, you need to warm it up for 15 minutes.
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Advantages:
- Attractive appearance;
- High-quality assembly, no backlash;
- Fries meat and vegetables well.
Flaws:
- It does not hold the temperature well, which increases the cooking time;
- Large overall dimensions;
- The panels are not only ribbed, but also with slots;
- High price.
Electric grill Steba FG 95
6. ProfiCook PC-KG 1029
This is a contact design that consumes about 2 kW of electricity at the highest settings. The highest cooking temperature is 180 degrees with the possibility of stepwise adjustment in 2-degree increments. Cooking products are in direct contact with heating surfaces. The plates are ribbed with a non-stick coating, so you don't have to use fat. They are removable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher if necessary. There is a tray to collect fat or juice if vegetables are being cooked.
If necessary, the device can be unfolded 180 degrees and both surfaces can be used as an autonomous heat source. The case is carefully thermally insulated, the device warms up very quickly, you can start cooking literally three to four minutes after it is plugged in.
Advantages:
- The dishes turn out very tasty, as if they were cooked on open coals;
- The product is easy to use;
- Cleans quickly and efficiently.
Flaws:
- All inscriptions on the buttons are quickly erased;
- Short power cord.
ProfiCook PC-KG 1029
GFgrill GF-100
It has small overall dimensions, which allows it to be used in cramped kitchen conditions. Its work surface can easily accommodate three pork or beef steaks at once. The grill has a non-stick coating on the working surface, the grates heat up very quickly - these features of the device allow you to cook dishes without using oil. The panels are not removable, which makes them difficult to clean, especially since you have to wait until the device has completely cooled down.
The device does not heat up the surrounding room much during operation. It has a timer so you don’t have to constantly monitor it. The opening handle does not heat up at all, so you don’t have to worry about getting burned. The device automatically adjusts to pieces of different thicknesses.
Advantages:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Fast cooking;
- Possibility to fry without oil.
Flaws:
- In some models, the control begins to work incorrectly over time - the product turns on spontaneously, no symbols appear on the display;
- The panels are not removable;
- The length of the supply wire is only 0.8 meters.
GFgrill GF-100
Tefal Optigrill+XL GC722D34
One of the best models of electric grills presented in our review today, it ended up in fourth place only because of its high cost. Otherwise, this is an ideal design; its main distinguishing feature is the automatic determination of the degree of doneness of the steak. To do this, there is a sensor on the working surface that will change the cooking temperature of the dish depending on its thickness. The circular display shows the degree of doneness - from one to six.
Recently, the release of a modernized model was announced with an increased area of working plates, which are installed at a slight angle - excess fat is removed independently. In addition, there is a food defrosting mode; all cooking parameters can be adjusted manually. There are nine automatic programs for different types of food - red or white meat, poultry, fish, sausages, sandwiches, burgers and so on. The kit does not include replacement panels.
Advantages:
- Very convenient to use;
- Removable elements that can be washed in the dishwasher;
- The presence of a significant number of indicators and sensors that allow you to automate the cooking process as much as possible;
- All dishes turn out delicious; if desired, you can make a crispy crust.
Flaws:
- High price;
- When cooking food in the room, corresponding odors appear;
- Sometimes indicators fail.
Tefal Optigrill+XL GC722D34
Delonghi Multigrill CGH 1030D
This is a contact-type electric grill, equipped with electronic controls and grooved plates (the set also comes with a set of flat plates). You can cook not only meat, vegetables or sandwiches, but also waffles and other confectionery products. The device has an electronic display that displays all the necessary information. The device has automatic temperature control, which allows you to thoroughly fry the meat; each plate has its own temperature controller.
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The grill has a corresponding application that allows you to control it and monitor the cooking process remotely on your mobile phone screen. The grease tray is built-in, removable, and can be washed in the dishwasher, like other removable parts of the device.
Advantages:
- Very beautiful appearance;
- A large number of functions;
- Several replaceable panels;
- Can be used as an open grill;
- Adjustable height of legs and lid.
Flaws:
- High price;
- Short power cord.
Grill DELONGHI CGH1012D. Lifehacks with taste
Delonghi Multigrill CGH 1030D
Tefal GC306012
According to user reviews, as well as in terms of price-quality ratio, this model, with a power of 2 kW, rightfully took second place. You can cook with it much faster than in a frying pan. To make using it as convenient as possible, the design provides three positions of the panels, thanks to which the electric grill can be used as a barbecue, oven or grill itself. There are several temperature modes, they are set mechanically.
The body is made of combined materials, metal panels with non-stick coating. They are very easy to clean and can be removed and placed in the dishwasher if necessary. On the back side there are stands that allow you to store the device in a vertical position - this helps to save free space in the kitchen.
Advantages:
- Easy to use;
- Availability of removable panels;
- Large size of working surfaces;
- High power.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
I cook on the GRILL. Menu for FAMILY DINNER. Useful LIFE HACK - how to preserve the NON-STICK COATING
Tefal GC306012
Garlyn GL-200
The leader of our rating. The main distinguishing feature of the Garlyn electric grill is its fully touchscreen control panel. It has 7 automatic cooking programs (including defrosting/reheating). The user selects the desired mode, and the device will signal that the dish is ready and turn off automatically. For those who like to independently track each stage, a manual mode is provided.
The control unit also regulates the degree of roasting. The color indication scale shows what stage the product is at. What is important is that when the desired degree of roasting is reached, the device will turn off on its own.
The grill plates are removable and equipped with TwinMax double non-stick coating. You can cook without using oil and wash the panels in the dishwasher. The heating elements are built into the plates, thanks to which the device quickly reaches operating temperature and does not lose heat.
The cast metal body adds reliability to the grill and gives the buyer confidence that the device will last for many years. The grease tray at the front of the electric grill will help keep your kitchen clean.
Advantages:
- 7 automatic cooking programs;
- Double non-stick coating;
- Removable plates can be washed in the dishwasher;
- The heating element is built into the work surface;
- Adjusting the degree of roasting;
- Die-cast metal body.
Flaws:
- There is no "open grill" function.
Garlyn GL-200
Working surface
It is clear that the working surface of the grill is the most critical element of the design. It must be of high quality, without scratches or blisters.
But the most important thing to pay attention to is the following point:
Mistake #7
Do not buy electric grills for your kitchen without a removable work surface.
Of course, no one will put the entire appliance under cold water immediately after cooking. But when the grill cools down, all the remains of the dish will dry out and stick tightly to the walls.
Models with a removable design have no problems with cleaning. You remove the surface from the grill while it is still warm and calmly wipe away fresh stains under running hot water without using any force or chemicals.
Mistake #8
Never remove food residues with metal objects - scrapers, knife, fork, etc.
Some non-stick surfaces can even be scratched by salt crystals and spices!
If the fat has solidified and stuck, do not rush to immediately put the panel into the dishwasher.
Here's what can happen to it due to such aggressive washing (review from one of the customers who previously only washed the panel under water in the sink):
It depends on the manufacturer and the thickness of the layer.
How to properly clean the removable grill panel
Take a large plate. Place a grill plate on a plate and place it all under a stream of not too hot water (so that your hand can hold it).
The plate is necessary so that the washed-off fat does not stick to the bottom of the plate. That is, the panel should be above the water flowing into the sink.
In just a few minutes, all the burnt marks will dissipate, soften and fall away from the surface. After this, use a soft foam rubber (not abrasive!) sponge + fairy to wash off the remaining fat from the plate.
Don't forget the underside too! Finally, gently blot the plate with a clean disposable paper towel so that no drops of water remain on it.
NO NEED TO RUB! Just blot it.
Grill Surface Separation:
Electric grill with barbecue
Made from a heater with a grate installed on it. Its appearance is reminiscent of a traditional charcoal garden grill, so it should appeal to the biggest grill enthusiasts. Melting fat from the meat drips onto the heater (in the case of a traditional charcoal grill), which is then difficult to clean. On the other hand, this type of grill has a large grilling surface, which allows you to cook different dishes at the same time. Some models are equipped with an adjustable thermostat that allows you to set the grill temperature to the appropriate temperature.
Advantages:
- resembles a traditional charcoal grill,
- large grill area.
Flaws:
- grease drips onto the heater - it is difficult to keep it clean,
- grilling on both sides is not possible.
Electric grill with hob
It consists of a heating plate on which you can place grilled food and a powerful heater. This type of stove is coated with a non-stick coating - most often Teflon or ceramic. Unlike a grill with a grate, melted fat does not flow into the heater, but through special gutters into a drip tray. This is a great convenience and makes the electric grill with hob very easy to clean. Not every model is equipped with such a tank. However, you can disassemble the hob and clean it thoroughly.
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Advantages:
- equipped with a plate with a coating to which food does not stick,
- The melting fat does not flow into the heater, but into the grooves,
- very clean benches,
- Models with a large grill area are available.
Electric raclette grill with mini frying pans
Multifunctional device of round or rectangular shape. There's a plate at the top for grilling, and space at the bottom for mini skillets for melting cheese and frying eggs. This allows you to cook different dishes at once. Such a grill is most often placed on a table around which guests gather - each of them can create their own casserole, which they place in a small frying pan, usually coated with Teflon. In turn, the grill plate itself is often made of stone. The fat does not drip onto the heater, but remains in the trays.
Advantages:
- multifunctional appliance - the ability to cook different dishes at once,
- some models are also equipped with a fondue function,
- the fat melts in the grooves,
- easy to keep clean.
Smooth or grooved, non-stick or cast iron?
Mistake #9
A grill with only a smooth working surface is a very bad option.
In principle, when it comes to grills, images of the stripes that the grooved plates leave immediately pop up in our heads.
However, the corrugated panel is not only more attractive, but also plays another important role when cooking.
When the dish is heated, all excess fat flows into the grooves and evaporates into them, making meat, fish and other products more healthy.
All this could end up in your stomach when cooking without a grill.
A universal option is a removable double-sided panel.
On one side there is corrugation, on the other – smooth surface. With such a surface you can cook almost any dish.
The panel covering itself can be made of:
- cast iron, ceramics
- natural stone
- metal with non-stick coating
Which one is better?
Mistake #10
The first two are suitable for restaurants and bars, not for home cooking.
They have 100 preparations a day or more, and you have one or two.
You need to be careful when handling ceramics. One unfortunate fall or splash of cold water on a hot surface and you no longer have a grill.
Therefore, for home use, they usually take electric grills with non-stick panels.
Mistake #11
However, do not be confused, non-stick does not always mean Teflon!
Recently, numerous studies and problems of the influence of Teflon on human health have significantly influenced its use in kitchen appliances.
Here, for example, is the response from a DeLonghi Multigrill 1030 representative regarding this complaint:
Mistake #12
Just do not use strong detergents or rough brushes to clean such surfaces.
The plates wear out very quickly and everything starts to stick to them. Here, as stated above, the best option is paper towels.
Mistake #13
Also, do not wipe the hot panel with a soft sponge.
The sponge may begin to melt. If pieces of food have already begun to stick in some places, you will have to lubricate the surface with a brush and oil each time.
Mistake #14
A good panel should not be too light and thin.
The heavier it is, the better it will maintain the required high temperature.
Right in the store, ask the sales assistant to take out a work surface from various devices and hold them suspended in your hands. All other things being equal, choose the grill where the surface is thicker and heavier.
You don’t need a “waffle iron” with corrugated plates in the form of a sheet of tin.
Electric grill or traditional grill?
The traditional barbecue lit in the garden is, of course, a symbol of picnics and summer barbecues. However, this type of grill requires the right weather conditions to light it. The traditional grill that reigns supreme during barbecue season is usually the charcoal grill. Rising smoke gives cooked meat, fish and vegetables a unique taste and aroma. Therefore, this type of grill has many supporters, but more and more people are leaning towards the electric grill, which allows you to grill all year round!
Classic charcoal grill for the garden
There are popular disposable and reusable grills. You will find both small and large models. People often choose portable grills that can easily be placed in the trunk of a car and taken with them to friends or on a hike. However, charcoal grills should not be used indoors due to the smoke they create. Placing them on the balcony would also not be the best idea if there are neighbors around. However, they are ideal in the garden or any other place where barbecuing is not prohibited.
However, traditional charcoal grilling requires a bit of fun - you have to light the charcoal first, then control the temperature and add charcoal if necessary. Therefore, this is not a device that will allow you to cook food quickly. Meetings on such a grill have their own atmosphere, but cooking food over coals requires much more work than on an electric grill.
Electric grill for the kitchen and balcony
In turn, an electric grill can be used not only in the spring-summer season, but all year round! Thus, this is a great device for big grilling enthusiasts who are looking forward to the barbecue season during the colder months.
Unlike a traditional charcoal grill, it does not need to be lit for several minutes. There is also no rising smoke, preventing the possibility of grilling in rooms and on block balconies . An electric grill heats up quickly, so feel free to put meat and vegetables on it, even if you're really hungry and only cooking for one person.
However, this grill requires a power source to operate. This, on the one hand, is a disadvantage of the device, and on the other, an advantage - it does not smoke, so you can grill in the kitchen or on the balcony. Whether it's raining or windy outside, you can fire up your electric grill at any time and cook delicious meals. It is worth choosing an electric grill with removable heating plates, because this device is also much easier to keep clean than a traditional grill with a grate on which grease accumulates.
The real power of a good grill
The power of the appliance is not ONLY responsible for how long the grill will take to heat up and how long it will take to cook food.
Mistake #15
Products should not be placed on a poorly heated or cold surface and only then turn on the appliance.
Therefore, in this matter, never pay attention to saving energy. This is not a heater that works all day long.
Mistake #16
Do not buy grills with a power of less than 2 kW.
Good models should be powerful enough, not economical!
The ability of a grill to produce the highest possible temperature within the range of at least 230-250C is precisely related to its power.
Mistake #17
At lower temperatures, instead of a fried crust, you will get a half-stewed something.
Vegan shawarma will be fried just right, but forget about normal meat
