Is it possible to prepare a dish at home that is similar in taste to the one cooked over a fire? Of course, if you have an electric grill. Steaks and vegetable stew will turn out just as juicy and tasty, and you won’t need to worry about firewood, mess with the fire, or monitor the fire.
But there is one small problem. The number of models presented in the retail network is so large that when purchasing a device you may have understandable difficulties. Today you will learn what parameters you should pay attention to first, and also get acquainted with a small list of the best electric grills for the home.
Before going to the store: what to look for
An electric grill is a household device designed for cooking food by exposure to high temperatures from the frying surface (or surfaces). They differ in type: portable and stationary, and in type of execution: open, closed, combined.
It is used by people who prefer to cook food not using a stove, but through infrared heating.
Today, all of them, despite the general principle of operation, offer different functionality, ease of maintenance, materials used and energy consumption. Therefore, before going to the store, you should read reviews about which electric grill is best to buy for your home; fortunately, such information is easy to find. Most importantly, before purchasing, you need to have a clear answer to three basic questions:
- Why buy an electric grill? Will this be a one-time use, for example, at a picnic, or frequent use, in the kitchen?
- Intended place of use? Cottage, country house, apartment, or wherever you need it, from time to time?
- Need more features? Do you need a shut-off timer, a collapsible housing and a non-stick heating element?
A microwave can be considered an alternative to an electric grill, although, of course, the difference in their cost is quite significant.
Power consumption
The intensity and degree of heating of the frying panels is a key characteristic, since it determines how quickly and efficiently the dish will be cooked. Therefore, when they mention the best electric grill in its class, it definitely means more power. For premium devices it can reach 2.5kW, while cheap models often do not exceed 700W. The best option for home is the range of 1.5-2 kW.
The first electric grills appeared about 30 years ago and quickly became popular among housewives.
Existing device types
Most portable electric grills come in a closed version, that is, they have a lid. On the one hand, this prevents the appearance of smoke and burning in the room and allows for more even temperature treatment of products. On the other hand, with rare exceptions, they cannot be used to cook anything other than steaks or barbecue. While the open type allows you to do both: cook scrambled eggs or burn a sandwich. As a compromise, manufacturers produce a combined type that includes the features of the first two.
There is no need to be afraid of smoke and fry juicy steaks in the fresh air, but you can cook right in your apartment or house.
Types of electric grills
Today's kitchen appliances market offers a huge number of electric grill models, which differ from each other in design, design, surface type and many other factors. Before making a purchase, you must carefully study all the characteristics of this device in order to make the most successful choice.
By design
The first thing buyers pay attention to is the design of the electric grill. There are three types of devices:
- Open;
- Closed;
- Combined.
Outdoor electric grill Indoor electric grill
Open type
An open electric grill resembles a barbecue in its characteristics. Under the panel for frying food there are heating elements, due to which the surface is heated.
Advantages of the open type:
- Great for outdoor use;
- The food tastes better.
Flaws:
- To ensure even cooking, you have to turn the food over;
- This grill can only be used at home under a hood.
You can use an outdoor electric grill at home under a hood
Closed type
A closed electric grill consists of two plates that open and close like a book. You can fry any food on this device.
Pros of the closed type:
- Food is cooked evenly on both sides without human intervention;
- The cooking process takes less time;
- The pressure created by covering food with the top panel allows you to heat food and prepare many delicious dishes with fillings.
Its disadvantage is that to heat two panels the device must have more power.
In a closed electric grill, food heats up evenly
Combined type
A combined electric grill combines the functions of a closed and open appliance.
The advantage of the device is more possibilities, but the disadvantage is that the device requires even more energy than a closed grill.
Contact
In a contact device, products come into contact with the work surface, and due to this, they are cooked. Contact electric grills come in three types:
- One-sided. This technology is used in open devices. During the cooking process, you must independently turn the food over to ensure even cooking;
- Double sided. The food is sandwiched between two working panels and fried on both sides at the same time;
- Combined. The functionality of such devices is enhanced by their ability to operate as single-sided or double-sided devices.
Contact single-sided electric grill Contact double-sided electric grill Contact combined electric grill
Advantages of the contact type:
- Dishes are prepared faster;
- The corrugated surface creates beautiful stripes on the products.
Their disadvantages:
- After preparation, the panels must be washed;
- The dish may burn.
Contactless
In these devices, food is threaded onto skewers or placed on a wire rack. Cooking occurs by heating the working chamber space.
Contactless models are:
- Planetary;
- Vertical;
- Carousel;
- Skewers.
One of their disadvantages is the formation of a large amount of smoke during the cooking process.
Planetary electric grill Skewer electric grill Carousel electric grill Vertical electric grill
Stationary
Stationary models are designed for preparing dishes at home or in a cafe. These are reliable devices with which you can prepare several dishes at the same time.
Pros:
- More powerful;
- Cooking large quantities of food at once;
- Device reliability.
Minuses:
- Heavy weight;
- Large dimensions;
- Poor mobility.
Portable
A portable electric grill can cook food anywhere there is electricity.
Its advantages:
- Mobility;
- Small size and weight.
The disadvantage is that the device is less reliable and durable.
Modern models combine several of the above types. For example, an open-type electric grill can be stationary or portable, etc.
How to choose an electric grill: by shape or size
This is the case when size matters. A device with a wide surface is better suited for a large family, while a regular portable grill is designed for cooking for one or two people. The optimal solution may be a combined option.
The main advantage of an electric grill is its ability to remove excess fat from the prepared product and at the same time fry without oil.
In addition, in closed electric grills, securing the lid is key. Preference should be given to designs on hinges, as it allows you to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, which increases the variety of prepared dishes. The ideal option is the ability to adjust the gap between the lower and upper parts.
Types of electric grills
You can classify the device according to different characteristics, choosing between which you will be able to determine which electric grill is the best.
Stationary and portable
The stationary type cannot be used at home due to the need for 380 kW voltage and a three-phase power supply. They are used in restaurants. So, only portable tabletop grills are suitable for home use.
Contact and non-contact
The second option is a grate with a heating element underneath in the form of a spiral. The dishes on them turn out excellent, but a large amount of smoke is released during their preparation. Fat from food drips onto the heating element, which causes smoke.
If you have a powerful hood or for country use, you can afford this type of device.
There are also grills in the form of a spit - an electric kebab maker, which is a non-contact type of device. You can only cook meat and vegetables cut into large cubes on it.
Contact grills provide a wider range of cooking options. Such devices are available in two types:
- Single-sided (open types) . On a one-sided device, products are fried only on the contact side, so they need to be turned over periodically. It is convenient to have two different surfaces - corrugated for meat and flat for vegetables and fish. The grooves of the corrugated surface allow excess fat to drain from the meat, making it more useful.
An open-type grill can also include a raclette maker - a device with two tiers for cooking small portions on special stands.
- Double-sided (presses, closed types of grills) . When using a closed appliance, food cooks twice as fast due to double-sided heating. New models unfold, transforming into a flat one-sided surface. The distance between the panels is adjustable (not available on all models), which allows you to heat both a large burger and thin slices of vegetables.
Contact models are more preferable, the choice between which can already be made according to personal preferences.
Materials used for the work surface
There are electric grills with fixed and removable plates. When choosing, priority should be given to the second option, although the first is cheaper. In addition, there is a difference in the surface texture itself: it can be solid or grooved. The latter is more preferable when cooking meat.
The main task of an electric grill is to heat food at high temperatures using infrared heating.
Based on the rating of electric grills with removable panels, we can provide a list of the most common materials for frying surfaces:
- Cast iron. The most durable and wear-resistant material with good thermal conductivity. Difficult to care for.
- Aluminum. It is not used in its pure form, only with a non-stick coating - excellent heat transfer and rapid wear if not handled carefully.
- Glass ceramics. Composite material with the best “heating-recoil” combination. Fragile.
- Polished stone. An ordinary, specially processed stone. It is distinguished by its ability to retain heat for a long time. Used in top-segment devices.
Heating elements are capable of heating the work surface up to 700 degrees Celsius, and quartz lamps - up to 1000 degrees or more.
Note! Removable panels may be the best solution, since they allow for variability in structure: corrugated or flat, as well as the possibility of purchasing additional surfaces, which significantly expands the capabilities of the device.
Housing material
This is usually metal: enameled or stainless steel. Budget models use plastic. A rational decision would be to give preference to durable material, while choosing an electric grill with a plastic body may be an attractive option in terms of cost. You also need to pay attention to the type of device. The external coating of closed grills is not as demanding to maintain as the working surfaces of open-type devices. Naturally, there should only be metal there.
The electric grill's capabilities include functions such as frying, stewing, baking and reheating.
How to choose: what parameters to pay attention to?
When choosing and purchasing an electric grill, special attention should be paid to the following parameters:
- Working surface size . The choice should be made depending on the number of people for whom you plan to cook. For example, for a family of 4-5 people you need to purchase a grill with an area of 50 cm2.
- Power . For home electric grills, the power varies between 0.7 -2.2 kW. The higher it is, the faster the food will cook.
- Materials used. Ideally, the body should be made of stainless steel and the work surface should have a non-stick coating. Cheaper and less durable models are made of heat-resistant plastic, and their working surface is covered with enamel.
- Temperature adjustment. Particularly convenient are those models in which you can separately regulate the temperature of the upper and lower working surfaces.
- Timer. Allows you to set the cooking time, after which the device automatically turns on. The function will be useful for busy people and young mothers.
- Heating (temperature maintenance) mode Allows you to keep cooked foods hot and fresh for a long time.
- Delayed start mode. Thanks to it, you can set the start time of cooking. That is, the electric grill can cook the food placed in it, even when you are not in the kitchen.
- Availability of display or light indexing. Shows which mode the device is operating in.
- Thermal insulation of handles. Allows you to move a hot, working device to another place.
- removable tray
- The relief of the working surface – a flat surface is much easier to clean .
Additional functions
Additional functions include capabilities the absence of which will not affect the device’s performance of its immediate tasks. These options include:
- The presence of thermal protection on the handles.
- Removable tray (preferably smooth).
- Shutdown and heating timer.
- Protection against exceeding the permissible temperature.
- Status indicators.
- Control type: mechanical or electronic.
- Case material.
- Design.
Portable grills are convenient and compact, making them easy to move from place to place.
Rating of popular models
We bring to your attention a small selection of the best electric grills for home use, representing the budget segment.
Tefal Optigrill GC702D34
An electric grill with a proprietary Teflon non-stick coating, with which you won’t have problems cleaning for a very long time. The design of the device is collapsible, which is an impressive advantage if you have a dishwasher. And even without it, it’s much easier to clean the tray and panels separately.
A power of 2000 W is quite enough to prepare almost any dishes from meat, vegetables, and fish.
There is a function for adjusting the heating level depending on the required degree of frying of the products. The electronic control panel has several cooking modes, so you can get used to the electric grill in just a few minutes.
A special feature of the device is a sensor that can determine the thickness of a steak, as well as quantitative indicators of dishes placed on the heating surface. Based on this data, Tefal Optigrill determines the optimal roasting time. The device is quite compact, so you can take it with you to the countryside.
Sinbo SSM 2529
Good functionality at an affordable price allowed this model of electric grill for the home to take an honorable second place in our rating. It is worth noting the rubberized feet that do not allow the kitchen appliance to slide, as well as the absolutely safe handle that does not heat up.
Operating instructions: what you need to know
Despite the constant improvement of technology and increasing the level of protection, any modern household electrical appliance is a device with an increased level of danger. Therefore, even the most enthusiastic reviews of which electric grill is best to buy for the home will not help if the device starts to “beat” with current, causes a short circuit, or heats up where it is not needed.
With these electric grills you can easily cook food for several people.
To prevent this from happening, you must follow basic safety rules:
- Do not place the grill on inclined surfaces or in an unstable position.
- Do not allow children to play near the device.
- Avoid contact with flammable substances and materials.
- Use protective gloves and an apron while working.
- Do not leave the device unattended for a long time.
- Do not operate the grill with obvious signs of malfunction.
- Use the device strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
The most suitable for home use are tabletop contact electric grills.
Gas or electric?
Grills adapted for home use are:
- Gas . Available in spherical and rectangular shapes. This grill can be mobile, stationary or even built-in. Its advantage is that food retains its taste as much as possible and is somewhat superior to electrical appliances in this regard. The downside is that it is not easy to install - it is connected to a gas pipe or a special gas cylinder is used. The dimensions of a gas grill can only be afforded in a spacious kitchen in a large apartment or in a private house.
- Electric . Available open or closed. They differ in body material and heating panel, different heating methods and other characteristics. The latest types of electric models are heated using a halogen lamp - infrared grills. Such a device consumes much less electricity than simple electric grills and takes up little space. But only those gourmets who can afford it can purchase an infrared electric grill, since this is the most expensive type of device for this purpose. In addition, the surface of such a grill, made of glass ceramics, is quite fragile and not durable.
The optimal type for home use is an electric grill with a heating element or quartz heater.
Housewives also often turn their attention to ovens. Here you will get the answer to the question of how to choose an oven.
The best electric grill is a well-maintained electric grill
A newly purchased device must be prepared for its first use. To do this, wipe all internal surfaces with a clean cotton cloth, and also wash the removable plates and the grease collection tray (if equipped) with water. After finishing cooking, you should wait until all heated elements have cooled down enough to be cleaned.
When purchasing, choose an electric grill with a removable tray - this makes cleaning it much easier.
Removable plates are washed under running water. Do not use hard sponges or abrasives! It is better to treat the fat tray with hot water using a small amount of washing liquid. External surfaces can be cleaned with a slightly dampened cloth to prevent moisture from entering the cooling system. The device can be assembled only after all removable parts have completely dried.
Prefer grills with a non-corrugated work surface, which is easier to clean.
Electric grill: use and maintenance
If you just bought an electric grill, look for the best location for it. Of course, it is best to place the device next to the nearest outlet and at a distance of 5 cm from the walls . Then it must be heated to maximum temperature. When the indicator goes off, you can set the temperature required for cooking. Using a pastry brush, apply some fat to the heating surface, then place the food you want to cook. At the end of the cooking cycle, unplug the appliance . Please note that the device cannot be moved once it is turned on.
Caring for a compact electric grill is usually very simple, since the device is mobile and the removable panels can be washed in the dishwasher . However, the grill should always be cleaned not only from the inside, but also from the outside to avoid any build-up of grease. External surfaces and the grease tray can be washed with warm water and soap . Interestingly, by the way, the juice and fat from the grill can be used in preparing other dishes. The grill grate must be washed by hand without using abrasives or hard sponges or brushes .
Electric grill for home – 2020 rating
The list of the most popular models is compiled based on independent reviews, customer reviews and discussions on specialized forums.
Moulinex GC208832 “Minute Grill” series
A universal compact device of a combined type with an average energy consumption level of 1.6 kW. Equipped with non-stick removable panels. It has three temperature settings and is equipped with a readiness indicator. Suitable for making sandwiches.
The Moulinex GC208832 electric grill is made of stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage.
BORK G802
The most powerful representative on this list: power consumption – 2400W. The body is made of metal. Types of panels - removable, corrugated and smooth. Electronic control. Despite its rather large size, it is distinguished by more than wide functionality: an on timer, an auto-cooking option, lid adjustment, and also the presence of a built-in temperature probe.
BORK has created the G802, a grill that's perfect for everyone.
Vitek VT-2632 BK
A small-sized closed device with the possibility of vertical storage. Power consumption – 2000W. Key features: removable plates, pull-out tray, four heating modes and an operating indicator. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the rapid wear of the non-stick coating.
Electric grill Vitek VT-2632 BK is an excellent option for your money.
Kitfort KT-1602
Contact type device with a metal case, power 2 kW. Equipped with removable panels with a corrugated surface. The advantages include the ability to adjust the lid and a wide opening angle. The disadvantages are mechanical control. A good choice for those who do not know how to choose an electric grill.
The Kitfort KT-1602 contact electric grill allows you to cook steaks, vegetables, fish, sandwiches, croutons and much more.
Delonghi CGH1030D “MultiGrill” series
Premium model: closed pressure grill with two independent plates. Power consumption – 2000W. It is completed with three pairs of removable surfaces and a separate tray. Among the features worth noting are seven operating modes and a digital display.
A functional and practical contact grill with an elegant design.
GFgril GF-170 “Profi” series
Compact device of closed (contact) type. Made in a metal case, equipped with removable panels, a thermostat, a timer and allows the lid to be adjusted in height. Power – 1800W. Control is mechanical.
The GF-170 Profi electric grill is deservedly considered one of the company’s most popular models.
Tefal GC450B32 “SuperGrill” series
Multifunctional grill with pull-out tray and removable cast aluminum plates. Among the additional features, it is worth noting two modes: barbecue or grill, as well as a thermostat, indication of the cooking process and four heating levels. Power consumption – 2 kW. The body is metal.
The Tefal Supergrill GC450B32 electric grill is quite small in size and easily fits on the kitchen table.
Maxwell MW-1960 ST
A good price-quality ratio and an excellent option for those who are still choosing their best electric grill: closed type, with separate adjustment of the heating of the plates (surface - corrugated). Provides nine heating modes and is equipped with status indicators. Allows adjustment of the lid. Power consumption – 2000W.
The lid fastening system adjusts to the desired height of the product.
Tefal GC205012 “Minute Grill” series
A simple compact closed-type electric grill with mechanical control, power 1.6 kW. Allows storage in a vertical position. The plates are removable, interchangeable, with a corrugated surface. Three heating levels, maximum temperature – 255 degrees. Equipped with an operation indicator and allows you to adjust the plates. Housing – metal, plastic.
Affordable quality grill with replaceable panels.
Tefal GC706D34 “Optigrill” series
A device from the top segment: five levels of frying and automatic readiness control. Made in a metal body with removable grooved panels and a huge fat tray, this 2000W electric grill provides exceptional functionality: six programs for cooking various foods, a defrost option and a large work surface. It is also worth noting that the removable parts can be washed in the dishwasher.
The OptiGrill Initial smart grill will cook any steak of any roast or any dish thanks to 6 automatic programs.
Thus, the purchase of an electric grill should, on the one hand, outline the range of gastronomic problems to be solved, and on the other, ensure the implementation of the required functionality using the capabilities provided. Therefore, when choosing an electric grill for the home according to the 2021 rating, it is necessary to evaluate not only the feasibility of choosing the device as such, but also how useful it will be in the household in terms of culinary capabilities.
An electric grill will be an excellent purchase for you, because cooking with it is a real pleasure.
The principle of operation of an electric grill
A closed-type household electric grill consists of two heating surfaces, between which the product being cooked is placed. In part, it can be compared to a frying pan, but double-sided. But there is an important difference: in an electric grill you can cook without fat or oil, since the heating surfaces have a non-stick coating. The heat source can be quartz lamps, capable of providing a temperature inside the grill of about 1000°C, or heating elements (operating temperature 600-800°C.
This design allows food to be heated as evenly as possible. An electric grill can easily replace a barbecue grill; it can be used as a double boiler and even as an alternative to a microwave oven. In short, this is a fairly universal device that will help you paint your life with brighter colors. But provided that you take the choice of an electric grill for your home responsibly.
Note that dishes prepared on an electric grill can be called dietary, since the technology is similar to steaming, although the taste of the food will resemble fried food.
