How to choose the best indoor electric grill? Summer is coming, now you can get together with family or invite friends for a weekend barbecue, even in winter and in all seasons. Electric grills are perfect for homes with or without backyards, apartments, or balconies, large or small.
They can be used indoors or outdoors, but you don’t need to use fire or charcoal. You don’t have to worry about refilling a propane tank or breaking local laws.
Grilling has always been a part of every occasion. Whether it’s steak, fish or a burger, no one seems to hate eating freshly grilled food. Who wouldn’t want a barbecue on the beach? It is perfect in any season. You can even grill in the winter if you have an indoor electric grill at home.
This type of grill is also a great alternative when you’ve run out of charcoal or your landlord won’t allow you to use a traditional grill for safety reasons. If you’re unsure about electric grills but are ready to give them a try, keep reading because this article will give you enough reason to love them.
First, you will learn the differences between gas grills and electric grills. Next, you’ll read some tips for finding the best indoor electric grill based on your preferences.
Finding the right grill among the best electric grills to suit your needs is the first step to creating the best barbecued meats.
The test criteria we considered
The difference between an indoor electric grill and a gas grill is not limited to the fuel source. There are other things you need to consider when choosing the best of the two. Here are a few :
Fuel source
There are at least two types of gas grills that are still around today, gas grills and charcoal grills. These grills use propane or charcoal as a heat source to cook or grill food. On the other hand, electric grills use electricity as the main heat source.
Most manufacturers create heating technology to produce even heating across the entire cooking surface. Since they use electricity, they do not have a gas tank that could cause a leak. They are therefore safer to use indoors than gas grills.
The best electric grills use a coil for heating. Often made from an alloy of nickel and chromium called nichrome, nichrome resists current when a current passes through it, becomes hot and glows. Although George Foreman, Cuisinart, Grundig, Coleman, Char-Broil and even Weber call their electrical appliances “grills”, there is no combustion, flame or smoke.
What is the heating power of an indoor electric grill?
The heating power varies, with some models well over 180°, which is enough to cook most types of food. Some electric grills have temperature settings of up to 200-300°. This gives you more control over cooking and helps you determine appropriate cooking times.
The power rating or wattage of a grill will influence the temperature range (how far it can go) and cooking time. The higher the power of your grill, the higher the temperature it can reach to cook food.
The best power range for cooking different types of food is between 1300 and 1800 watts. Smaller or cheaper grills can max out at 800 watts, which is acceptable. However, it may not be ideal for cooking thicker cuts of meat.
In contrast, the best, more expensive electric grills come with the power to quickly reach the heat (temperature) level you want. So you have to consider this power when you open the grill repeatedly to check the cooking process of the food as well as how the food arrives without sticking.
Design of the best electric grills
Contemporary electric grills are available in many attractive colors to match any kitchen theme. The best brands combine aesthetics and ease of use to fit the modern lifestyle. It has the functionality to consistently deliver great barbecues in a well-built, durable appliance.
What are the types and features of the best electric grills?
Among the different types of electric grills, the best known is undoubtedly the clamshell model. The top and bottom surfaces are designed to sandwich foods, eliminating the need to turn them during cooking. This significantly reduces cooking time, but takes a little more effort to clean up.
Some units look like a traditional griddle with ridges that are typically used on a stove top or burner, where grilling can be very messy!
An electric plancha has its own heat source, so you can grill just about anywhere, as long as there’s a power outlet. However, the glass lid tends to steam meats in their own juices rather than grilling them completely, which can alter flavors.
The best so far? The vertical barbecue grill. It’s the easiest to use, most efficient grill for producing the healthiest foods. You won’t have to turn over, but food will cook evenly from side to side, with even heat distribution.
Just thread meat, sausages, vegetables, chicken or fish on the shafts and spits of the barbecue and let it grill knowing that the food will never be burned!
The appearance, durability and overall performance of the unit allow you to have an exceptional grilling experience and enjoy a delicious barbecue any time of the year!
Open or contact grill
An open grill and a contact grill are two types of broiling methods commonly used for cooking food.
- Open grill – Here, a single grill plate is used to place the food to be cooked. It looks like the traditional outdoor grill, in which you can flip the food to another side for perfect cooking. They are larger (in size) and allow you to cook a large amount of food of different varieties in one go, such as oddly shaped vegetables, large pieces of meat, pieces of fish, etc.
- Contact grill – Here the grill comes into contact with the food, as it presses on both sides. It has two grill plates – the bottom plate and the top plate (like a lid). It allows for better heat distribution and faster cooking. Even though they are compact in size and portable, they provide excellent cooking results.
Non-stick : Some plates have a non-stick surface, smooth on one side and ribbed on the other. It’s a nice feature, not because the ridges improve flavor, but because they’re easy to clean and the surface of the plate usually comes off to go in the dishwasher. This characteristic is interesting because the ridges are often difficult to reach with a sponge.
Flavor
When it comes to authentic grill flavor, nothing can beat gas or charcoal grills. This is due to the smoke or aroma they naturally produce when grilling meat, fish or vegetables.
Many manufacturers are still striving to create better electric grills that can cook food that tastes similar to a real grill. Some people often add smoker wood chips to the grill plate to achieve an authentic flavor.
Heating
Gas grills always generate more intense heat than the best electric grills. However, it is difficult to maintain it at low temperatures. The indoor electric grill is therefore ideal because you can control the temperature most of the time. It is much easier to heat the grill using the temperature knobs or the thermostat.
Additionally, the heating elements of the best electric grills often produce even heat. The disadvantage of this type of grill is that the heat is limited. You may not be able to reach more than 180 degrees, making it impossible to cook thick red meats or sear.
Temperature gauge
Whether removable or integrated, this device is important. It tells you when the grill is ready to cook your meat or if it has reached the right temperature. Some brands simply have an on/off button.
Type of food you want to cook
There are many different types of electric grills. This means that you have to think about the type of food you are going to prepare with it. This can affect the qualities you are looking for in the device. For example, if you want to use it to toast sandwiches, you won’t need a wide temperature range.
On the other hand, if you use it for meats, you will need to be able to reach high temperatures. In general, however, a good grill will be able to cook several different types of food perfectly.
Adjustable thermometer
One of the most important aspects of your grill is its ability to control temperature. This will allow you to cook a wide range of foods. This is why you need to look for a device that has an adjustable thermometer. This is a dial that you can use to precisely control the temperature of the grill.
The best high quality electric grills come with a temperature control feature. With this function, you can easily adjust the temperature (or) set the ideal temperature level, depending on the food you are cooking.
So an indoor electric grill with a thermostat and different temperature settings ensures that the food you prepare will receive the right amount of heat and the result will be perfect.
Cord length
Often one of the main limitations of an indoor electric grill is that it must be plugged in to operate. That’s why you need to think about the length of the cord. The ideal length may vary depending on how you use the device. For example, if you want to use it indoors, you can often get by with a longer cord.
On the other hand, if you want to use it outdoors or take it camping, it is better to choose a model with a long cord. You can check the cord length in the product specifications.
Heating plate materials
The material the griddle is made of can also have a big impact on how efficiently the device is used. For example, these materials can impact how well you’ll be able to transfer heat to food. This is especially important if you want to cook foods that require high temperatures. That is why it is better to choose a thicker heating plate.
Although she may take a little longer to warm up, she will be able to ensure everything is cooked evenly. Also, thicker plates are less likely to warp under high temperatures. Also, the type of materials used can affect how easy the griddle is to clean. By keeping it clean, you’ll be able to ensure that the grill continues to operate efficiently, thus extending its life.
Accessories
In some cases, you may want to think about what kind of accessories you can use with the grill. The importance of these accessories depends on the use you intend to make of the grill. For example, some people will appreciate the possibility of having a stand for preparing food. Or you might want a thermometer built into the cover of the device.
cooking timer
Want to prepare a lot of food at a specific time? Then a grill with a timer option will be your best companion. Thus, it will allow you to use it conveniently by facilitating your cooking process. However, this is not an essential factor to consider but it does make the results of your grilling experience more predictable.
Cooking versatility
Most people think that grilling should only be done outdoors. But this assumption is wrong and most models of the best electric grills allow you to use them both indoors and outdoors. Choose an indoor electric grill to benefit from this versatility and cook your favorite foods in the place of your choice.
If you want to cook food indoors, choose a model designed for indoor use. Some models are equipped with removable racks, which allow you to cook indoors or outdoors. You only need to place the stand if you want to cook outside. Remove the stand and set your grill on a table or counter to cook indoors.
Construction
Compared to traditional barbecues, which use stainless steel for its heavy duty use, durability, rust resistance and easy cleaning, electric barbecues are made from a wide range of different materials, from cast iron to aluminum, for their cooking surface.
A few manufacturers apply a porcelain enamel or ceramic coating as an additional layer to protect the grill surface. Also, the best grills incorporate a grease drain system for good measure.
Security
Like any electrical appliance, these grills are equipped with some sort of safety switch. This switch is triggered in the event of overheating of the grill or electrical failure in order to guarantee the safety of the user and to avoid the risk of fire.
Be sure to unplug the cord before cleaning and follow the user manual on how to use, clean and maintain it properly. Also be careful when evaluating the safety of the grill if you have children or pets in the home.
Storage included
Do you want to prepare delicious marinated meats? Do you use a lot of barbecue spices and sauces? So it makes sense to have a grill with storage included. Thanks to this function, you can prepare your food in a safe, easy and efficient way. Plus, it can prevent cross-contamination and allow you to prepare food accordingly before throwing it on the heating element to cook.
Portability
The question of portability arises when you want to grill food while camping or during backyard barbecues. In this case, a portable and lightweight indoor electric grill is your best option, which allows you to easily transport it from place to place and use it to cook your favorite foods at your favorite place.
Dimensions
Cooking intentions and space needed to store the indoor electric grill will need to be considered before purchase. In addition, the dimensions of each device vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Although the best electric grills come with their exact dimensions listed on the packaging.
Before choosing a particular model, you need to consider various factors such as the existing layout of the kitchen and the space available to afford you an indoor electric grill.
Price
Electric grills are affordable and economical compared to gas or charcoal grills. One can find the price range of these electric grills will be from $100 – $450.
Grills priced between $250 and $450 have enormous heating capacity, similar to that of an infrared heater.
Most of the best electric grills fall in the price range between $100 and $250 (average price). Although its immense heating prowess is less, you can still cook well with this grill.
Grills priced under $100 don’t offer extra features, but they allow you to just focus on cooking.
Guarantee of the best electric grills
Be sure to check the warranty provided on the product by the manufacturer. It is best to look for grills made with sturdy metal for outdoor use and smooth operation. For this you need to read/know all the warranty details of the grill like replacement of parts after certain time or repairs against any manufacturing defects etc.
Other Features of the Best Electric Grills
Here are some additional features that provide a convenient way to use the grills. Take a look there.
- Easy Start – Choosing a grill that has an easy start mechanism will allow you to cook food quickly. So check the model whose switch you flip to heat up your grill and have it ready to use in less than 5 minutes.
- Nonstick Cooking Surface – A grill with a nonstick cooking surface is designed for easy cleanup. This coating does not let food stick to the cooking surface, even if you use less or no oil (butter or fat). Thus, it helps you cook food in a healthy way.
- Filter – Small grills give off smoke when cooking barbecues. If your kitchen is not properly ventilated, the smoke reaches the wall and makes it dirty and greasy. To get rid of this problem, use a grill with a built-in filter to reduce smoke levels when cooking food.
Types of Electric Grills
In general, electric grills are categorized into three main types: cart electric grills, portable electric grills, and built-in electric grills. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. So choose the best one according to your grilling needs. Let’s discover them in detail.
- Electric Grills with Carts – These are semi-portable with some sort of built-in storage. They can cook multiple foods at once and can easily prepare an ideal meal for a large group of people. Most of them come with wheels but are not considered super portable. So an indoor electric grill with a built-in cart will be a perfect fit for your patio or deck.
- Portable Units – Ideal for outdoor events or camping trips. It is small, compact and portable and does not take up much space. However, the downside is that it cannot cook a large amount of food. You need to cook food in batches, especially when serving a large group of people/families.
- Built-in electric grills – These are specially designed for outdoor kitchens and you can install them directly on a counter and stay in one place (like a stove). They are expensive and the best choice for beginners.
What size indoor electric grill to choose?
The best electric grills are generally compact and lighter than gas grills. They don’t produce as much smoke, which makes them ideal for people who live in a small apartment or have a small patio. In other words, an indoor electric grill does not require a large space. It can be placed on any sturdy table top.
In contrast, a gas grill requires a large space so you can grill safely and with ease. That’s why it’s more suitable for outdoors. Besides, you also need to be careful where you place it. You should not grill near flammable materials to avoid fires or any other type of accident.
Size or capacity
The first thing you need to consider is the size of the grill you need. The best way to determine this is to think about how you will be using the grill. For example, do you want to use it to accommodate a large group or to quickly prepare dinner for your family?
This will determine how many hotplates you will need. It can also tell you how you are going to store the device. Fortunately, due to their size and shape, most electric grills are fairly easy to store. If you buy a larger unit, you may need to find a cover to prevent dust from accumulating inside the grill and damaging the electronics.
Both types of grills have different sizes. Electric grills fit countertops and tabletops and are enough to serve two to six people. Larger electric grills for outdoor patios can feed 12-15 people at a time.
Small gas grills can serve individual steaks or the same portion as small electric grills. However, industrial-sized restaurant grills are often gas-fired, allowing for a hundred or more people to be served at a time.
To determine the correct size of a grill, you should consider the following:
What are you cooking?
How many people will you be cooking/feeding?
There are two types of grill models: tabletop models and freestanding models.
The table models are suitable for preparing a single meal for a couple (or) a family of 4 to 5 people.
Freestanding models can accommodate a larger number of people (no more than 10 adults).
In general, the cooking surface varies between 400 and 1300 square cm. A 500 square cm electric model is suitable for singles or couples, while a model over 650 square cm is enough for a family of 3 to 5 people. For large parties, you should grill the food more than once depending on the quantity.
Ease of use
Convenience and ease of use are the selling points of electric grills. Even if they obviously require the proximity of an electrical outlet, everything seems to be easy with this type of grill. Most current brands come with a thermostat or timer that lets you quickly control your food. Preheating the cooking surface is also less tedious.
You just plug it in and wait for the grill to reach the right temperature. Gas grills, on the other hand, take extra effort when you start grilling. For example, users should carefully fill the tank with propane or natural gas. It’s even harder if you don’t have enough propane to grill all the food you need to cook.
Interview
Keeping your grills clean is one of the best ways to prolong their life and keep them working properly. Electric grills are easier to clean thanks to the non-stick qualities of most brands. However, you still need to be careful with wires. Gas grills are harder to clean due to charcoal or gas leaks.
Ease of cleaning
The best electric grills, with their fat draining system, will allow the meat to rest on its own fat. For hassle-free cleaning, you can choose a grill that has a slide-out or easy-access tray. Or, simply look for a dishwasher-safe feature before buying a grill.
Most of the parts of the best electric grills are detachable, making them dishwasher safe for perfect cleaning. But be sure to check the product description to find out if it is dishwasher safe or if you have to clean it by hand before buying it.
Conclusion
An indoor electric grill is a great investment. It will allow you to prepare food quickly and easily. You can also use it to organize events. We hope you now have a better understanding of what to look for when choosing a grill.
To avoid flies and other insects during your barbecue, do not hesitate to consult our guide: the best electric fly killers .
Your most frequently asked questions
How to Clean an Indoor Electric Grill
To keep the grill in perfect working order and shape, it is essential to clean it properly after each use. It requires a special cleaning process compared to other types of grills. Take a look at the step-by-step procedure for cleaning the indoor electric grill.
– Before beginning the cleaning process, be sure to unplug the grill and remove anything from its cooking surface.
– Allow your grill to cool completely , then remove the drip pan and baking tray.
– Once it has completely cooled, you can use a paper towel to remove any visible debris. Also use a grill scraper, but make sure it doesn’t damage the outside of the grill.
– Simply pour a tablespoon of hot water over the grill surface. Add a little water if necessary.
– Now add a drop of dish soap to the hot water and stir well using a grill brush. Coat the entire outside surface of your grill.
– Finally, completely wipe off the soap mixture with a paper towel (or) a clean, dry cloth. Continue wiping until the surface is completely dry.
Note: To clean the drip tray, remove any excessive oil or grease from the tray and clean it with a little washing-up liquid on a damp sponge. Wash it thoroughly and let it air dry.
Be sure to completely dry the grill before packing/storing it . Also, after the cleaning process, you should clean the grill brush with hot water and soap.
How to Maintain an Indoor Electric Grill
Here are some essential tips for cleaning and maintaining your indoor electric grill to keep it running smoothly.
Turn off the device and allow it to cool completely before beginning any cleaning process.
– Never immerse the appliance in water . Most electric grill models come with removable grill plates, which can easily be washed in the dishwasher or wiped clean with a clean, damp cloth.
– Do not use metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners to clean your grill plate. They may damage the non-stick surface of the griddle.
– The power cord and grill controller should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a damp cloth. – But avoid immersing them in water, as this leads to total failure of the device.
You can skip cleaning a heating element. If necessary, wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
Be sure to thoroughly dry the device after you finish cleaning it . Also, never plug in the grill until it is completely dry.
Most electric grills have a removable bowl liner, which allows you to remove excess oil or grease with a plastic scraper. Wash it in warm soapy water.
Regular cleaning will guarantee perfect and long-lasting operation.
How easy is it to use an indoor electric grill?
Yes of course. An indoor electric grill is easy to use compared to gas or charcoal grills. Just plug the grill in instead of lighting the fire with propane or charcoal. Factors like the nonstick coating and removable, easy-to-clean grates make these electric grills easier to use than standard grills.
Is food cooked with an electric grill tasty?
Even if you don’t get the same smoky feel or taste as with a gas or charcoal grill. But an electric grill will still make food tasty. So you can try to cook food on this electric grill.
Is it possible to preheat an electric grill?
Yes, you can preheat this electric grill to the desired temperature. This allows your food to cook quickly and evenly. Therefore, preheat the grill before placing food on the grates.
Can I use an electric grill indoors or outdoors?
Not all electric grills can be used indoors. It all depends on the particular models of electric grills. Some electric grills are intended for indoor use, while others are designed for outdoor use.
There are a few models that are certified for indoor use. It is enough to choose these models to use them inside the house. Outdoor grills are more durable and designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions than indoor grills. A few models can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Before buying it, you should therefore check with your specifications whether the grill is to be used indoors or outdoors or for both. Also remember that a grill used indoors is not meant to be used outdoors.
Can extension cords be used if the power cords for an indoor electric grill are short?
However, it is not recommended to use an extension cord with the electric grill, as this can reduce the power supply to the grill and therefore affect the grilling process.
In the event that the power cord is too short and you must necessarily use this extension cord for its operation, then it should be of the shortest length and have a power greater than the watts of the device. But never join two or more cords together and they must also be labeled for outdoor use.
Which is better – electric grill or gas grill?
It depends on everyone’s personal preference. Electric and gas grills are both effective at grilling food, but they each have their pros and cons.
– Electric grills – These allow the temperature to be set and controlled with the push of a button. So you won’t have to deal with the unpredictability that comes with fire. It must be plugged into an electrical outlet to work. They are compact and portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
– Gas Grills – This is an open flame with less temperature control. It uses fuel (natural gas or propane) to operate. Most of these models are large and should only be used outdoors. Also, it takes longer to cook and cleaning is a bit difficult compared to an indoor electric grill.
So it all comes down to personal preference, as both of these types of grills are best in their own way.
Choose them wisely: if you have less space or want to use them indoors, opt for an indoor electric grill. If you want to cook food for a large group of people outdoors, opt for the gas grill.
Leave a Reply