Looking for best indoor grilling solution?
There’s nothing like hanging out with friends and family while enjoying ice, cold beer and a plate of barbecue. If you reside in an apartment or condo that has restrictions on the use of grill, then you might have thought that this was something you won’t be able to experience in your own home. Well, don’t despair. There’s still a way for you to do this – with an electric grill. Yes, it won’t give you the same flavor or even the same thrill as a charcoal grill, but you’ll still be able to enjoy that deliciously grilled meal you’ve been craving for. Of course, that presupposes that you’ve gotten the right electric grill. If you’re unsure of what to get, check out our recommendations on the best electric grills in the market today.
Weber Q2400
Review: There’s no doubt that Weber produces the most amazing charcoal grills. But did you know that they also made the best electric grill in the market? The Weber Q2400 is the largest electric grill they have with a cooking surface of 280 square inches. It features a dark grey glass-reinforced nylon frame and cast aluminum lid + body. It also features a 1560-watt electric heating element that can reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. There are aluminum heat retention liners that can help the grill reach higher temps and maintain even heat distribution. The porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates are perfect for radiating heat which creates great sear marks. The grate is split in half to allow you to use a cast iron griddle on one side (purchased separately) for more versatility. The grill is quite compact, measuring 14.5 H x 31.5 W x 19.5 D, and comes with a large grip handle and ergonomic side handles. You can place it on a table or purchase the Q cart. It has a 6-foot long grounded cord, so you don’t have to place it right next to the outlet. As you can see, everything you’d ever want in an electric grill can be found in the Weber Q2400.
George Foreman GGR50B
Review: The George Foreman brand is the most popular among all electric grill brands, so it’s not really unusual that it’s 15-serving indoor/outdoor grill model is the one that most people purchase. It has everything you’d ever want in a grill including a very affordable price. The grill features 240 square inches of cooking space which is big enough to accommodate food for 15 or more people (hence the name). The cooking surface comes with a non-stick coating that increases durability and makes it easy to clean. It has a ridged design that produces nice grill marks and helps keep the fat away from the meat for a healthier meal. There are strategically placed holes on the grill to help drain the fat into a drip tray for quick and easy disposal. This grill can be used indoors and outdoors with its pedestal stand. You can also opt to use it without the pedestal for tabletop cooking. The temperature gauge features settings 1 to 5 plus an “off” setting, making it easy to adjust the temperature when needed. A small vent on top of the lid helps you adjust the level of moisture in the meat. There’s also an indicator light that lets you know when the grill is ready for cooking. At less than $100, you can cook just about anything anywhere with this George Foreman grill.
Char-Broil Grill
Review: If you want your electric grill to look and feel like a traditional grill, then the Char-Broil 17602048 TRU Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill is what you’re looking for. At first glance, you’d never think that this was an electric grill. It features a circular porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates as well as a warming rack, a lid-mouted temperature gauge, foldable side shelves, and a bottom rack for extra storage. The primary cooking surface measures 240 square inches while the warming rack measures 80 square inches. This is enough to enable you to cook 8 to 12 hamburgers for family and friends. The grill also features TRU Infrared technology which heats the entire cooking surface quickly and evenly. It uses 1750W of grilling power to reach high temps, enabling you to cook a wide variety of foods. There’s an easy-to-use precision control knob that you can use to get your grill started. This knob lights up to let you know when the unit is on. This electric grill also features two wheels to make it more mobile. Plus, a large capacity, easy-to-access drip tray makes cleanup a breeze.
Americana Portable
Review: For those looking for a budget-friendly option, you should consider the Americana Lock ‘N Go Electric Grill. At less than $60, you get a powerful unit that’s big enough to cook for a family of four. The grill features a 1500-watt heat source that generates a lot of heat for cooking thick steaks. It has a chrome-coated steel cooking grate with 176 square inches of grilling space. It also features a reflector pan located beneath the grill to help control heat and ensure even heat distribution. The high-domed lid has two adjustable vents which also helps control heat and allows you to smoke wood chips inside the grill to add more flavor. The lid features a wooden handle for safety. It also twists and locks onto the base for easy transport. The entire grill has a durable powder paint finish. Our only issue with this unit is the grease cup which fits underneath the reflector pan. It has a small capacity which means you need to empty it out more often. Plus, you’ll need to disassemble the grill in order to reach it. But for the price and performance, this is one outdoor electric grill that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Electric Grills Buying Guide
No backyard doesn’t mean no barbecue. If a charcoal or gas grill is off limits where you live, there’s another alternative open to you – the electric grill. Now, others may say that this type of grill has nothing on the flavors produced by cooking over a real fire. But that’s not to say that cooking on an electric grill won’t deliver delicious meals. Plus, electric grills have lots of benefits. They’re very convenient since you don’t need to worry about having enough charcoal on hand or gas in the tank for cooking. You just need to plug your grill to the nearest outlet and you’ll be ready to start cooking in 5 minutes. Moreover, these grills are much easier to clean. A lot of models have a removable cooking surface that can be washed in the sink or in the dishwasher. In addition, an electric grill is much safer than a charcoal or gas grill. You’re not dealing with fire. There are flare-ups and fumes for you to inhale. It’s the most environmentally-friendly option to barbecues. Moreover, these grills cost you less time and money in the long run. You can set it up faster and get your food done quickly. You also don’t have the added cost of fuel, whether it’s charcoal or gas. Of course, none of these benefits matter if you’ve bought the wrong electric grill. To ensure you don’t make that mistake, we’ve written this in-depth buying guide.
Size
Similar to charcoal and gas grills, size plays a huge factor in determining if an electric grill is right for you. This type of grill comes in various sizes and shapes. You need to think about how many people you’ll be feeding and how much food you need to cook at a time. Do you mind cooking in batches or do you prefer to do everything at once? Also, think about where you’ll be cooking your meal. Will you be grilling on your balcony or in your kitchen? How much space do you have available? Will you be putting your grill away after use or leaving it where it is?
Temperature
Electric grills can cook a variety of foods, depending on its temperature range. You need to look for a grill that is capable of reaching your desired temperature. For example, if you want to grill meat, look for an electric grill that can reach up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temperature range is still capable of cooking meat but it likely won’t taste as good.
Aside from temperature range, you also need to check if the unit has a temperature gauge and how it works. Some models feature an on/off indicator to let you know once the grill has heated up properly. Some models will feature a dial that only indicates warm, medium, and hot while others will be able to show you the exact temperature. The latter is a better option especially if you plan on cooking various types of meat that require specific temperatures to cook properly.
Easy to clean
Electric grills are easier to clean in general compared to charcoal and gas grills. Usually, all you’ll need to do is wipe it down after use with a paper towel. However, it can become a bit difficult to get all the nooks and crannies of the grate or cooking plate without getting the heating element wet. Some models feature a removable grate or cooking plate which you can wash in the sink or place in your dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning. For more convenience, you might want an electric grill that comes with a non-stick cooking surface.
Cord length
The power source of your electric grill will be coming from an outlet unless you chose one that runs on a battery. This means that you need to make sure that there’s an outlet near your grill. This limits where you can place your grill unless you have a cord long enough to “comfortably” reach the outlet without causing the grill to topple over or accidentally cut off your power. The same “problem” applies if you plan on taking your electric grill on the go. The best solution to this problem is to make sure that your grill comes with a long cord.
Power
Gas grills use BTUs. Electric grills, on the other hand, use wattage. Low wattage can cook your food while using less power. However, it also means you need more time to cook your food. Higher wattage, on the other hand, uses more power which means it costs more to run it. The advantage is that it cooks your food faster.
Extra Features
Some electric grills have added features that you may want to include in your dream grill. For example, some models can have a compartment where you can place herbs or wood chips to add flavor to your meal. Others may come with a splatter guard that prevents the grease from making a mess while you’re cooking. There are grills that come with a tempered glass lid that enables you to monitor your food as it cooks without lifting the lid and letting heat escape.