Best Electric Grill
There’s nothing like the taste of food grilled on the barbecue. In fact, it’s such a favorite way to cook, that in 2016, at least 75 per cent of Americans said they owned a barbecue grill or smoker. Now that’s a whole lot of grilling love.
But what if you don’t have an outdoor space? There’s no real safe way cook with a charcoal or gas grill inside. Or is there? Now you can join millions of barbecue lovers and enjoy savory grilled meats, fish and veggies by using an electric grill, indoors or out.
An electric grill gives you the same smoky flavor and grill marks of a charcoal or gas grill, but without the fire hazard. Easy to use inside, or even outside on a small balcony or patio, all you do is plug it in and it’s ready to go. Steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs, chops, fish, veggies, kabobs – the sky’s the limit on what you can throw on an electric grill.
We feature the three best electric grills you can find online. Read on to find the one that best suits your needs.
1. Editor’s Choice: Ovente Electric Cooking Grill GD1632NLCO
Food on the grill – your favorite method of cooking. If you had your way, you’d barbecue every night of the year. Sadly you live in a small space and don’t even have a balcony or porch to accommodate a small outdoor gas or charcoal grill. You’re also on a pretty tight budget so buying something expensive right now is not in the cards. If you’re looking for a way to bring grilling back into your life that won’t break the bank, then this product is for you.
We recommend the Ovente Electric Cooking Grill GD1632NLCO to satisfy your appetite for grilling.
This compact non-stick indoor and outdoor grill comes equipped with a 13 by 10-inch plate, which makes it ideal for grilling or searing steaks, chops, chicken, fish, burgers and vegetables. With its removable and adjustable temperature control unit, you’ll have absolute control over the desired temperature you’d like to use for grilling.
Small but mighty, this powerhouse grill ensures your food will be hot and ready to eat very quickly with the help of its powerful 1,000 watt heating element. The grill’s cool-touch handles provide an extra step of safety for handling after grilling and the non-stick cooking surface makes cleaning up easy and efficient.
Measuring 17.7 inches x 11.8 inches x 3 inches, and weighing only 1.3 pounds, this handy small kitchen appliance will tuck neatly away on your kitchen countertop or fit into a cupboard.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact
- 1000 watts of power
- Non-stick coated grill
- 1 Year Warranty
Cons:
- May be too small for a large family
2. Runner Up: Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill
You’ve just moved into a condo from a big, sprawling house where you had a large backyard with plenty of space to have a grill. Now you’d like to still be able to barbecue any time you like, but the condo rules say no gas or charcoal grills are allowed on the balcony. If you’re looking for a top-quality grill that is compact and safe to use outside, then this may be the model for you.
We recommend the Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill for all of your grilling needs. This classic-looking grill is fully featured, yet space saving and portable – perfect for anyone living in a condo or a residence where gas and charcoal grills are not allowed. Small but mighty, this electric grill packs 1,560 watts of power for deliciously grilled food every time.
Features of this model include a 1,560-watt electric heating element that heats a 189-square-inch total cooking area; porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body; infinite control burner valve settings and a six-foot ground cord; a removable catch pan and; a glass-reinforced nylon frame and aluminum heat retention liners. For greater convenience and ease of use, this grill also has a larger grip handle and control knobs, ergonomic side handles, and sturdy front and rear cradles.
This unit measures 14.5 inches high x 27 inches wide x 16.5 inches deep (with the lid closed) and weighs 29.5 pounds and will fit perfectly onto a small balcony. And since it comes fully assembled out of the box, you just plug it in and start enjoying juicy grilled meat, fish and veggies right from the get-go.
Pros:
- Compact
- Fully featured
- Comes assembled in the box
- Infinite heat control settings
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
- Small cooking surface
- Good for outdoor use only
3. Best High End Versatile: Kenyon B70090 Frontier All Seasons Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill
If you’re looking for a high quality electric grill that you can use indoors or outside and money is not a problem, then we recommend the Kenyon B70090 Frontier All Seasons Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill.
This top quality stainless steel tabletop grill is designed to be used where gas or charcoal is not allowed. Packing a mean punch, this grill can reach temperatures of 600 degrees within 10 minutes, so you can be chowing down on juicy burgers and steaks in no time. The concealed element in this electric grill almost eliminates all smoke, so using it indoors is just as safe as using it on your balcony or patio.
Its 1,300-watt element is in direct contact with the cooking surface, so you will get efficient grilling every time. Constructed from 304-grade stainless steel, the unit is weather proof and guaranteed by the manufacturer to never rust.
Packed with features, this grill includes: digital touch control for heat settings; a nonstick grate that creates characteristic barbecue grill marks while sealing in the flavor and juices; a concealed electric element that eliminates grease flare-ups while providing a virtually smokeless heat source; is backed by an exclusive three-year direct replacement warranty; an insulated lid prevents accidental burns and is removable for quick and easy clean up; and the double coated non-stick grilling surface is dishwasher safe.
Measuring 21 inches by 12 inches by 9 inches and weighing 31.9 pounds, this quality electric grill with a built-in GFCI power cord and 155 square inches of grilling surface will quickly become your favorite way to cook all of your meals.
Pros:
- Compact
- Can be used inside or outside
- Rust proof
- Heat up to 600 degrees in 10 minutes
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
4. Best Multi-Use: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
George Foreman’s indoor-outdoor electric grill is a fantastic, multi-use kitchen mate. This functionality is one of the reasons it was top of mind when making this list. The Foreman includes a domed lid for easy, convection-style grilling. It also has a detachable grease and ash tray to make semi-regular clean-up simple. As for day-to-day upkeep the plates themselves are dishwasher safe – although we do recommend loosening any debris after cooking and before setting all cylinders to spin.
We also really liked the large surface area you work with. All told, you have 240 square inches of prime grilling real estate. The George Foreman grill also includes 5 temperature settings via an attached probe so you can make sure that your meal is done right, ever time. The only downsides to this are the Foreman’s large size and middle-class weight at 7 lbs. Finally, keep in mind that George Foreman has a limited 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Good for both indoor and outdoor use thanks to a removable stand
- Domed lid for convection-style grilling
- Includes detachable grease and ash tray
- Plates are dishwasher safe
- Large grill size at 240 square inches
- Adjustable temperature probe with 5 settings
- Limited 1-year warranty
Cons
- Short cable
- Round design takes up large amounts of counter space
5. Best Luxe: Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill
The Breville XL Smart Grill is a sturdy, near commercial grade sandwich press and inside grill. Breville outfits their smart grill with high-quality knobs, buttons, displays, and a fantastic 180-degree swing-out hinge for BBQ style grilling. Meanwhile the plates are made of cast aluminum coated in titanium-infused Quantanium. This means that you want to avoid using oil or non-stick sprays or you will risk damaging the coating. With that said, they are top-shelf dishwasher safe. If hand washing we strongly recommend using nothing more than a soft cloth with hot water and soap – no bristles or brushes.
In terms of functionality Breville’s smart grill comes with the three standards of low, panini, and sear. These three general settings cover 6 temperatures capping out at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. To do so the Breville comes in at a whopping 1800 watts at 110-120 volts. Suffice to say this is a hefty unit. Make sure that your countertop can fit the unfolded 16 inch by 14 inch by 5-inch stainless body with extra space set aside for grilling mode. One final note. Although the build-quality was impressive overall the drip tray – or grease trap – had a few alignment issues that can lead to spillage.
Pros
- Overall high build-quality, just short of commercial grade
- Removable, dishwasher-safe plates.
- 1800-watt model at 110-120 volts
- 6 heat settings reaching up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Flexible hinge allows for folding out into a BBQ-style, flat layout
Cons
- Consumer reports of the non-stick coating coming off when using an abrasive scrubby
6. Best Mid-Range: Hamilton Beach Electric Grill
Hamilton Beach’s electric grill is a fair mid-range option that hits a number of sweet spots at a sub $100 price point. It comes with attractive stainless-steel highlights set into a hard plastic base. It also comes with a ridge, ceramic grilling plate so you can get those all-important BBQ tan lines. It’s also slightly larger than some of the more compact units on this list with about 118 square inches of grilling surface. In addition, its drip tray and most removable components are top-rack dishwasher safe.
One of the things we liked about the Hamilton Beach was its variety of quality-of-life features at this price point. It includes a temperature knob that can get the grill up to a ripping 450 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this does mean that there are no pre-sets. This is very much a plug and go grill with minimal frills save for things like indicator lights for power and pre-heating. We also found this electric grill to be lighter than many other options – coming in at about 8 lbs. Our main concerns stem from its short power cable and some reports of Teflon flaking off over time. With that said, if you do experience any manufacture-based defects be sure to take advantage of Hamilton Beach’s 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Stainless steel highlights nested in black plastic shelling
- Dishwasher safe ceramic grilling plate
- Extra large, dishwasher safe drip tray
- 1200-watt model at 120V
- Dial-set temperature with a maximum range of 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Short cord
- Some consumer reports of Teflon flaking
7. Honorable Mention: Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddle
Cusinart’s 5-in-1 Griddle sits at the top end of mid-range electric grills. As such it features much more stainless-steel compared to models even $10 cheaper. It features a few black plastic accents, but nothing anywhere near to the heat source – which is a long standing concern we’ve had with budget electrical grills. At this price point you can expect all of the non-stick cooking plates and removable parts – like the drip tray – to be top-rack dishwasher safe.
Cusinart also isn’t messing around when it comes to power. Typical medium cost indoor grills have a wattage of about 1200. Cusinart one ups this at an impressive 1500 watts. It also include both a standard temperature knob going up to 450 degrees and 5 pre-sets for those who want to go on cruise control. These include contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half-grill half-griddle. Simply switch out the included plates as needed. All this functionality however comes at a price. The main mark against the Cuisinart 5-in-1 is that knobs and dials feel a little cheap. In addition, there have been more than a few consumer complaints about poor customer service regarding warranties.
Pros
- Brushed stainless steel body with black plastic accents
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick cooking plates with integrated drip tray
- 1500-watt model at 110V
- Dial-set temperature for a maximum range of 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Includes 5 pre-sets
- Limited 3-year warranty and Amazon 30-day return policy
Cons
- Questionable build quality – especially around dials and knobs
- 3-year warranty is great, but you pay for shipping
8. Also Consider: Power XL Smokeless Grill
The Power XL Smokeless Grill tries, and mostly succeeds, to do something relatively unseen in the indoor grill market places. The XL includes not only a large cooking surface – big enough for a full rack of ribs – but also strives to disperse smoke using an in-built fan system. On that note make sure to utilize the water tray. This is an essential part of smokeless cooking.
The XL also comes equipped with a variety of nice features. Temperature control is done through a membrane-based interface, and can reach up to a fairly standard 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also an absolute behemoth in terms of length at 21-inches. This does mean that the Power XL is significantly heavier than other electric grills at this price point. Out biggest concerns were reports of fan failure, and inconsistent grill temperature. As such we strongly recommend putting Power XL’s grill through its paces within the limited 60-day manufacturer warranty. If you have a defective fan then you want to know as quickly as possible.
Pros
- Plastic body with ceramic insets and cooking surfaces
- Dishwasher-safe ceramic grill plate
- Membrane-based touch controls with a temperature range of 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Includes built-in fan for smokeless interior grilling
- XL size at 21 x 15.4 x 8.1 inches – good for racks of ribs, burgers, and more
- 47 lbs
- Limited 60-day manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Some reports of inconsistent grill temperature
- Consumer reports of fans breaking within one year
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for an electric grill so you will choose one that best suits your needs:
Use:
One of the most important factors to consider is how often you will use an electric grill. If you’re only going to use it a handful of times a year, then a less-expensive model may be a better purchase. If you want to be a grill master and have barbecued foods a few times a week, look for a hardier model with a good warranty. You may have to pay a bit more to get a better quality electric grill that will withstand a lot of use and the test of time.
Indoor or outdoor use:
This is also connected to how, or where, you want to use an electric grill. If you are considering an outdoor electric grill to use on a patio, balcony or backyard, look for features like built-in timers, temperature-control knobs, and nonstick cooktop coatings. Some more advanced electric grills may include additional features like two-sided cook surfaces that allow you to choose between a flat or ridged griddle, so you can get those grill marks without actually cooking on a grate. You also want to make sure you’re getting something made to be used outside. Features to look for are a grill with special weatherproofing features around its electrical components that make it safer for storage on your patio or deck and a model that is resistant to moisture intrusion and is rustproof.
For an electric grill meant to be used inside, make sure it produces little to no smoke so it won’t set off a smoke detector. Typically an electric grill made for indoor use is compact enough to fit on a countertop or table, and is easy to plug into an electric socket.
Size:
The size of the grill is another factor to think about. If you are a single person or part of a couple, then a smaller unit may make the most sense. If you have a large family, or if you plan on entertaining and grilling for friends, then purchasing a unit with a larger cooking surface is the way to go.
Also, if you are using the electric grill inside, consider your cooking space. This will matter when choosing the size of the grill. The same goes for an outside grill. Consider a smaller model for a balcony or small patio, or if you have a good-sized backyard, a larger model may make more sense.
Cost:
Like most things, electric grills come in a range of prices, from as low as $30 to hundreds and even thousands of dollars. It’s never a good idea to spend more than you can afford, so consider how often you will use your electric grill before deciding how much you’d like to spend. Smaller plug-in units that you can use inside are often more affordable options, but you typically get a better quality item if you spend a little more. The durability of construction, the size of the barbecue, the wattage and any extra features will also add to the cost of the electric grill.
Power:
The wattage of your electric grill will determine how quickly it will heat up, and how hot the grill becomes. The higher the wattage, the hotter the grill. Some grills heat up to 600 degrees, which gives a nice sear to a steak. Anything that has 1,000 watts will do a good job, but for real heat, look for anything over 1,300 watts. Also look for a model that has a method of heat control. This means you will have more control of how your food is cooked.
Maintenance:
No matter how much you may love to grill, cleaning up afterward is another story. Some grills come with non-stick cooking surfaces, which makes it all easier to clean. Smaller models for indoor use may be trickier to clean, so look for a model that comes apart easily so you can clean it.
Benefits of an electric grill:
Safety: One of the best things about an electric grill, aside from just being able to plug it in and use, is that there are no open flames to worry about. The grates heat up automatically once it’s plugged in and turned on. With no flame to worry about, you’ve reduced your fire risk.
Mobility: Many electric grills are smaller in size than a typical gas or charcoal grill, meaning they are usually more portable and easy to move around. There are also models that can sit on an outdoor table or on your kitchen countertop.
Health: An outdoor electric grill won’t emit carbon monoxide or other fumes like a charcoal or gas grill, making it easier to enjoy the delicious aromas of your grilled foods.
Fuel cost: Here is where an electric grill is really convenient. There’s no need to buy fuel and no fear of suddenly running out of propane, charcoal or gas. The only cost is the small amount of electricity consumed while cooking.
Heat control: Electric barbecue grills usually have specific temperature settings. Simply set the heat level you need on the controls, and the grill automatically reaches that temperature with no guesswork involved. You no longer have to wait for the charcoal to get white hot, or for a gas grill to slowly heat up to your desired temperature.
Cleanup: Many electric grills come with non-stick coated grills, which makes cleanup quick and easy.
FAQs
What is the best electric grill?
In general we strongly recommend both George Foreman grills for an upper price point and Cuisinart for anyone interested in a mid-range option. Both brands are well known, and tend to have all of the same features plus more compared to other grills at their price. Bespoke options are always nice, but George Foreman and Cuisinart are both quite consistent when it comes to quality control.
How to clean an electric grill?
Electric grills need to be cleaned with warm and soapy water like any other kitchen implement. With that said pay special attention to the plates and drip tray. These surfaces need to be cleaned, or emptied, after each use. With that said keep an eye out for any greasy build up on electrical cables. These are sometimes located near the spatter zone, and can get grimy over time. To wash simply remove the plug from the wall (safety first!) and rub down the cord with a damp cloth. Dry afterwards before plugging back in.
What can I cook on an electric grill?
This depends a little on what kind of grill you buy. The options are as wide as the marketplace demands, after all. Keep an eye out for models with multiple plates – the two primary options being a flat griddle and a ridged sheet to allow grease to run off. We also suggest look for models that can fold all the way open using a 180-degree hinge. This will effectively double your cooking area.
Do electric grills taste as good as gas grills?
Electric grills perform admirable compared to their gas-based brethren. If anything you can think of electric grills as a neutral option in between gas and charcoal. The biggest difference comes from the sear you can achieve with a gas grill, not to mention those grill lines. Even so, a grill plate with ridges can do a fairly good job of mimicking this effect.
Are electric grills healthy?
Electric grills are great for your health, and in some cases dodge carcinogens that are present with both gas and charcoal. Keep in mind that charcoal releases smoke during cooking, while gas grills use crude oil or petroleum to light your fire. Although tasty, both options come with more health risks than a standard electric grill – especially over time.