Electric grills have become more and more popular over the last couple of years, and it is easy to see why. You get to prepare your favorite grilled recipes without the need to use charcoal (which can get a bit messy) or use propane gas. With an electric grill, all you need is a power outlet, and you are good to go! What’s more, electric grills are reasonably priced, and you can get a quality model that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
This article will give you a list of our most recommended and best electric grills of the year. We will also be giving you some essential pointers on what to look for and factors that make electric grills a good option for your BBQ party needs. Let us go through top-tier electric grills for this year and start cooking.
In a Hurry?
Here comes the most well-rounded product I pick in this quick box:
Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler
With its reasonable price tag, robust build, a decent number of features, and excellent temperature control, the Cuisinart GR-4NP1 is our pick for the most well-rounded. It covers a good range of grill/cooking capabilities while keeping its price range tight.
Electric Grill Buying Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Before we get to the actual meat of this article, let us first go through the appetizers – i.e., important electric grill factors. When choosing an electric grill (or any product, for that matter), it is crucial to go in with the correct information. Below are pointers to help you narrow down your shortlist, which you will be thankful for as the number of electric grills in the market can be quite a doozy.
What is Your Budget?
One aspect of electric grills that made them as popular today is their flexible price range. You can easily find good quality budget-friendly electric grills at your local appliance store. We will be breaking the price range of electric grills down below to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
$100 and Below
Electric grills within this price range are as rudimentary as they come. Don't expect any extra bells and whistles with electric grill models priced below a hundred bucks. These are solely designed for cooking and nothing more. If you are looking for just the bare-bones functionality at a low price tag, models in this price bracket will suffice.
$100 to $250
In this price range, you will find the mid-range electric grill models. Expect better heating than the entry-level models and some extra features thrown in on the side. This is our recommended price range as the models tend to feature everything you will need to prepare some delicious BBQ.
$250 and Above
One aspect of electric grills (especially the entry-level models) is that they typically won't deliver the same heating capacity as that of a traditional BBQ grill. This is where you will find the premium-grade electric grills. At this price, these electric grills provide excellent heating capability and come equipped with several features to help make your cooking experience that more convenient.
That is not the case with the high-end electric grill models, though, as these can efficiently deliver the same results as those from gas and coal grills. You may not be able to get that authentic charcoal-grilled flavor, but these high-end electric grills come pretty close.
These models are also significantly larger than the lower-priced variations, which are designed to be portable – not the case with electric grills that cost around $300. You will also find excellent temperature control as well as pre-programmed settings for various types of recipes.
The materials used in constructing these models are also high-grade so expect it to last for quite a long time, even under heavy use. You can also expect to have warranties for high-end electric grill models as well.
What Size of Grill Should You Choose?
We wouldn't want to land on an electric grill that is either too small or too large. So, after determining how much you are willing to spend for one, the next question is how large you should get? The thing about this is that if you are looking for a large entry-level electric grill, you might not find one. If you are cooking for the whole family and friends, you will need to consider looking at least in the mid-range models.
Electric grills tend to stay within the portable size and are generally smaller than gas and charcoal grills. This is why an electric grill is best suited for small gatherings with the family. If you are looking to serve BBQ for a whole party – the charcoal or gas grill is the more practical. In our experience, a high-end and large electric grill can prepare food for around ten people.
Is it Well-Built?
Next up is the overall quality of the electric grill's build. As you would assume, cheaper models will have more affordable materials. You can't expect a $50 electric grill to last for very long, even with proper maintenance. At the most, an entry-level electric grill will typically have a lifespan of two to three years depending on your use and how well you take care of it.
Traditional BBQ grills utilize heavy stainless steel, while electric grills will typically incorporate a bevy of different materials.
How Much Heat Can It Generate?
Temperature control is an integral feature of an electric grill that helps separate it from traditional grills. Mid-range and above electric grills will have temperature control functionality that allows you to better control the grill's heat depending on what you are cooking. This pretty much eliminates the guesswork required when using traditional grills.
As for how its max temperature will depend on the model, expect the more expensive electric grills to provide higher temperatures faster than cheaper alternatives. Another notable aspect here is whether you want a 'plug-and-play' electric grill or if you prefer something that gives you more control regarding its heating capability. I like the ones that offer me more control, but I can see the appeal of using a grill that you plug in and start cooking.
How Easy Is to Clean and Maintain?
Since electric grills require a power outlet, they are generally not used out in the open. You will typically find electric grills designed for indoor use, but you can still find ones designed outdoors. Because electric grills will not need to contend with the natural elements for a prolonged period, it will typically opt to use aluminum or cast iron rather than stainless steel.
Cast iron and aluminum grills may not be as durable as stainless steel, but they managed to keep it close by utilizing extra coating. Most electric grills will feature ceramic, silicon, porcelain-enamel, or anodized finish for aluminum. Cast iron either comes seasoned, or you will season it to enhance its durability. Cleaning is usually easier with modern electric grills and incorporates grease drainage systems underneath the grill. You should also check whether the electric grill you are eyeing is dishwasher-safe.
Extra Features to Keep an Eye Out for
Beside the basics, here are some additional electric grill features that you might want to check out. Keep in mind that you might not be able to get these with entry-level electric grills as these are more common with mid to high-end models. Here are extra electric grill features that you might be interested in:
- Thermometer
- Side Table
- Cart
Note: The thermometer is the best one here, especially for those who plan on grilling various types of recipes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Grills
Still on the fence of whether to get an electric grill? Here are the strengths (and weaknesses) of electric grills to help you decide if this is something that is right up your alley.
Pros:
- The lightweight and portable build make it easy to bring with you anywhere and is equally easy to store.
- It has a flexible price range from low-cost to high-end, depending on your budget.
- Most electric grills come with safety features that help prevent accidents.
- Electric grills are incredibly convenient to operate, clean, and store.
Cons:
- You will need to plug it into a power outlet. If you are using it outdoors, you will need an extension or a portable power source to use this type of grill.
- The flavor will not have that unique gas or charcoal-grilled kick to it.
- Electric grills, depending on the model, will have a somewhat limited max temperature.
Top 5 Reviews of the Best Electric Grills For This Year's Selection
After showing a thorough guide like above, it's unusual to let you out this vast market to analyze and pick your own product. We got everything covered in this article, with the top-5 list of the best electric grills to save you a great amount of time, check it out:
1. Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler
Features:
- Material: Stainless Steel, BPA-free.
- Voltage: 110 Volts.
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 7.12-inches.
In terms of versatility, the Cuisinart GR-4NP1 Griddler is one of the most impressive on this list. This grill is a standard grilling, full grill, panini press, and griddle in one device. This electric grill from Cuisinart is also well-built and is made of stainless steel, which significantly enhances its overall durability.
The nonstick cooking plates can also be removed and reversed for easy cooking and cleaning. Over at the front side are three knobs for temperature control. In addition, the Cuisinart GR-4NP1 Griddler also comes with additional accessories such as a scraper and a recipe book to help get you started.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
This is our overall most recommended pick as it comes with excellent features, a good quality build, and a reasonable price tag. If you are looking to prepare more than just BBQ, this is a great electric grill to get your hands on.
2. George Foreman GFO3320GM Indoor and Outdoor Electric Grill
Features:
- Material: Ceramic.
- Voltage: 120.
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Dimensions: 11 x 19.5 x 20-inches.
The George Foreman Grill is a longstanding brand kickstarted by the boxing Hall of Famer and is one of the most trusted names in this market. You really can’t go wrong with a grill, whether electric, gas, or charcoal, if it has the George Foreman name. This particular GF electric grill is a freestanding model that you can use both indoors and outdoors. The stand detaches for use on the countertop.
The cooking space provides substantial 240-square inches of space and allows you to prepare for about 15 people in one go. In addition, it features temperature control that gives you five heat settings. The grill plate is removable, and the base has a sloped angle to help gather grease into one spot. We also liked how this electric grill can get extremely hot, making it suitable for searing meat as well.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
What else can we say about a George Foreman grill except that it is exceptional? If you are looking for the go-to brand in grills, whether electric, gas, or charcoal, the name George Foreman printed on it means you are in the right direction. What’s more is that this GF electric grill is not even that expensive!
3. Super Budget Pick - George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill
Features:
- Material: Plastic.
- Voltage: 120.
- Weight: 2.8 lbs.
- Dimension: 9.3 x 5 x 10.2-inches.
Here we have another George Foreman grill for you. This time around, portability is the name of the game, and the 2-Serving Classic Plate delivers on that regard without sacrificing the quality performance you expect with this brand. This particular electric grill is best suited for quick grills and even for paninis. It features all the signature George Foreman grill qualities such as nonstick coating, intense heating, and a dishwasher-safe construction.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
For a George Foreman Grill to be this cheap is a good deal. However, I recommend this portable electric grill to those who occasionally cook BBQ and paninis. I don’t see this holding up for very long with everyday use.
4. T-Fal GC7 Opti-Grill
Features:
- Material: Stainless Steel.
- Voltage: 120.
- Weight: 11.6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 6-inches.
The T-Fal GC7 Opti-Grill is a mid-range electric grill that comes with many nifty minor features that helped propel it into this list. First off, it features an adaptive heating technology that cycles depending on the thickness of the food you are cooking. The six grill settings include grilling sausage, sandwich, red meat, fish, poultry, and burgers.
The T-Fal electric grill also provides a decent 600 square centimeter cooking space and comes with two cooking modes for standard grilling and defrosting. The structure and material of this electric grill are also quite solid. It features a diecast aluminum nonstick plates that are removable and is dishwasher-safe as well.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
T-Fal may not have the same recognition as a brand such as Cuisinart or even George Foreman Grill, but it certainly earns its place in this list with its robust performance and functionality. We are not quite sure about the price though as we feel it could have been a bit cheaper.
5. Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Electric Nonstick Grill
Features:
- Material: Aluminum.
- Voltage: 120.
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.2 x 17 x 4.1-inches.
Let us end this list with another portable and compact electric grill, the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Nonstick Grill. If the design looks familiar to you, you may have seen a couple of ‘Mukbang” videos on YouTube. Do you know the videos that show the vlogger eating a mishmash of Korean foods? They typically use this type of electric grill due to its lightweight and portable build.
This particular electric grill is quite rudimentary. It features a 14-inch cooking plate that has a nonstick finish for easy cleaning. With its 1,300W power output, you can easily hit 450 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, perfect for prepping delicious meals quickly. The Elite Gourmet is a ‘plug and play’ electric grill making it best suited for those who are not too demanding with how they cook their meals. The product also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
This highly affordable electric grill is the perfect companion for those who enjoy a good Korean-style BBQ. It is a simple as they come and is surprisingly durable as well. If you like, or a fan, of ‘mukbang’ then this is a mandatory kitchen appliance for your home.
Bottom Lines
Electric grills can be the best alternative for those looking for a convenient and less messy way to prepare BBQ and to grill, in general. You can even use these indoors and not worry too much of smoke (depends on what you are cooking). Hopefully, this article has helped you figure out what type of electric grill best suits your personal cooking preference.
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