Outdoor electric grills are portable cookers that make grilling and searing meats on the road easy. They heat up quickly and can grill food consistently for hours without running out of fuel. As such, during day-long parties or events, you can cool large meals all day. All you need is access to an electrical outlet to power these devices. Electric grills are cleaner than charcoal or wood grills. They take a shorter time to set up and have automated designs with analog or digital controls for temperature.
As highlighted herein, the benefits of owning an electric grill are diverse. However, like other household items, the experience you will have depends on the quality of the product you order. Never buy on impulse, as you are more likely to get a low-grade product this way. Follow our guide to find quality brands that deliver.
Are you in a hurry?
We can help you to find some of the best outdoor electric grills that will make your upcoming party fun. These picks are portable, durable, and have high powered electrical systems that support most cooking methods. Check them out.
Best Overall
George Foreman GGR50B Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
The George Foreman GGR50B offers around 240 square inches of grilling space, making it one of the largest on our list. It also has an outdoor-rated design with five heat settings and non-stick cast-iron grates. As such, if you need an electric grill that can prepare up to 15 servings of food per session, this is the best brand. It is also the best option for people who grill foods outdoor often. This apartment-approved electric grill works indoors too.
High-End Pick
Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill
Weber 52020001 Q1400 is smaller than George Foreman GGR50B electric grill (189 square inches of space) but never disappoints. It has a high-end cast aluminum exterior with a painted finish (grey) that resists scratches and dents. The grates are solid cast iron with a porcelain enamel coat that stops food from sticking while grilling or searing. Finally, the electric element is powerful (1560 watts) and uses a grounded 6-foot cable that is 100% safe.
Amazon Smart Oven, a Certified for Humans Device – plus Echo Dot
Budget Pick
Americana Lock 'N Go Electric Grill
Americana Lock 'N Go is a budget-friendly electric grill with 176 square feet of cooking space. It has a UL-listed element 91500 watts) that saves power. Its pedestal base is stable on most surfaces, while its outdoor-rated design lasts for a long time. The case is heavy-duty steel with heat-resistant powder paint that does not fade at high temperatures. The coat also adds a layer of protection from the elements.
Benefits of Outdoor Electric Grills
You will appreciate owning an electric grill because of the array of benefits of the electric grill. Here are our hand-picked ones that will help you to understand their value.
Healthier: While gas and charcoal fires grills are cheaper than electric models, they are not very healthy. Charcoal, for instance, generates smoke, which some people like but which might not be very healthy. Electric grills are different. They use electric elements to generate heat, which burns cleaner. Moreover, you will never worry about your grill flaring, as is the case with charcoal grills.
Easy to Use: With a gas grill, you must fire up charcoal, which can be messy and frustrating. This is not the case with outdoor electric grills. Again, they have an electrical element, which is ready to use. You plug it in a compatible electrical outlet, and you are ready to cook. Most models also have adjustable settings for heat, et cetera. You can customize their performance to suit the type and the quality of food you are cooking.
Safer: Personal safety is never a concern with an electric grill. As stated earlier, they do not flare as gas, and charcoal grills often do. Most brands have safety shutoff, which triggers automatically and grounded safe power cables.
About Outdoor Electric Grills – What to Look For
Material: Outdoor electric grills can endure much abuse from elements such as rain and UV rays from the sun. While choosing one, make sure your preferred one can withstand such a level of abuse by checking its material. Is the material durable? Does it have a protective powder coat or paint? Heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel and aluminum are the best, especially those with protective powder coats or heat-resistant paint. Research online and buy the best.
Power: The power of your electric grill is positively correlated with its performance while cooking. Powerful grills not only heat up fast but also provide sufficient heat for cooking most types of food. However, they use significantly more power, which some people might not like. Strike a balance between the two while buying one.
Portability: You will probably be traveling with your outdoor electric grill or carrying it to and from a patio during parties. To make life easier while engaging in such activities, look for a portable product. It should be light and compact without sacrificing a lot of cooking space.
Cooking Space: If you cook large batches of food during parties or camping trips, you will benefit from a larger grill. A model offering over 150 square inches is ideal.
Top 5 Best Outdoor Electric Grills This Year
While shopping for an outdoor electric grill in 2021, look for a heavy-duty product that can withstand outdoor abuse. It should also have a powerful element and a portable design that you can easily transport to and from camping sites. We have reviewed the five best brands that offer these benefits.
1. George Foreman GGR50B 12+ Servings Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Features:
- 240 square inch grilling space.
- Indoor/outdoor removable stand.
- Adjustable temperature control.
- Apartment-approved.
- Temperature probe.
- Nonstick coating.
- Five heat settings.
George Foreman GGR50B is a robust electric grill that works better than charcoal and propane grills that some people have at home. To cook cleaner meals and healthier meals quickly, it is one of the best products to use. The system is safe to use outdoors and indoors and has a spacious design that prepares 15 servings of food per session. As such, it is a handle product to have at home during parties. If your camping site has an accessible power outlet, you will also benefit from a new one.
The circular grilling surface of George Foreman GGR50B can accommodate most foods. You can grill meats or vegetables on it without running out of space. It also has a non-stick coat that stops food from burning and five heat settings for customizing the cooking environment.
Pros:
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Our Verdict:
A George Foreman GGR50B grill cooks tasty meals without smoking or flareup, unlike most charcoal grills. It has a spacious, circular design with non-stick grates that cook without burning. It also has adjustable heat settings and an apartment-approved design that works outdoors/indoors,
2. Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill
Features:
- 1560-watt electric element.
- Long lasting aluminium.
- Cast iron grates.
- 189 square inches of space.
- Grounded power cord (6 feet).
- Stable metal legs.
- Porcelain-enamelled grates.
- 8.4 watts per square inch.
Do you need a powerful and portable electric grill for preparing tasting meals at home and on the road? Weber 52020001 Q1400 model meets this threshold because it is portable, electric, and can prepare most meals. Even though compact, you get a 1560-watt electric element that heats up quickly and lasts for long. The heating element delivers up to 8.4 watts per square inch of its cooking surface, sufficient for cooking most meals. Meat, for instance, cooks quickly without burning. You can close its aluminum lid to keep food juicy and to protect its grates and element from damage while in use outdoors.
You will love the solid cooking grates of a Weber 52020001 Q1400 electric grill. They cover a large area (189 square inches), which is enough for most people. Moreover, made from porcelain-enameled cast iron, they provide a food-grade cooking area that does not burn food. This grill comes fully assembled and has a long power cord (6-feet).
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Our Verdict:
Weber 52020001 Q1400 is a tabletop grill that is ideal for campers. It is also perfect for hosting parties in homes as it is powerful (1560 watts), food-grade, and easy to use. The cast iron grills are durable and non-stick. It also has legs for stability, a tight-sealing lid, and a long power cord (6-feet). With one, mealtime will be fun.
3. Kenyon B70090 Frontier All Seasons Electric Grill
Features:
- Material: Stainless steel.
- 1300W element.
- Temperatures of 550-degree F.
- Nonstick finish.
- Voltage: 120.
- Maximum Temp: 600.
- Works indoors and outdoors.
Only a few brands of electric grills work well outdoors, including the Kenyon B70090 Frontier. This all-season grill is one of the toughest in this niche. The stainless cover, for instance, has a slick non-stick coat that protects it from the elements. It also has a cool look and a portable countertop design approved for use outdoors and indoors. Whether you like barbecuing or camp with friends outdoors occasionally, this grill will satisfy your needs. All you need a 120-volt electric connection for its system to work.
Even though smaller than the traditional electric grills, do not underrate the performance of this electric grill. It has a powerful electric element that heats its cooking surface to temperatures over 550-degrees F. This is enough for grilling beef, chicken, and vegetables at home. The grill has many optional accessories (including a flat top griddle, a cart, and nylon utensils) sold separately.
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Our Verdict:
Kenyon B70090 Frontier is an all-season grill that you can use indoors and outdoors all year around. It has a steel (stainless) structure, which is durable and BPA-free. The 120-volt element is powerful (1300 watts), while its portable design makes it perfect for traveling. You can connect it to a cart to create storage space for other cooking accessories. You can also put a flat top griddle for it separately and a fabric cover for added protection.
4. Americana Lock 'N Go Electric Grill
Features:
- 1500W electrical system.
- 176 square feet of space.
- High-temperature powder paint.
- UL listed electric grill.
- Pedestal base.
- For outdoor use.
- Long lasting design.
The Americana Lock 'N Go electric grill is solely for outdoor use. Therefore, if you venture on camping trips often and have a hard time cooking once there, read on. Americana is recommended because of its strength. Its cover, for instance, is heavy-duty steel with high-temperature powder paint. Thus, it does not fade or dull after months of use. The finish is also stylish and protects it from elements such as water when in use outdoors.
Americana Lock 'N Go is significantly smaller than other popular electric grills. While traveling, you can fit it in a trunk and carry it to your destination without parts breaking. It also has a UL-certified heating element (1500 watts) that guarantee fast and even cooking of all foods. Overall, you get around 176 square feet of cooking space.
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Our Verdict:
Adapted for use outdoors, Americana Lock 'N Go electric grill is a durable grill that is suitable for camping of barbecuing. Its high-temperature finish withstands heat well. The grates are non-stick/durable, while its UL certified heating element (1500 watts) does an excellent job always. You get 176 square feet of cooking space.
5. Cuisinart CEG-980T Outdoor Electric Tabletop Grill
Features:
- 145 square inches of space.
- Porcelain enamelled cooking space.
- 1500-watt heating element.
- Weighs only 17 lbs.
- Durable folding legs.
- No assembly required.
- Stable and durable base.
With Cuisinart CEG-980T, you get a dependable electric grill with 145 square inches of cooking space. You can prepare a complete meal on it with room to spare. The grates are durable as they have a porcelain enamel that stops them from rusting when exposed to water. They also create a non-stick barrier between the grate and food, enabling you to cook without burning. In terms of cooking power, the product is one of the best in this niche. You get a 1500-watt heating element (electric) that provides enough power for grilling stakes and searing burgers, to name a few.
Weighing just 17 pounds, this is a lightweight and portable grill. It also takes up little counter or desk space and works well on patios, decks, and balconies. During camping or tailgating trips, you will also have an easy time carrying it, unlike some brands.
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Our Verdict:
Although slower than other brands in this niche, Cuisinart CEG-980T does an excellent job always due to its quality construction. Its non-stick metal grates (ceramic coated) are perfect for searing and burgers and grilling stakes without burning. The legs are sturdy and non-slip, while its portable design is suitable for camping/tailgating. It also fits and works in small balconies, tables, and patios.
Final Thoughts
Electric grills are popular among campers and people with small homes because of their portability and space efficiency. They also burn cleaner than charcoal/wood-fired grills and have smart electrical systems that make cooking enjoyable. Our top picks are the best if you need a food-grade model with vast cooking space and a durable design. They are portable, power-efficient, and have non-stick cooking grates that are resistant to the elements. They come at an affordable price and are very easy to maintain.
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