Get ready to be a pro with all the essential information you need to know about electric grills. Whether you’re in the market for one or just curious to know more, there is plenty to love about this type of grill.
All About Electric Grills
Grills are usually categorized in three ways: electric, gas, or charcoal. Just as the name sounds, electric grills run off of electricity and are simply plugged into a regular outlet.
How hot does an electric grill get?
Most electric grills have a high setting between 500 to 650 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is adjustable though and some grills are controlled by a touchpad that can program cooking times.
High temperatures are perfect for searing steaks and other meats to make sure they remain tender and juicy inside. Then you can turn the temperature down to finish cooking it through. The lowest temperature is usually around 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do electric grills have flames?
Electric grills are much safer than gas or charcoal because there is no fire, flames, or combustion of any kind involved. You won’t have to worry about flare-ups or gas leaks either and there’s no need to purchase lighter fluid, charcoal, or other fuel needed to start a fire.
Because there’s no propane tank either, you don’t have to worry about filling it up or running out of fuel while you’re grilling.
Many grills also have a built-in fan so you won’t set off your smoke alarm when grilling indoors because grills made for indoor use are designed to have less smoke for a much cleaner grilling experience.
Are electric grills healthier?
There are definite health benefits to using an electric grill. First of all, there are no gas fumes to breathe in and smoke is practically non-existent as well.
You also won’t have to worry about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heterocyclic amines (HCAs) which are carcinogenic compounds thought to cause cancer. These result from grills where fat drips onto the coals and creates smoke or when various proteins are cooked at too high a heat.
Because electric grills do not have coals or use charcoal, PAHs will not be created by the fat that is rendered when meat is cooked. Also, the temperature controls will ensure that you cook your meats at the recommended temperature, preventing them from getting too hot and charring.
Do Electric Grills Work Well?
Heat and temperature control
Ease of use is one of the most attractive factors when it comes to grilling with electricity. All you have to do is plug it in and push a button to turn the grill on. Then the electric coils will heat up and start to glow, a process that happens very quickly.
You can set the exact temperature you want depending on what you’ll be grilling. Once it heats up, the precise temperature will be maintained for as long as necessary so you don’t have to worry about your food burning or coming out raw.
Electric grills do a great job of cooking meat evenly due to the equal distribution of heat across the surface. There are also no hot or cold spots to worry about when cooking so there will be a consistent cook throughout. You can utilize the entire area to cook more food in a shorter amount of time.
With the electronic controls, you will have very precise control over the different temperatures. Some grills also allow you to program how long you would like to cook things, making it easy to toss some chicken on the grill and leave it until it’s ready to be flipped.
Even the most basic grills should include a timer while higher-end ones may have multiple functions and features to enhance the cooking experience.
Easy to clean
Another feature of electric grills is that they are incredibly easy to clean up afterward. The grill area is made of non-stick materials and the drip pan will catch any grease or oils, preventing a greasy mess.
When you finish cooking, dump the drip pan and stick it in the dishwasher. Then simply wipe down the grill surface and put it away until next time.
Always make sure to unplug the grill before you clean it and never submerge it in water. Instead, use paper towels, a moistened sponge, or a damp cloth to fully clean it.
A perfect cook
You’ll be able to make an almost infinite amount of dishes on an electric grill and cook them all perfectly. Gone are the days of guessing whether or not things are fully cooked inside because you’ll know the exact temperature of your grill.
Check the manual to see how long you should cook things and what the ideal temperature is. Because electric grills take a lot of the guesswork out of cooking, they’ll make you a much better chef.
With the non-stick surface it’s easy to cook delicate foods like fish or marinated meats which have a tendency to stick or burn. Sugar-based rubs, sauces, and marinades will also cook better although you may still want to spray the grill with some oil for the best non-stick surface possible.
Do Electric Grills Work Well?
Do you live in an apartment or condominium? If so, then an electric grill is the perfect appliance for your home. Even if you have a house but the backyard is small, you won’t have to worry about making space for a big barbecue grill.
Instead, you can use your grill in the kitchen on a daily basis, or take it outdoors when the weather is balmy. Unlike gas or charcoal grills, even if you’re using the grill close to an outbuilding or overhang, it will still be safe.
Are electric grills allowed on balconies?
It’s safe to use an electric grill on your balcony or deck as long as you have an electrical outlet to plug it into. For added safety, get an extension cord so the plug will reach easily without tripping anyone.
For those living in a condominium, electric grills are one of the few options if you actually want to barbecue on your balcony. You can choose an outdoor one that is kept outside or just bring your indoor grill out from your kitchen whenever you want to grill something.
Can electric grills be used indoors?
One of the best things about an electric grill is that you don’t have to wait for warmer weather in order to grill your favorite foods. Instead, you have access to year-round grilling because electric grills can be used in the comfort of your own home.
Many people keep an electric grill on the counter in their kitchen and cook on it regularly. Depending on the size, it can be quite small and easy to store which means it takes up less room than bulkier alternatives.
Can you grill on a covered patio?
With an electric grill, you can take the barbecuing experience outside and cook even on a covered patio. When it’s raining outside a covered patio is the perfect balance between being outside and grilling while remaining sheltered.
If you have a sunroom or patio room, you can even grill in there if the weather is too cold to go outside but you still want some sunshine.
What is the Best Electric Grill to Buy?
When trying to decide on the best electric grill, there are a few considerations to keep in mind that will help you choose.
Size
Electric grills come in all shapes and sizes depending on what you’ll be using it for. If you just need a small one to keep on the kitchen counter and will primarily be using it indoors, then choose something like a George Foreman grill.
However, if you’ll be grilling outdoors on the balcony or in the backyard and want a more authentic grilling experience, choose a stand-alone grill that is taller and bigger. It will feel like you’re using a gas grill while giving all the benefits of electricity.
Portability
When it’s spring or summer you’ll want to grab your grill and head out to the deck to cook up some steaks. But then come winter, it should be easy to bring indoors for barbecuing in the kitchen.
If you know you’ll be moving around a lot or even want to take your electric grill camping, look for one that is lightweight and easy to store. Having a portable grill will make it that much more likely to get used year-round.
Settings
Gadget lovers will rejoice when it comes to some of the features available on electric grills. If you are a fan of a variety of controls and settings, look for a grill that will give you plenty of things to play around with. But if you easily get overwhelmed by a bunch of buttons and options, then a simpler, more straight-forward model will be better.
Contact vs. Open
Open grills have just one plate that you put the food on and require you to flip things to cook the opposite side. Contact grills, on the other hand, have two plates and close down to simultaneously cook both sides.
The open grill is great for those who want a barbecue experience similar to cooking on gas or charcoal where it is required to turn the meat. For those who are short on time, a contact grill will cook things much faster.
Cooking Versatility
Basic grills are good for cooking meats, vegetables, and kabobs. But what about if you want to make sandwiches and paninis too? In that case, you should find a grill with a smoother surface and opt for a contact grill.
If you plan to cook a lot of thick cuts of meat, you may need a grill with more power. But if you’ll just be casually cooking from time to time, then you don’t need a fancy model with all the bells and whistles.
Power
The power level of electric grills is measured in watts and, the higher the wattage, the faster the grill will get hot once you turn it on. Food will also cook faster on a grill that has more power.
Look for a grill that is between 1500 to 1800 watts although some recommend a minimum input of 2,000 watts. It will just depend on what you plan to cook and how often you’ll be using your grill.
Which indoor grill is the best?
The best indoor grill is one that fits your unique grilling needs and is affordable. There are many great grills on the market so at Steel Campfire we’ve narrowed the selections down to what we believe are the electric grills cream of crop. We’ve also listed out what we think are the top 10 currently available on amazon.
If you’re unsure of which one to choose, look for those that will allow you to test them out and return them if they are not satisfactory. Once you find the perfect one though, you’re sure to fall in love with the convenience of grilling anytime, anywhere.
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