Why You Should Consider an Electric Grill (and I Recommend Three)
Buying a new grill can be a daunting task. What type do you need? What’s your budget? Are you buying your very first? Summer is starting to heat up and you need to make sure you can use this powerful device effectively when the weather permits. It’s time to make some decisions.
Charcoal and propane lovers may have cast doubt on your opinion of electric grills, but these grills have come a long way. These appliances are no longer the weak and slow heating appliances of the early 2000s, they now pack plenty of power. If you’re not sure if a particular grill is right for you, read on to learn what factors to consider, as well as a list of some reliable electric grills that will make your search easier.
Outdoor electric grills in this post:
Is an electric grill right for you?
Unlike charcoal and propane grills, an electric grill will allow you to set a more precise temperature. Plug the electric grill into a regular outlet and use the regulator to set the desired temperature, and that’s it. Electric heating elements inside the base body heat the grill grates above it with radiant heat. Once the grill is hot, like any grill, you can start cooking.
While you’ll miss out on some of that charred flavor that you can get with other fuel sources, electric grills have a number of pros:
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Available fuel. You scraped off the grates only to realize that your brother used up all the gas and didn’t replace it – again. Or maybe you just hate fiddling with coal. With an electric grill, you won’t have to deal with finicky fuel because electricity is generally very easy to get in your home.
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Safety. Electric heating does not require pilot lights or fire extinguishing devices. That doesn’t mean there aren’t flames—globs of grease can still ignite briefly—but they’re nowhere near the type of flames and sparks that can occur with other grilling options. This makes electric grills beginner-friendly and a great introduction to grilling surfaces.
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Easy to control. Speaking of fire starters, are you tired of coal chimneys? Electric grills will start heating up as soon as you ask them to, and the temperature is controlled by a dial.
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Ideal for small spaces . Electric grills don’t produce smoke like charcoal grills and come in a variety of sizes, making them a great option for rentals and for places with limited outdoor space.
Try the Weber Pulse for a large grill that takes center stage.
A gas grill has a certain authority. The large cart and side doors create space to work, and the grill area becomes a place people gravitate to. Electric grills may seem miniature in comparison. If you want the same rugged look and the benefits of an electric motor, buy the Weber Pulse ($979). It’s a little wasteful compared to others, but this grill offers precise temperature control, and you can stay on top of things by tracking the temperature of your chicken thighs in the grill app while you head to the fridge to chat with friends.
Try Weber Lumin for portable benefits
If you have a small outdoor space, you may not want to have a standing outdoor grill constantly blocking the sun from your potted begonias. The Weber Lumin is more compact, the heating part is completely detachable from the stand, and the stand folds up so you can store everything elsewhere. This model is small but powerful, with 1.5 kW of power and a maximum temperature of 600 F. That’s enough to get good marks on the grill and even grill pizza. This model will work on a heat-resistant countertop, but if you don’t have one, be sure to invest in the Weber Lumin Electric Grill with Folding Stand ($530.44).
The George Foreman Electric Grill can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Having an indoor and outdoor grill is a luxury, but you don’t have to buy them separately. The George Foreman Electric Grill ($119.99) lets you move your dinner party outside when the weather clears, and it’s more cost-effective than others. As with the entire Foreman product line, the heating element is built into the grill plate. This eliminates the risk of grease getting onto the open heating element below and causing a fire.
As always, stay safe
Enjoy grilling on your lawn or patio rental, but always use your grill as directed. This means don’t bring an outdoor item into your home if it’s not meant to go inside, and vice versa. These appliances use a lot of energy to heat food, so be sure to plug them into a separate outlet for maximum performance. If your outdoor-only electric grill will be used outdoors, purchase an outdoor cover that matches the brand and model to keep the electronics in good shape.