Grilling is a fast, easy way to cook a delicious meal. And the best electric grills make it even easier! You can expect precise temperature control and consistent heat with these units. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or yourself, an electric grill is a great way to get perfectly grilled steak, chicken, fish, or vegetables every time.
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Best Electric Grills
Do you want to experience creating grilled food at home but can’t handle the fuss that comes with a gas or charcoal grill? If so, it might be time to give an electric grill a try! These are much cleaner and easier to use than traditional grills. No charcoal or gas is required!
Unlike a traditional charcoal grill or gas grill, the best electric grills are portable and easy to maintain. They are also appropriate for people living in small spaces such as apartments or shared properties. The hassle-free and easy-to-operate mechanisms, make them perfect for people with busy lives. Plus, most are designed to be outdoor and indoor friendly because of their small smoke output. Smoker tubes are also easy to use with electric grills.
We’ve put together a list of the best electric grills on the market right now. Plus, some important features to keep in mind while shopping for one. Enjoy!
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Our Picks: The Best Electric Grills
- Editors Pick: Breville Smart Electric Countertop Grill
- Best Overall: Weber Q2400 Electric Grill
- Best Small Budget: Techwood Electric BBQ Grill
- Best Luxury: Kenyon Floridian All Seasons Electric Grill
- Best for Beginners: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Editor's Pick
Breville Smart Electric Countertop Grill
The Breville Smart Electric Countertop Grill brings a great BBQ taste indoors. This grill cooks as well as a BBQ but with the added bonus of being super easy to clean and suitable for indoor use. This indoor/outdoor unit can open up flat for classic BBQ mode or can fold in for panini press or sear mode. The removable, dishwasher-safe plates and drip pan save you time cleaning. And the small size saves you space while storing.
The Element IQ smart technology makes maintaining a stable cooking temperature a breeze. When you place cold meat on electric grills, usually there will be a temperature drop. But, these grill plates have heat sensors that compensate for that drop! They send a surge of heat to the heating element to bring it back to the ideal temperature.
What we liked
- Easy to clean
- Smart technology to retain heat
- Lightweight and portable
What we didn’t like
- Small in size
- No lid for BBQ mode
Best Overall
Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill
The Weber Q2400 Electric Grill is a well-made unit with a cooking area of 280 square inches. Enough space to grill 12 burgers at the same time. Weber is a reputable brand, known for making high-quality barbecue equipment for new and expert grillers.
The porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates provide an even heat distribution. While the aluminum lid and body keeps heat very well. You can control the heat with an adjustable temperature control dial that ranges from low to high.
This lightweight and portable outdoor grill comes with a 6-foot-long cord. Yet, it is small enough to be an excellent addition to a small patio or balcony. Plus, it comes fully assembled, which saves you time and a whole lot of patience.
What we liked
- Offers adequate cooking area
- Offers good heat retention
- Ergonomic handles
What we didn’t like
- No temperature gauge
Best Budget Friendly Electric Grill
Techwood Electric BBQ Grill
The Techwood Electric BBQ Grill is an 18-inch tabletop electronic unit that is perfect for those on a budget. With a cooking area of 240 square inches, this grill can cook food for a small family in one go. It features an interlocking bowl and hood that helps hold heat. And the cast-iron cooking grates distribute that heat evenly. Plus, they’re rust-resistant!
With a stable base and two handles, you can feel confident transporting this unit from place to place. Achieve the same great BBQ experience in small spaces or even indoors. Use the adjustable temperature controls to find the right temperature for what you’re grilling. Then, take advantage of the great venting system that controls airflow and dissipates heat.
What we liked
- Excellent heat retention
- Rust-resistant grill grates
- Venting system regulates airflow
- 3 year warranty
What we didn’t like
- No temperature gauge
- Must disassemble for cleanup
Best Luxury Electric Grill
Kenyon Floridian All Seasons Electric Grill
The Kenyon Floridian All Seasons Electric Grill is a higher-end unit but its performance and sleek design are unmatchable. This stainless steel electric grill can reach a temperature of 600F in only 10 minutes! Plus, it’s approved for both indoor and outdoor use.
The cooking surface is smaller than most electric grills. But with 155 square inches of cooking area, it’s more than enough to cook for a small group of people. The lid and grill grates are also dishwasher friendly. This makes for easy cleaning every time.
An added bonus with this grill is that it has an oversized drip pan that you can also use to add more flavor to your meal. Pour water into the pan and add lemon slices and herbs or even red wine for a delectable aroma you can taste.
What we liked
- Sleek design
- Heats up quickly
- Indoors and outdoors
- Oversized drip tray
- Dishwasher safe
What we didn’t like
- Expensive
- Small cooking space
Best Beginner-Friendly Electric Grill
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill is a very popular electric model. It’s made of top quality material built for high performance, yet easy to use! With a cooking space of 240 square inches, you can grill for a good number of people. Plus, with a removable stand, you can transfer it from outside to an indoor countertop.
Grill with ease thanks to the non-stick cooking surface. It’s durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter or oil. Plus, the sloped grilling surface allows grease and fat to funnel toward the bottom. This helps to remove it from your finished product. An excellent, easy-to-use grill, perfect for beginners!
What we liked
- Cooks food faster
- Decent cooking area
- Sloped surface
- Non-stick cooking area
- Temperature knob adjusts heat levels
What we didn’t like
- Comparatively expensive
- Doesn’t come with a temperature gauge
Our Results for The Best Electric Grills
Well, there you have it, our top picks for the best electric grills on the market. Here’s a recap.
- Editors Pick: Breville Smart Electric Countertop Grill
“cooks as well as a BBQ. Plus, the added bonus of being super easy to clean and suitable for indoor use” - Best Overall: Weber Q2400 Electric Grill
“small enough to be an excellent addition to a small patio or balcony” - Best Small Budget: Techwood Electric BBQ Grill
“stable base and two handles, you can feel confident transporting this grill” - Best Luxury: Kenyon Floridian All Seasons Electric Grill
“sleek stainless steel unit. can reach a maximum temperature of 600F in just 10 minutes” - Best for Beginners: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
“non-stick cooking surface that is durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter or oil”
Things to consider when buying an Electric Grill
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor grill, you need to consider a few factors. These points will help you make a sound decision.
Types of Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grills
Generally, you will come across three different types of electric grills. These are:
- Grills with carts: If you have a deck or patio, an electric grill with a cart will suit your needs. These units are semi-portable and also come with many built-in storage options for all of your grilling tools.
- Portable grills: While these grills are small, they are perfect for camping trips or outdoor picnics. They do not have a large cooking area but offer even heat distribution and are useful for small families.
- Built-in grills: These units are perfect for people with good outdoor kitchens. You can install them on your countertops. However, such grills are expensive.
Outdoor Vs. Indoor
The best outdoor electric grills are convenient for people who have backyards. But, sometimes the weather fails to support your plans. In that case, a grill that doubles as both an outdoor and indoor grill is a savior. It’s always nice to have options. So, it’s our recommendation to invest in a unit that can handle both indoors and outdoors.
Wattage
The wattage or power rating of your grill can affect the temperatures it can reach. The higher the power rating, the wider the unit’s temperature range.
If you want to grill different types of foods, go for a power rating between 1300 – 1800 watts. Since an affordable outdoor grill is usually small, it may have a power rating of only 800 watts. This is workable, but it isn’t enough to grill large meat pieces.
All-electric grills have varying temperature ranges. It’s best to look for a unit that can reach a temperature of at least 400°.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning your grill after every use is a good way to ensure your grill lasts for years to come. Choose a grill that has a removable catch pan or drip tray to catch grease and fat that will drip off. A dishwasher-safe drip tray will also save you time cleaning, making the entire process pain-free.
A grill with removable parts is also quite convenient. Especially when it comes to cleaning. But, it’s important to wait until your grill has cooled completely before attempting to take it apart.
Other Features
Here are some other essential features that you may look at in your electric grill before bringing it home:
- Quick starting: Select a grill that comes with an easy starting mechanism. This way, you can heat your grill within a few minutes and start cooking without issues.
- Non-stick surface: The good thing about a non-stick surface is that it is easy to clean which will save you time and money in the long run.
- Filter: An electric grill with a filter reduces the amount of smoke or gases produced during cooking. This feature works best for people who do not have a proper ventilation system in their kitchen.
- Sloped Surface: If the electric grill you’re looking at doesn’t have a drip tray, make sure it has a sloped surface that will manage excess grease and juices from the food.
BBQ Hero Tip: If your grill does not have non-stick grates, coat them with oil or cooking spray before placing your food. Stuck-on food can ruin a meal and overall presentation.
Features to consider when choosing an Electric Grill
Here are a few more essential features to consider when choosing the best electric grills.
Construction Materials
If you’re in the market for an electric grill, it’s important to know what construction materials to look for. The most common construction materials for these grills are stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Look at each one and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Stainless steel electric grills are some of the most durable on the market. They’re also easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a popular choice for busy grillers. Yet, stainless steel can be prone to rust if it’s not cared for.
Cast iron electric grills are another popular choice. They’re super durable and hold heat well. This makes them ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Yet, cast iron can be heavy and difficult to move. This won’t be the best choice if you plan on moving your grill from indoors to outdoors often.
Ceramic electric grills are a newer option on the market. They’re lightweight and easy to transport, making them a good choice for those who like to grill on the go. Ceramic grills also heat evenly and keep heat well. They’re perfect for cooking delicate foods. Yet, ceramic grills can be more fragile than other types of grills. They need gentle care and cleaning.
Dimensions
Electric grill size is also a factor to be mindful of. Luckily, unlike charcoal or gas grills, electric grills tend to be of smaller size. Since they’re generally used for both outdoor and indoor cooking. They keep portability in mind and are usually compact and lightweight.
Yet, portability and storage are of high importance for indoor grills. The cooking area should take top priority. We measure the cooking surface area in square inches. Sometimes manufacturers will note how many burgers can fit on it for visual aid. Depending on your family size or how many people you’ll be grilling for, it might be a good idea to choose a grill with a larger primary cooking space.
Mounting
Depending on where you’ll be using your grill, find one with the right mounting options. Something that won’t take up too much space. Electric grills are usually made to be tabletop style, though some do have mounting options. If you’re looking for a grill that you can use outdoors, choose a grill that comes with a heavy-duty stand and wheels for easy maneuvering.
Warranty
Even when maintained, things can go wrong and you might have no control over the outcome. There may be faulty parts, or you might not happy with your decision. This is where a warranty comes in handy. Also, when a company offers a free lifetime warranty, you know it’s a good product. The company trusts it will do its job.
Safety Tips for Electric Grills
Grills of any kind should be handled with care and caution. Especially small grills that you can move around. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when handling your new grill.
Unplug Before Cleaning
Always unplug your electric grill before taking it apart to clean. It should be completely cooled and away from any electrical outlet before washing.
Turn Off Temperature Dials
To protect your grill, it’s important to turn all temperature dials and heating elements down and off before plugging in or unplugging your grill.
No Trip Zones
Avoid plugging your grill in high-traffic areas. The presence of a cord is a tripping hazard so it’s important to ensure it’s out of the way.
BBQ Hero Tip: Don’t use your electric grill outdoors in the rain. To protect the integrity of your grill, avoid harsh weather conditions. Luckily, most electric grills are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If there’s rain in the forecast, it’s best to grill indoors.
Electric Grill FAQs
Can Tabletop Grills Be Placed Directly On The Table?
Tabletop grills will usually have a heat-resistant base. Meaning they are suitable to be placed directly on your tabletop. As always, read the owner’s manual before operating your grill to avoid any accidents.
How Do You Control The Temperature On An Electric Grill?
Temperature settings on electric grills are typically found in the form of a dial on the side of the grill. These dials will have different temperature ranges, from low to high.
Do Electric Grills Need Time To Preheat?
Yes, grills of any kind need some time to reach an ideal temperature high enough to cook food. Electric grills do heat up much quicker than their gas or charcoal counterparts, but it’s best to wait at least 5-10 minutes before placing your food on the racks.
