Modern cooking devices are designed to make life easier for the housewife and help ensure that the food turns out tasty and healthy. These include an electric grill, a device used for heat treatment of food. You can bake, fry, stew, smoke foods in it, preserving their beneficial properties.
What is an electric grill?
It is equipment for preparing food. An electric grill is a device that allows you to heat food without using oil, making it less greasy and harmful. With the help of the device, dishes get a beautiful, appetizing crust; they can be cooked to the desired condition. An electric grill can be built into a regular oven or microwave. It is often used as independent equipment, presented in a portable form.
Electric grill device
The equipment is a metal cabinet with horizontal placement. A network grill has an external resemblance to an oven; its doors are often made of heat-resistant glass, and stainless steel is used to make the working chamber. The working chamber is heated by tubular systems. Many electric grill models are equipped with illuminated elements, thanks to which you can control the food processing process.
When preparing food from rotating structures on which food is placed (on skewers or in special baskets), juice and fat flow into trays located at the bottom of the chamber. The front panel of the device is equipped with regulators, through which the backlight, electric motor, heating elements are turned on and the desired degree of power of the elements is selected.
The principle of operation of an electric grill
Heating elements are used to heat the products loaded into the working chamber. Electric grills for home use and models used on an industrial scale are driven by an electric motor. After turning on the device, the heating elements begin to heat up, which increases the temperature in the chamber and causes the food to cook.
The best electric grills with removable panels
An electric grill with removable panels is a device in which the working surfaces are separated from the device and replaced with an additional set. The frying plates can be washed independently or using a dishwasher.
Electrical appliances include flat panels and grooved surfaces that are easy to replace.
Rating:
- Philips HD 6360/20 is the most feature-rich model in the line. Completely provides a complete lunch or dinner for a family of 4-5 people thanks to its high cooking power.
- To purchase a high-quality electric grill at an affordable price, it is recommended to pay attention to Tefal GC306012. The device operates in three modes, which allows you to cook several types of food.
- VITEK VT-2630 ST is designed for use in small kitchens due to its compact size. The desktop-type device is easy to operate and maintain, and has a high-quality non-stick coating.
Advantages:
- simplicity and comfort in operating and maintaining the grill;
- options for preparing dishes on a flat or ribbed surface;
- during repairs, it is enough to replace the damaged panel with a new one;
- uniform distribution of heat due to tightly compressed sides of the device.
Flaws:
- with frequent changes, the likelihood of damage to the grooves for inserting panels increases;
- Some models of devices do not support the dishwasher cleaning function;
- Some models do not have spare removable surfaces available for free sale.
What can you cook on an electric grill?
The device can be used to heat food. You can use an electric grill at home for heat treatment of the following products:
- Meat. It can be baked, fried. Any types of meat, poultry, sausage are used.
- Fish You can use the same cooking methods for it as for meat, but it is recommended to take fatty varieties or select a marinade that will make the fish juicy.
- Fruits, vegetables. They can be baked or fried. To obtain juicy dishes from nature's gifts, it is recommended to use foil.
- Flour products, baked goods - pizza, pancakes, pancakes, pies, cheesecakes. An electric grill is a device in which these dishes are cooked quickly and are less caloric due to the absence of oil.
- Kash. In this device they become crumbly, with an appetizing aroma and taste.
- Sandwiches, hot snacks with a crispy crust.
Pros and cons of an electric grill
The device has many advantages:
- Convenience and ease of use.
- Save time on cooking.
- Appetizing, rich taste, aroma of dishes.
- Multifunctional device. You can cook food in it (bake, stew, fry), defrost food, and reheat ready-made dishes.
- The ability to cook food without oil, thanks to which it can be consumed on a diet, in the presence of problems with the digestive system, or in the treatment of various diseases that require a special approach to nutrition.
- No unpleasant odors during cooking.
- Compactness of the device. It does not take up much space and can be stored away after use. You can take the device with you on a picnic or to the country house.
Even the best electric grill has some disadvantages:
- High level of energy consumption. Even a reduction in food processing time does not compensate for energy costs.
- Vulnerability of the device to voltage surges. A slight jump can cause equipment failure.
- The need to control the cooking process. Having a timer does not guarantee that the dish will not burn, so you need to constantly monitor it. Without control, it may remain uncooked.
- The electric grill requires constant thorough but gentle cleaning of the surfaces. In the absence of proper care, the device loses its performance properties.
Which is better, a grill pan or an electric grill?
To answer this question, you should compare two devices according to a number of criteria:
- Construction
. An electric grill is a more massive device compared to a grill pan. The latter can have a rectangular or square shape, which does not significantly affect the quality of food. There are floor and tabletop electric grills. The second is a more compact option, but the choice of device type depends on the user’s preferences. - Dishes
. The same recipes can be used for both devices. The quality and taste of the prepared food does not differ significantly. - Functionality
. An electric grill oven can perform more tasks compared to a grill pan. In the first, you can defrost food, and after preparing food, store it in the device for some time so that it does not get cold. With its help you can process a larger number of products. - Cooking process
. An electric grill makes it less labor intensive. The presence of a temperature and time regulator increases the chances of an optimal level of heat treatment. In the case of a frying pan, the cook requires more control and attention paid to the process. - Transportation
. It is more convenient to transport a grill pan than an electric grill, even if the latter is a compact model. - Smoke, smells
. When using an open type electric grill, in this criterion it is comparable to a frying pan. If it is closed, little smoke and foreign odors are released. - Care
. The grill pan is easier to clean. There are electric grill models with removable elements. Caring for them is easier compared to caring for solid structures.
Which is better, an air fryer or an electric grill?
Both devices do an excellent job of cooking. They differ in their design and application:
- In an air fryer, food is processed with warm air, which circulates in a glass bowl where the food is placed. The food turns out healthy and does not require the use of oil to prepare it. The available processing methods in the device are boiling, frying, baking, stewing, and steaming. At the same time, you should choose an electric grill for steaks if you are a fan of this dish. In it, food is processed with heat received from the surface of the device elements. Both devices perform the function of heating and defrosting.
- The smell, the smoke. When using an air grill, they are not present, but when using an electric grill, they can spread throughout the apartment.
- Degree of processing. In an air fryer, food is cooked evenly on all sides. In an electric grill, cooking may be uneven.
- Transportation. Both devices are cumbersome to move, but it is possible to do so. An electric mini-grill is easier to transport.
- Convenient cooking process. When using an air fryer, constant supervision from the cook is not required, but in the case of an electric grill, it is needed.
The best tabletop electric grills
A tabletop electric grill is the optimal solution for a small kitchen; it is available in two versions: contact and contactless.
The first type has one or two working surfaces and involves the preparation of whole pieces of food.
A non-contact electric grill is smaller in size than a contact grill; food is fried in small portions, similar to a shish kebab.
Rating:
- SENCOR SBG 106 BK is a simple and powerful model with two working surfaces (flat and textured). The heating switch ensures the desired temperature, and a special tray collects draining juice and fat.
- Severin KG 2385 is an electric grill with a smooth glass-ceramic coating, which allows you to get quickly and evenly fried food. Convenient for preparing pancakes, pancakes, heating pizza, pies and portioned dishes.
- TRISA 7562.4212 is a universal device with an original design. Combines a raclette maker, a crepe maker and an electric grill. It has two separate working surfaces that heat independently of each other.
Advantages:
- compactness;
- comfort of use;
- ease of carrying;
- a light weight;
- fits into the interior of most kitchen styles;
- easy maintenance of the device.
Flaws:
- Capacity is limited to one family;
- difficulties in repair;
- great heat transfer.
Types of electric grills
The device can be stationary or portable, floor-standing or tabletop. Home electric grill is divided into the following types:
- contact;
- contactless.
Contact electric grill
This device involves cooking food on heated surfaces. Thanks to this, food is processed faster and more deeply. Contact home electric grills come in the following types:
- One-sided
. A grate, stone or Teflon surface can be used as a heated element. The last two options can be divided into zones - corrugated (for fish, meat), flat (for vegetables, fruits, baked goods). - Double-sided
. In addition to the main surface, it is equipped with a press. The distance between these elements is adjusted depending on the dish being prepared. - Combined
. It combines single-sided and double-sided options.
Contactless electric grill
The principle of its operation is similar to the work of a kebab maker. Products are placed in the work cabinet in special baskets (vegetables, fruits) or skewered (meat, fish). In this form they rotate around the heating element. When choosing the best electric grill for your home, you can pay attention to this option, it all depends on the user’s preferences. This type of device has one drawback - the inability to cook baked goods in it.
The best electric grills for outdoors
The main difference between outdoor electric grills and other types is the additional equipment with a stand with legs (floor grill) or an open type of device.
The device allows you to install the device on any surface, which is comfortable in a country house or cottage.
Some models are equipped with a shelf under the grill or something like a table. You can place spatulas and other tools for turning food, sauce for basting, and utensils for the finished dish on them.
Rating:
- Tristar RA-2993 is a large-sized device equipped with a large-scale relief surface and a built-in electric kebab maker. The model involves simultaneous preparation of the main dish and side dish.
- Trisa Electronics BBQ Classic 7564.4212 is a budget option for an outdoor picnic. Compact grill with a two-level frying surface in the form of a grate and an additional shelf with dividers for spices, oil and utensils.
- Fagor BBC-846 is a model for outdoor gazebos and open terraces. A flat frying surface allows you to evenly heat ready-made dishes and bake quick breakfasts and hot snacks.
Advantages:
- simplicity and ease of use;
- does not require additional stocking of firewood and coal;
- mobility;
- for models with adjustable leg heights – the ability to drain excess fat from the grill;
- easy and hassle-free maintenance of the device.
Flaws:
- dependence on power supply (sometimes there are power outages in dacha areas);
- mandatory presence of extension cords;
- If fat or juice gets on the heating element, a burning smell is likely to occur.
How to choose an electric grill?
During the purchase, a number of criteria are taken into account. There are recommendations on how to choose an electric grill for your home:
- Power. The optimal indicator is 0.7-2.2 kW. The higher this value, the faster the cooking process, but the energy consumption also increases.
- Dimensions. The quality of operation of the device and the amount of food processed do not depend on them, so they are selected according to the needs of the user.
- Materials. Inexpensive models use heat-resistant plastic, which is inferior in quality to stainless steel. It is advisable that the surfaces be equipped with a non-stick coating.
- Adjustment of time, convection, temperature, delayed start. The presence of these options makes the cooking process easier.
- Availability of a temperature maintenance function in a certain mode.
- The removable tray makes it easy to clean.
- The presence of thermally insulated handles allows you to move the device when it is hot.
Electric grill functions
The device has many useful options that need to be taken into account when choosing an electric grill:
- Lid height adjustment.
- Availability of trays for fat. It is desirable that these elements are removable.
- Timer.
- An electric grill with attachments that supports the “barbecue” option is popular.
- Temperature indicator.
- The presence of a delayed start function, thanks to which you can set the start time of cooking in advance.
Types of charcoal grills
There are three main types of charcoal grills: spherical, barrel and ceramic. All of them allow you to deliciously cook meat and vegetables, cook dishes according to the principles of BBQ and smoke, but each of them has its own special power.
Spherical charcoal grill
In 1952, George Stephen, the future owner of the famous Weber-Stephen Products LLC, sawed a sea buoy in half, marking the beginning of the most famous and best-selling grills in the world. The spherical shape of the roasting pan effectively retains and dissipates heat, and the lid allows you to cook in any weather. These grills are very versatile: you can fry food on a grill or skewers, bake it like in an oven, or use the sealed chamber as a smoker. They are very easy to use, especially with the removable ash pan.
Spherical grills are relatively compact, usually about 55 cm in diameter, but even this is enough to cook for five people at the same time (see “Size”). More than enough for a beginner. There are also larger models: grills with a diameter of 66 cm are popular, and the largest reach one meter. The box is usually mounted on a tripod with a pair of wheels, so moving the barbecue around the area should not cause any problems. There are also stationary configurations built into massive metal tables.
Total:
- only the grill is cheaper;
- the most mobile type of grill, there are portable models for outdoor trips;
- the best type of charcoal barbecue for high-temperature cooking;
- a good family option, but not for crowded events.
Grill barrel
Made in the form of a barrel cut in half, these grills are larger and more versatile. The barrel shape is the most popular, but it does not always have a rounded top or bottom. If you want to try BBQ-style slow cooking or smoking, if you're a hospitable person and like to host big outdoor parties, then this type of charcoal grill is just for you. Even with their dimensions, grill barrels can be mobile, because they are often installed on a trolley or legs with wheels. They cost more, but given the size, much less than you would pay for a ceramic kamado of equivalent volume.
Total:
- more expensive than spherical grills;
- more space for cooking;
- the ability to simmer and smoke food comfortably;
- usually richer functionality.
Ceramic grill
Modern ceramic grills come from the Japanese kamado stove brought back by American soldiers during the war. The thick ceramic walls of the egg-shaped oven accumulate heat from the coals and turn into a powerful infrared brazier. Dishes in kamado turn out juicy and have a rich taste. Ceramic grills are fuel efficient, retain heat for a long time, are efficient in winter, and provide excellent temperature control. Like oriental tandoors, these are very versatile barbecues: you can fry meat and vegetables using grill principles, bake large pieces of meat, bake, smoke, and even pizza. But you have to pay extra for comfort.
Total:
- the most expensive type of charcoal grills;
- suitable for solving almost all culinary tasks;
- food tastes better, and cooking outside is comfortable even in winter;
- Thick-walled ceramics are not the lightest material.
Read: “Japanese station wagon: a guide to choosing a good ceramic grill”
Electric grill rating
The following models have proven themselves to be reliable and high-quality:
- Electric grill Tefal GC306012
. The device has high power (2 kW), removable panels, and large work surfaces. - Delonghi Multigrill CGH 1030D
. The device has an attractive design and is equipped with replaceable panels. It is possible to adjust the height of the lid and legs. - Tefal Optigrill+XL GC722D34
. A model that has sensors for operating parameters, replaceable elements that can be cleaned in a dishwasher. - GFgrill GF-100
. Compact electric grill with large working surfaces and fast heating elements. - ProfiCook PC-KG 1029
. Device with high power (2 kW), removable panels, tray.
The best outdoor electric grills
The floor electric grill is used both outdoors and at home. The legs of the device can be located around the perimeter of the product or adjacent to the main axis (like office chairs).
The height of the device is adjustable or remains constant, and the angle of the grill can be changed if necessary.
Rating:
- Severin PG 2792 is a popular medium-sized model with wind protection, equipped with a shelf for dishes and sauces. Removable legs make the device compact and easy to transport.
- ClatronicBQS 3508 is a universal, completely disassembled electric grill. The grate-shaped work surface is ideal for barbecuing and is additionally equipped with heat-insulated handles.
- TRISA 7560.4245 BBQ EXPERT is a multifunctional spherical device for outdoor picnics. The model is equipped with two wheels for easy transportation and two folding stands-tables.
Two work surfaces and a lid help preserve the juiciness and aroma of the prepared dishes.
Advantages:
- inexpensive alternative to barbecue;
- high performance and durability of the device;
- special coating eliminates the possibility of food burning.
Flaws:
- electricity consumption;
- when moving you have to disassemble the grill;
- takes up a lot of space when stored.
How to cook on an electric grill?
During this process, you need to follow a number of recommendations:
- When using the device, you need to turn on the hood or open a window.
- Do not use the device if it is placed on an uneven surface.
- Users are often interested in whether it is possible to cook in foil on an electric grill. This is allowed. The dish will turn out juicier and softer.
- When cooking vegetables, it is recommended to cut them at least 1 cm thick.
- For meat and fish, the optimal temperature is 200°C, for vegetables and fruits – 180°C.
How to wash an electric grill?
In this matter, follow these recommendations:
- Unplug the electric grill.
- It is advisable to clean the grill and surfaces while they are still warm.
- If the elements of the device are non-removable, use the spatula that should be included in the kit to clean them. After this, clean the surfaces with a damp cloth. If you are using a collapsible electric grill, a good option is to wash the panels in the dishwasher.
- If necessary, you can use detergent.
- Wipe the grill or surface dry.
- If drops of fat get on the heating element, they can be removed with a damp cloth or sponge.
The best electric grills for steaks
Steak is a well-done piece of whole meat or fish. To prepare it, in most cases, an open electric grill with a grate or a closed-type device with a grooved surface is used.
The main requirement for devices of this type is contact of meat with the frying surface.
Rating:
- Tefal GC306012 is a family model for cooking meat, fish and vegetables, operating in three modes. When folded, it is a suitcase that can be conveniently stored in an upright position.
- Tefal MP3 BBQ Grill is an original device with a built-in radio and MP3 player.
The press system ensures high-quality double-sided frying with a crispy crust, and musical accompaniment makes the cooking process quick and enjoyable.
- CLATRONIC MG 3519 is a compact device with deep, wide grooves on the frying panel. Gives steaks a clearer, brighter striped pattern.
Advantages:
- speed of preparation;
- high-quality and uniform roasting;
- attractive appearance of the dish;
- absence of smoke and fumes (for closed models);
- Non-stick coating allows you to cook without using oil.
Flaws:
- limited capacity;
- the likelihood of smoke and soot appearing when fat from meat gets on the heating element (for open models);
- There are some difficulties in cooking large steaks in press grills.
