Pondering the Benefits of Electric Grills and My Top Picks
Shopping for a new grill can be overwhelming. What type should you get? How much should you spend? Are you purchasing your first one? The warmer months are fast approaching, so it's essential to make a decision now to make the most out of this necessary appliance while the weather is favorable. Let's discuss electric grills - they've come a long way from being slow and wimpy heaters. Here's what you need to know before deciding if they're for you, as well as some outstanding electric grills to make your search simpler.
Electric grills mentioned in this article:
- For a full-sized outdoor electric grill that demands attention like a propane grill: Weber - Pulse 2000 Electric Outdoor Grill with Cart - Black ($979 at Best Buy, $979 at Best Buy)
- For small outdoor spaces, this grill can be disassembled and stored elsewhere: Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill, Black, with Lumin Compact Grill Stand ($530.38 at Amazon, $530.38 at Amazon)
- This grill is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, perfect for year-round grilling: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill in Red ($119.99 at Amazon, $119.99 at Amazon)
$979.00at Best BuyFor small outdoor spaces, this grill breaks down so you can store it elsewhere.Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill, Black, with Lumin Compact Grill Stand$530.38at Amazon
Are electric grills suitable for you?
Unlike gas and coal grills, electric grills allow you to set specific temperatures. All you need to do is plug one into a regular outlet and use the dial to set your desired temperature. Then, the heating elements inside the base housing will warm up the grill bars above them with radiant heat. Once the grill has preheated, as any grill would, you can start grilling.
While you may lose some of that superbly charred smoky flavor from other fuel sources, electric grills offer several advantages:
- Accessible fuel. Have you ever run out of propane and had to use charcoal instead? Or perhaps you dislike the hassle of dealing with coal. With an electric grill, you don't need to worry about fuel because electricity is usually available at home.
- Increased safety. Electric heat doesn't need pilots or fire starters, although fat drips could still cause brief bursts of flames - they're nothing like the flames and sparks commonly associated with other types of grills. This makes electric grills excellent choices for beginners or those who want to avoid potential accidents.
- Easy to manage. No more messing around with charcoal chimneys. With an electric grill, it will start heating up as soon as you turn it on and control the temperature with a dial.
- Ideal for confined spaces. Electric grills don't produce any smoke, making them an excellent option for folks with small outdoor areas or those renting spaces.
$530.38at Amazon
Consider the Weber Pulse for a large outdoor electric grill
Gas-powered grills can make a statement with their large carts and side flaps, creating a workspace in your backyard. Electric grills, on the other hand, can seem less impressive. To have the grandiose appearance of a gas grill with the advantages of an electric one, try out the Weber Pulse ($979). This grill has precise temperature control and even comes with an app to monitor your grilling progress while you pop into the kitchen for a drink.
This grill is safe for both indoor and outdoor use which makes it great for year-round grillingGeorge Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill in Red$119.99at Amazon
Try the Weber Lumin for a portable grilling solution
If you have limited outdoor space, you might not want a massive standing electric grill constantly blocking the sun and impeding your potted plants. The Weber Lumin is more compact, allowing you to detach the heating part from the stand and fold it flat. This model is small but packs a punch with 1.5 kilowatts and a maximum temperature of 600 F. It's perfect for putting grill marks on food and even making a grilled pizza!
The George Foreman grill for indoor/outdoor grilling
Having both an indoor and an outdoor grill is fantastic, but it's not necessary to buy them separately. The George Foreman electric grill ($119.99) can move seamlessly between the two, offering an economic choice compared to the Weber models. This grill has a built-in heating element integrated into the griddle itself, avoiding the risk of fat dripping onto an exposed element and causing flare-ups.
$119.99at Amazon
Enjoy yourself while grilling in your yard or someone else's patio, but make sure to follow the instructions for your grill. Avoid bringing an outdoor grill indoors if it's not designed for that, and don't bring an indoor grill outdoors. These devices require a lot of power to heat up your food, so make sure to connect them to a separate outlet for optimal performance. If you plan on using your outdoor-only electric grill outdoors, consider buying a cover made for the specific brand and model to maintain the electronics.
