The grill - from this word and blows warm, sunshine and delicious food with the aroma of smoke. But not always and not everyone has the opportunity to cook on charcoal. Now there is a way out - the electric grill allows you to cook food with the aroma of smoke at any time of the year and in any place where there is an electrical network. With this kitchen unit you can make homemade kebabs from meat, fish or vegetables, toast and other dishes without adding oil in just a few minutes. About what kind of eclectic device of this type is worth buying and why, we will talk in this article.
How to choose?
The range of models and varieties of kitchen electric grill is very extensive. Therefore, it is necessary to choose it, taking into account certain characteristics, as well as the intended scope and frequency of use. In addition, it is necessary to make a comparison of the main types of the device and determine their advantages and disadvantages. Only after such an analysis can you really choose the right device.
- Type of grill. It can be open, that is, the cooking surface is located directly above the infrared heater. When cooking food, it will be necessary to turn over and carefully observe safety precautions so as not to touch the open work surface and not get burned. The grill of the closed type prepares food at once from two parties. The lid fits snugly to the products and is essentially also a cooking zone. There are also combined models with a removable cover. The difference between them is in price, convenience and safety of operation.
For home cooking on the grill is better to use closed or combined types of units.
- Contact and contactless models. In the first case, the products are directly located on the working surface of the unit itself. In the second variant, they are not in contact with it, but are located on a special grid, located above the heating element. The second type of grills is more suitable for sparing cooking, and the first for their maximum roasting.
- Stationary or portable. The first version of the unit can often be found in places of public catering. Such grills can be desktop or outdoor. They are heavy, massive, but allow you to cook a large amount of food at once. The second type is smaller, lighter and more compact grills. They can take with them to the country, to visit and even travel.
- With removable or static panels. A device whose cooking panels can be easily removed is considered the best. With its operation and washing problems from the housewives does not arise. At the same time, to wash the grill with static panels, the hostess will have to try not to wet the entire grill with water.
- The working surface can be in the form of cast-iron gratings, solid stainless steel cloth or in the form of a glass-ceramic sheet. For frequent safe and long-term home use of the unit, you should choose either models with cast-iron gratings, or those devices that are made of stainless steel.
Glass ceramics, unfortunately, quickly becomes useless.
In addition, for sale there are electric grills with a plastic or metal body. Although the first option is cheaper, it will also serve much less. Therefore, models with a metal casing will be the best choice.
When choosing a device, its other properties should be taken into account, including the following.
- The ability to control the heating temperature of the heating element and the function to maintain the specified temperature. If the grill has such abilities, then it’s a pleasure to cook with it - even those who are late to the table will receive a hot portion of the dish, and changing the heating temperature will allow you to cook the most delicious and correct even the most complex products and dishes.
- Device power. It depends on the quality and speed of cooking. It is best to choose models in which the specified figure is not less than 2 kW.
- Power On Indicator and Overheat Protection Function will not only use the electric grill for a long time, but also make its operation as safe as possible.
And even better to choose models in which the manufacturer indicated that the work surface has a special non-stick coating. In such models, cooking without fat and oil can be easily and safely.
Some manufacturers equip their devices with special precast tanks, in which all the excess fat flows through the grooves. Such grills are considered convenient and safe in operation, since the excess juice does not drain inside the device, but is collected in one removable container. Therefore, the choice in this situation is simply obvious.
Luxury models rating
All produced today electric grills, as well as other household kitchen appliances, are of three main types: premium, middle price segment and low cost. It is considered that the more expensive the unit is, the more convenient it is to use, more versatile and more durable. In the case of electric power, this is true. Therefore, making the decision to purchase such an elite kitchen appliances, first of all you should pay attention to the following models.
- Tefal Optigrill + XL GC722D34. Refers to professional technology. It has a rich touch display, which makes it possible to choose not only the type of the prepared product, but also the desired temperature, as well as the cooking time. Coating of non-stick panels. The top cover also serves as an additional heating element. Here, compact size is combined with high power, ease of use, durability and modern stylish design.
Such a grill will be the best choice for home cooking. Aluminum housing, work surfaces made of stainless steel. The unit is equipped with a special removable container for collecting fat and liquid. Cooking panels themselves can also be removed.
- Weber Q 1400. This device rightfully shares the first place with the previous one. The type of control is mechanical, the body is metallic. The grill itself is of a closed type, equipped with a non-stick coating. It has a compact size, is convenient for transportation and allows you to cook more than 10 different products. Cooking panels are presented in the form of porcelain-coated cast-iron double grids, which serves as a non-stick coating. Cleaning the unit is simple and easy, cooking is even easier.
You can adjust the temperature and keep warm for a specified amount of time.
- De'longhi Multigrill CGH 1012D. This model has the fastest possible heating of cooking panels, a non-stick coating, several modes of operation and a robust housing. The panels are removable, as is the unit cover itself. But the main advantage of such a grill lies in the fact that the temperature of the upper and lower panels can be adjusted separately. This simplifies the process of cooking many complex dishes. There is a temperature controller, sensor on, a compartment for collecting fluid and fat. The device is presented in a stylish, bright and modern design and is equipped with all the necessary functions.
- Steba PG 4.4 / PG. The manufacturer completed the grill with three panels - corrugated for meat, special for making waffles and absolutely smooth for vegetables and seafood. The top cover independently rises and falls depending on the volume and thickness of the prepared products. All panels are removable, they are switched using a special sensor on the side of the case.There is the possibility of temperature control. The body is made of high-strength plastic and has a special compartment for collecting fat and liquid during cooking. The presence of special handles on the sides of the device facilitates the process of its transportation and rearrangement.
- Tefal Optigrill + GC712. This high-power grill has a special thermostat, several modes of operation, non-stick coating on the cooking panels. The type of control of such a unit is simple mechanical. With it you can cook not only classic dishes for grilling, but also to conduct the whole culinary experiments. A distinctive feature of such a device is six different modes of operation and the presence of a defrosting function unique to the grill.
All of the above models of electric grills are not just multifunctional, they are also quite expensive. But if you don’t need most of their functions, and you don’t want to overpay only for the famous brand, you can purchase a more budget version of the unit.
Middle segment review
The options of electric grill included in this selection, in many cases, are not inferior in their functionality to more expensive premium-class models. That's just the price for them is much lower, and with proper skill you can cook the same ones:
- Endever Grillmaster 115. Simple and easy to use model. There are two heating plates and both are non-stick. The grooves for the runoff of fat are quite deep, so when cooking you should not be afraid to slap the entire table. There is a switch on sensor, overheat protection and the ability to adjust the cooking temperature. This grill is suitable for vegetables, egg dishes, toast and sandwiches, meat, seafood and fish. Stylish modern design will make this technique the main highlight of the kitchen.
- Redmond SteakMaster RGM-M805. The control type is electronic, the panels are non-stick, there is a function to adjust the temperature and select a specific cooking mode. For a low cost, the buyer acquires a unique closed type grill, which can additionally be used as a barbecue. This unit provides an opportunity to cook vegetables and fruits, pastries, meat and more. The panels are removable, as is the compartment for collecting fat and juice products.
- Polaris PGP 0202 - it is an inexpensive, functional and easy to use electric grill. The lid opens to 180 degrees, which allows you to immediately get two full-fledged panels for cooking. There is a sensor on, the ability to select temperature and cooking time. The coating is non-stick and durable. Mechanical control of the device, clear and simple. There is also an overheat protection feature.
- Kitfort CT-1603. Here the panels are removable, non-stick. As with the previous model, the lid, if necessary, can be used as an additional panel for cooking. There is a timer, sensor on and off, as well as a sound signal about the readiness of the device to work. Management is simple mechanical. The design is plain, but quite presentable. The weight of the device is just over 6 kg, which is quite a lot for home grilling. Suitable for the preparation of almost any product, except for complex baking.
- Tefal Supergrill Standard GC450B32 - metal case with a glossy surface. The device is equipped with mechanical control, which is simple and straightforward. Panels fixed with a special non-stick coating. The top cover in the cooking process also heats up and turns into a second working panel. The best way to use such a grill is for cooking meat and fish.
Any electric grill from this list will be an affordable and useful acquisition for the home.
Best budget options
But if you do not want to spend money on an unfamiliar kitchen appliance, but it’s desirable to see it in action, then you can purchase the simplest model of such a grill for a start. And in order not to be disappointed in the budget purchase, it is worth exploring the rating of inexpensive models of this device.
- BBK BEG2001. Low price combined with stylish design and fast cooking time. The lid can, if necessary, act as a second cooking panel. The device not only heats up quickly, but also fry foods quickly and efficiently. Panels are removable, non-stick. The big plus is the fact that the distance between the cover and the bottom of the case can be adjusted manually. Type of control mechanical simple.
- Sinbo SSM-2530. Budget, but with a multifunctional model. Equipped with six modes of operation, has a quick warm-up. The body does not heat up during operation, and the rubberized legs protect the grill from slipping during cooking. It has a compact size and light indicators on / off, as well as the readiness of the grill to work.
- GFgril GF-130 Plate Free - This is the best version of the device for cooking a small amount of healthy and low-calorie foods. The working surfaces are small, they heat up quickly and cook well the food. There are special indicators, panels are removable and non-stick, the service life even with frequent use is many times longer than the warranty. This electric grill is equipped with a unique patented formula for self-fat removal.
- Smile KG 1046. The device with low power, reliable fastening of the plates and their high-quality and uniform heating. There are light indicators. The panels are non-removable, but they are easily and quickly washed off even from the dried fat, and all thanks to a special coating. This model of electric grill is considered one of the most simple and budget.
- Maxwell MW-1960 ST - equipped with two pressure plates, heats up quickly and retains the heat of products for a long time, even after disconnection from the network. The coating is non-stick, control is simple and clear, mechanical type. Service life more than 3 years. This unit is suitable for cooking a variety of dishes and products. And the presence of light indicators makes its operation even easier and safer.
Some of these models of budgetary electric grills are in no way inferior to more expensive devices in terms of the quality and appearance of the prepared dishes.
Reviews
According to the buyers and owners of such kitchen appliances, then it is a profitable investment. Using the device, you can cook your favorite vegetables, meat, fish with a light aroma of smoke and a tasty crust not only during the season of nature trips, but all year round.
Owners of electric grills speak positively of their functionality, simplicity and ease of use. For many, an important advantage is the ability to transport the grill to any place and use it wherever there is electricity.
In general, reviews of buyers of these devices only confirm their necessity and the importance of being present in almost every kitchen. And by purchasing any of the above models of the grill, everyone can see this for themselves.
How to choose an electric grill for the house, see below.