Electric Grill Buying Guide
This is ingrained in the Modern culture. Family and friends gathering in the outside for a summer BBQ on the patio or deck. There’s nothing quite like the taste of grilled chicken or a thick, meaty steak. Summer vacations are connected with grilled hot dogs and burgers.
The aroma is refreshing and reminds us of summer. You may not have a large outdoor space, or you may be prohibited from using gas or charcoal. Electric grills are a wonderful option.
Type of Electric Grills
Electric Grills on Carts — These really are semi-portable grills with storage built-in. They can cook numerous things at once and easily prepare a delicious supper for a large gathering. The majority of them have wheels, although they aren’t particularly portable. As a result, an electric barbecue with a built-in trolley will look great on your patio or deck.
Portable units are great for outdoor events and camping getaways. It’s tiny, small, and portable, so it won’t take up a lot of room. But, it has the disadvantage of not being able to cook a significant volume of food. Cooking meals in bulk is necessary when serving a large number of individuals or families.
Built-in Electric Grills — These are built specifically for backyard, and kitchens and may be installed directly on a countertop, allowing them to stay in the same location. They’re pricey, but they’re the greatest choice for beginners.
Heat
One thing to keep in mind with electric grills is that they may reach a maximum temperature but do not become as hot as a gas grill. If you’re going to cook on an electric grill, it’s a good idea to connect it in before you start preparing your food.
The heat output of an electric grill varies based on the brand. Consider learning about different brands and with different levels of heat.
Size
When compared to gas or charcoal barbecues, electric grills take up very little space. It’s ideal for a supper with a small group of friends or family.
There are two types of electric grills: tabletop and free-standing. Tabletop models are appropriate for families of two to five people, while free-standing versions are appropriate for families of more than a groups. Outdoor barbecues are available in a variety of sizes.
Built-in grills are sometimes listed with inch dimensions that indicate the length of the cooking surface. This will help you understand how much space the grill will take up on your outdoor countertop. The length, height, and depth of a cart barbecue might help you figure out how much patio area you’ll need for the setup.
Grates
A good cooking grate should be able to sustain high temperatures without cracking. Cast iron and stainless steel are the best grate alternatives. Stainless steel is the greatest of them all since it prevents corrosion and rust.
Wattage
The temperature range and the amount of time it takes to cook are influenced by the grill’s power rating or watts. The higher your grill’s wattage, the higher the temperature it can achieve for cooking a meal.
1300 – 1800 watts is the best wattage range for cooking many meals. Smaller or less expensive grills can produce up to 800 watts, which is sufficient. Cooking heavier cuts of meat, on the other hand, may not be desirable.
Temperature Control
A high-quality electric grill will come with a temperature control option. Depending on the dish you’re preparing, you may effortlessly modify the temperature (or) set the ideal temperature level with this option.
As a result, an electric grill with a thermostat and multiple temperature controls will ensure that the food you’re making receives the proper amount of heat, resulting in a great result.
Furthermore, in order to get sear marks, your grill equipment must maintain a high temperature. A grill should reach 400° and above, but not 350°, to get a beautiful sear every time.
Cord Length
A grill with a larger power cable will be able to reach an outlet from any location you use it – indoors or out. Furthermore, rather than using an extension cord, the grill must be plugged directly into an outlet.
Warranty
Make certain to verify the manufacturer’s warranty on the equipment. When using outdoor grills, it is preferable to seek for grills that are composed of heavy-duty metal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Grill
Advantages of Electric Grills:
Convenient: Electric grills are easy to use and operate. They heat up quickly, and you don’t have to worry about starting a fire or waiting for the grill to heat up.
Easy to Clean: Electric grills are easy to clean since they don’t produce ash or soot. Most electric grills have removable parts that can be cleaned in the dishwasher or by hand.
Indoor Use: Electric grills are great for indoor use, as they don’t produce any smoke or harmful fumes. You can enjoy grilling your favorite foods all year round, even if the weather is bad outside.
Energy Efficient: Electric grills are energy-efficient and use less energy than gas or charcoal grills. They are also more environmentally friendly since they don’t emit harmful pollutants.
Disadvantages of Electric Grills:
Limited Temperature Range: Electric grills have a limited temperature range compared to gas or charcoal grills. They can’t achieve the high temperatures needed for searing and browning.
No Charcoal Flavor: Electric grills don’t produce the smoky flavor that charcoal grills are known for. They also don’t produce any flavor from wood chips or chunks.
Limited Cooking Space: Electric grills are generally smaller than gas or charcoal grills and have a limited cooking space. This can make it difficult to cook large meals for a large group of people.
Requires Electricity: Electric grills require an electrical outlet to operate. This can be a problem if you’re grilling outdoors and don’t have access to an outlet.
Expensive: Electric grills can be more expensive than gas or charcoal grills. They also require maintenance, and if any part breaks, it can be costly to replace.