How to choose an electric grill for your home

When planning a trip out of town or into the woods for a barbecue, many do not take into account force majeure circumstances, which often manifest themselves in the form of pouring rain or cold winds. But what if the meat is already in the marinade, the skewers are sharpened, and outside the window is a rehearsal for the fourth coming of the Terminator? In this case, an electric grill for the home will be an excellent solution 2020 rating.

This device will help not only to save a disrupted trip to the river, but also bring a pleasant variety to the daily boring menu.

Before going to the store: what to look for

An electric grill is a household appliance designed to cook food by exposing it to high temperatures from a frying surface (or surfaces). They differ both in type: portable and stationary, and in the type of execution: open, closed, combined.

Today, all of them, despite the general principle of operation, offer different functionality, serviceability, materials used and energy consumption. Therefore, before going to the store, you should read the reviews on which electric grill is better to buy for the home, since it is not difficult to find such information. Most importantly, before buying, you need to have a clear answer to three basic questions:

• What is an electric grill purchased for? Will it be a one-time use, for example, at a picnic, or frequent, in the kitchen?
• Intended place of use? Dacha, country house, apartment, or wherever you have to, from time to time?
• Need for additional features? Do I need a shutdown timer, collapsible housing and non-stick heating element?

Power consumption

The intensity and degree of heating of the frying panels is a key characteristic, since it determines how quickly and efficiently the dish is cooked. Therefore, when they mention the best electric grill in its class, it definitely means more power. For premium devices, it can reach 2.5kW, while cheap models often do not exceed 700W. The best option for a home is a range of 1.5-2kW.

Existing device types

Most portable electric grills are produced in a closed design, that is, they have a lid. On the one hand, this prevents the appearance of smoke and burning in the room and allows for a more even temperature processing of food. On the other hand, with rare exceptions, you cannot cook anything other than steaks or barbecue on them.While the open type allows you to do both: cook scrambled eggs or burn a sandwich. As a compromise, manufacturers produce a combined type that includes the features of the first two.

How to choose an electric grill: by shape or size

When size matters. A device with a wide surface is better suited for a large family, while a conventional portable grill is designed for cooking for one or two people. The combined option may be the best solution.

In addition, in closed type electric grills, the fastening of the lid is of key importance. Preference should be given to structures with hinges, since it allows you to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, which increases the variety of prepared dishes. The ideal option is the ability to adjust the gap between the bottom and top.

Materials used for the work surface

There are electric grills with fixed and removable plates. When choosing, priority should be given to the second option, although the first is cheaper. In addition, there is a difference in the very texture of the surface: there is a solid or corrugated last, it is more preferable when cooking meat.

Based on the rating of electric grills with removable panels, you can give a list of the most common materials for frying surfaces:

• Cast iron. The most durable and wear-resistant material with good thermal conductivity. Problematic in leaving.
• Aluminum. It is not used in its pure form, only with a non-stick coating - excellent heat transfer and quick wear with careless handling.
• Glass ceramics. Composite material with the best heat-recoil combination. Fragile.
• Polished stone. An ordinary, specially processed stone. Differs in the ability to keep warm for a long time. It is used in devices of the top segment.

Note! Removable panels may be the best solution, as they allow for the variability of the structure: corrugated or flat, as well as the possibility of purchasing additional surfaces, which significantly expands the capabilities of the device.

Body material

Usually it is metal: enamelled or stainless steel. In budget models, plastic is used. A rational solution would be to give preference to a durable material, while choosing an electric grill with a plastic body can be an attractive option in terms of cost. You also need to pay attention to the type of device. The outer cover of closed grills is less maintenance-intensive than the work surfaces of open-type appliances. Naturally, there should only be metal.

Additional functions

Additional functions include capabilities, the absence of which will not affect the performance of the device of its immediate tasks. These options include:

• The presence of thermal protection on the handles.
• Removable drip tray (preferably smooth).
• Timer shutdown and heating.
• Overtemperature protection.
• Status indicators.
• Control type: mechanical or electronic.
• Body material.
• Design.

Operating rules: what you need to know

Despite the constant improvement of technologies and an increase in the level of protection, any modern household electrical appliance is a device with an increased level of danger.Therefore, even the most enthusiastic reviews of which electric grill is better to buy for the home will not help if the device starts to "beat" with current, arrange a short circuit or heat up where it is not required.

To prevent this from happening, you must follow basic safety rules:

• Do not place the grill on inclined surfaces or in an unstable position.
• Children should not be allowed to play near the device.
• Eliminate the possibility of contact with flammable substances and materials.
• Use protective gloves and an apron during work.
• Do not leave the device unattended for a long time.
• Do not use a grill with obvious signs of malfunction.
• Use the device strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

The best electric grill - a well-maintained electric grill

The device you just purchased needs to be prepared for first use. To do this, wipe all internal surfaces with a clean cotton cloth, and also wash the removable plates and the drip tray (if any) with water. After finishing cooking, you should wait until all heated elements have cooled down enough to be cleaned.

Removable plates are washed under running water. When doing this, do not use hard sponges or abrasive substances! It is best to clean the grease tray with hot water and a little washing-up liquid. External surfaces may be cleaned with a slightly dampened cloth to prevent moisture from entering the cooling system. The device can only be assembled after all removable parts are completely dry.

Electric grill for home - rating of 2020

The list of the most popular models is compiled on the basis of independent reviews, customer reviews and discussions on specialized forums.

Moulinex GC208832 Minute Grill series

A universal compact device of combined type with an average power consumption of 1.6 kW. Supplied with non-stick removable panels. It has three temperature settings and is equipped with a ready indicator. Suitable for making sandwiches.

BORK G802

The most powerful representative in this list: power consumption - 2400W. The body is made of metal. Panel types are removable, corrugated and smooth. Electronic control. Despite its rather large size, it has more than wide functionality: an on-timer, an auto-cooking option, a lid adjustment, and a built-in temperature probe.

Vitek VT-2632 BK

Small-sized closed-type device with the possibility of vertical storage. Power consumption - 2000W. Key features: removable plates, pull-out tray, plus four heating modes and an operation indicator. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the rapid wear of the non-stick coating.

Kitfort KT-1602

Contact type device with metal body, power 2kW. Equipped with removable ribbed panels. The advantages include the ability to adjust the lid and the expanded opening angle. The disadvantages are mechanical control. A good choice for those who do not know how to choose an electric grill.

Delonghi CGH1030D "MultiGrill" series

Premium model: closed-type pressure grill with two independent plates. Power consumption - 2000W.Supplied with three pairs of removable surfaces and a separate pallet. Of the features, it is worth noting seven operating modes and a digital display.

GFgril GF-170 "Profi" series

Compact device of closed (contact) type. Made in a metal case, equipped with removable panels, thermostat, timer and allows height adjustment of the lid. Power - 1800W. Management is mechanical.

Tefal GC450B32 "SuperGrill" series

Multifunctional grill with pull-out tray and removable cast aluminum plates. Of the additional features, it is worth noting two modes: barbecue or grill, as well as a thermostat, indication of the cooking process and four heating levels. Power consumption - 2 kW. The body is metal.

Maxwell MW-1960 ST

Good price-quality ratio and an excellent option for those who are just choosing their best electric grill: closed type, with separate regulation of plate heating (surface - corrugated). Provides nine heating modes and is equipped with status indicators. Allows you to adjust the cover. Power consumption - 2000W.

Tefal GC205012 Minute Grill series

A simple compact electric grill of a closed type with a mechanical control, with a power of 1.6 kW. Can be stored upright. The plates are removable, interchangeable, with a grooved surface. Three levels of heating, the maximum temperature is 255 degrees. Equipped with a work indicator and allows you to adjust the plates. Body - metal, plastic.

Tefal GC706D34 "Optigrill" series

A device from the top segment: five levels of doneness and automatic doneness control. Housed in a metal casing with removable corrugated panels and a huge fat tray, this 2000W electric grill offers exceptional functionality: six cooking programs for a variety of foods, a defrost option and a large work surface. It is also worth noting the possibility of washing removable parts in the dishwasher.

Thus, the purchase of an electric grill should, on the one hand, outline the range of gastronomic tasks to be solved, and on the other, ensure the implementation of the required functionality using the provided capabilities. Therefore, when choosing an electric grill for a home according to the 2020 rating, it is necessary to assess not only the advisability of choosing a device as such, but also how useful it will be in the household in terms of culinary possibilities.

Video: rating of the best electric grills in 2020