The type of grill you finally settle for is always a matter of taste and personal preference. At other times it all has to do with your living space. Most people prefer gas grills, but when it comes to confined living spaces or a modern apartment, an electric grill will do better. It is important to note that the kind of grill and fuel that is used will eventually affect the kind of flavor your food has. We have expertly reviewed numerous grills, and come up with a list of the Top 10 Best Outdoor Electric Grills 2020.
The Best Outdoor Electric Grills Reviewed for 2020
In this article, we delve into features of both gas grills and electric grills, how to grill using electric grills as well as the dos and don’ts. We then get into the details of each specific grill. First, below is an overview of Top 10 Best Outdoor Electric Grills 2020
1. Weber 55020001 Q 2400 Electric Grill
The Weber Q 2400 is a product of restyling. This is so because it was once known as the Q 240. What is the difference? Well, it still has the sleek style and the great performance, and also there are additional aesthetics for the function and fun. When people talk about electric grills, they are quick to dismiss its lack of tradition when it comes to taste, but with this grill things are different. With the porcelain enameled cast iron grates, you can be assured of well cooked and delicious food.
Features:
- Porcelain enameled cast iron grates
- 280 square inches of cooking space
- 1560 watt electric heating element
- Fully assembled out of box
- 6 foot grounded cord
Pros:
- Large grip handles and control knobs
- Ergonomic side handles
- Sturdy front
- Comes fully assembled
Cons:
- Some consider it expensive
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See also:
- Weber Grill Q 1000, 1200, 1400, 2000, 2200, 2400 and Q3200 Review
- The Best Electric Smoker Reviews for 2020
2. George Foreman GG50B 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
This is the kind of grill that you opt for when you are pretty hungry, and you are not alone. The George Foreman GG50B 15 can serve 15 people at a go. So you can keep the delicious meals coming. It is an easy to use this grill no matter your location; whether indoors or outdoors. All you need to do is remove the grill stand (it is removable). It is quite sturdy so simply place it on firm ground or on your patio.
You will not spend a lot of time setting it up. Then, the next thing is to plug it in and give it about 10 minutes to heat up while you get your meals ready for cooking. The grill can be placed on some surfaces for instance a table top, or you might as well place it on its pedestal. The grill top itself is a bit heavy even though the pedestal is sturdy. To be on the safe side, ensure that you are not grilling in a crowded space or where kids play.
Features:
- 240 square inches of cooking surface
- Apartment approved
- Adjustable temperature control
- Removable stand
- Tough nonstick coating
- Can serve up to 15 at a go
Pros:
- Quick Heat
- Great design
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
- Does not take up much space
Cons:
- Grease at times does not drip in the pan
- Could be a little heavy for some people
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3. Johnsonville BTG0498 Sizzling Sausage Grill
This is the grill for all sausage lovers who would want to have their sausage in a healthier and tastier way. Grilling allows you to retain the sweet juices that are contained in sausages. In addition, with this grill comes the browning system which ensures that not only are your sausage the right brown, but they taste right too. Each sausage has its own compartment so that it can cook well. Furthermore, the grill shuts off when the internal temperature is reached. The nonstick coat also makes cleaning afterward easier. This grill is not only sausage friendly, but it is also portable and can be used anywhere from the outdoors to indoors.
Features:
- Comes with temperature probe to alert you when sausage is thoroughly cooked
- Sausages cook for a short time, 10 to 15 minutes
- Removable plates to enhance easy cleaning
- Enclosed design to facilitate even cooking and prevent splatter
- Cooks 5 sausages at a go
Pros:
- Enclosed design
- Surround browning system
- Temperature alert that ensures perfect sausages
- Cooks fast
Cons:
- There are those who complain that it is hard to clean
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4. George Foreman GRP4800R Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
The George Foreman GRP4800R Multi Plate Evolve grill is a unique grill that comes with four capabilities. There is nothing complicated about it. It has simple digital controls that will change your entire grilling experience. If you would like to go traditional, then you better use its ceramic plates. The digital time setting allows your food to cook well at the specified temperature. You also have a 500-degree searing option to ensure that your juicy flavors do not escape.
Features:
- Comes in 4 forms of versatility- bake dish, grill, muffin pan and panini press
- Adjustable hinge and cooking angle
- Up to 5 servings
- Digital controls
- Cooks fast
- Removable plates
Pros:
- Removes 42% of fat
- Searing option
- Digital control panel
- Advanced ceramic plates
- Adjustable angle
Cons:
- May need replacement after 1 or 2 years
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5. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill
This is the grill for all those who love entertaining guests on the patio. As much this is an old name in the grilling business, it has been redesigned, and therefore, even its performance has upgraded. This grill is solid and is of compact size, plus it uses infrared technology. You can be assured of enough cooking space, thanks to its spacious cooking surface measuring 320 square inches.
Features:
- Infrared cooking system
- Precision dial that grants you full control over the 1750 watt electric burner.
- Can accommodate 8 to 12 burgers
- Temperature gauge for temperature monitoring
Pros:
- Easy to clean, porcelain coated grill
- Can be wheeled to storage
- Uses infrared cooking technology
- Can plug into any 120-volt outlet
Cons:
- Not the easiest to assemble.
- There is no tool rack
- The power cord is quite short
- Temperature drops quickly when the grill is opened
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6. Easy Street Electric Tabletop Grill
The Easy Street electric tabletop grill is a portable and energy efficient grill that does even cooking. If you wanted to enjoy some infrared cooking but are limited regarding cash, then this could just be the grill for you. You have 200 square inches of cooking space. A 1500 watt element that ensures that your food is cooked to perfection. Infrared heat is easy to control, hence there is no burning. The grill also has a variable heat control. Want some traditional tasting barbecue? Well, as the fat drips it is burned away by the infrared, resulting in pure fumes that penetrate your food for some savory taste.
Features:
- 200 square inches of cooking space
- Three heating positions
- Grease cup
- Thermostatic control
Pros:
- Infrared cooking technology
- Energy efficient
- Can be placed on almost any surface
- Corrosion resistant
- Made of high-quality steel
Cons:
- Enamel can easily peel off
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7. Livart LV-982 Electric Barbecue Grill
This is a tabletop electric grill for people who are always on the move, and especially if you are a fan of yakitori style. Those who want fresh grilled flavor will also opt for this grill. The grill surface is open and not a clamshell. This means that you have full access to your food. However, if you love fast cooking grills, then this is not the grill to go for. It is advisable to opt for this if you are only after good tasting food.
Features:
- Korean barbecue grill
- Easy to use
- Detachable stainless steel grill
- Bottom tray to capture grease
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly
Cons:
- Food takes long to cook
- A bit difficult to clean
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8. Char-Broil TRU Infrared Electric Patio Bistro 180 Grill
If you have limited space, then this could be the grill to go for. It gives you 240 square inches of grilling space which is not so bad. It is not that big, but it still gets the work done. The BTU output from it might be low, but this is compensated for by the availability of the infrared technology. You will still need to do some preheating just to get it right.
Features:
- Wheels for easy moving
- 240 square inches of cooking space
- Onknob ignition
- Powder coated steel construction
- Lightweight, 54 pounds
Pros:
- Small enough to fit in small spaces
- Full height
- Infrared technology
Cons:
- Long preheating time
- Not sturdy enough
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9. George Foreman GFO240S Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Hunger and a large party of friends is something that the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill can handle quite well. With room enough for over 15 servings, nothing can be more spectacular. So how does it work? Well, you simply need to determine your grilling location, and all is done. The removable grill has been placed there for the same purpose. There is even a patented slope for fat removal. This means you only get to have good food, but also clean up easily afterward.
Features:
- 15+ servings
- Adjustable temperature control
- Patented fat removal slope
- Drip tray
- Apartment approved
- Easy to clean
- Removable stand
Pros:
- Nonstick coating that facilitates easy cleaning
- Removable stand
- Sloped fat removal surface collects all the grease
Cons:
- A few complaints of flimsy grill base
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10. Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill
Cuisinart are one of the leading names when it comes to kitchen equipment. The CEG 980 provides you with a grilling performance like no other. It is quite a good fit for small spaces or where gas and charcoal are not permitted. The cooking space is large enough to handle eight steaks or burgers plus you do not have to wait long because the grill heats up quickly.
Features:
- Portable grill
- 145 square inches of grilling area
- Powerful 1,500-watt burner
- Can work with a standard electric outlet
- Briefcase carrying design
Pros:
- No need for assembly
- Heats up quickly hence shortening cooking time
- Easy to use controls
- Powerful grilling performance
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
- Complaints of not heating up enough
- The lid is a bit flimsy
- Small grease cup
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Outdoor Electric Grills Buyer’s Guide
The one thing that all electric grill owners are happy about is that they are not confined by the weather. Whenever they want to do some grilling, they can do so without much hassle. All you need to do as a shopper is go through the features of the grill you want plus see if the model will much your lifestyle.
Gas and electric grills come in different shapes and sizes. Gas grills normally come with one of two burner elements, rotisserie kits, and side burners. There are also gas grill units that allow indirect cooking. There are those that have a griddle for you to place your food on, protecting it from direct heat.
Electric grills, on the other hand, usually come with a single cooking surface. They are also easier to clean since they come with a drip pan that collects all the grease or juice produced during cooking.
Gas grill features
- Uses natural gas or propane and is energy efficient
- Comes in small and commercial sizes
- Limited to outdoor use only. Requires sufficient ventilation since gas is highly flammable
- Needs a smoker box to enhance barbecue flavor
- Less expensive as compared to electric grills
- Maintains heat at a set temperature
- Removable parts can be washed in hot water. You should also see what the manufacturer proposes in the manual
Electric grill features
- There is no need to worry about running out of gas
- You do not need to lug a gas tank
- Come in different sizes. The smallest can serve two people while there are larger versions and patio models which can serve up to 15 people.
- Do not take up much space
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Does not give an authentic barbecue flavor as compared to charcoal and gas grills
- Has a heating cycle hence food may not be able to be seared unless dealing with an expensive grill.
- Electric heating elements must not come in contact with water
How to do the grilling
To be quite frank, it is quite obvious that many people prefer traditional grilling, but at the same time, it cannot be denied that many people are waking up to the fact that the environment needs preservation. There is also the millennial griller who does not have time to deal with the smoke or lug a gas tank; they simply want to get grilling. These two aspects have brought forth the switch to electric grills.
One of the things that you should do when using an electric grill is lowering the heat. This is because like all electronic gadgets, the grill starts slow and then gives out a lot of heat. When it comes to heat out, charcoal grills are the best. The electric grill takes some time before it warms up. Since there is no instant heat, you will need to stay in one place to ensure that when the heat becomes sufficient, you are ready to do your cooking. It is advised that you preheat for a long time and you should ensure that it is very hot on the inside before you begin your cooking. This is because electric grills tend to lose heat easily. There is no need to panic, since this is the only complication that electrical grills have.
All you need to do is preheating, then place the food on the tray and let it cook, flip it over, lift and then serve. You should always have the grill closed, and you should not be fiddling with the food. This is in relation to the loss of heat. The more you open the grill, the more heat you lose. You should also not overload the grill. This ensures proper heat circulation and penetration. Give the food enough time to cook and conserve the heat so that it is not wasted.
Using electric grills outside means that you will require an extension cord. It should be noted that electric grills consume a lot of power and therefore, a traditional extension cord just won’t do. Go for a low gage cord always so that there is no overheating that can trip a breaker or even start a fire.
Electric grills pros and cons
Electric grills have been graded as the safest and the easiest type of grill to use and control. It is no wonder that every novice griller opts for one. Not only are they safe and easy to operate but they are affordable too and can be used anywhere, any time.
One of the best features of this type of grill is that it does not emit smoke and neither does it emit large amounts of carbon monoxide. This, therefore, makes them suitable for any space whether enclosed or not.
There are no open flames, and therefore you can lower the chances of accidents like burning from occurring. These grills can be placed almost anywhere unlike their gas and charcoal counterparts. You are in complete control and can use the safe features.
Electric grills are convenient and cost effective. You should consider how and when you can use it to be able to see why it is cost effective. You do not need to purchase coal. All that you need to do is just plug in. The grills are also easier to clean. You only need a soft wet sponge.
Electric grills also have a down side. Open fires are the epitome of barbecuing so as much as it is a safety feature, it is also an element of grilling. No one wants to be susceptible to electric shock hence the need to get a professional to install your electric grill. This is not the same for other types of grills.
The food will be terrific, but it will not have the woody taste that accompanies charcoal grilled food.
The Dos and Don’ts of Electric Grills
As much as using an electric grill is easy, there is need to comply with certain rules to ensure that your grilling experience is error free. The truth is that an electric grill gets the user excited since it allows them to grill whenever they feel like. A few facts just to ensure that you are not too excited. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, gas grills can lead to an average of 7200 fires annually while charcoal grills can cause an average of 1400 fires within a similar time frame. Every year there is property damage and loss worth US Dollars 37 million as a result of grill fires. Luckily, electric grills do not have open flames hence this lowers the chances of starting a fire.
First and foremost you must always add liquid to the drip tray. This is because the drippings could easily heat up and catch fire. Liquid ensures that the tray does not offer a suitable environment for a fire to start. You should ensure that the liquid you are adding is not flammable.
One of the things that you should not do is use steel or metal utensils. This is because chipping will take place. Not only will your grate be chipped but the chippings might find their way into your digestive system. The best utensils to use in this case are those made from nylon or silicone.
Always clean the components of your grill once you have finished using it and it has cooled down. Ensure that you remove the grease and the fat deposits.
Never forget to power off. Unplug the grill from the socket and then let it cool down.
Conclusion
There is a grill for everyone and every occasion. The weather is not a limitation. Price is not a hindrance. Simply know what you want and choose a grill whose features seem satisfactory to your cooking needs and you will be on the right track.
So, if you have a small space, simply head on to the great outdoors with your grill and have a great time with friends, accompanied by some good food.
Last Updated on January 4, 2020 by Judith Fertig
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