Why You Should Consider an Electric Grill (And Three That I Recommend)

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Buying a new grill can be a daunting task. What type do you need? What is your budget ? Are you buying your very first? Summer is starting to ramp up and you’ll want to make sure you get some use out of this powerful device while the weather is nice. Now is the time to make some decisions.

Charcoal and propane enthusiasts may have cast doubt on your opinion of an electric grill, but these grills have come a long way. No longer the weak and slow heaters of the early days, these devices now pack a lot of power. If you’re not sure if this one is right for you, read on to learn what factors to consider, as well as a list of some solid electric grills to make your search easier.


Outdoor electric grills in this article:


Is an electric grill right for you?

Unlike charcoal and propane grills, an electric grill will allow you to set a more precise temperature. Plug an electric grill into a regular outlet and use the dial to set the desired temperature, and that’s it. Electric heating elements inside the base housing heat the grill bars above with radiant heat. Once the grill is preheated, like any grill, you can start cooking.

Although you’ll miss some of that flame-charred flavor you’d get with other fuel sources, electric grills have a number of advantages:

  • Accessible fuel. You scraped the grates only to realize that your brother used all the gas and didn’t replace it – again. Or maybe you just hate playing with charcoal. With an electric grill, you don’t need to worry about temperamental fuel because electricity is usually very easy to access in your home.

  • Security. Electric heating does not require pilot lights or fire starters. That’s not to say there’s no flame (grease drops can still ignite briefly) but they’re nowhere near the type of flames and sparks that can shoot out from other grill options. This makes electric grills beginner-friendly and a nice introduction to cooking on grill surfaces.

  • Easy to control. Speaking of fire starters, are you tired of charcoal fireplaces? Electric grills will start preheating as soon as you ask them to, and the temperature is controlled using a dial.

  • Ideal for small spaces. Electric grills don’t produce the smoke of charcoal grills and they come in a variety of sizes, making them a great option for rentals and areas where outdoor space is limited.

Try the Weber Pulse for a large grill that’s the center of attention

A gas grill has a certain imposing stature. The large cart and side flaps create space to work and the grill area becomes an area people gravitate towards. Electric grills may seem tiny in comparison. If you want the same rugged look with the benefits of electric, buy it Weber Impulse ($979). It’s a bit of a splurge compared to others, but this grill offers precise temperature control and you can stay informed by monitoring the temperature of the chicken thighs on the grill app while you head to the cooler to talk to friends.

Try the Weber Lumin for portable benefits

If you have a small outdoor space, you may not want to have a free-standing outdoor grill that is constantly blocking the sun from your potted begonias. The Weber Lumin is more compact, the heating part is completely detachable from the stand and the stand folds flat so you can store everything elsewhere. This model is small but powerful with 1.5 kilowatts and boasts a maximum temperature of 600 F. That’s enough heat to get good grill marks and even make a grilled pizza. This model will work on a heat resistant table, but if you don’t have one, make sure you have the Weber Lumin electric grill with foldable stand included ($530.44).

The George Foreman Electric Grill can go from indoors to outdoors

It’s a luxury to have an interior And an outdoor grill, but you don’t need to buy them separately. THE George Foreman Electric Grill ($119.99) lets you move dinner outside when the weather clears, and it’s more economical than others. True to the entire Foreman product line, the heating element is integrated into the grill plate. This eliminates the risk of grease dripping onto an exposed heating element underneath and causing flare-ups.

As always, keep it safe

Have fun grilling clean on your lawn or rental patio, but always use your grill as directed. This means don’t bring an outside one inside if it’s not supposed to be inside, and vice versa. These appliances use a lot of energy to heat your food, so be sure to plug them into their own outlet for the best performance. If your outdoor electric grill must live outside, invest in a brand and model-specific outdoor cover to keep the electronics in good condition.

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