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Including favorites from brands like Char-Broil and Kenyon.
Grilling season is here and we simply could not be more excited. As much as we adore our beloved gas and charcoal grills, they aren't always the most practical options, which is where electric grills come in. Whether you don't have the space for a gas or charcoal grill, you're not ready to invest in one, or you want something that's simpler than firing up a traditional grill, there are plenty of reasons to opt for an electric grill over charcoal or gas.
Electric grills come in a few different types: tabletop, full-size, and convertible. Tabletop grills are small and typically designed for indoor-use only. They're smokeless and incredibly easy to use, but you won't get the typical grilling experience. If you're looking for an electric grill that'll rival your charcoal or gas grill, then opt for a full-size standing electric grill. Many of these can be used indoors or outdoors because they product little to no smoke (thanks, electricity!), but they're on the large side, so we'd be surprised if users actually stored them inside. Convertible grills can switch from tabletop to full-size through the use of a large base unit. Simple add the tabletop grill to the base and you've got a more traditional grill setup—the best of both worlds. Another electric grill you'll come across is a built-in grill. These are installed into an outdoor kitchen for easy grilling and prep-work.
Most people prefer electric grills for one of two reasons: convenience or they live in a place that doesn't permit charcoal and gas grills. If you're here for convenience, then opt for a tabletop electric grill. These allow you to quickly and easily whip up meals with just the press of a button and they typically contain removable pieces for dishwasher-safe cleanup.
If you want the traditional grilling experience but aren't allowed a charcoal or gas grill, then a full-size electric grill is perfect. These can cook 6-12 burger patties and reach heats similar to that of charcoal and gas grills. Or, you could get the best of both and get a convertible grill.
Finally, a built-in grill is best for those who have a full outdoor kitchen and are looking to save space by not having a full-size grill. They're similar to a built-in cooktop for your kitchen and fit seamlessly in with the countertop.
Many electric grills come with different features based on your cooking needs, so you'll want to evaluate how you'll most use your grill. If you want a steak that rivals that cooked on a traditional grill, then look into an electric broiler that can sear your meat to perfection. On the contrary, if you're looking for a slow cook of large pieces of meat, then a grill with a rotisserie attachment might be right up your alley. Looking for a grill that can do it all? A full-size grill or griddle is the safest and strongest bet for you.
There are a few key specs to pay attention to when searching for the perfect electric grill:
And, with that, consider yourself ready to get your electric grill!
The Hamilton Beach Electric Searing Grill gets our top spot because it gives you everything you need in a tabletop electric grill for under $85. It reaches temperatures up to 450 degrees, so you can expect a decent sear on your burgers and steak. It also features a large cooking surface of over 115 square inches, enough to serve six. A viewing window on the top hood allows you to conveniently check your food without needing to lift the lid and let heat escape. Our favorite part might just be that most of the grill is dishwasher safe, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
Dimensions: 12.4 inches L x 16.7 inches W x 6.8 inches H
Total cooking area: 118 sq. in.
If you're looking for that true grilling on the patio experience without the hassle of charcoal or gas, then the Char-Broil Bistro Grill is your best bet. It features 320 square inches of cooking space, enough to fit 12 burgers. In addition to the cooking grate, the grill also includes a warming rack, similar to traditional grills. It's 1,750 total wattage, so there's no need to worry about the power this grill can provide to get to optimal searing heat. The Bistro grill also has a few other key features we love, like a pull-out drip try and towel rack, that add the extra oomph to make it our top patio-style pick.
Dimensions: 26 inches D x 24.2 inches W x 38.5 inches H
Total cooking area: 320 sq. in.
You can dish out burgers and brats for the whole neighborhood with this electric grill. Over 3000 watts means there's no lack of power to fuel one or both of the cooktops, not to mention that it takes just 7 minutes to fully pre-heat. The marine-grade, rustproof stainless steel housing makes for a weather-proof finish that you'll never have to worry about. Heat the grill up to 500 degrees F for a sear on steak that's unbeatable and easily clean out the removable drip pans when you're done. Our favorite part might just be the removable grates and lids that are dishwasher-safe.
Dimensions: 21 inches D x 29 inches W x 12.5 inches H
Total cooking area: 29 1/2 X 10 1/2 inches
We're big fans of Blackstone griddles, no it's no surprise that we also love their electric griddle for its ease of use. This griddle features the largest cooking area on the list, with over 350 square inches of space. Used with the rolling prep cart, the griddle provides a more traditional grilling experience, but you can use it as a tabletop griddle off the prep cart to make it portable. The LED display is far easier to read than a traditional temperature gauge and the griddle includes two individual cooking areas.
Dimensions: 37.62 inches L x 20.00 inches W x 40.16 inches H
Total cooking area: 358 sq. in.
Sometimes you just need a tabletop grill that can pop out a couple of burgers in a breeze, in which case the classic George Forman grill is what you'll want. Arguably the brand behind the electric tabletop grill's fame, the George Forman grill is basic but still gets the job done, which is why it's a continued best-seller. This electric grill is ideal for the person who needs to cook a small meal quickly. Will it get you the most delicious steak in the world? No, but it will get dinner on the table quickly and easily.
Total cooking area: 36 sq. in.
It's tough to reach super-high temperatures on electricity alone, but the Scorch Infrared Broiler gets the job done. This electric broiler is ideal for getting that charred exterior and rare interior on meats like steak. Reaching up to 1500 degrees, you can expect a gorgeous sear on your meats with this broiler. Because it's smokeless, you can use it indoors and it has a removable drip tray for quick and easy clean up.
Rotisserie cooking isn't just easier for large pieces of meat, it's also far healthier and allows for an evenly crisp crust. The Americana Electric Grill includes both a rotisserie spit rod and a regular grill grate so users have the option of how they'd prefer to cook their meat. The drip tray conveniently collects fat from the rotisserie meats and 202 square inches of cooking space is plenty of a family of 4-6. We also love the viewing window, so you don't have to worry about heat escaping any time you want to check on the doneness of your food.
Dimensions: 21.5 inches D x 32.25 inches W x 18.38 inches H
Total cooking area: 202 sq. in.
It's no secret: we're obsessed with these little mini grills. As far as convenience and portability, it's hard to beat these little guys. If you need to whip up a quick burger patty, all you need to do is pop the Dash Mini Maker on the counter and press the "on" button. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the non-stick grill plates. Similar to the George Foreman grill, it's not going to make you the best meat of your life, but it will get the job done quickly with minimal effort involved, which is all we need some days.
Total cooking area: 4 in. diameter