Electric grills: types, model overview and selection tips

Almost everyone loves to eat. This is especially true when it comes to meat fried on a fire or grill. But we do not always have them at our disposal, and sometimes you want to treat yourself to food with a fragrant smoke. For this reason, for many people, an electric grill can be a great alternative. This solution will allow you to enjoy delicious dishes prepared on the grill, literally every day.

The electric grill is very easy to use. Thanks to this, even for a novice in the field of cooking, the dish will turn out to be rich, spicy and tasty. It is a compact household device that is convenient to use instead of a microwave, stove or classic barbecue in nature. It carries out food processing at high temperatures using infrared heating. The functions of the device are:

• bakery products;
• quenching;
• frying.

Thanks to the use of this technique, you can easily get a barbecue at any time of the year, without waiting for the summer season, or make juicy and tasty steaks.

Now let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this device, in order to still understand whether it is worth buying. If you focus on what is the use of it, then there are several important factors

• Save time and the ability to cook large quantities of food. Today, it is easy to find models of electric grills on the market that have several food compartments and make it possible to cook two or three dishes at the same time in a short period of time.
• Cooking dietary meals as part of a proper diet. That is, you can stew, fry and bake food without adding oil or other fats, which will be especially important for people leading a healthy lifestyle and those who need to adhere to a strict diet because of the nature of their health.
• Lack of various smells during cooking in closed models. Unlike a traditional grill, an electric grill keeps all the smells inside when food is being prepared. It will be extremely convenient in the home kitchen, including a small studio apartment.
• Universality. This device allows you to cook food from various products: fish, poultry, meat, bread, eggs, vegetables, cereals.
• Noiselessness. Most models are characterized by low noise during cooking.
• Extensive Functionality. In addition to cooking, the device can be used to heat and defrost foods.

But you should take into account what disadvantages this device has and whether its use is harmful to health.

• A small number of cooking methods. An electric grill cannot replace the basic kitchen appliances. For example, unlike the same air grill, it cannot cook for a couple, with it you cannot fully cook the first dish;
• The inconvenience of cooking control. The electric grill must not be left unattended. Even the presence of a shutdown timer is not a guarantee that the dish will not be overcooked or, conversely, completed until the desired readiness.
• The need for cleaning. Given that there is a surface with non-stick properties, such a device requires careful care. If it is not cleaned properly or not too thoroughly, then it quickly loses its functionality and its effectiveness decreases.
• High energy consumption. Given the complexity of the task that the device performs, it has serious power. And this becomes the reason for a rather serious energy consumption, which is reflected in electricity bills. In addition, this device is very sensitive to voltage surges. Even with the smallest power surges in the mains, it can fail.

Often people think that air grills and electric grills are two names for the same device. This is a mistake, because these are two completely different devices and there is a huge difference between them. First of all, an electric grill differs from an air grill by heat treatment of food. In the air grill, food is prepared using hot air, which is evenly distributed throughout the container, so that the product is cooked from different sides and turns out to be soft and juicy.

In the electric grill, cooking is carried out by the method of frying on the grill, which is not a guarantee of uniform processing of food from all sides. But food can get characteristic smell, as if it were cooked at the stake.

For example, in an aerogrill you can not only fry meat, cook the first, but also defrost foods, dry berries, make yoghurts, sterilize dishes and bake pies. And if there are several containers, then you can seriously save time, because he can cook several dishes at the same time. And thanks to the presence of a timer and the ability to automatically turn off, a person does not have to be in the kitchen and monitor the operation of the device.

At the same time, it is difficult to call an electric grill a multifunctional device. Of course, he will be able to fry meat and vegetables, as well as heat and thaw foods. But to cook steamed dishes and sterilize dishes - no.

When cooking food in an electric grill, a person should always be near so that the food does not burn out, as well as to control its readiness. Well, it’s more difficult to wash than an air grill. Therefore, those who are looking for a universal solution, it will be better to purchase an air grill. And if you need a device that will fry food, as if on a fire, then the electric grill will be the best solution.

A large number of models of electric grills are presented on the market, and it is difficult for an inexperienced user to understand which solution is better. For this reason, you should familiarize yourself with the various categories of such devices. They are:

• open;
• closed;
• universal.

In the first case, the working surface is located above a special infrared heating element. In the second case, the devices are made in the form of a press, which makes it possible to cook food, as in a conventional oven.

In addition, an electric grill can be:

• contact;
• non-contact.

If it belongs to the first category, then the food is in contact with the heating element. If the second - then no. For example, it can spin on a spit.

Electric grills are also available:

• stationary;
• portable.

Stationary solutions can be desktop or floor.

They may also vary in type of work surface. By this criterion they are:

• with ceramic coating;
• cast iron;
• metal.

The easiest way to use and care for models with a glass-ceramic surface. However, its strength is very low, which is why this option is not popular with consumers.

A metal pan with a non-stick coating is considered more reliable, which is quite affordable at the price, like the same cast-iron grates.

Another criterion by which electric grills can be distinguished is the material from which the body is made. It can be either stainless steel or plastic. Models with a stainless steel case are better, because this material will be stronger and more durable. And if you are limited in means, then an inexpensive option in a plastic case will be a great solution.

It should be said that today on the domestic market there are a huge number of models from a variety of manufacturers, starting from such well-known as Tefal, Bork and Miele and ending with products of Chinese brands. Let's try to talk about the most interesting models, which really are a great combination of price and quality.

The first model to be mentioned will be the electric grill Weber Q-2400. This manufacturer usually produces coal and gas grills. But there is an electric model. It is distinguished by power, this figure reaches a value of 1560 watts. This is a rather large grill, and its weight is about 16.5 kg. The lid with the boiler is made of high-quality cast aluminum, and the inner surface of the lid is shielded with thin aluminum. This solution makes it possible to significantly increase surface heating and reduces heat loss during the cooking process.

The maximum cooking temperature is about 260 degrees and can be adjusted. If we talk about the lattice for products, then it consists of 2 compartments and is made of cast iron with porcelain enamel. This simplifies surface care.

The fat flows directly onto the heating elements with a special coating, and then into the pan under the grill. This allows you to make possible the effect of a barbecue, which cannot be achieved on grills with removable panels or with removable grilles.

Of the shortcomings, the lack of a built-in thermometer should be noted. Also a minus will be a long heating time - about 20 minutes.

Another model that deserves attention is Steba VG 500. This solution has an original design: a pair of heating zones with a temperature that is regulated separately - up to 300 and up to 250 degrees. One panel has a corrugated surface, and the other is made in the form of a lattice. The power of the device is 2400 watts.

The corrugated part has holes for draining fat, which accumulates in a pair of separate pallets. The device can be controlled using two rotary type switches, that is, each zone can be controlled separately.

The only drawback of the model may be the high cost and the fact that it is not so easy to find for sale.

Another model that will be interesting to many - Kitfort KT-1636. She appeared on the market recently. Use it to cook vegetables, meat and toast sandwiches. It can be used in three modes. For example, you can close the lid, which is why the dish is evenly fried on both sides. If you just need to fry a little dish, then it should be slightly opened.

And if desired, the panels can be decomposed 180 degrees, which will allow you to get a roasting pan with the possibility of cooking on both parts at once. By the way, here you can set the temperature for both halves separately.

The advantages of the model include electronic control, as well as the presence of a timer for each half. In addition, it features good build quality and a nice design. Another plus is removable work surfaces. But the disadvantage is that the spiral may not heat up over the entire plane.

Another model that can even be categorized as professional is ProfiCook PC-KG 1029. Its power is about 2000 watts at the highest settings. The highest cooking temperature here is only 180 degrees. Note that there is the possibility of stepwise temperature control. The step is equal to two degrees. In this model, the products are in contact with the heating elements.

It is also present non-stick coating applied to special plates that are removable. Due to this, they are easy to wash. If necessary, the ProfiCook model folds out easily, just like the previous model. In general, this is a great model with nozzles that will appeal to every housewife.

The only drawback of the model, according to users, is a very short power cord.

No less interesting electric grill - Bork G802. Belongs to the category of expensive and has one distinctive feature - the thermal probe. It will allow you to automatically set the required cooking temperature, depending on the type of meat and the degree of frying. At the same time, the integrity of the product is not violated. But if desired, you can not use this device. Power model is 2400 watts.

Bork electric grill can be used as:

• sandwich press;
• barbecue grill;
• contact grill.

One of the panels here has a smooth surface, and the second is corrugated. The tilt of the plates can be adjusted. The temperature range here is from 160 to 230 degrees, and the switching step is 5 degrees.

The only drawback of this solution is that the interface here is in English only.

Another model worth watching is Tefal GC306012. It is considered one of the best among those that are on the market. Has a power of 2000 watts. This solution allows you to translate the panel into three different positions, which makes it possible to find the most convenient position for cooking products. And you can use it as:

• grill;
• ovens;
• B-B-Q.

There are several temperature modes that are controlled mechanically. The Tefal GC306012 case is made of combined materials. The panels are made of metal and have a non-stick coating. They are simply laundered both manually and in the dishwasher.

Only horizontal solutions were presented in the rating, but you can also find vertical electric grills on the market. True, such options are rather an exception.

As you can see, the market has just a huge number of models of electric grills. Therefore, users have a question, how to choose a high-quality electric grill for the home. You can use the following tips:

• pallets with a corrugated surface are very inconvenient to wash, which is why it is better to buy models with simpler surfaces;
• the pan must be removed so that it can be washed, otherwise it will take a lot of time and effort;
• the greater power the electric grill has, the better it will work and cook food faster;
• It will not be superfluous if the device has a light indicator that tells you whether the device is on or not;
• it is better to buy a model of a closed type, this will allow you not to breathe smoke during cooking and will prevent the spray of fat;
• it is better to choose a solution that can maintain a given temperature, this will be a great option if your guests do not have time to arrive on time, and you want to please them with hot food;
• it will be good if there is a temperature regulator on the case, which will allow you to smoothly adjust the temperature of the thermocouple for various dishes;
• the coating should have a non-stick surface, this is necessary if there is a desire to cook food without oil or steamed;
• Another convenience will be the ability to adjust the height of the lid and legs;
• in addition, the device must have protection against overheating, so as not to cause a fire, almost all home models on the market meet this criterion.

See how to choose an electric grill in the next video.

If you give advice on the use of techniques such as electric grills, it should be noted that it is best to cook meat in it. You can make almost anything, but the best solution would be beef steaks.

You can also cook a bird. It will be best to take chicken, since meat with this method of cooking will not be overdried and at the same time will get a cool crust. If we talk about vegetables, then they will be a great solution on the grill as a vegetarian dish or side dish.

If we talk about fish, then An electric grill is an excellent solution for cooking fish steaks. It is best to give preference to fatty species of marine fish. For example, tuna and salmon. But pollock and pike are also fried perfectly. For proper cooking, cut the fillet into pieces of two and three centimeter thickness.

Well and most importantly: for each type of product should be selected separate cooking time, because they all have different properties and consistency. In general, electric grill is A great solution for any housewife.