You Dont Have To Be Outside
If youre a sucker for a good BBQ meal like a savory burger or a juicy steak, chances are youve had your fair share of food prepared outdoors by charcoal or gas grills.
As delicious as they can be to cook food with, its simply not feasible in some situations. Some parts of the world get way to cold to grill during winters, or you could be in an apartment that doesnt allow grills.
Additionally, theres an important reason why these grills are exclusively used outdoors. This type of grills is usually quite bulky so they demand a lot of space to set up and store.
Of course, theres also the issue of producing smoke and how being outdoors is best for ventilation. if you use a gas or charcoal grill indoors, the amount of smoke produced could trigger your fire alarm before you even get to finish cooking!
An indoor smokeless grill is a handy solution to all of the above problems. They let you enjoy grilled meals right from the comfort of your kitchen and out on your patio. Theyre also a great alternative if you live in an apartment or a studio with no access to a large yard.
Important Things To Observe When Using Electric Grill
Even though electric grills are made with safety features that reduce the potential for accidents, it is important to observe common sense when using them. Do your share to minimize hazards when cooking with an electric grill.
- Do not put any paper or flammable material near the heat. It may cause fire or explosion
- Always be careful when putting or getting food from the grill or else your hand might get burned
- Electric grills might have power source requirement that is different from your power outlet. Know the voltage requirements to prevent power shortage or damage
What Expertise Is Needed For Each Grill Type
Using an outdoor electric grill shouldnt be too difficult for most beginners, in fact, most electric grills are meant to be portable. Some, however, are built for countertops, which means that they have short cords. Electric grills usually have a dial for the temperature or a gauge, which specifies the doneness of the food youre cooking. Other than a feel for the grill youre using, an electric grill is often plug-and-play. Make sure you read the instructions, especially when cooking meat, as every grill is different and takes getting used to.
If you are hooking up a grill to the gas line, you should be comfortable and know what youre doing. If not, then an expert visit will probably be in order. You can have an installation company fit your grill to your gas line.
If youre using propane, then no expertise is involved when setting up. There are more safety hazards to watch out for with propane grills than the other types.
Upkeep is the real issue for propane tanks. Make sure to keep the propane outdoors at all times and away from the building structure. Propane tanks should be regularly inspected for leaks, which you can notice either because there is wetness near the tanks, a hissing sound or a strong smell of gas. If you detect a leak, then it needs fixing ASAP. This is something you can probably do yourself. Learn more about fixing a propane tank leak or what to do to prevent your tank from freezing.
Also Check: How Long To Grill Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast
Can I Use Wood Chips With An Electric Grill
In most cases, yes, its safe to use wood chips in a box or foil pocket inside an electric grill. If you intend to put wood chips in an electric grill, however, you should always soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. You see, soaked wood chips cant burn until they dehydrate, whereas dry wood chips will instantly catch fire when placed near a radiant heating element. Electric grills arent built to house open fires, which is why its important that wood chips smolder rather than instantly combust.
So, as long as theyve been soaked, you can place the wood chips either below the heating element or between the element and the grill grates. Keep the grill closed when using wood chips itll ensure the smoke circulates over your food, plus itll prevent the electric grill element from losing heat.
Our Electric Grill Recommendation
The George Foreman grill has stood the test of time, and even with the recent upgrades it is essentially the same grill. It provides the performance you want at a price that is reasonable. You can be sure that you are getting something that has been used in millions of homes and that can provide reliable results. But theres nothing saying that you cant have more than one. If you find one that has a unique attachment that you cant live without, and that the Foreman doesnt offer, these electric grill units are small enough so you can store and use both easily.
Recommended Reading: What Temp Should I Grill Pork Chops
Which Foods Work Best
Anything you would grill outside, you can grill indoors! Unlike traditional outdoor charcoal and gas grills, indoor electric grills have more specific temperature controls. Much like an oven or stovetop, these controls allow you to set a certain heat, which makes cooking a variety of foods easy and efficient. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill has four smart protein settings with nine customizable “doneness” levels that help to achieve the perfect temperature every time. With 500-degree searing capacity and a dedicated cyclonic air technology, this grill claims to perfectly sear meats on the outside while internally cooking them to perfect doneness, making it surprisingly flawless for cooking steaks. One user even called it the, best steak I was ever able to cook myself!
Electric Vs Gas Grill Fuel Sources
Lets start with the basics. Electric grills obviously use electricity as their fuel source. They need to be plugged into a wall to work, although you can also plug them into an extension cord if you choose.
Gas grills, however, can use either natural gas or propane. Electric grills, whether indoor or outdoor, can be plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Gas grills get fuel either from a natural gas line or from a propane tank. The tank is more portable but can be dangerous if it leaks. When your grill is connected to your homes gas line, its not really portable at all. Both natural gas and propane are unsustainable fuel sources. While theyre not carcinogenic like coal, they do contribute to the destruction of the environment.
You May Like: How To Grill Lobster On Gas Grill
The Ability To Control The Temperature
A tabletop electric grill must have at least three temperature conditions – low, medium and high. This is useful for preparing solid foods that need gradual processing. In addition, this way you can adjust the amount of electricity consumed. This also includes the function of maintaining a given temperature. It is needed so that the dishes stay hot as long as possible.
What Are The Benefits Of An Infrared Grill
If youre looking for an exceptional grill, then an infrared grill is certainly a better choice than most conventional gas or charcoal grills, and there are several reasons for this. Heres what you need to know about these products:
- You can significantly reduce the amount of time that it takes to cook your favorite foods. In fact, infrared grills offer exceptionally fast cooking times.
- If you like your food well done, then an infrared grill could be just what you need. Thats because its possible to cook food well much more quickly than you could with a conventional grill.
- Using an infrared grill reduces the risk of suffering burns while grilling. Thats because these products are designed to prevent fires and flare-ups!
You May Like: Why Did Mcdonald’s Get Rid Of Grilled Chicken
How Can You Get A Classic Grilled Flavor With An Electric Grill
In truth, our experts have found that theres not much you actually have to do besides grill like usual. Therell be a slight difference in flavor, but you can often make up for it by safely adding wood chips to the grill. Another factor is the amount of juice present in the food youre grilling, but by and large, its not difficult to achieve that classic grilled flavor on an electric grill.
How Long Can You Expect It To Last
The length of time that the product lasts varies from one design to another. In many cases, a properly maintained infrared grill will last for years! So, youll be able to enjoy lots of cookouts this summer and during many upcoming summers! However, ensuring that your infrared grill lasts as long as possible means that you need to properly maintain it, and this guide will show you how to do just that.
Read Also: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast On Gas Grill
Heating The Smokeless Grill
Once you have a suitable smokeless grill, you should connect the grill to a power source. Next is to start the grill and set the appropriate temperature.
Dont leave the smokeless grill at too high a temperature
Remember only to start grilling when the grill is hot enough. Depending on the type of grilled food, you can set different temperatures.
If you want to grill ribs or thick beef, you should set the heat a little high. In contrast, foods like salmon and chicken will require lower temperatures.
Please dont leave the smokeless grill at too high a temperature. It can burn the food and create a burnt smell.
Grill Covers And Carts
Your BBQ grill should not be without a grill cover. Regardless of the season, a BBQ grill cover will protect your grill from all the elements. Grill covers are water and weather-resistant and come in many shapes and sizes to fit many outdoor grill models. Some, such as Ducane and Weber grill covers, come in custom sizes to fit their specific models. For extra protection, a grill cart is essential for moving your grill into a garage or shed. If you cook outdoors year round, protect your investment with a heavy-duty grill cover.
Read Also: What Temp To Grill Chicken
Have A Barbecue Without A Lot Of Fuss
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Simply Recipes / Chloe Jeong
An electric grill wont win a low-and-slow barbecue competition, but for people who dont have a lot of access to outdoor spaces or just want an easy way to grill proteins and veggies without the smoke or fire, then these grills are worthy of your consideration.
They first became popular when George Foreman hawked his electric grill in the 1990s, and since then more versions from different brands have hit the market. Before you decide which one is for you, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the size you can handle in your space. This impacts how much you can cook at once, but it also affects whether or not you can easily store the grill away and its portability. You should also consider the wattage. The higher it is, the more likely your food will actually taste like barbecue. And while electric grills are easy to maintain, dishwasher-safe parts and removable drip pans will make cleanup easier.
With all that in mind, it’s time to pick a grill! Here are the best electric grills for your next smokeless barbecue.
Is It Really The Same As Grilling Outside
Although nothing can emulate the feeling of standing outside around a grill, beer in hand enjoying the sunshine with friends and family, this comes pretty close. There isnt a better option for cooking burgers and steaks in the winter. Achieving a crusty sear on a stovetop cant happen without creating a good deal of smoke, and burgers cooked in the oven dont have the same deep, blackened flavor. Electric grills allow you to achieve flavor and temperature control in a cleaner, more efficient and relatively smokeless way.
Recommended Reading: Macaroni Grill Bankruptcy
Can You Use An Electric Grill Inside
Yes, you can use an electric grill inside. This is the main advantage they offer over gas or charcoal grills. Electric grills dont require handling of dangerous fuel sources and produce almost no smoke .
Contact grills, especially, are made for indooruse. However, they dont provide the same versatility as open outdoor grills.This lack of versatility is especially noticeable when you want to cook notjust for yourself, but for a more significant number of people. Contact grillsare also not very good for cooking something more complicated than a cheesesandwich or grilling a sausages or chicken breast.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil On An Electric Grill
Yes, you can safely put aluminum foil on an electric grill. Like traditional grills, electric grills use heated surfaces to cook food, and you can use aluminum foil on them as you would on any other grill. Aluminum foil can be useful on electric grills if you wish to reduce mess or marinate a dish while cooking.
Read Also: Macaroni Grill Delaware
Is An Indoor Grill Worth It
Here’s everything you need to know before buying one.
Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Last summer got us all excited about grilling outdoorswe tested the best smokers and gas grills, found a favorite charcoal, and explained why kamado grills are so popular. But as temperatures drop, we have to say goodbye to those summer memories and find a way to bring the joys of grilling indoors.
While we love indoor grills for producing sizzling steaks, juicy burgers, and lightly-charred vegetables all year round, they’re not for everyone. Heres how to choose if an indoor grill is right for youand which to buy if you choose to invest.
Consider A Butane Torch
Weve all been thereno matter how patiently you wait for the griddle to heat up, you cant get the outside of your meat as crispy as you want before the inside gets overcooked. My chef friend recommends using a butane torch to lightly crisp foods before you cook them on low heat over the grill. This method is especially useful for thick cuts of meat.
Also Check: Propane Tank Sizes For Grills
How Does An Electric Smoker Work
One of the many questions you might be asking if you are contemplating to invest in a new smoker is how does an electric smoker work? More and more people are investing in smokers for use at home. So, you definitely want to find the better electric smokers when the time comes to purchase one.
But, understanding how they work, and how you are going to use your new smoker alongside the best wireless meat thermometer, is important if you want evenly smoked meat, and the best taste possible.
More…
Push-button start:
Masterbuilt digital smoker start button and advanced technology display board
In terms of how the smoker functions, it is typically started with the push-button or switch on your electric smoker. A digital control panel makes it extremely simple to use an digital electric smoker.
You will find the temperature range right on the panel screen. Depending on what is being smoked, you can easily adjust and regulate temperatures on the digital panel.
The walls of these smokers are also insulated, meaning heat retention is achieved. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about over or under cooking while smoking meats.
Design:
Most new smokers have a digital panel. Here you will choose the meat to be smoked and temperature. Thanks to the advanced technology, many of the smokers feature 24-hour timers.
Every smoker is a little different, so you should familiarize yourself with the configurations and setting options prior to starting to use your new smoker.
Space:
Best Overall: Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill
Dimensions: 14.5 x 25.1 x 19.5 inches | Cooking Area: 280 square inches | Wattage: 1560 W | Use: Outdoor
Its no surprise that Weber, the king of charcoal grills, also reigns supreme when it comes to electric grills. The 280-square-inch grill measures 26 x 25.1 x 31.5inches with the lid open and has a 6-foot grounded cord.
Inside the cast aluminum lid you’ll find porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. These do add a little bit of heftthe grill weighs 41 pounds in totalso while it is movable, you might need help to do so. It doesnt come with a stand though one can be purchased separately, but users love how quickly the grill heats up and cooks .
This is a hit among those with decks , but anyone can appreciate that its easy to store and, with a removable catch pan, easy to clean.
You May Like: How To Change Propane Grill To Natural Gas
What Are The Different Types Of Indoor Grills
Choosing the right grill will make the investment worth it.
Before you commit to an indoor grill, its important to understand your options. Essentially, there are two types of indoor grills: open grills and contact grills. While open grills always lay flat, contact grills have two ends that fold like a panini press. Some grills can also be converted from open to contact. Other popular indoor grills include double-burner griddles and skillets, but were only discussing the smaller electric grills that wont occupy too much space when theyre in use.
Although open grills can make you feel like youre cooking outdoors, they take twice as long to cook most foods as contact grills, according to our grill tests. Throughout testing, we were disappointed with the open grills because of their slow cook times and inconvenience when making sandwiches.
Contact grills, on the other hand, are more versatilethey’re great not only for hotdogs, burgers, and steaks but also sandwiches and breakfast foods. Our favorite indoor grill, the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe, scored high marks across the board and easily converts from a contact grill to an open grill.
