Grilling is a favorite pastime for many, but not everyone has the time to be outside in the hot sun while prepping a meal. Luckily there’s an easy solution: electric outdoor grills! These handy appliances come with all the features of traditional gas or charcoal grills without requiring you to fire up woods and smoke your eyes. In this article we’ll explore some of the best electric outdoor grills on the market and how they can provide convenience and great food anywhere from your backyard, to your balcony, or even at tailgating events.
Grilling is a great way to cook delicious food. With a grill you can make perfect steaks, prepare juicy burgers and vegetables for an easy meal at home, however some people find it inconvenient because of all the hassle.
Firstly, you need to adhere to the smoke and fire regulations of your area. Because to grill, you need to start a fire using charcoal and propane. Then you have to maintain that fire to get the perfect grilling temperature, and not to mention the smoke and the toxic fumes. After all that, you have to scrub for hours to remove the baked-on grease.
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Table of Contents
Best Electric Outdoor Grill Reviews and Buying Guide
Do not worry, though, because all hope is not yet lost. The leading manufacturers continuously try to improve the consumer experience and make their life easier. Thanks to their commitment, we have got some of the best electric outdoor grills.
Electric outdoor grills can do everything a traditional outdoor grill does, but efficiently. They are easy to set up, easy to clean, and much more versatile. Electric grills also give you the freedom to use them inside your kitchen because they are virtually smokeless. Moreover, electric grills come with so many extra features that drastically improve your grilling.
There are so many different options to choose from that it can get confusing at times. That is why we have done your work for you. We have compiled a list of the best electric grills that you can buy right now. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. George Foreman GIO2000BK Electric Grill
First on our list of Best Electric outdoor grill is the George foreman GIO2000BK electric grill which is a is a household name when it comes to grills. They manufacture indoor grills, outdoor grills, electric grills, gas grills, Kamado Grill, and every other type of grill there is. Their grills are of the finest quality, and that is the reason they are best-sellers all around the world. The brand’s popularity increased when the legendary boxer George Edward Foreman gave his name and endorsement.
The GIO2000BK indoor grill truly represents the values of George Foreman. It is a very straightforward and easy-to-use grill that provides a delicious taste. The highlight of this grill is the large grilling surface of 240 square inches. You can prepare up to 15 servings of food in a single go. While having a garden BBQ, you can prepare 15 juicy and delicious burgers for your guests in no time. Since it’s an electric grill and there is no charcoal involved, you don’t need to worry about any smoke or flames at your BBQ party.
The grill has the George Tough non-stick coating on the grilling plate. The coating not only prevents food from sticking but also enhances the cooking process. The coating heats up quickly, reduces the use of extra oil or butter on your food, and extracts any excess fats from your food. So, your food is getting cooked quickly, and it’s healthier as well.
You can also manually set the temperature you want to grill on. The grill comes with adjustable temperature control that lets you choose from five different heat settings. So, the food is always cooked exactly the way you like it. The grill also comes with a removable stand, so you can grill in the garden on a sunny day and grill in the kitchen on a rainy day.
- It can be used outdoors and indoors.
- The grill comes with adjustable temperature control.
- It has a domed lid to seal in the flavors.
- You can prepare 15 servings at once.
- No smoke or ashes to worry about.
- The grilling plate is not dishwasher safe.
- Cleanup is a bit difficult.
Related post: Best Indoor Grill for Steaks
2. PowerXL Smokeless Electric Grill
The second best electric outdoor grill comes from PowerXL; a well-reputed brand when it comes to cooking appliances. PowerXL kitchen appliances provide the cooking results of a premium brand but are very reasonably priced. Their products use high-quality materials and are very durable.
The PowerXL Smokeless Grill is a powerful and versatile electric grill that will grill some delicious steaks for you. It uses 1500W power to generate enough heat for some heavy-duty grilling and light griddling. A great thing about this grill is that it is completely smokeless. The grill is equipped with Turbo-Speed smoke extractor technology that will extract even a small amount of smoke. So people who have breathing problems can enjoy grilling freely.
The grilling plate is large enough to feed a group of people at your pool party. You can easily prepare enough food for 6-8 at once on the 110 square inches grilling plate. The grilling plate is coated with a ceramic non-stick coating. No food, not even melted cheese, will stick to the grilling surface. The ceramic coating also improves the grilling process and reduces the need for extra oil while cooking. Even if you get some food stuck somehow, the plate can be easily removed and washed. You can wash the plate yourself or put it into the dishwasher for easier and faster cleanup.
You also get the option to select the grilling temperatures manually. There is an LED panel on the side of the grill that lets you select the temperature to up to 450F. The lower temperature settings come in handy for griddling. The grilling plate can be removed and replaced with a griddle to cook eggs, pancakes, and much more. The grill also comes with a glass lid that makes sure the grilling aroma and the flavors are perfectly sealed in.
- The grill comes with a drip tray that captures excess fat and oils.
- Versatile 2-in-1 appliance. Grill and griddle in a single unit.
- It allows you to select the grilling temperature.
- The grill is completely smokeless.
- Great for indoor and outdoor use.
- Parts other than the grilling plate are difficult to clean.
Related Post: Best Budget Kamado Grills
3. Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Electric Grill
Elite Gourmet EMG 980B occupy no. 3 on our list of best electric outdoor grill; Elite Gourmet is a brand that excels in producing all sorts of kitchen appliances and cookware. They manufacture almost everything you could need in the kitchen while cooking. From electric knives to mixing bowls, from coffee makers to toaster ovens, Elite Gourmet manufactures everything. All their products are high-quality, easy to use, and budget-friendly, which is exactly why this grill made our list.
The EMG-980B electric grill is a portable and lightweight grill that has a lot of good features. You get a large cooking surface with a 14-inch grilling plate. You can easily prepare enough food for the whole family at once. The great thing about the grilling plate is that it is completely non-stick. You do not need to worry about food getting stuck on the plate while cooking. The grilling plate’s design drips the excess fat away from the food while cooking, making your meals healthier. A tampered glass lid seals the taste and aroma of the food.
The electric grill uses 1300W of power to generate high temperatures for faster cooking. All you need to do is plug in the removable temperature control rod into the side of the grill. Plug the other end into an electric outlet; set the grilling temperature from 195F to 450F, and you are good to go. The grill uses a circular heating element, which speeds up the preheating process and reduces the cooking time. The food is not only cooked quickly but more evenly as well. The circular heating element ensures that the heat reaches every food particle.
The cleanup of the grill is very easy as well because all the parts are detachable. The base, the grilling plate, and the glass lid are all dishwasher safe. So, you can spend more time enjoying your grilled food instead of cleaning.
- Easy to use and clean.
- A cool-touch exterior prevents any nasty burns.
- Adjustable temperature control.
- It comes with a splatter-proof glass lid.
- A wide range of temperatures allows you to cook various dishes.
- It needs to preheat before you can start cooking.
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4. Cuisinart GR-150 Electric Griddle
Cuisinart is a brand that has had its fair share of troubles. From underwhelming sales to filing for bankruptcy at one point, Cuisinart has been through a lot. However, the quality of their products was never in doubt. Cuisinart products rose back to their level after an endorsement by Gourmet magazine, and they haven’t looked back since. They have now vastly expanded their product range, and they manufacture almost every kitchen appliance.
The Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler is a versatile and user-friendly appliance that has 5 functionalities. The floating lid brings versatility to this electric grill. You can use it as a contact grill, griddle, panini press, half grill, and half griddle. The grilling plates are non-stick and removable. You can easily replace the plates to grill or griddle and wash them. You also get scrapping tools with the grill that can help you in the cleanup after cooking. Those tools can be cleaned in the dishwasher easily.
The design and outlook of the griddle is very sleek and stylish. It’s a lightweight and portable griddle that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Since it’s powered by electricity, you can use it wherever electricity is available. The stainless-steel body and handle look good and increase the durability of the grill.
The griddle also has an LCD on the front along with the controls. You can manually set the grilling temperature from 175F to 450F. The wide range of temperature compliments the versatility of the grill, so you can make any food you want. There is a gourmet recipe book included in the box so you can try a new dish every day.
- 5 functions in a single unit.
- Sleek, stylish, and portable looking grill.
- Various temperature settings allow you to cook various meals.
- Scrapping tools for easy cleanup.
- Grilling plates are removable and dishwasher safe.
- The coating can start to peel off after prolonged use.
- The instructions manual is not very helpful.
Related Post: Best Gas Grill under $300
5. George Foreman GR10B Electric Grill
Everyone knows George Foreman is at the forefront of manufacturing the finest quality grills at the moment. However, every story ash a starting point, and this grill is the starting point of George Foreman’s rise to fame. The quality and the features that we associate with George Foreman debuted with this very grill.
The GR10B classic electric grill changed the grilling game forever. Although it is a small 2-servings grill, the features are that of a deluxe model. The grill has the George Tough non-stick coating on the grilling plate. The coating is durable, easy to clean, and enhances the cooking performance. It heats up quickly, requires less oil, and cooks food more evenly. The plates are also very easy to clean because of the coating.
The grill has a sloped design that removes any excess fats and oils from your food. All the oil is collected into a drip tray at the bottom so you don’t have to worry about any mess. According to George Foreman, the sloped design removes more than 40% of unnecessary fats from your food. It is a very compact and lightweight grill. It is smokeless and powered by electricity. You can use it inside your kitchen or plug it into the garden outlet for a BBQ in the sun.
The only downside of this grill is the small cooking capacity. If you are having a party, you won’t be able to accommodate a lot of people. You could cook food in batches but it will take a lot of time. The grill can only prepare 2 servings of food at once. It is best suited for couples living together or students living in a dorm room.
- Portable, lightweight, and compact size.
- Removes excess fats from your food.
- It can be used indoor as well as outdoors.
- Budget-friendly.
- Perfect for dorm room students.
- Small cooking capacity.
- The grilling temperature is not adjustable.
6. Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker Electric Grill
As we told you earlier, Cuisinart manufactures a wide range of products. The COS-330 shows that they strive to satisfy their customers’ every need. If you are looking for the best electric outdoor grill that can accommodate every pool party, this is the one for you. This is an extra-large outdoor electric grill for steaks, BBQs, and much more.
The highlight of the COS-330 is the cooking chamber. The grill has a spacious 548 square inch cooking chamber that allows you to prepare different meals at the same time. The unique thing is that the cooking chamber has a vertical footprint. It almost looks like a small single-door fridge. You get three stainless steel racks with the grill so you can prepare different foods on every rack. The racks are also removable for when you need to cook a large amount of the same food.
The grill is quite powerful and uses 1500W electricity. This complements the large cooking chamber and makes sure your food is never undercooked. The grill also has adjustable temperature control, so you can manually set the temperature from 100F to 400F. There is a built-in thermometer on the grill as well that informs you about the internal temperature of the grill. This helps you cook the food in the right way and prevents over or undercooking of your food.
The grill does have some requirements that you need to fulfill for a better cooking experience. The heating element has two steel trays that need to be filled with water and wood chips to create the perfect smoking environment in your grill. The wood chips bring the smokey flavor and the water ensures that your food doesn’t dry out. In short, this is the best outdoor electric BBQ grill.
- Large cooking capacity, perfect for parties.
- Adjustable temperature control for cooking as per your liking.
- Removable racks for versatile cooking.
- Lightweight unit, easy to move in and out.
- Built-in thermometer to keep track of the cooking temperature.
- Not entirely smokeless.
- Not recommended for indoor use.
7. Char-Broil Bistro Electric Grill
Char-Broil introduced the first-ever charcoal grill in America way back in the 1940s. Since then, Char-Broil has been continuously evolving and innovating newer technologies for easier grilling. They say that their mission is to make outdoor cooking easier and affordable for everyone. The award-winning products are proof that they are succeeding.
The latest Bistro electric grill is the next step in the direction of the latest cooking technology. The grill uses TRU-Infrared cooking system for fast and even grilling of your food. As obvious from the name, the technology uses infrared heat to cook your food. It is completely safe to use and brings no harm to your food.
The advantage of this technology is that infrared penetrates the food for cooking without drying the food’s surface. This locks in the nutrients, flavor, and texture of your food better than conventional grilling does. So, with infrared heat technology, you get a perfectly hot plate (no cold spots) and no need to worry about flares and smoke.
The grill also has two cooking surfaces. The primary surface is 240 square inch and the second is an 80 square inch raised surface. Combined space of 320 square inches provides more than enough space to prepare 6-8 servings of food at once. The plate, as well as the exterior, is coated with porcelain non-stick coating that makes the clean-up a breeze. The grill also has an option to manually select the temperature you want to grill at. A thermostat on the top keeps you informed about the grill’s interior temperature at all times. The grill’s stand has wheels that allow you to easily move and store the grill.
- TRU-Infrared technology provides great cooking results.
- Portable and easy to use.
- Ideal for small places.
- Adjustable temperature control.
- Large cooking surface.
- Takes time to heat up before use.
8. Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Weber, also known as Weber-Stephen Products, is a private American company that has been manufacturing grills since the late 1890s. They started from a charcoal kettle grill and now they manufacture the finest electric, charcoal, and gas-powered grills. Aside from grills, they also ventured into the restaurant business and they also publish cookbooks.
Weber grills provide the perfect combination of performance, usability, and value. The Weber Q1400 electric grill is the same. It is a powerful grill that uses 1560 Watts energy to grill your food. It has 189 square inch grilling surface so you can prepare 4-6 servings of food for your family or guests.
The grill has porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. The grates heat up quickly and distribute the heat evenly all over the surface for even cooking. There are no hot and cold spots that might lead to undercooked or overcooked food. The body of the grill is made up of cast aluminum, which brings durability to the grill. The grill also has a removable catch pan which will collect the excess fats and oils while grilling. You do not have to worry about any mess afterward.
The grill has heat control settings that allow you to prepare BBQ or steaks just the way you like it. Take the guessing out of your grilling and cook the perfect juicy steaks for our family. The grill is very well designed to take up minimal space wherever you place it. If you have limited outdoor space and do not want to use a gas or charcoal grill, this compact electric grill is the one for you. You will save space, save money, but get delicious and juicy steaks with this grill.
- Compact, lightweight, and portable.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Fast and evenly cooked food.
- You can control the temperature manually.
- The finest quality material is used for durability.
- Not recommended for indoor use.
9. Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill
You might be surprised by this but Kenyon is an American brand that started as a marine and aviation industry manufacturer. However, they updated and changed themselves with the need of consumers. Now they specialize in countertop appliances and electric grills, manufacturing with the best quality components.
The B70082 electric grill is made with stainless steel to bring durability, ease of cleaning, and a sleeker look. It’s a compact grill but still quite powerful. The grill uses 1300 Watts power and can reach 600F temperature while grilling.
The great thing about this grill is that it heats up quickly too. So, you can prepare perfect steaks for unannounced guests quickly. The heating element of the grill is concealed and there is very minimal smoke generated while grilling. You can grill in the garden or inside your kitchen.
The grilling surface is wide enough to prepare up to 6 servings of food at once. Whether you are hosting a garden BBQ or preparing steaks as dinner for your family, the Floridian electric grill will be your perfect partner. The grilling plate and the lid are removable, so you can clean them easily. You can clean them manually or just pop them in the dishwasher for faster cleanup.
The exterior is made from 304-grade stainless steel which will stay rust-free always. The grill has a touch panel on the right side that allows you to set the temperature as per your liking. Since you are controlling the temperature, there is no worry about overcooking or undercooking your food.
The Kenyon grill is the most expensive in this list of ours but, in our opinion, the quality of the grill and the cooking results more than make-up for the high price.
- Fast and powerful grill.
- Great for indoor ad outdoor use.
- Small footprint but large grilling surface.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Stainless steel will stay rust-free.
- You will have to buy some accessories separately.
10. Cuisinart CEG-980 Electric Grill
This is the third Cuisinart grill in this list of ours, and that should be proof enough that their products are good. The CEG-980 is a great outdoor electric grill for steaks because of its features. It has every necessary feature you would require for grilling outdoor in a BBQ party. The best thing is that this is an electric grill. You can use it in places where grilling with gas or charcoal is prohibited, either by your landlord or the local regulations.
Even though it’s an electric grill, it does bring heat. The grill uses 1500 Watts power to generate a high range of temperatures. It is also equipped with a 5120 BTU electric burner that heats up quickly for fast and even cooking. The grill has a 145 square inch grilling surface that is more than enough to prepare food for up to 8 people at once.
You can prepare 8 burgers, 8 steaks, up to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish at once. So, whether you are hosting a party or just a family dinner, this grill is the perfect partner. For the perfect grilled taste, it is recommended that you use wood chips with the grill to add a smoky flavor.
The grill also comes with a telescopic stand. The stand can be used to grill in the garden, and when you are done, the stand collapses and folds underneath the grill for easy storage. The grill is so compact that it can be stored in a cabinet or even a big drawer.
- No assembly is required. Just plug it in and start cooking.
Large cooking capacity.
Portable and easy to store.
Easy to use and clean.
Perfect for campers, condos, and RVs.
- Not entirely smokeless.
- Not for indoor use.
Best Electric Outdoor Grill: Buyer’s Guide
Electric grills are in high demand nowadays. The reason is the ease of use, versatility, and mobility. You can use these wherever an electric outlet is available. There is no smoke, no hassle of cleanup, and no worry of storage. However, there is more to grilling than ease. You should consider certain things before choosing the best electric outdoor grill. We have listed some basics you should never compromise on. Our blog kitchensgismo provides more information on How to Start a Traeger Grill for the First Time.
Cooking Area
The first thing you want to look for is the cooking area of the grill. The cooking area will dictate how much food you can cook on the grill. The bigger cooking area will cook more food but it also means that the grill will have a larger footprint. If you have a small family, a small grill with a 60-80 square inch grill will be good enough for you. If you have a large family or regularly host a lot of people, you will need a larger grill. Similarly, if you are short on space, do not buy large grills with stands.
Grilling Plates
A grill is only as good as its grilling plates. If the plates are made of good quality material, your food will taste right and the cleanup of the grill will be easy. If the grilling plates are made of poor material, your food will not be cooked in the right manner, it might stick to the plates, and the cleanup will be a pain. So, make sure to check the quality of grilling plates before buying.
Versatile
A big advantage of buying electric grills is that they are versatile. The traditional grills only allow you to grill or griddle your food. Electric grills, on the other hand, have a wide range of functionality. Some work as a grill, others can be used as a griddle, a panini press, and even as a smoker. Some latest grill models even allow you to air fry your food. Secondly, electric grills are smokeless which means you can use them indoors as well. So, if you want to cook a wide range of foods on your grill, buy the right model.
Temperature Control
Not all grills have this feature but, in our opinion, it is an important one. It’s simple, if you want to cook food, you should be able to control the temperature. This feature allows you to cook food as per your liking. If you are preparing steaks, you can get the right level of doneness you want. It also takes the guessing out of your cooking and prevents undercooking or overcooking.
Cost
You would want to keep an eye on the price of the electric grills before buying, especially if you are on a budget. You would see from the list that their prices can vary significantly. However, the expensive grill doesn’t need to be the best. You could end up spending more than you need to if you do not consider your needs.
FAQs
Are Electric Outdoor Grills Any Good?
Yes, electric grills are a great alternative for gas and charcoal grills. These allow you to grill food inside your house, in the garden, at a pool party, or anywhere with an electric outlet. You do not have to worry about flames, smoke, or ashes. The taste is pretty much the same, and electric grills bring extra features as well.
What Is The Best Outdoor Electric Grill?
The answer to this question is relative. It all depends on your needs and usage. For some people, the best outdoor electric grill will be the one with the largest cooking space. For others, the best electric grill will be the one that is compact and versatile. In our opinion, the Cuisinart COS-330 Smoker Electric Grill is the best outdoor electric grill. It offers everything you could need in an outdoor electric grill.
Do Electric Grills Taste As Good As Gas Grills?
Food grilled with electric grills taste very good, but it’s not the same as a gas or charcoal grill. You do get the grilling texture, but because there is no smoke involved, electric grills fail to provide an authentic grilling taste.
Are Electric Grills Healthier?
Yes, electric grills are the healthiest for grilling. Electric grills do not use gas or charcoal, and they do not produce any harmful substances while cooking. Most notably, electric grills do not produce any carcinogens that can be harmful to your health if consumed in large portions.
Do Electric Grills Use A lot Of Electricity?
No, electric grills do not use too much electricity. On average, electric grills are powered by 1200-1500 watts of electricity. The actual amount can only be evaluated by tracking the usage. The more your use the grill, the more electricity it will consume. To compare it to gas grills, electric grills use more energy than gas grills for grilling.
What To Look For In An Electric Outdoor Grill?
An electric outdoor grill pretty much has everything you could need. You should look for a large cooking surface that can cook a lot of food and easy to clean afterward. One very important thing is the length of the cord. If you are going to use the grill in the garden, make sure the grill has a long electric cord. Otherwise, you would have to put the grill near an outlet and cook away from the party.
Conclusion
Not everyone has the luxury to enjoy grilled food whenever they want. Most areas are not hot enough to use charcoal grills and some areas prohibit the use of grills for safety purposes. To tackle this problem and enjoy smoky BBQ and steaks, people are switching to electric grills. We did the necessary research to help you find the best electric outdoor grill which you can consider. All these grills are powered by electricity, smokeless, and versatile. You can use these for indoor grilling as well as outdoor grilling. We hope one of these grills suits your needs so you can eat perfectly grilled steaks whenever you crave it.
We hope you found this article helpful in picking the best electric outdoor grill for your needs. Leave us a comment below and let us know if we missed anything or what your opinion is on our list!
