Do you want to buy a compact indoor electric grill that will fit nicely on your countertop? Or perhaps, you seek a model that will fit nicely on your cooker? You will find that some of the best indoor electric grills come in a variety of sizes and functionalities, ranging from smaller designs to large grills suitable for entertaining.
If you’re shopping for an electric grill for the first time, the anxiety of ensuring good value for money can get overwhelming. Thankfully, our buying guide will help you add a terrific appliance to your kitchen.
Size of the Grilling Plate
The size of the grilling plate is a crucial factor to consider; after all, you don’t want to end up with barely enough space to grill two quarter-pound hamburger patties. Suppose you have a large family of big eaters who like to feast on gigantic pieces of meat. In that case, you want to tackle a maximum number of patties or meat slabs in one batch.
However, if you’re buying the grill for your own use alone, you can settle comfortably with a smaller size that fits nicely on a tabletop. So, be sure to examine your cooking needs to decide if you need a large or small grilling plate.
Wattage Levels
How much time can you make for your grilling activities? Most families and professionals with hectic routines opt for indoor electric grills to reduce their meal preparation time and consume healthy, homemade food. People who don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen seek grills with a higher wattage to prepare their meat in less than 20 minutes.
The power and wattage levels require close attention, and they typically range from 1500 to 1800 watts. The best indoor electric grills come with a higher wattage to ensure quick preheating and meal preparation. A higher wattage is essential for people who like large and thick meat portions, especially steaks and pork.
If you like to grill vegetables, lean meat, and smaller quantities, an electric grill with a wattage level of 800 watts should be fine too. However, you will have to prepare thicker meat portions in 2 batches to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Heat Settings
The best part about cooking on an electric grill is the control one enjoys, adding to precision and culinary excellence. Depending on how you like your meat and grilled entrees, you can customize the heat settings from 350 to 450° Fahrenheit. However, some of the best indoor electric grills come in a variety of heat settings, ranging from fixed heating to adjustable temperature settings.
It’s wise to invest in an electric grill that allows you to control and customize the temperature. Most meat pieces and vegetables require exposure to varying temperatures, and therefore, a flexible heat setting works wonders at enhancing one’s grilling skills.
Grilling all kinds of meats and vegetables at a fixed temperature runs the risk of overcooked or undercooked meals. In contrast, flexible heat controls allow you to alter the temperatures for mutton, beef, and lean meats.
Timers, Automation & Indicators
Do you like to set the grill and use the time to tidy up the house, set the dinner table or run a hot bath without running the risk of overcooking your meals? We all love the convenience of smart appliances and gadgets. Timers, automation, and indicator lights are features that enhance the utility and comfort of using an indoor electric grill.
An automated shut-off feature is a crucial must-have to prevent undercooking or overcooking your meals. An indicator light will tell you when the grill is on to avoid burns and preheating conundrums. Some of the best indoor electric grills come with heating indicators that help you reach the perfect temperature without fussing around.
The timer is indeed the most vital feature that allows you to sit back and unwind, getting up only when your beef is seared to perfection.
Grill Plates
Did you know that you can buy indoor electric grills with non-stick grill plates? Previously, non-stick grill plates weren’t available in indoor electric models, but manufacturers are churning newer models equipped with this feature. A non-stick coating is a must-have feature to ensure your electric grill is easy to use and clean.
The non-stick coating will prevent the meat from sticking onto the plate or falling apart while cooking. However, using a non-stick grill pan requires a lot of care, as you don’t want to damage the coating with metal utensils or careless use. You will have to maintain the plates to prevent degradation and damages.
Here’s another factor to consider while buying electric grills for indoor use: is the grill plate removable? A removable or adjustable grill plate is reversible, which makes it easy to use and clean.
Wrapping Up
The best indoor electric grills in 2021 come with a range of incredible features, such as smartphone-enabled interfaces, cool-touch handles, and safety upgrades. Grilling is a much healthier alternative to frying your food, and an electric grill will prove a terrific upgrade to harness your culinary talents. If you live in a dorm, a studio apartment, or travel frequently, consider investing in a portable electric grill that you can set up anywhere.
Be sure to browse through customer reviews and recommendations while shopping for a grill online. It’s easy to end up with a grill that looks spectacular in advertisements but offers no utility whatsoever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are indoor electric grills a good investment?
They are an excellent appliance for preparing homecooked meals effortlessly. However, you will have to pay close attention to the features mentioned in our buying guide to ensure good value for your money.
Do all indoor electric grills produce smoke?
Yes, most indoor electric grills produce a little smoke, but you can explore smokeless variants.
What is the best indoor electric grill for searing beef?
We advise picking an electric grill with a temperature range as high as 450°F. This temperature range is ideal for grilling large and thick pieces of meat, be it pork or beef.