An electric grill seems simple enough: plug it in, set the temperature and start cooking. Yet many people buy a model that turns out to be too small after a few weeks, difficult to clean or unable to get hot enough. Practical shortcomings soon become apparent, particularly when you use it on a balcony, small patio or in a Dutch kitchen.
So don’t focus solely on wattage or an attractive offer. Check these three points in particular:
A high wattage can help a grill heat up quickly, but it doesn’t tell you how large the grilling surface is or how evenly the heat is distributed. For example, a compact 2,000-watt contact grill may offer less space than a 1,500-watt table grill.
Check the surface area in square centimetres or the dimensions of the plate. A compact contact grill is often enough for one or two people. A family or group will get more use out of a plancha grill or table grill with a wide, flat surface.
A grill with a non-stick coating can make it easier to remove food, but the coating can be damaged by metal spatulas, knives and scouring pads. Also check whether the plates are removable. A fixed grilling surface can take much longer to clean over time.
According to product information from various manufacturers, some plates are dishwasher-safe. Always check exactly which parts this applies to: it usually doesn’t include the electrical base.
A barbecue for indoors and out must be safe and suitable for the environment in which you plan to use it. An electric grill generally doesn’t produce charcoal smoke, but fatty foods can still create fumes and splashes. Use the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface and make sure the area is well ventilated.
A charcoal model, such as the Alpina Charcoal BBQ, is not the same as an electric barbecue. It runs on charcoal and has a ventilation system and removable ash collector. It may be suitable for outdoor use, but not for use in a kitchen or enclosed balcony space.
A table grill with a flat plate is handy for vegetables, fish, eggs and thinly sliced meat. A ridged plate leaves grill marks and can be suitable for burgers, sausages and steaks. Some models combine both surfaces.
Also consider the space available. According to its product specifications, the Nedis Teppanyaki Table Grill has an extra-long 90 × 23 cm cooking plate. That gives you plenty of room to cook, but you’ll also need a wide table and enough storage space.
A grill with adjustable temperature gives you more control than an appliance with a single fixed heat setting. Lower temperatures are useful for delicate ingredients, while a higher setting is handy for searing.
There are several types of control:
Automatic programmes can make a grill easier to use, but check whether you can also adjust the settings manually. This matters if you want to cook more than just meat, such as bread, fish or vegetables.
A grill with removable plates is usually more practical than a model with fixed parts. A removable drip tray helps collect dripping fat and makes it easier to empty.
If the grill has a non-stick coating, only use wooden, silicone or heat-resistant plastic utensils. Let the grill cool completely before removing the plates or drip tray. Never immerse the housing, plug or cord in water.
Why it suits this user: This model is designed for anyone looking for a straightforward electric barbecue for a table, balcony or garden. It has a 2,000-watt output and a 43 × 35 cm grilling plate.
The specifications clearly state the dimensions, electric heating type and lack of a timer. That way, you know what you’re getting — and what you’re not — before you buy.
2,000 watts, suitable for use on a table, balcony or in the garden, with an indicator light and keep-warm function according to the product information.
Why it suits this user: If you often grill indoors and would like extra guidance, this model offers 12 automatic programmes, a 30 × 20 cm grilling surface and a digital grilling assistant.
The product information specifies its 2,000-watt output, two plates, timer and dishwasher-safe parts. This makes it easy to compare the features and maintenance requirements before you buy.
12 programmes, searing function, adjustable temperature, timer, and dishwasher-safe plates and drip tray.
Why it suits this user: This plancha grill is designed for larger meals, with a cooking surface of 1,500 cm². Its combination of a smooth and ridged surface is handy for cooking meat, fish and vegetables.
The maximum temperature, cooking surface and automatic switch-off are all listed. The grill plate, drip tray and splash guard can also be removed for cleaning.
2,300 watts, continuously adjustable up to 230 °C, a 1,500 cm² cooking surface and an integrated drip tray.
Why it suits this user: This is a multi-purpose grill for contact grilling, tabletop barbecuing, oven use and cooking complete meals. According to the specifications, the cooking surface measures 30 × 20 cm.
The four functions, adjustable thermostat, interchangeable plates and indicator are clearly described. That way, you can focus your spending on the features you’ll actually use.
Four cooking functions, automatic programmes, removable dishwasher-safe plates and a floating top plate.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
An electric grill uses electricity while heating up and cooking. The exact amount of energy it uses depends on its wattage, the temperature you choose and the cooking time. A 2,000-watt appliance running continuously for one hour would theoretically use 2 kWh, but in practice the thermostat switches off regularly once the temperature has been reached.
You can reduce energy use by:
Always place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Before buying, check whether the model is intended for indoor use. Outdoors, protection from rain, an earthed socket and safe positioning are important.
That depends on the model and its instructions for use. An indoor grill or contact grill is designed for use inside, but ventilation is still important. Never use an electric barbecue model in an enclosed space if the manual says not to.
Its lifespan depends on how you use, clean and handle the plates. Don’t use metal utensils on a non-stick coating, avoid overheating the grill and let it cool before removing any parts. A model with replacement parts available may be more practical if you use it frequently.
Not necessarily. A contact grill often has a smaller heating surface and may need less time to heat up for a small meal. Actual energy use depends on the wattage, cooking time, amount of food and temperature selected. So compare both the wattage and your usual cooking habits.