An electric table grill makes sharing a meal easy: everyone can cook meat, fish, vegetables, cheese or small pancakes at the table. However, many models look similar while differing considerably in power, cooking surface, temperature control and ease of cleaning. A compact contact grill, for example, is ideal for sandwiches and a few portions, but less practical when eight people want to cook together.
Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:
For an electric grill plate, power ratings commonly range from around 1,200 to 2,400 watts. Higher power can be useful with a large plate or when preparing several portions at once. For melting cheese, cooking vegetables or using a gourmet grill for eight people, even heat distribution is particularly important.
An adjustable-temperature table grill gives you more control than a model with only an on/off switch. Check the number of settings or automatic programmes. The Tefal Plancha Compact 900, for example, has five temperature settings, while some raclette grills use two settings. Automatic programmes can be useful for a contact grill, but manual control remains handy for vegetables, bread and fish.
Do not look only at the stated number of people; consider the dimensions as well. A cooking surface measuring 40 × 20 cm offers a different experience from a plate measuring 90 × 23 cm. For a table grill for 8 people, several small pans and enough space around the plate are important. Also check whether everyone can cook at the same time without piling ingredients on top of one another.
A flat plancha is suitable for teppanyaki, vegetables and fish. A ridged plate creates grill marks. A combination of both makes the appliance more versatile. A raclette grill adds small pans for cheese and side dishes, while a contact grill closes around the ingredients between two plates and is particularly practical for sandwiches, burgers and fillets.
A grill plate with a non-stick coating requires suitable utensils, such as wooden, silicone or heat-resistant plastic tools. Metal forks and knives can damage the coating. Check whether the plates are removable and whether the product information states that they are dishwasher-safe.
Also look for:
A CE mark indicates that, according to the manufacturer, the product has been assessed against relevant European requirements. However, you should also check the instructions, warranty and information about the responsible manufacturer.
Why it suits this profile: This model combines grilling, hotpot cooking and a six-section plate in one appliance. It is practical for households that want to try different dishes without buying several appliances.
The stepless slider prevents you from being limited to simply switching between on and off. The plates are interchangeable, but according to the product information they must be cleaned by hand using a soft material.
1200–1400 watts, three cooking plates and stepless temperature control. Suitable for grilling, simmering and small portions.
Why it suits this profile: If you regularly prepare meat, fish, burgers or sandwiches, you get six automatic programmes and a thickness sensor. The grill is designed for around four to five people.
The removable plates and drip tray reduce the cleaning required. According to Tefal’s own information, this model produces up to twice as little smoke as a standard grill; ventilation is still necessary.
2000 watts, six programmes, dishwasher-safe non-stick plates and a doneness indicator.
Why it suits this profile: For long meals with six to eight people, this gourmet grill offers eight small pans, wooden spatulas and a combined teppanyaki and ridged plate.
The capacity is clearly specified: two to eight people and eight small pans. According to the product information, the plate and pans are dishwasher-safe.
1500 watts, eight small pans, two heat settings and a 1/3 flat teppanyaki plate alongside the ridged section.
Why it suits this profile: This appliance combines grilling, steaming and other cooking methods. The stackable components are useful when cupboard space is limited.
Choosing between four plates and nine automatic programmes means the appliance is not limited to grilling alone. According to Panasonic’s own information, smoke is channelled through a water reservoir; this does not replace normal ventilation.
1400 watts, a temperature range of 60 to 250 °C, a 2.5-litre capacity and, according to the product information, dishwasher-safe components.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Yes, indoor grills and indoor table grills are designed for this purpose. Place the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface and ensure adequate ventilation. Even a model that the manufacturer says reduces smoke and odours can produce vapour when used with fat or marinade. Do not use the appliance outdoors if the instructions state that it is not suitable for outdoor use.
Consumption depends on the power rating and how long the appliance is used. A 1,500-watt appliance running at full power for half an hour theoretically uses 0.75 kWh. In practice, the thermostat switches off regularly, so actual consumption may be lower. Check the power rating on the specification plate and prepare several portions at once if this suits the cooking surface.
The lifespan depends on how the grill is used, how it is cleaned and the condition of the non-stick coating. Allow the plates to cool before cleaning them, do not use abrasive cleaners and avoid metal utensils. Before buying, check whether replacement plates, small pans or other components are available. This may be more important than an extra programme you rarely use.