An evening with family or friends is about more than just the food when you’re barbecuing or cooking at the table. Preparation, temperature control, cleaning and safety all play a part in whether you’ll want to use the appliance again. A compact charcoal barbecue may suit a balcony, while an electric grill is more convenient indoors. If you’d rather cook together at the table, consider a raclette grill, tabletop grill, teppanyaki grill or fondue set.
Choosing a product may seem straightforward, but marketing claims and unclear specifications can lead to a disappointing purchase.
A tabletop grill advertised for eight people won’t necessarily have enough cooking space for eight large portions at once. So check the dimensions of the grill plate, the number of pans and how evenly the heat is distributed. A small table grill for one or two people is simply less practical for a large group, even if it has a high wattage.
More power means an appliance can heat up quickly, but it says little about how precisely the temperature is controlled. Check whether it has a thermostat, how many settings it offers and whether the plate heats evenly. An electric grill with just an on/off function may be less versatile than a model with several settings.
A non-stick coating can make cleaning easier, but always check the product specifications for the details. PFAS-free is a product specification that needs to be checked for each model; you shouldn’t assume that it applies to a brand’s entire range. The Fritel RG 2170, CR 1895 and GT 1075 are listed as PFAS-free in the product information provided. The Tefal RE4598, on the other hand, is listed as having a PTFE/Teflon non-stick coating, rather than being PFAS-free.
According to Fritel’s own product information, the models mentioned are suitable for domestic use and have safety features. Always use appliances in accordance with the instructions and never leave a hot grill unattended.
A charcoal barbecue is designed for outdoor use. Bear in mind smoke, open flames, carbon monoxide and the need to keep it at a safe distance from flammable materials. According to its product description, the Alpina Charcoal BBQ has a kettle design, a 43 cm-diameter grilling surface, ventilation openings, wheels and a removable ash catcher. The specifications also list a 30 cm cooking diameter; if in doubt, check which measurement refers to the actual grilling surface.
An electric grill, tabletop grill or raclette grill is usually more practical indoors. Place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface and use an earthed socket if the instructions require one. An electric grill isn’t automatically suitable for outdoor use: rain, damp conditions and an unsuitable extension lead can all pose risks.
Look beyond “for eight people”. Important points include:
According to the product details, the Fritel RG 2170 has a 49.5 by 27 cm cooking plate, eight pans and a capacity of two to eight people. The plate has a flat teppanyaki section and a ridged grill section. This lets you cook ingredients such as fish, eggs and vegetables on the flat section, and meat on the ridges.
A removable plate, dishwasher-safe parts and a separate drip tray can save time after a meal. Just check whether only the removable parts are dishwasher-safe. The heating base, plug and thermostat must not be immersed in water.
Also look for:
Don’t use metal utensils on a non-stick surface if the manufacturer advises against it. Damage can affect how the coating performs. A CE mark indicates that the product must meet certain European conformity requirements, but it isn’t a quality rating.
Why it suits this type of user: This charcoal barbecue is suitable for smaller gardens, balconies where barbecuing is permitted and campsites. The wheels make it easier to move.
The product information lists ventilation, a lid and a removable ash catcher. This makes temperature control and cleaning more straightforward than with a basic open barbecue.
Lid with ventilation system, two wheels, storage shelf and removable ash tray.
Why it suits this type of user: A table grill for families and groups of friends who want to cook different ingredients at the same time. According to the product specifications, this model is suitable for two to eight people.
The capacity, plate layout, eight pans and two heat settings are all clearly specified. So you don’t have to rely solely on a general claim that it’s suitable for tabletop grilling.
1500 W, flat and ridged cooking sections, eight pans and wooden spatulas; the product information states that it is PFAS-free.
Why it suits this type of user: This fondue set is a good fit for households that want to combine fondue and grilling. The pot has a 2-litre capacity and, according to the product information, is suitable for two to six people.
You can adjust the temperature manually, and both the fondue pot and grill plate are removable. This makes the appliance easier to use and clean than a set that can’t be taken apart.
1950 W, two functions that can be used separately or at the same time, six fondue forks and removable dishwasher-safe parts.
Why it suits this type of user: Measuring 28 by 20 cm and suitable for one or two people, it’s a good fit for a small kitchen, student room or meal for two.
The five settings on the removable thermostat give you more control than a grill with just an on/off switch. Its compact size also means it won’t take up too much table space.
1000 W, five temperature settings, grill and teppanyaki surfaces, and listed as PFAS-free in the product information.
Good BBQ tools make cooking safer and more convenient. A basic set might include:
According to the product information, the Alpina BBQ Tool Set includes a spatula, tongs, four skewers and stainless steel parts. For marinades, Alpina’s sauce pan with brush is a handy addition: the pan has a capacity of around 0.5 litres and the brush has a silicone head. Use one brush for raw marinade and a clean brush for sauce after cooking to help prevent cross-contamination.
Take a look at the barbecue set for more barbecue accessories and BBQ tools.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
Only if the product instructions allow it and conditions are safe. Use a suitable, dry, earthed socket. Keep the appliance protected from rain and away from water. The Fritel GT 1075 is listed as suitable for indoor and outdoor use in the product information, but the safety instructions still warn against damp conditions and rain.
Its lifespan depends on how it’s used, cleaned and stored. Clean removable parts once they’ve cooled, don’t use metal tools on delicate coatings and store an outdoor barbecue somewhere dry. Also check the warranty and returns terms. Many of the models mentioned in this article come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty; your statutory consumer rights may also apply.
The cost depends on the wattage and how long you use it. A 1500 W appliance running at full power for one hour would theoretically use 1.5 kWh. In practice, a thermostat switches the grill off at intervals, so actual consumption may be lower. So compare more than just wattage: temperature control and cooking time matter too.