Best Outdoor Electric Grills of 2022

1. Why invest in an electric grill?

Electric grills come as a solution for the homeowners living in condos where using a gas or charcoal grill is forbidden. But even if you have your own backyard, an electric grill comes with advantages.

The most important, it allows you to throw a barbecue party without worrying about gas or messy charcoal. This type of grill releases no noxious fumes, and some models can even be used indoors.

Easy to operate just like air fryers, the electric grill also invites you to use it more often and for many more purposes than a gas or charcoal grill.

What to cook on an electric grill?

To start with the obvious, you can use your electric grill to cook burgers, meat, and grilled veggies. Heating up fast and promoting even distribution of heat due to the radiant technologies involved, an electric grill is also perfect for cooking:

• Sandwiches
• Panini
• Tortillas
• Grilled cheese

2. Types of electric grills

There are indoor and outdoor electric grills, while some models are hybrid and can be used both in the kitchen and in the yard.

• Indoor electric grills: Are typically small units similar to the electric griddles. Most models have contact plates which allow grilling on both sides at the same time, but the cooking surface is rather limited. These models are perfect for families up to four people and are very easy to transport.
• Outdoor electric grills: Are large units of the size of the traditional gas or infrared grills. They are ideal for backyards and have large cooking surfaces that can accommodate sufficient food for 8 to over 12 people. Most models come with portability features, side shelves, and foldable stands for easy transport and storage.

3. Outdoor electric grill power

The power of an outdoor electric grill is expressed in watts and determines the unit’s performance. Wattage varies widely from one model to another, but most outdoor electric grills have an output between 1,200 and 2,000 watts.

The weaker grills tend to be more cost-effective, but if you want to grill meat to perfection, it is recommended to invest in the electric grill with the highest wattage you can afford.

How many watts do you really need?

When grilling, you’ll need a high and even temperature to seal the juices of the meat and cook it like a pro. The best electric grills for home use are rated between 1,500 and 1,750 watts, which is ideal for cooking juicy burgers and steaks but also roasts.

4. Temperature and heat controls

Besides wattage, you must also check the temperature settings of the electric grill you like. Some electric grills can output temperature up to 325°F, which is ideal for cooking most foods but insufficient for searing burgers and steaks.

Most mid-range and high-end units can typically heat up to 600°F, although the best outdoor electric grills come with temperature settings which exceed the 600°F searing threshold.

In broad lines, you’ll have to heat up your electric grill at:

• 325°F for slow-cooking sausages and pork, baked potatoes, and grill vegetables;
• 350°F for grilling sirloin tips and kabobs;
• 380°F for cooking roasts;
• 400°F for grilling tenderloin, New York strip, burgers, and filet mignon;
• 600°F for searing burger and steaks.

Heat controls

Most electric grills are equipped with knobs that either allow you to set the temperature to the pre-set intensities or benefit from infinite temperature adjustments.

Some of the most performing units also come with adjustable heat elements that can be moved for direct, indirect, and rotisserie cooking, which ensures more accurate temperature control.

5. Electric grill grates

Most electric grills use radiant heat similar to the infrared heat to warm up the grates. This is the best technology, promoting even heating of the grilling surface which ultimately increases the grilling performance.

To ensure an even distribution of heat, most electric grills come with porcelain-coated cast iron grates, although some units have coated steel grates.

Porcelain-coated cast iron vs. coated steel grates

• Porcelain-coated cast iron grates: Heat up slowly but ensure an even distribution and maintenance of heat throughout the cooking process. The only downside of this model is that the porcelain can crack or chip off, exposing the metal.
• Coated steel grates: Heat up faster and also ensure an even distribution of the temperature. However, they tend to lose heat faster than cast iron when you open the grill’s lid. The nonstick coating is also easy to scratch, exposing the metal; furthermore, some nonstick coatings release noxious fumes when damaged.

6. Cooking surface

Outdoor electric grills have the full size of gas grills; this means they provide sufficient cooking surface for larger groups of 8 people or more. Indoor units tend to be smaller and are typically suitable for up to 4 people.

• Countertop indoor grills typically have a cooking surface between 100 and 140 square inches, which is ideal for 2-4 individuals.
• Small outdoor electric grills have a cooking surface under 200 square inches ideal for groups of 6 to 8 individuals.
• Mid-size outdoor grills boast from 200 to 240 square inches of cooking surface, which is ideal for 8 to 12 people.
• Large outdoor electric grills have cooking surfaces over 240 square inches and are perfect for large groups of 12 people or more.

7. Electric grill build

The best electric outdoor grill must be sturdy but portable. Most models are made of cast aluminum, a material renowned for its durability and low weight. A foldable frame and wheels are important for easy storage and enhanced mobility.

If the unit you want comes with side handles, make sure they are sturdy and ergonomic.

8. Other features you should consider

Below, a few additional features to have for an ultimate grilling experience:

• Built-in temperature gauge: Allows you to check the cooking temperature, which is useful for both searing and slow cooking.
• Foldable side shelves: Provide a convenient food preparation and utensils storage area when cooking outdoors.
• Removable grates: Are ideal for easier A further added advantage is investing in a unit with dishwasher-safe grates.
• Drip tray: Collects all cooking drips, making cleaning a whole lot easier. This accessory must also be removable and easy to wash.
• Rotisserie function: Some of the best electric grills have a rotisserie function which allows you to cook whole chickens, turkeys and large chunks of meat.
• Cord length: An electric grill will require you to plug it into the nearest electrical outlet. Since using this appliance with an extension cord is unsafe, check if the cord has an adequate length so you can work comfortably.
• Warming rack: Is ideal if you want to keep some of the food or the sides warm while your meat is cooking.
• Touch-cool exterior: To avoid accidents and reduce injuries through burns, make sure the electric grill comes with touch-cool lid and side handles.