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Enjoying a tasty plate of delicious barbecue is a highlight of summer. There’s just something about roasted brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, or shrimp — they almost always taste better than cooking them on the stovetop. That being said, standing outdoors over the open flame on the hottest days of summer can feel like torture. While grilling is usually synonymous with a burning fire, electric grilling provides a safer and more convenient option. Not to mention it saves money on gas.
How do electric grills work?
Unlike traditional gas or charcoal grills that use open flames, an electric grill is equipped with a heating element to cook your meat and veggies. The metal heating element works similarly to the inner coils of a toaster, growing hot and glowing red as it heats up. However, this mechanism may be hidden, depending on the design of the electric grill.
To begin grilling with an electric grill, all you need is an outlet to plug it in. This eliminates many of the major hassles of grilling prepwork, since it doesn’t require charcoal burning at the perfect heat or purchasing a propane tank to fuel the flames. The one potential downside to an electric grill is that you won’t get the same level of smokiness as you would with a regular grill, but it by far makes up for this factor in overall convenience. There are more advanced electric grills on the market that infuse smoky flavors into your dishes, but you will generally need to pay more for these upgrades.
If you want to try out an electric grill for yourself, the best deal we’ve found is on the Zimtown Electric Patio Grill and Smoker, which is on sale for just $68 at Walmart. It features a compact and portable design, but still delivers a spacious cooking surface large enough to fit 10 hamburgers. This discount is especially impressive as the majority of electric grills retail for over $100, and sometimes up to $1,000 depending on the features.
Zimtown Electric Patio Grill and Smoker
Key advantages of an electric grill
Compared to regular grilling, an electric grill comes with many advantages, with the main one being safer flame-free cooking. There are four main reasons someone may opt for an electric grill for the outdoor cooking needs this summer.
- Safer grill operation. Traditional grills that use a flame are risky in general. A fire mixed with dripping grease can cause dangerous flare-ups, and as a result, many condos and apartments ban grilling on the balcony. Electric grilling offers a safe, flame-free alternative method of cooking. Because of this feature, several electric grills even allow for cooking indoors, which is helpful during rainy days or heat waves.
- Precise temperatures. Flames burning too high can burn your meal, but if they’re too weak, then your dishes won’t get cooked at all — and no one wants undercooked grilled chicken breast. Electric grills eliminate the guesswork with precise temperature controls built in. Just turn the knob to have it heat up to your ideal temperature.
- Quicker preparation. As every grillmaster knows, you need to let the charcoal ash over before it’s ready to begin cooking. Outside of turning on an electric grill, there’s minimal prep work for you to complete before piling on the meats or corn on the cob.
- Easier cleanup. Charcoal grills are a huge pain to clean up afterwards, but there’s no messy ash to deal with if you have an electric grill. Since electric grills are often more compact than traditional styles, the grill plates and drip pans will likely be less bulky and fit more easily into your sink.
Finding the right electric grill
There are a plethora of electric grills on the market, and sifting through them all can lead to decision overload. There are a few questions to mull over to make your purchase easier. First, consider what size is best for your purposes. The smallest, most compact designs for a tiny apartment balcony will generally be the most affordable, like the Techwood 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, which retails for $95 at Amazon. Compact electric grills typically come in two styles, either designed to go directly on a tabletop or built on a tall stand so it’s a freestanding unit. The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill has a two-in-one design with a removable stand, and it’s available for $120 at Walmart or Amazon.
If your home doesn’t allow for an open flame, but you really want the smokiness you’d get from a fire, an option like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker will be more your speed. It runs fully on electric power, but it has an integrated smoke box where you can place real wood pellets for that must-have infusion of flavor. It has a steeper price tag of $350, but it’s currently 10% off at Amazon.
The steak lovers will also want to consider the temperature range. Budget-friendly electric grills will reach temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want that desirable caramelized sear you’d get at a steakhouse, you’ll want an electric grill that gets much hotter. The Weber Q1400 Electric Grill, which retails for $349 at Amazon, is a favorite among reviewers for its ability to sear steaks.
Techwood 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Electric grill deals
For us, affordability is a huge factor for any purchase. We’ve searched Walmart and Amazon for highly rated electric grills that are affordable and currently on sale. We’ve rounded up the best contenders, all of which are available for under $200.
Ktaxon Electric Grill Smoker
Costway Portable 1600-Watt Electric BBQ Grill
Cuisinart Compact Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Cusimax Electric Indoor/Outdoor Grill
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