Preparation
Whether you’re having a cookout with neighborhood friends, quick burgers on a busy weeknight, or even grilling egg sandwiches for breakfast, there’s just something about using a grill that makes the food and the vibe better. But what if that grill wasn’t charcoal or gas but an electric outdoor grill instead?
They are becoming increasingly popular as concerns about the environment heat up. Not only do electric grills turn on quickly, but they also emit less smoke, are often more cost-effective and, depending on the grill, can be used outdoors and indoors. Another big reason to consider an outdoor electric grill? “Electric grills offer an easy way to cook without the mess, smell, and hassle of charcoal grilling,” says chef Daniel Craig, founder of kitchen product reviews and recommendations site Kitchen Deets. There is, however, a caveat. “You can’t capture the same authentic grilling tastes from an electric grill as from other options,” says Craig.
If you’re considering purchasing an electric outdoor grill for the first time or upgrading your current one, you need to think about the size of the electric grill says Craig, as well as the space you have for grilling. You should also consider how accessible the power source is in the space you plan on using your grill in, as well as the overall durability of the grill. Here are five we recommend.
Best Overall: Weber Q 2400 Electric GrillBest Budget: Hamilton Beach Healthsmart Indoor/Outdoor GrillBest Smoker: Cuisinart Electric Vertical Food SmokerBest Portable: Cuisinart CEG-980T Outdoor Electric Tabletop GrillBest Indoor/Outdoor: George Foreman, Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
