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Has terrible weather taken a toll on your food plans? Are you tired of extinguishing your outdoor grill because of unpredictable rain or snow in your city? If yes, try switching to an indoor grill designed to let you cook authentic food in the comfort of your home without using charcoal, propane, or other fuels. Indoor or electric grills are environment-friendly, easy to use, and convenient to clean, saving you a lot of time and energy. In addition, they do not produce much smoke, which makes them an ideal fit for cooking in your apartment, too. So, get your hands on one of the great indoor grills to add a classic barbeque flavor to your food without stepping out of your place.
Buyer’s Guide to Finding an Indoor Grill
Indoor grills are the new way to enjoy smoky flavored food without using charcoal or gas and having to spend time on the terrace or the lawn. They have gained immense popularity since their inception, and the market is filled with a myriad of options that might confuse you. So, take a look at our detailed buying guide that will help you grab the best product.
How to Pick the Best Indoor Grill?
If you are all set to invest in an indoor grill, consider the below-mentioned important factors to make a wise decision.
Material
Electrical grills are designed using stainless steel or aluminum, each having its unique benefits. Stainless steel makes the grill heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, durable, and super sturdy, due to which it tends to last longer. On the other hand, indoor grills made using aluminum are odorless, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.
Coating
We all hate the mess when the food sticks to the pan while cooking. Thus, it is crucial to find a griller with a non-stick coating because it allows you to cook your food without using oil, butter, or other greases. However, some users complain about the coating wearing off, so read the customer reviews to get a clear picture of this aspect.
Size
Different indoor grills have different sizes, due to which the number of servings cooked at a time also varies. Most models can serve between 12 to 15 people simultaneously. So, buy a grill that could cook enough food for your entire family.
Temperature and heat distribution
Checking the maximum temperature of the grilling appliance is equally important. The most sought-after electric grills work at a maximum of 450 degrees to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps retain the natural juice of the food items while cooking. Besides, the adjustable temperature control setting also plays an important role in letting you cook food at low or high heat as required. So, invest in a griller that could work on different temperature control settings.
Ease of use
The efficiency of a griller depends on the ease of use, making it an important factor to consider. Therefore, the features of an electric grill should be such that they provide optimum ease of use. For instance, the cord of the appliance should be long enough to be carried to different corners of the house. However, you will have to use an extension cord. In addition, the light indicators in the indoor grill make it easier to check the operational status of the appliance.
Ease of cleaning
Cleaning a non-detachable appliance is challenging because you can’t reach all the corners to clean them. Therefore, make sure to pick an electric grill that allows you to detach its parts and clean them hassle-free. You can also find some dishwasher-safe models that don’t demand a lot of cleaning effort.
What Can You Cook Using an Indoor Grill?
Don’t know what you can cook on the electric grill? Here are some of the delicious items that you can prepare using this appliance:
Meat
Grill your favorite meats like steaks, chicken, fish, and others using an indoor grill while retaining their natural juice. The adjustable temperature control setting allows you to attain the perfect doneness while getting the desired grill marks. In addition, you can add various BBQ sauces to get the taste of your choice.
Vegetables and fruits
You can also prepare your favorite vegetables and fruits to add extra color and nutrition to your food platter. Add grilled veggies and fruits to your platter to consume a healthy meal.
Burgers and hot dogs
When it comes to grilling burgers and hot dogs to get the perfect marks, nothing can match the performance of an electric grill. So, you can invest in this appliance without any second thought and invite your friends and prepare the best meal for them.
How to Clean Your Indoor Grill Efficiently?
To maintain your electric grill in the best condition, you need to clean it often following the appropriate cleaning method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can clean this appliance.
- Start with unplugging the cord.
- Allow the grill to cool down slightly so that you can begin the cleaning process. For optimum results, start when the plate is slightly warm.
- Subsequently, use a rubber spatula or stainless steel brush to scrape off the leftover food. Make sure to scrape the food stuck along the corners and lines of the plate.
- Use a soft, damp sponge and wipe off the debris from the plate. Repeat it several times until you clean all the corners of the plate. For removing tough stains, you can also pour liquid soap on the damp cloth.
- Remove the drip tray and wash it using liquid soap.
- Finish up the cleaning process by drying the various parts using a dry paper towel.
- For the dishwasher-safe appliance, detach the different parts and place them in the dishwasher to clean them.
How Much Should You Spend On An Indoor Grill?
The cost of different indoor grills varies depending on their material, size, functionality, and ease of use and cleaning. The best models would cost you $39.99 to $199.99. So, choose a product according to your family size and other requirements. Also, make sure to read customer reviews to get a clear picture of the efficiency of a particular product.
Comparing Long-Lasting Indoor Grills
Hamilton Beach Electric Searing Grill
– Best Overall
Who doesn’t love a plate full of grilled vegetables, steaks, chicken, cheese, etc.? If you, too, are fond of preparing mouth-watering stuff daily, you need to buy this searing indoor grill. This electric grill is designed using stainless steel metal that is sturdy, heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and super durable. It comes with a convenient window lid that allows you to see through and check your food while in the making. Furthermore, it includes a 118-square-inch grilling surface that serves up to 6 people at a time. In this indoor griller, you can cook your food at a temperature as high as 450 degrees. However, its ability to adjust the temperature also enables you to grill your food at the desired temperature each time.
Pros
- The high searing heat keeps the food juices intact while cooking
- A removable extra-large drip tray prevents spilling and is super easy to clean
- A non-stick ceramic grilling tray prevents food from sticking
Cons
- The small cord restricts the mobility of the equipment
Ninja Smart Indoor Grill
– Runner Up
If you are searching for a one-stop kitchen tool that can grill, roast, air fry, bake and broil your food, this 6-in-1 indoor grill will overwhelm you with its capacity. It cooks or grills your food using 500 degrees Fahrenheit cyclonic air that keeps the food juices intact. In addition, the four smart protein settings with nine modifiable doneness settings allow you to attain perfect doneness from rare to well in just a click. The grill can simultaneously fit 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs with side food items.
Pros
- XL size allows you to cook for the whole family at a time
- Air frying cooks your food with 75% less fat to keep you healthy
- The temperature control grilling grate enables cooking at low temperatures
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other alternatives
Maxi-Matic Smokeless Indoor Grill
– Honorable Mention
Do you like the idea of enjoying the perfect BBQ in the comfort of being indoors? If yes, this economical premium electric indoor grill will serve the purpose well. It is made using aluminum metal that is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and odorless. The design includes a non-stick 14-inch grilling surface that can fit all your favorite food items in one go, preventing them from sticking. Besides, you can adjust the temperature in 5 adjustable settings up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect doneness. For your convenience, all the parts are made detachable and dishwasher-safe, making cleaning much easier. The company also offers a 1-year guarantee, providing optimum customer satisfaction.
Pros
- The circular heating element distributes even heat to allow quick cooking
- Detachable parts make cleaning easier than ever.
- Switch between high to low temperatures with each using an adjustable temperature knob
Cons
- The size is smaller as compared to its counterparts
George Foreman Indoor Electric Grill
– Contender
Electric grills are usually designed to cut down the mess, allowing you to enjoy your favorite grilled food in all weather conditions. However, this appliance comes with a removable stand that enables you to use it outdoors as efficiently as you use it inside. It is designed to cook more than 15 servings simultaneously. Besides, the tough, non-stick coating eradicates the requirement for butter or oil, enabling you to prepare finger-licking meals in the healthiest way possible. You can also use the adjustable temperature control feature to choose from five heat settings for attaining the desired doneness for perfect results.
Pros
- The domed grill lid covers the grilling tray well, preventing spillage
- The removable grill plate is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Apartment-approved grill because it required no charcoal, propane, and flare-ups
Cons
- The non-stick coating might wear out if not cleaned properly
Gotham Steel Smokeless Indoor Grill
– Another Option
This classic smokeless indoor grill is designed using alloy steel metal that is ultra-durable, corrosion-resistant, sturdy, and lightweight. It includes an intelligently designed drip tray that quickly cools down the grease, preventing smoke formation. The heating element is evenly incorporated across the surface to make sure every item placed on the grill takes equal time to cook up. In addition, you can easily control the temperature to cook your food strictly as required. Since its surface is coated three times with ceramic and titanium, it ensures complete oil-less cooking. It is also durable enough to withstand spoons, metal spatulas, etc.
Pros
- It’s apartment-approved, as it produces no smoke while cooking
- Alter the temperature using an adjustable dial for cooking at high or low heat as required
- The product is dishwasher safe, allowing easy cleaning in a few steps
Cons
- Wiping between the grates might be time-consuming
- Might take more time to cook meat even at the highest temperature
People Also Asked
Q: Is it healthy to cook food on an indoor grill?
A: Indoor grills do not use unsustainable gas fuels that produce carcinogens. Hence, they are safe for your health and the environment.
Q: Does food prepared on an electric grill taste authentic?
A: While cooking your favorite food on an indoor grill, you use butter, oil, or the meat fat that falls on the grilling plate. The fat generates smoke, making the food taste as authentic as grilled on a charcoal or gas griller. Therefore, food cooked on the electric grill is equally tasty.
Q: How often should I clean my indoor grill?
A: Ideally, you should clean the grill and remove the leftover food each time after use. However, thorough cleaning should be done at least once a month, especially if you use your indoor grill daily or every second day.
