8 Best Outdoor Electric Grill For Your Backyard

Picking an outdoor grill that is both efficient and safe might be difficult. Because it is inconvenient for many of us to regularly get propane or fuel, electric grills are essential pieces of cooking equipment.

It is important to have reliable cooking equipment in every season.

Fortunately, there are outdoor electric grills that are specifically designed for safe, regular usage. Any backyard barbecue or family gathering is instantly elevated with a high-quality electric grill.

Specialized electric grills are available in a range of designs to accommodate your specific cooking preferences. Every type of outdoor grill imaginable is available, from stainless steel carts to tabletop circular grills.

If you intend to host family and friends frequently, it makes sense to invest in an outside electric grill. In this way, even if you’re out on an outdoor activity, you can always prepare a nice lunch.

You’ll enjoy these efficient, safe outdoor grillings from known brands like Char-Broil and Techwood.

Below, we’ll look at a bunch of our favorite electric grills and discuss their many advantages. Continue reading to learn how these outdoor electric grills can instantly improve your cooking experience.

Top Pick: Char-broil tru-infrared electric patio bistro grill

This attractive glossy red grill is a perfect choice if you need a dependable grill that is easy to carry from one location to another. This elegant grill is made of durable materials to last you and your family for many years.

Key Features

• Portable, compact unit
• Even infrared heating
• Intuitive temperature control
• Stylish red exterior

Specs

• Cooking Surface Area – 240 sq. inches (with 80 sq. inch warming rack)
• Cooking Surface Material – Porcelain-coated steel
• Exterior Construction Material – Steel
• Electric Power (in watts) – 1,750

2nd Best: Foreman, George indoor/outdoor electric grill with 15 servings

The George Foreman GGR50B Indoor/Outdoor Grill, as the name implies, is not only an outdoor grill but can also be used indoors.

It is one of the best combination (indoor and outdoor) barbecues, with several features such as a removable pedestal and tabletop grilling.

With a preheat period of only 10 minutes, this grill is extremely efficient. With a gently slanted surface, this grill catches extra oil and fat for easy cleanup.

It has a nonstick coating, which makes cleaning easy. It is quite long-lasting. It also includes an adjustable temperature control with five settings to choose from.

This gas-free grill is ideal for apartment cooking because it cooks food quickly and effectively. You’ll enjoy putting this grill together, whether it’s outside, inside, or somewhere in between.

Key Features

• Easily adjustable temperature control knob
• Quick preheat time
• Safe for indoor and outdoor use
• 1 piece porcelain enameled cast iron grate
• A detachable stand is included.

specs

• Cooking Surface Area – 240 sq. inches
• Electric Power (in watts) – 1,600
• Cooking Surface Material – “George Tough” non-stick cast iron
• Exterior Construction Material – Steel

3rd Best: Weber electric grill gray Q2400

While it may be more expensive in the beginning than other solutions, it is well worth the initial expenditure. The burner is incredibly simple to use, allowing you to cook your favorite dishes with professional precision.

The temperature will be around 600 degrees. Isn’t this heat enough to cook? It is unquestionably adequate. When it comes to heating time, it takes approximately 20 minutes.

This grill comes fully constructed and ready to use straight out of the box, allowing you to start cooking right away.

Users were satisfied with the overall durability and enjoyed using it for outdoor and indoor grilling regularly.

Key Features

• Embedded grease catch pan
• 6-foot cord for easy use
• Compact unit for portable use
• Sturdy design

Specs

• Cooking Surface Area – 280 sq. inches
• Cooking Surface Material – Porcelain-enameled cast iron
• Exterior Construction Material – Cast aluminum
• Electric Power (in watts) – 1,560

Cuisinart CEG-980

Cuisinart CEG-980 is an amazing outdoor grill, and it offers tons of features that make it versatile. One of the major features that make this unique is the same design.

It’s designed like a briefcase, and it even has a handle on the front that’ll let you carry it. You can also use it for opening and closing the lid.

Despite the compact form factor, this one will let you cook a lot of items at once. You can cook 8 burger patties, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, and about 4 pounds of fish at once. This makes it perfect for grilling for a lot of people.

For the 145 square-inch cooking area it provides, the Cuisinart CEG-980 offers a 1,500-watt heating system and a 5,120 BTU burner. Needless to say, these are perfect for grilling the items equally across the grates, and they also managed to minimize the number of weak spots to zero.

The best part about this is the unit you won’t need to assemble. If you’re new to grilling or buying a grill for yourself, this will make things much easier for you.

Key Features

• Optional stand
• 5,120 BTU burner
• Briefcase-style form factor
• Easy-to-operate controls

Specs:

• Power – 1500 Watts
• Cooking area – 145 sq in
• Grate – 1 piece porcelain enameled cast iron
• Thermometer – no
• Stand/cart – integrated collapsible stand

Americana electric cart grill by Meco

This electric grill cart is ideal for anyone searching for a traditional outdoor grill without the safety risk of gas. You’ll have no issue customizing your grill to your preferences, thanks to the simple thermostatic control.

This grill has three heating stations, enabling you to cook vegetables and meat to different temperatures simultaneously. Though you may have to pay a bit more for this grill upfront, there is no doubt that it is a great investment.

This outdoor grill is simple to put together, so you can have it up and running in no time. For extra taste, the versatile grill can also be used with wood chips.

Key Features

• Perfect for seasonal use
• Easy assembly
• Embedded storage options
• Quick, minimal maintenance

Techwood electric bbq grill indoor/outdoor electric grill with 15 servings

This outdoor and indoor electric grill is ideal for both novices and seasoned grillers. The grill’s low-maintenance design allows it to be up and running in a matter of minutes.

Because the unit is so inexpensive, it’s worth a go. Furthermore, with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, you’ll be able to thoroughly assess whether or not it’s a good fit for your requirements.

This grill is easy to put together and comes with a grease drip pan for easy cleanup.

Key Features 

• Cook up to 15 servings at once 
• A great pick for beginners 
• Excellent value 
• Precision heat control

Kenyon B70090 Frontier All Seasons Electric Grill

Only a few kinds of electric barbecues, such as the Kenyon B70090 Frontier, function well outside. This all-season barbecue is one of the most durable in its class.

For example, the stainless cover has a sleek nonstick coating that protects it from the weather.

It also boasts a stylish appearance and a movable countertop style that is suitable for usage both indoors and outdoors. Whether you enjoy barbecuing or camping with friends on occasion, this grill will meet your demands.

For its system to function, all that is required is a 120-volt electrical connection.

Even though it is smaller than standard electric grills, the performance of this electric grill should not be underestimated. It contains a strong electric element that heats the cooking surface to temperatures much above 550 degrees Fahrenheit.

This amount is sufficient for grilling steak, chicken, and veggies at home. Many extra accessories (including a flat top griddle, a trolley, and nylon utensils) are sold separately with the grill.

Key Features

• Dishwasher safe grates
• Tabletop design
• Polished design
• UL certified

Giantex 1350w electric bbq grill

This outdoor electric grill is the best option for a versatile grill that comes with handy seasoning holders. The grill is also reasonably priced, so you won’t have to empty your pocket to reap its benefits.

The cooking grate on your grill is of high quality and nonsticky. This allows you to simply turn your food and keeps it from burning.

Furthermore, the cooking grate is divided into three sections, allowing you to prepare three different types of food at the same time.

You also get four distinct temperature control settings to allow you to heat your meals in a variety of ways. This allows you to prepare your food exactly how you want it.

Its removable temperature regulator allows you to set the desired temperature, and when that degree is reached, further heating of your grill is halted. This protects both you and your grill.

The grill also includes an integrated grease collecting bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Furthermore, the heat-resistant grip allows you to inspect your dish on the fly for authenticity.

Overall, this is a great electric grill with a durable, sturdy foundation. Take advantage of this tough porcelain and nylon grill.

Key Features

• Simple maintenance
• Strong porcelain and nylon design
• Embedded seasoning holders
• Dependable, sturdy base

How does an electric grill work?

The most fundamental notion of grilling with electricity is through the technique of conduction, which involves the passage of energy via heat in the metal plate that is incorporated inside the grill.

Manufacturers will occasionally utilize a ceramics plate, also known as a ceramics plate burner, instead of a metal plate.

Heat is diffused across the whole surface of a ceramics burner by radiation rather than direct conduction. Because of its faster ability to attain a higher temperature to heat, a ceramics plate burner using radiation is far more effective and efficient than a conduction-type metal plate burner.

Reasons why electric grills are your best option

Health

An outdoor electric grill, unlike a charcoal or gas grill, does not release carbon monoxide or other emissions, making it simpler to enjoy the lovely scents of your grilled delicacies.

Simple to maintain

You don’t need to use charcoal or wood with this grill, so there’s no mess.

You don’t have to clean up leftover charcoal, but an electric smoker barbecue does come with a wood chip tray.

As a result, when you’ve finished smoking, just remove the tray and discard the wood chips.

The electric smoker grill’s inside is simple to clean.

This is due to the fact that many of them are made of readily cleaned materials, such as stainless steel.

Furthermore, all smoking trays and racks inside the grill are detachable and dishwasher-safe.

There will be no fire handling.

Because you are not working with fire, there is no risk of getting burned when using an electric smoker.

Furthermore, because electric smoker grills do not have an open fire like gas or charcoal smokers, you can leave the grill unattended for short periods of time without risk.

Fuel cost

This is when an electric grill comes in handy. There is no need to purchase fuel, and there is no risk of running out of propane, charcoal, or gas. The sole expense is the modest amount of electricity used to cook.

There is no need for prior experience.

The flexibility to adjust the smoking duration and control the temperature easily makes this grill excellent for beginners.

All you need is a recipe to make the best-smoked meals on this grill.

It makes no difference if this is your first experience creating that type of dish or working with electric smoker grills.

Wide range of foods

The heating element is the source of electricity in this grill.

This allows you to more easily manage the smoking duration and temperature of your food.

This implies that electric smoker grills make it easier to prepare any type of food than gas or charcoal smokers, where temperature control is difficult.

There is no need to supervise

Another advantage of electric smoker grills over gas or charcoal smokers is that you don’t have to keep an eye on the fire.

You also don’t have to worry about running out of fuel because you’re utilizing your home’s energy to power the grill.

The time and temperature will be set by the smoker.

Electric grills are less expensive.

Aside from cooking benefits, electric grills have a plethora of other advantages. They are far less expensive than traditional grills because they do not require the purchase of charcoal or lighter fluid.

Refilling propane tanks for gas grills can be expensive, but with the best electric grill, this is not an issue—just plug it in and start cooking.

Electric grills pros and cons

For some, there is no substitute for a charcoal barbecue, which is understandable, but for many town and city dwellers, an electric grill is the only option. That should not be interpreted negatively.

Many electric grills are excellent, and the best produce flavors that are practically indistinguishable from those produced by charcoal barbecues.

Pros:

• At the flip of a switch, you can get dependable power.
• There is no need to purchase charcoal.
• There is no need to store potentially hazardous propane gas.
• There is no need to smoke; you may use one almost anyplace. (Other types of grills are prohibited in many areas/buildings.)
• There are indoor models, outdoor versions, and both.

Cons:

• Some argue that electric barbecues lack the flavor of traditional charcoal grills (but neither does a propane grill).
• Electric grills do not heat up sufficiently for thick pieces of meat (many do not exceed 400°F).
• Outdoor grills, even electric ones, may be prohibited in your neighborhood. Check before you order.

Which is better: An electric grill or a flame grill?

It is difficult to convert those who have spent their entire lives on charcoal or gas. You become accustomed to a particular flavor, and it simply does not taste the same without it.

I’m not suggesting electric is superior, but it does offer some advantages. Here are a few examples:

Cooking in a healthy way

• Many electric grills (such as the George Forman) are designed to decrease fat. In general, being leaner is a healthier option.
• Flames emit soot and toxins, especially when food is burned. It is good to reduce one’s consumption of such hazardous substances.

There are no restrictions.

Barbecuing with an open flame is prohibited in many apartment buildings and condos. That eliminates any gas or charcoal barbecue.

If you don’t want to risk your strata’s wrath, you can typically enjoy the best of both worlds by using an electric BBQ grill.

The operation, safety, and cleaning are all simplified.

• Electric heat is typically a considerably safer method of cooking. There is no flame or combustion, no pressurized fuel tanks, and no odors other than the lovely aroma of your food cooking.
• Most electric grills are readily disassembled for cleaning, and they are frequently nonstick. They’re also mechanically basic, making them light and handy in a pinch.

Electric grill types

When deciding on the best electric grill for your needs, you’ll discover that the grills are divided into three primary groups.

Remember that each electric grill has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so think about your needs carefully before deciding on the ideal option for your home.

Electric grills with carts

The electric grills with carts are semi-portable and usually include some built-in storage. These units can cook various dishes, making them perfect for families or big groups of people.

While many of these units have wheels, they aren’t particularly portable. An electric grill with an attached trolley would most likely stay on your deck or patio.

Portable units

Portable electric grills are perfect for camping vacations and outdoor activities. Because they take up less room, these small units can also benefit apartment owners.

The biggest disadvantage is that these units cannot hold a large amount of food. As a result, if you’re cooking for a family or a couple of individuals at once, you’ll probably need to utilize the grilling surface several times before sitting down to eat.

Built-in electric grills

These outdoor electric grills are nearly entirely intended for use in outdoor kitchens. These, like stoves, can be built directly into a tabletop and remain intact throughout the year.

However, it is crucial to note that these grills can require a significant upfront financial commitment, making them unlikely to be the best choice for beginners.

Electric grill/smoker

Combos are commonly utilized in the outdoors. These big barbecues allow cooks to grill or smoke meals on the same equipment.

Adjust the temperature to cook common grill foods such as burgers and steak, or lower the heat and add some wood chips and water to slowly smoke a roast.

Electric grills for tabletop

Electric tabletop grills are substantially smaller than freestanding barbecues. They are primarily used indoors, but in good weather, all versions can be used outside.

They may include folding legs, a carrying handle, a built-in tabletop stand, or a lid lock, allowing the grill to be loaded into the car without fear of the grill grate falling out on the way to the park.

Factors to consider when choosing an outdoor electric grill

Are you still having problems deciding on the best outdoor electric grill for your needs? Here are a few crucial considerations to make to ensure you make the right choice.

Material

Grates can be built of a variety of materials, and the material of the grates has a significant impact on how well the grill performs overall.

There are stainless steel grates, cast iron grates, and porcelain-enameled grates to choose from. The stainless steel grates are excellent.

These are rust-proof and work admirably in terms of heat retention. Grills with stainless steel grates, on the other hand, can be quite pricey.

Cast iron grates are less expensive and perform effectively. They can be quickly and easily heated to a high temperature. The only issue with these grates is that they corrode when exposed to water.

The porcelain-enameled grates are the final stage. Because these are mostly cast-iron grates coated with porcelain enamel, they heat up quickly and endure longer than cast iron.

However, if the grates are not cleaned with the proper brushes, the coating can quickly chip off.

Durability

Above all, you’ll want to buy a durable outdoor electric grill. Look for grills made of heavy-duty metal. You can also look into your grill’s warranty to see whether you can repair parts within a particular time frame.

Portability

Portability is especially vital if you intend to cook at backyard grills or while camping. If you’re looking for a portable electric grilling product, be sure it’s light enough to carry from point A to B.

Safety features

To protect the user, anything having an electric heating element should have some safety precautions in place. When examining the safety of your grill, be extra cautious if you have small children or pets at home.

Wattage

When it comes to wattage, the higher the wattage of your electric grill, the more powerful it will be. The majority of electric grills have a power output of roughly 1,000 watts.

If your grill has less than that, your meal will be less likely to have those beautiful grill lines. If you are only cooking for one or two people, you may not require all of that power and can save money by selecting a grill with just enough watts.

Power cord length

A grill with a longer power cable will be able to reach an outlet from wherever you are using it – indoors or outside. It is also critical to plug the grill directly into an outlet rather than into an extension cord.

The reason for this is that it may produce less power, which is insufficient to successfully run the grill.

Temperature control

Temperature control is a function found in high-quality electric grills. You may quickly alter the temperature (or) set the ideal temperature level with this tool, depending on the item you’re cooking.

So, an electric grill with a thermostat and several temperature settings will ensure that the food you’re making receives the proper amount of heat, resulting in a great result.

Furthermore, your grill equipment must maintain a high temperature (maximum level) in order to achieve the sear marks that every grilling enthusiast desires. To achieve a perfect sear every time, a grill should be heated to 400° or higher, but not to 350°.

Retention of Heat

Temperature is one of the most crucial components of grilling, and in order to perfectly cook the food, the temperature must be steady throughout the procedure. This is when heat retention comes into play.

The heat retention capacity ensures that the heat on the grill’s grates remains constant over time. The lesser the heat retention, the more electricity the grill will require to heat the grates.

This phenomenon will need the expenditure of more energy, resulting in higher electricity bills.

This is why we recommend investing in an electric grill with a high heat retention rating. This is a terrific method to enjoy BBQ without spending a lot of money.

Timer for Cooking

Do you want to make a large number of items at the same time? Then a grill with a timer will be your greatest friend. As a result, it will make it more convenient for you to use by making your cooking procedure easier.

It is not, however, a necessary thing to consider, but it does make the outcome of your grilling experience more predictable.

Warranty

Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s warranty before buying your grill. In this way, you can ensure that your electric grill works well before committing to it entirely.

Maintenance

There is no getting around it—cleaning any grill is essential to keeping it in the finest possible condition. However, some grills are easier to deal with than others.

For example, to avoid having to brush fingerprints off your grill, search for one made of stainless steel. Check the necessary maintenance for your potential model before buying it, just in case.

While this may appear to be a little detail, it can make a significant difference, particularly if you intend to use your grill multiple times per week.

Surface area

When selecting an electric grill, think about how many people you’ll be cooking for regularly. For example, if you only intend to grill for yourself, you might be able to get away with a smaller device.

If you want to cook for your family, a compact unit is still an option, but it may make dinner preparation less efficient. Make sure you choose a unit with the appropriate surface area to suit your target audience.

Grates

A good cooking grate should be able to tolerate high temperatures without becoming damaged. Cast iron and stainless steel are ideal grate materials.

Stainless steel is the most popular because it is resistant to rust and corrosion.

Included storage

Are you well-known for your delectable marinated meats? Do you use lots of spices and BBQ rubs? In that situation, it could make sense to look for a grill with built-in storage.

In this manner, you can effortlessly prepare your food before placing it on the heating element. This can also reduce cross-contamination, making food preparation safer and more efficient.

Price

Of course, your budget will influence the electric grill you buy. There is a lot of diversity in terms of pricing, and you’ll be able to locate a grill at any price point.

It is important to remember, however, that you get what you pay for, and it is usually better to spend more money on a high-quality grill.

How to care for an electric grill

To keep your grill in good condition, make it a priority to clean it thoroughly after each usage. Electric grills, on the other hand, necessitate a more sophisticated cleaning procedure than other grill types.

Here is a step-by-step guide on cleaning your electric grill.

1. Unplug your grill and remove anything that is cooking from the surface.
2. Allow your grill to cool completely before starting the cleaning process.
3. When completely cold, dust out any visible particles with a paper towel. You can also use a grill scraper at this stage, as long as it does not damage the exterior of your grill.
4. Pour a tablespoon of warm water on the grill’s surface. If extra water is required, add it lightly and gradually.
5. Add a drop of dish soap to the heated water on the grill’s surface. Mix the dish soap and water, and use your grill brush to coat the entire external surface of the grill.
6. Wipe away the soap mixture with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel until the grill’s surface is completely dry.
7. Before storing the grill, make sure it’s completely dry. Clean your grill brush thoroughly with hot water and soap as needed.

Electric Grill Do’s and Don’ts

While using an electric grill is simple, certain regulations must be followed to ensure that your grilling experience is error-free. The truth is that an electric grill excites the user because it allows them to grill anytime they want.

These are just a few facts to keep you from getting too excited.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, gas grills cause an average of 7200 fires per year, whereas charcoal grills cause an average of 1400 fires over the same period.

Grill fires cause property damage and loss totaling US Dollars 37 million per year. Fortunately, electric grills do not have open flames, which reduces the possibility of starting a fire.

First and foremost, you must constantly fill the drip tray with liquid. This is due to the drippings’ propensity to heat up and catch fire.

The presence of liquid ensures that the tray does not provide an ideal setting for a fire to ignite. Make certain that the liquid you are adding is not flammable.

Using steel or metal utensils is one of the things you should avoid. This is due to the fact that chipping will occur.

Not only will your grate be chipped, but the chippings may also enter your digestive system. In this instance, the ideal utensils to use are ones composed of nylon or silicone.

After you’ve finished using your grill and it’s cooled down, always clean the components. Make certain that the grease and fat deposits are removed.

Never forget to turn off your computer. Unplug the grill from the outlet and allow it to cool.

FAQs

Conclusion

A high-quality outdoor electric grill offers various benefits to both novice and professional chefs. These fantastic grills allow you to prepare tasty dishes securely while traveling or relaxing at home.

With this diverse selection ranging from elegant stainless steel grills to compact, circular grills for portable usage, you’ll have no trouble selecting the perfect outdoor electric grill for your culinary needs.

Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API