Best Electric Grills [Real Testing, Real Reviews]

Do electric grills work? If so, are they all the same, or is one worthy of the title “Best Electric Grill”. To answer these questions, we rounded up the top selling grills, then unboxed, assembled, and tested them side-by-side. This video details the results of our testing, and Jacob Cordero provides his two cents on each of the models. For the full results, including information on the Phillips (not featured in this video), visit our website: https://smokingmeatgeeks.com/indoor-e....

The models we tested:

Char-Broil Patio Bistro: https://amzn.to/3yyMGZ8
Cuisinart CEG: https://amzn.to/2T4HnQB
George Foreman GFO: https://amzn.to/3hRNBxw
Phillips Smokeless HD6371: https://amzn.to/2TbtKPO
Techwood Electric BBQ Grill: https://amzn.to/3bL0DsO
Weber Q 2400: https://amzn.to/3wpxjQB

Our lineup consisted mostly of models that were designed to sit on flat surface as a tabletop grill, but we also looked at the Char-Broil Bistro, which is designed like a traditional gas grill with a solid stand and a large cooking area. However, most of these grills offer the flexibility to move from tabletop to a stand that can be purchased for a few extra bucks. The Techwood and the Phillips were the only models in our testing that do not have a stand for purchase, leaving them as tabletop grills. Spoiler alert: these grills are not smokeless, and should not be used indoors. As for price, they average around $140, with the Techwood having the lowest price at $70 and Weber having the highest price at $300.

Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Unboxing/Assembly
1:17 - Results
1:56 - How They Work
3:20 - Problems
5:02 - Portability
6:50 - Design
7:41 - Cooking a Whole Chicken
9:40 - Winners and Losers

We decided to try these out because we’ve seen a recent pickup in consumer interest for electric cookers. I’m not sure if it’s because of all the extra time people have been spending at home or if everyone is looking for a more straightforward approach to firing up the grill, but these electrics have been flying off the shelves. Whatever the reason, the most appealing aspect of these grills is their straightforward approach and portability. No need for propane, charcoal, or endless smoke — just plug in one cord, turn the dial, and you’re grilling.

But it’s not all upside, at least not when comparing them to traditional gas or charcoal grills. What we look for when firing up a grill, is a steak that tastes like it’s been grilled. The other part is, well, looking the part — does the food look like it was grilled; does it have those grill marks or seared crust that brings another level of grilled flavor? At first glance, it seemed to be a tall order for most of these electric grills. And for good reason: they don’t feature flaming hot coals or sexy flavorizer bars (the ones strategically located below the meat that give us the grilled flavors). Last, are the heating elements powerful enough and constructed well enough to maintain temperatures of 500°F+ when throwing on a cold steak or two? We entered this testing with these reservations, but our final verdict is that there is a rightful place for these electric grills.