Electric charcoal grills are changing the BBQ game, offering a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional charcoal grills. These innovative cooking devices are perfect for those who love to grill but want to avoid the mess and hassle that comes along with traditional charcoal grills.
With an electric charcoal grill, you can say goodbye to the time-consuming process of lighting charcoal and waiting for it to heat up - these grills come with an electric heating element that quickly heats up the charcoal for you. Plus, they eliminate the need for lighter fluids and other chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and your health.
But that's not all. Electric charcoal grills also offer greater temperature control and consistency than traditional charcoal grills. Many models come with built-in temperature gauges and controls that allow you to dial in the perfect cooking temperature for your meat, veggies, and more. And because they're electric, you don't have to worry about uneven heating caused by hot spots or the wind.
If you love the flavor and aroma of grilled food, then gas or charcoal grills are the perfect choices for your outdoor cooking needs. From a classic kettle grill to modern electric models, there’s a grill for every budget and lifestyle. With their large cooking surfaces and adjustable heat settings, these grills allow you to cook up an array of delicious meals with ease. Whether you're looking for a smoky char-grilled steak or juicy burgers, with a gas or charcoal grill, you can create dishes that will have guests raving all night long. Plus, they offer convenience as well as flexibility - many models come equipped with side burners so that you can sauté vegetables while your main course is on the grill!
In short, electric charcoal grills are a game-changer for BBQ enthusiasts and casual grillers alike. By combining the convenience of electric cooking with the smoky flavor of traditional charcoal grilling, they offer the best of both worlds. So why not give one a try and experience the benefits for yourself?
How We Choose
We considered a variety of factors when choosing the best electric charcoal grills, including cooking space, grill grates, temperature control, ease of use, and durability. The cooking surface is one of the most important considerations when choosing an electric grill because you don't want to be cramped while cooking in your backyard or patio.
Temperature control is also important if you want to slow-cook meats like ribs or brisket without burning them. Ease of use refers to how straightforward it is to set up and start using the grill; some models have more complicated assembly than others.
Durability is another key factor since you don't want a flimsy product that will break down after only a few uses. In total, we evaluated dozens of models before narrowing our list down to three finalists that met all our criteria for excellence.
Char-Broil 20602107-01 Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill, Blue Blue Grill
The Char-Broil 20602107-01 Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill is a great choi Grill is an impressive product with a sleek design and lots of features. It has a total cooking area of 240 square inches, so it can accommodate a large quantity of food at once. The TRU-Infrared cooking system ensures even heat distribution across the grates, preventing any charring or burning. Plus, it's easy to clean thanks toce for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable electric grill that's easy to use and clean. This bistro-style grill comes with an impressive array of features, from the porcelain-coated cooking grate to the integrated control knob.
The TRU-Infrared technology prevents flare-ups and delivers even heat so your food will be cooked perfectly every time, unlike gas grills. The removable warming rack is also useful if you want to keep your food warm while you cook something else on the grill or if you're just after some indirect heat similar to leaving it in a pizza oven. It's not as big as other electric grills we tested but it's still plenty of space to cook up to 12 burgers at once, plus room for additional warming racks if needed.
The Char-Broil 20602107-01 also has an attractive design that won't take up too much space on your patio or deck - making this a great option for smaller spaces where space is limited. Overall this is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality electric grill with all kinds of handy extra features included in one package.
George Foreman 12-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Rectangular Electric Grill
The George Foreman Electric Grill is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality, versatile grilling without the hassle of charcoal or gas grilling. This electric grill has an adjustable temperature control and a non-stick surface that makes cooking meats and vegetables easy.
The grill is large enough to fit plenty of food at once, making it ideal for entertaining guests or cooking for a large family. The sloped design also helps remove up to 42% of fat from your meals, which means you'll get healthier results with this grill than with other options.
George Foreman, Silver, 12+ Servings Up to 15 Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
The George Foreman GGR50B electric grill is a great choice for anyone looking to get their feet wet in the world of indoor grilling. The grill stands at 22.2 x 17.9 x 13 inches, so it's not exactly small, but it's still compact enough to tuck away neatly in your kitchen space.
The non-stick coating on the grill surface means you can use minimal fat or oil when cooking and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe removable plates. As an added bonus, there's even a grease tray included that catches any excess fat that might drip from your food during cooking.
There are five heat settings on this electric grill and its domed lid helps create a circular flow of hot air which helps ensure even cooking no matter what type of food you're cooking up. And since this is an electric model there is no need for charcoal or propane - making it much easier on the wallet while also eliminating potential flare-ups due to lack of proper fuel source.
Electric Charcoal Grill FAQs
Does An Electric Charcoal Grill Use Charcoal?
Like any barbecue, an electric charcoal grill needs fuel to cook. And the best kind of fuel for your electric grill? Charcoal briquettes. While propane is also a great way to get your gas burner going, it's not recommended for your charcoal grill as it will alter the flavor of your food and create off-putting odors.
An electric charcoal grill works just like a traditional charcoal barbecue in that you start with a layer of coals on the bottom grate followed by the food on top and then another layer of coals on top of that. The real difference between an electric and traditional charcoal grill is how you power those coals once they're lit and smoldering away underneath your food. Rather than using fresh oxygen from above, an electric charcoal grill uses convection currents created by fans inside the hood to circulate air throughout the base and up onto the food through various openings in its grate design.
Depending on which model you choose, most modern electric grills come with one or two aluminum drip pans beneath their main cooking grate to catch excess grease as well as smokestacks at either end to help direct heat upwards toward what you're cooking. If all this talk about grease has got you concerned about flare-ups, fear not! Most modern electric grills are built with vents in their bodies along with special hood designs that prevent flames from reaching your precious food unless absolutely necessary (like when turning or removing items).
What Can I Cook On An Electric Charcoal Grill?
Ideally, you want to cook directly over the coals for the best sear and flavor. However, most electric grills don't have space underneath their grates to add more charcoal or a drip pan for smoking chips. You can solve this problem by placing either kind of fuel on top of your grill's lid: briquettes in an aluminum tray or smoke chips in a pie plate.
As long as you keep the heat low, you can still get good results even without direct flame; however, it may take longer for food to cook through and there's a greater chance of burning if you aren't careful when turning items with your tongs. If you're worried about accidentally tipping your grill over while cooking on top of it, rest assured that all three brands we tested are sturdy enough to handle the weight of additional foods and utensils plus some time on their lids.
Can I Use An Electric Charcoal Grill Indoors?
An electric charcoal grill can be used indoors, but it's not ideal. These grills are specifically designed for outdoor use and are not as effective at containing heat and smoke compared to gas or pellet grills. A disposable paper plate can help catch drips. Line the floor with newspaper or a paper plate that has been cut down to fit inside the base of your grill. Pour in about 2 inches of water, then add your coals on top of the plate. Be sure to position a tray or dish underneath the grate so you can collect grease as it drains through. You'll also want to place an oven thermometer on one side so you know when it reaches the right temperature.
Conclusion
Cooking with an electric charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy the flavor of charcoal-grilled food without having to worry about potential flare-ups due to a lack of a proper fuel source. With its efficient convection currents and special hood designs, you can now cook on top of your grill's lid while still maintaining reliable temperatures and smokiness from wood chips or a smoker box. Although not ideal for indoor use, if done correctly, an electric charcoal grill can provide delicious meals in any setting! So don't be afraid to fire up that electric charcoal grill and start cooking today!
