Small electric grills have become essential for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want efficient, portable, and easy-to-use options. Whether you live in an apartment with a balcony or enjoy casual cookouts in your backyard, a compact electric grill offers great versatility without the hassle of charcoal or propane. Below is a summary table of some of the best small electric grills suited for outdoor use, highlighting key attributes like cooking area, power, and special features.
| Product | Brand | Cooking Area | Power | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill | Cuisinart | 240 sq. in. | Not specified | 2-in-1 portable stand/tabletop, nonstick surface, adjustable heat |
| George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill | George Foreman | 200 sq. in. | Not specified | Non-stick plate, adjustable temperature, fat-reducing drip tray |
| Artestia 1800W Electric Outdoor Grill | Artestia | Approx. 201 sq. in. | 1800W | Powerful heating, ceramic glaze surface, removable stand |
| Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Smokeless Electric Grill | Elite Gourmet | 14-inch diameter surface | 1300W | Smokeless design, removable plate, adjustable temperature |
| Techwood 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill | Techwood | 240 sq. in. | 1600W | Double layer design, foldable warming rack, removable stand |
Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ
The Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill offers a flexible 2-in-1 design that allows for stand use outdoors or easy tabletop grilling inside. Its 240 square inch nonstick cooking surface can grill up to 12 burgers simultaneously, making it ideal for families and small parties. The nonstick coating ensures simple food release and quick cleaning. Additionally, its adjustable temperature control features five heat settings ranging from 350°F to 550°F, facilitating precise grilling of meats, vegetables, and other foods. The 6-foot power cord adds convenience for placement anywhere around patios or balconies.
George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick
The George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill excels with a 200 square inch grilling surface capable of producing over 12 servings, suited for larger gatherings. Its fully electric operation means no charcoal, propane, or flare-ups, making it suitable for apartments or locations with strict outdoor cooking rules. The non-stick grill griddle plate ensures healthy, low-fat cooking by allowing fat to drip away into a tray. It also features adjustable temperature control across five settings, enabling optimal grilling results for various foods.
Artestia 1800W Electric Outdoor Grill with Lid
The Artestia 1800W Electric Outdoor Grill brings high power and advanced control to outdoor cooking with its robust 1800W heating element ensuring even, rapid heat distribution. Its large cooking dimensions of approximately 19.68 by 10.23 inches provide ample space for grilling multiple items simultaneously. Featuring a food-grade ceramic glaze surface, this grill offers durability and easy maintenance. The adjustable temperature control allows users to precisely cook anything from delicate vegetables to thick steaks. A removable stand enhances portability for outdoor events and family barbecues.
Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Smokeless Electric Tabletop Grill
This Elite Gourmet EMG-980B grill is designed for indoor or outdoor use with a focus on low-fuss, smokeless grilling. Its 14-inch nonstick removable grilling plate cooks up to six servings. The circular heating element heats food faster and more evenly, allowing healthy low-fat cooking as excess fat drips away. The adjustable thermostat supports five heat levels up to 450°F. Its tempered glass lid helps retain heat and monitor cooking progress, while dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup.
Techwood 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
The Techwood 15-Serving Electric Grill features a generous 240 square inch circular cooking surface and can accommodate 15 servings, making it perfect for parties. It uses a 1600W heating element and includes a grill cover to promote rapid and even heating, preserving moisture and tenderness in food. Its double-layer design features a foldable warming rack which can be used to keep meals warm. A removable stand adds portability for easy indoor or outdoor use. The temperature regulator allows precise heat control for diverse grilling needs.
Buying Guide for Small Electric Outdoor Grills
Choosing the best small electric grill for outdoor use involves evaluating several important factors to match your cooking style and space requirements:
- Size and Cooking Area: Consider the grill’s cooking surface relative to the number of people you usually cook for. Models range from compact 6-serving plates to larger 15-serving options.
- Power and Heat Distribution: Higher wattage (1600W to 1800W) generally means faster and more even heating. Look for grills with strong, consistent heat output.
- Portability and Design: Features like a removable stand or 2-in-1 tabletop design provide flexibility indoors and outdoors. Compact, lightweight models fit small patios and balconies.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable heat settings allow you to customize cooking temperatures for different foods from veggies to steaks.
- Nonstick and Easy Cleaning: Nonstick surfaces and removable plates simplify cleanup, especially important when cooking outdoors.
- Smoke Reduction: Smokeless designs make electric grills suitable for apartment balconies or covered outdoor areas with smoke restrictions.
- Additional Features: Extras like foldable warming racks, tempered glass lids, or drip trays enhance grilling convenience and food quality.
By comparing these factors, you can select a small electric outdoor grill that perfectly balances portability, cooking capacity, and grilling performance to suit your lifestyle and space.