Ditch the Charcoal—Here's Why Electric Grills Are the Smart Choice Now

Move over, gas and charcoal—electric grills have quietly become one of the most convenient and impressive ways to cook outdoors. Once dismissed as the last resort for people without outdoor space—you know, those sad little models that looked more like panini presses—today's electric grills are capable of so much more. Whether you're a weeknight cook looking for ease or an apartment dweller craving grilled flavor without violating your building’s rules, this might be the season to plug in. Here's what you need to know about electric grills and how to decide if one is right for you.

How An Electric Grill Works

"Fire is not the only way to cook food," says Stephen Chavez, senior chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education's Los Angeles campus. "An electric grill can be convenient and a great way to get grilled foods into your cooking routine year-round." An electric grill uses a heating element powered by electricity to cook food, rather than charcoal or gas. This means they don't require a propane tank or bags of charcoal—and there are no ashes to clean up—but they do need access to a standard outlet.

Generally, electric grills are designed to work indoors or outdoors; a few can work for both. Many indoor ones are small and designed to fit easily on a kitchen counter, while outdoor ones can be similar in size to a gas or charcoal grill.

Beyond size and setup, electric grills have a smaller environmental footprint. "Electric grills are generally more environmentally friendly than gas or charcoal grills; how much depends on the source of your electricity," says Sarah Topalian Davies, director of communications and media at Earthday.org. 

Why Electric Grills Are Having a Moment

Electric grills have been around for ages; Weber introduced an electric kettle in the 1970s, followed by a stand-up grill in the 1990s. However, it's only recently that electric grills have become increasingly prevalent. Companies, including Weber, are introducing new options that appeal to younger consumers.

Better for Compact Spaces: Electric grills generate less smoke and have no open flame, making them more apartment-friendly and often permitted in areas where traditional grills are prohibited. "Folks with limited space or those with building regulations now have lots of grilling options," says Lora McLaughlin Peterson, who runs the popular blog LORAfied. "Electric grills can be small, don't produce smoke on their own, nor require fuel, making them a fantastic option."

Less Air Pollution: "Electric grills emit no smoke or particulates during use, making them ideal for densely populated areas where shared air quality is a concern," says Davies. Charcoal and gas grills, she says, release harmful pollutants and smoke that can aggravate asthma and contribute to other respiratory illnesses. Using electric grills in tightly packed neighborhoods helps minimize these public health risks. It's kinder to you and the people next door, she says.

More Environmentally Conscious: Younger consumers, in particular, are increasingly aware of the problems associated with climate change and understand that electrification, which involves switching from a fossil fuel-burning device to an electric one, is a climate solution. "If your electricity comes entirely from renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, or hydro, an electric grill becomes the most environmentally conscious option," Davies says. 

Easier for Beginning Grillers: Electric grills also have a lower barrier to entry. They make it a snap to grill anytime, not just on the weekend, and they are easier to learn to use.

What You May Miss Out On With An Electric Grill

Electric grills are convenient, but what they won't deliver is the smoky flavor of charcoal or the high heat of a gas grill. For purists, the grilling experience may feel too clean. For the most part, though, you can cook anything you would on a gas-fired grill. 

"Foods that require a lower and slower approach are a little more challenging," says McLaughlin. And, at the other end of the grilling spectrum, if you're going for a significant sear on your meat, that might be more difficult since electric grills don't usually get as hot as gas ones, she notes.

What to Consider When Buying an Electric Grill

If you're ready to go with an electric grill, you need to decide if you plan to grill indoors or outdoors and choose a model certified for where you plan to use it.

According to Peterson, the main things to consider when buying an electric grill are:

• The size of the grill you need (how many people will you be cooking for generally and how much space do you have?)
• Where will it be located—make sure your ideal spot has an outlet nearby. 
  
• Temperature control: How much heat can it produce? Pay attention to the wattage; the higher the wattage, the more consistent the heat and the better the searing. You'll also want to look for easily adjustable temperature controls, some of which can be controlled from your phone and the cooking surface. 
• Check that the model is easy to clean. 

According to NPR and Consumer Reports, freestanding electric grill prices range from approximately $200 to $1,600, which tends to be less than those of gas grills, the top-rated ones of which range from $275 to $2,750.

How to Make the Most of Your Electric Grill

Always preheat: This is true of other types of grills, and it's especially important with an electric grill—preheating is key.

Follow the three rules of grilling: Keep it hot, keep it clean, and keep it lubricated. Make sure that the grill is nice and hot before putting food on it. Make sure that you clean the grill before and after you use it each time, and make sure that the grill is well-oiled or sprayed. Then, make sure that your food is patted dry. Placing wet items, including marinated ones, on the grill will cause them to steam rather than sear, and you may experience sticking, Chavez says.

Use smaller and medium-sized pieces of food: Chavez loves vegetables on the grill but finds that smaller and medium-sized cuts, like sliced zucchini or peppers, work best on an electric grill, while whole corn on the cob might take longer and dry out before it is cooked.

Use marinades or rubs: "With an electric grill, the best way to boost flavor is to marinate or use a rub on your food," Chavez says. "You can also boost flavor by adding a packet of soaked wood chips onto the grill while your food is cooking.  Take aluminum foil and add pre-soaked wood chips, then fold into a small packet. Make a couple of holes on top, then set it on the grill.  The heated chips will impart a "smoked" flavor to your foods."

 Do not play "peek-a-boo" with your food: "Most people fear food sticking to the grill, so they tend to lift up too soon.  Once food has seared, it will release itself from the grill. Rushing will only compromise it. Let it cook, then flip when it is ready and seared. If it is hot, clean, and you have lubricated your grill, nothing should ever stick," Chavez says.