Best Outdoor Electric Grill for the Perfect BBQ’s in 2023

#1 Pick

Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill

Runner-up

Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill

Best Budget

Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill
#1 Pick
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill, Gray
Best Overall Outdoor Electric Grill – Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill
Score 9.2 OUT OF 10
Runner-up
Presto 07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
The Ideal Budget-Friendly Outdoor Electric Grill – Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill
Score 9.4 OUT OF 10
Best Budget
Kenyon B70200 City Grill, Portable Grill
Best Quality for Outdoor Electric Grill – Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill
Score 10.0 OUT OF 10
Outdoor Grill/Griddle Combo - Breville BGR820XL The Smart Grill
Outdoor Grill/Griddle Combo – Breville BGR820XL The Smart Grill
Score 9.0 OUT OF 10
Best Smokeless Grilling Experience - Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Best Smokeless Grilling Experience – Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Score 9.0 OUT OF 10

The year 2023 is looking mighty tasty, especially with the outstanding Weber Lumin electric grill on the scene. This bad boy heats up quickly, reaching an impressive max temperature of more than 600 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s enough to get a ton of hot dogs and burger patties sizzling at once. 

But what are the other outdoor grills waiting for you this year? Before you start planning your next BBQ party, let’s dive right in!

Outdoor vs Indoor Grilling

Before jumping into the list of our top picks, let’s ensure you understand the difference between indoor and outdoor grilling. Each has its perks, sure. But when you can grill outside, why wouldn’t you?

That open-air ambiance, the sound of sizzling meats, and the smoky flavor unique to an outdoor grill are hard to beat. In any other case, indoor electric grills can come to the rescue. They’ve got their good sides, like the Hamilton Beach indoor electric grill – small but mighty, enough to serve 2 to 4 people. Plus, its temperature knob lets you control the heat just like on that outdoor grill. Your steaks will have that char you love about grilled food in no time. 

However, the fresh air of the outside is what most crave for while grilling. Getting your indoors all smoky is not very ideal. 

What Is an Outdoor Electric Grill?

An outdoor electric grill is one cool piece of machinery. Instead of charcoal or gas, it uses electricity to heat up the grill, making it an eco-friendly grilling option. 

Why Choose an Outdoor Electric Grill?

So you might be wondering: why choose an outdoor electric grill? Firstly, it gives you that authentic outdoor cooking experience, without all the mess and fuss of traditional grills. They’re a clean-energy grill solution, and they don’t emit harmful smog.

These grills provide the ease of adjusting the temperature for the perfect sear, despite the lack of a temperature gauge.

Plus, their design is thus that cleaning too is a breeze. With a removable drip tray at hand, you won’t feel like you’ve wrestled a grease monkey every time you’re done grilling. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

Best Overall Outdoor Electric Grill

The top dog in outdoor electric grills is none other than the Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill. It’s got enough grilling space to feed an army and can reach up to high temperatures! What’s more, it adjusts the temperature itself to stay at your desired heat level, reducing any heat loss.

The smoke flavor it imparts is like nothing else, making your outdoor space the place to be for every BBQ party. And the best part? It comes with an auto-cleaning feature that does the scrubbing for you. Now, that’s what I call a barbecue blast!

1. Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill

Score 9.2 OUT OF 10
1. Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill

The Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill is a beauty. For starters, this grill’s design is quite impressive, built to be sturdy but sleek. It’s got the low, medium, and high options right there on the knob.

But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have a temperature gauge to tell you exactly how hot your barbecue is. You might think you got it hot, but might really be just warm. Talk about flying blind!

Now just hold your horses, it’s not all bad. The Weber Q 1400, she’s got some good to her too. Comes with a removable grease drip pan, just slides right in at the bottom. And it’s disposable! Saves you from scrubbing it clean every time.

And by our count, reckon you could get a good 20 uses out of it before needing a new one. The grill also has dishwasher-safe parts for those who like to keep things easy when it’s cleaning time.

Pros

  • Comes with handy, disposable grease drip pan
  • Has dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
  • High user convenience
  • Very versatile

Cons

  • No built-in temperature gauge
  • Basic low-medium-high temperature options

The Ideal Budget-Friendly Outdoor Electric Grill

Now we would like to tell you about a grill that’s easier on the pocket, the Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill. This is a fine piece of equipment that heats up swiftly and has nonstick grates for easy cooking. It has got a compact cooking surface where you can slap on a whole mess of steaks and veggies.

But it’s not as flexible when it comes to being moved around, so it’s low on portability. And cleaning it up is also hassle-free.

2. Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill

Score 9.4 OUT OF 10
2. Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill

Stepping away from outdoor grills, let’s take a look at the Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill. This one’s a compact device, small enough to tuck away in your kitchen but with enough cooking space to serve up a meal for 2 to 4 folks. It heats up fast and has a temperature knob that lets you set it just right, between 200°F and 400°F.

Plus, it has a “sear” setting, so you can give your steaks that beautiful char that you love. It’s got a stainless steel frame and a plastic body, but don’t let that put you off.

Works just as well as any electric grill. Part of the grill is also layered with a nonstick coating. Makes cooking and cleaning less of a hassle. It’s a good pick if you’re grilling in the open or indoors.

Pros

  • Compact design suitable for indoor use
  • Temperature control up to 400 degrees
  • Sturdy and durable

Cons

  • Plastic body not as durable as metal ones
  • Size might not be enough for larger gatherings

Superior Quality Pick for the Best Outdoor Electric Grill

When it comes to high quality, none can beat the Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill. This isn’t any ordinary electric grill, it’s the epitome of grilling finesse.

It’s got a nice heating element that hits 600 degrees in no time, and a cooking surface that could give most regular grills a run for their money. And for those grill fanatics who can’t do without their nonstick grates, this grill’s got you! 

3. Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill

Score 10.0 OUT OF 10
3. Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill

Imagine having the power of a professional grill in a compact, portable grill design. Yep, that’s the Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill. Equipped with a heating element that can cook your steak to perfection in about 10 minutes, this baby can hit temperatures up to 600 degrees.

Imagine that! It’s like having a restaurant-grade grill right in your backyard. And did we mention it’s both indoor and outdoor friendly? Yep, no matter what the weather is, rain or shine, the Kenyon Floridian won’t let you down.

However, let’s not get too carried away. Like anything else, it has a high price point but hey, quality never comes cheap. And while its cooking surface might turn as hot as a desert at midday, just be careful if you’ve got kids running around.

But if you ask us, the pros definitely outshine the cons. Here’s a quick summary:

Pros

  • 1300W direct contact heating element for perfect searing
  • Quick heating time - 600° in 10 minutes
  • Compact and portable design for indoor and outdoor use
  • Grill utensils and additional griddle-style cooking tray included

Cons

  • Pricey for its size
  • Hot cooking surface may not be safe for children

Best Grill-Griddle Combo

If you’re anything like me, you love a good two-for-one deal. So why would you settle for a regular grill when you can have a grill and griddle combo?

It’s like having a grill for your juicy T-bones and a flat griddle for those early morning pancakes all in one fell swoop. Not only does it save space, but it also saves you the trouble of that dreaded post-BBQ cleanup.

4. Breville BGR820XL The Smart Grill

Score 9.0 OUT OF 10
4. Breville BGR820XL The Smart Grill

Meet the Breville BGR820XL, the smart grill that doubles as a griddle. This baby is the crème de la crème of grill combos. Boasting a powerful heating element that can grill your meat to perfection, this electric grill is truly one of a kind.

Its cooking space might not be as large as others on the market, but it makes up for it with pure grilling finesse. Need to flip your burgers? Simply swap the grill plates and voila, your griddle is ready.

However, as smart as it may be, this grill does have a few hiccups. For one, it can only be used indoors. So, if you’re planning for an outdoor BBQ, you might want to consider other options. And while the grill space may seem a bit tight, remember you’re getting a two-for-one deal here. But considering its griddle functionality and overall performance, it’s a worthy grill to add to your kitchen arsenal.

Pros

  • Functions as both a grill and griddle
  • Powerful heating element
  • Grilling precision and finesse
  • Easy to use for beginners

Cons

  • Grilling space is smaller compared to others
  • Can only be used indoors

Best Smokeless Grilling Experience

If you have ever tried to grill on a regular old charcoal or gas grill, you know it can get pretty smoky. Like, cough-till-your-lungs-hurt kinda smoky. That’s where smokeless grills come in.

They cut down on that smoke that has you running for fresh air. But don’t think for a second that means your food won’t taste just as good!

5. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill

Score 9.0 OUT OF 10
5. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill

Let’s talk about the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill. This baby’s small enough to park in your kitchen cabinet, but don’t let its size fool you. It’s got enough cooking space to feed the family, or a few friends over for the game.

The grill preheats quickly and has a temperature knob that lets you decide exactly how hot you want it, anywhere between 200°F and 400°F. Plus, it’s got this ”sear” setting, which gives your steaks that mouth-watering char everyone loves. Seriously, who needs restaurants when you can do all that at home?

Pros

  • Quick to heat
  • Adjustable temperature controls
  • Portable size,
  • A fabulous and accessible ”sear”

Cons

  • Made out of plastic
  • 1200 watts might not be enough power for some, and it’s only back by a 1-year warranty

Crucial Aspects to Look for in an Outdoor Electric Grill

Now that you have scrolled through your top prospects for a new outdoor electric grill, let us see how to shop right. We are going to talk about some things you must pay attention to when picking out a new grill. See, there’s more to a good grill than just a neat look and a snazzy-sounding name. 

You will want to check out the grill’s size and the size of the cooking surface. Trust me, there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing your new grill’s cooking surface is too small for the family barbecue. Then let’s not forget cleaning. Nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing off grease and burnt bits.

Grill Size Matters

So, we are talking about outdoor electric grills right? Well, let us tell you something – size isn’t just a number when it comes to grills. The size of the grill governs how many steaks, sausages, burgers, or shrimps you can throw on at the same time. It’s like this: bigger grill, bigger party.

But keep in mind, not all of us have a backyard as big as a football field. So, pick a grill size that fits your space. You don’t want a small grill when you’re cooking for a crowd, and likewise, you don’t need a gigantic grill if it’s just you and your pet dog.

Cooking Surface Size

Now, let’s look at cooking surface size. It isn’t quite the same as grill size. The cooking surface is precisely that – the surface where you slap those juicy steaks. Some grills are designed smartly, like those little cars that look puny but have a surprisingly large trunk. So, always check the cooking surface area and not just the overall size.

It’s pretty straightforward. If you’re looking to feed a couple of folks at most, a smaller cooking surface will do. Planning for larger gatherings or family dinners? A grill with a larger cooking surface is your ally.

Storage & Portability

Grilling isn’t a 365 day job, and choosing a grill that’s easy to store is a smart move. We don’t want to be hoarders, do we? Consider the storage location and possible temperature fluctuations – you don’t want it to warp or rust.

And hey, portability is a big deal too. Unless your grill has put down roots, you might want to move it around sometimes.

So go for grills that are easy to roll around your patio or yard. It’s like choosing a car, but with less paperwork and no annoying salespeople (hopefully).

Ease of Cleaning

Now, nobody gets a kick out of cleaning grills. But it needs to be done. Else, you’ll end up grilling your burger on a layer of last week’s grease. So, look for a grill that’s easy to clean.

Some grills come with a clean-up system where the grease gets funneled into a drip tray. This makes the post-grill cleanup less of a chore. So, the next time you’re shopping for a grill, keep an eagle eye out for detachable components, drip trays, and such.

Anything that makes the cleanup a little less, you know, backbreaking. And always remember, there is no such thing as a self-cleaning grill. If there is, I’d like to shake hands with the genius who invented it!

FAQs

1. How to clean an electric grill?

Cleaning an electric grill may seem daunting, but it isn’t too complex. Begin by unplugging the grill and allowing it to cool down. Once cool, remove the heating element carefully for a thorough cleanup. Next, focus on the grill body. Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior and exterior of the grill. 

Finally, cleaning the drip tray is a critical step. Most electric grills come with a removable drip tray which collects excess grease and food particles. Empty the tray and wash it with warm, soapy water. Make sure to replace it regularly to prevent overflow and potential flare-ups. Cleaning your grill regularly not only extends its lifespan but also ensures tasty and healthy meals every time you fire it up.

2. Can you get smoke flavor on an electric grill?

Many BBQ enthusiasts wonder if they can achieve that classic smoke flavor on an electric grill. The answer is, yes, it’s possible, but it may require a bit of creativity. Unlike traditional charcoal or gas grills, electric grills don’t produce smoke naturally. However, there are a few tricks that can help you get that smoky goodness.

3. What makes an electric grill the best or not?

When it comes to choosing the best outdoor electric grill, there are several factors to consider. The design of the grill is crucial and can greatly impact its performance. For instance, a grill with an integrated temperature gauge is a bonus as it allows you to monitor the exact temperature inside the grill while you’re cooking. This feature can make a significant difference in the outcome of your BBQ.
Another key factor is the grill’s capacity. A larger cooking surface allows you to grill more food at once, which is ideal for hosting parties or family gatherings. However, if you’re primarily cooking for one or two people, a smaller grill might be more efficient and easier to clean.

4. What is the best outdoor electric grill?

The best outdoor electric grill in our opinion is the Weber Q2400. This grill stands out for several reasons. First, it offers a reliable heat control system. Even though it lacks an integrated temperature gauge, it has a low-medium-high setting. This simple setting ensures that you can adjust the heat according to the food you are cooking.
Another feature that makes the Weber Q2400 our top pick is the inclusion of a removable grease drip pan. Cleaning up after a barbeque can be quite a hassle. With the removable grease drip pan, you can easily dispose of the grease and it reduces the mess significantly.
However, as much as we appreciate the Weber Q2400’s features, we understand that the best grill for you will depend on your personal preferences. Some might prefer a grill with a temperature gauge, while others might prioritize ease of cleaning. Therefore, before making any purchase, it’s crucial to consider your personal needs and preferences. In our perspective though, the Weber Q2400 is a top contender for the best outdoor electric grill title.

Making a Choice – Which Outdoor Electric Grill Suits You Best?

With so many electric grills on the market, choosing the one that fits your bill can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. You’ve got tabletop grills, smokeless ones like the PowerXL Smokeless Grill, not to mention the charcoal options, which, if we’re being honest here, are better left to the summer campfire stories rather than your Sunday BBQ party.

The Weber Q1400 Electric Grill, with its seamless design, is a crowd favorite, but for those on a budget, the Presto Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill does the job just as well. And let’s not forget the sticklers for quality, because the Kenyon B70082 Floridian Electric Grill, though a bit heavier on the pocket, is worth every penny.

At the end of the day, the best electric grill is the one that fits you like a glove, overcoming drawbacks like poor heat retention or limited portability. And let’s not beat around the bush here – it should look darn good on your patio too. So remember, find the right balance, do your research, and most importantly, grill on!

Leave a Comment