Having grilled food is the quintessential summertime experience. Those char marks and that smoky flavor make dining in your backyard delightful. What if you can’t have a propane or charcoal grill, though? Some HOAs don’t allow them. And, of course, some people simply prefer not to have those types of cooking equipment. The good news is that you can enjoy grilling outdoors with a safe, easy-to-use electric grill.
We’ve taken a look at dozens of backyard electric grills so we could bring you some of the best. We found our very favorite and also some runners-up. In addition, we looked at electric grills in various categories. Find the one you want and check out the specifications by going to the linked Amazon page.
Our Top 3 Picks for 2021 - A Quick Comparison
The Best Backyard Electric Grills
The Best Backyard Electric Grill Overall:
The George Foreman Electric Grill made the top of our list because it has excellent features, is moderately priced, and has over 12,000 reviews on Amazon. This grill is big; it has enough surface area to accommodate feeding 12 to 15 people, so you can feel comfortable inviting a crowd! It comes with a convenient stand, but you can also remove the grill and use it on a table or counter instead if you want.
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Runner Up #1
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Grill uses TRU-infrared technology to cook your food, resulting in more even cooking. The grate is rust-resistant and easy to clean, and there’s also a warming rack to let you keep your food warm after cooking. There’s enough space to accommodate about a dozen burgers.
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Runner Up #2
The Cuisinart Outdoor Electric Grill is small but powerful. It weighs only 17 lbs, so it’s good for taking along to someone else’s house for a cookout. It can accommodate up to eight burgers at once, and the height is adjustable thanks to telescoping legs. It arrives ready to use; no assembly is necessary. It also heats up quickly for spur-of-the-moment cooking.
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The Best Electric Grill for Raclette
Do you love the cheesy goodness of raclette? If so, you will want to consider the Homewell Raclette Grill, which is both a raclette oven and a grill top for foods like steak or burgers. It also has a flat top to use to make eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more. This is a truly versatile machine that will make cooking and eating in your backyard fun and effortless.
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The Best BBQ Pot
Another fun way to enjoy your outdoor gathering is to have a hot pot. With the SEANN 2-in-1 Electric Grill, you can help your guests make fun memories. Place your grilled food along the edges, and have your broth simmering in the center. You could use this electric grill to keep soup warm on a chilly fall afternoon, too. It heats up super quickly, too, making it simple and convenient to get lunch or dinner on the table. This is a fun product to have at your disposal for use indoors and out.
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The Best Electric Smoker
Nothing beats the taste of a freshly smoked roast, turkey, or brisket, and now you can smoke your own with the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker. This is an outdoor smoker that will use wood chips to create the smoky taste you crave. It’s easy to use with a temperature gauge, a convenient wood chip tray, three smoking racks, and even, consistent smoking.
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The Best Countertop Electric Grill
If you are planning on grilling outdoors on a counter or table, the Shikha Electric BBQ Grill will be your top choice. This grill is completely smokeless, so you can safely use it inside of a covered porch or lanai. It has a removable grease trap underneath, so you’ll be able to clean it easily. This grill is recommended for groups of up to eight, so you should be able to fit eight burgers on it at once.
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The Best Built-in Electric Grill
Are you building an outdoor kitchen, complete with a built-in grill? If so, the Kenyon All-Seasons Built-in Grill might be exactly what you are looking for. It has two 1,500-watt heating elements and is guaranteed for life not to rust. It preheats quickly (in under 10 minutes) up to 600 degrees. This powerhouse is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, too, making it appropriate to use on a covered patio or porch. You can impart a smoky flavor by adding liquid to the drip tray; as it evaporates, it will flavor your meat.
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What to Consider When Buying a Backyard Electric Grill?
When buying a backyard electric grill, there are a few features you’ll want to keep in mind. Here’s what to think about as you make your decision:
- Size. Will you be feeding just yourself, a small family, or a large crowd? Look for a grill that will accommodate all of the food that you’ll need to make.
- Portability. If you’ll be bringing the grill in and out or if you’ll be taking it along to a friend’s BBQ, then you’ll want to be sure that you choose a portable model.
- Other functions. Do you live for making raclette on the weekends? Is hot pot your favorite way to relax around the table with your family? Look for an electric grill that has the functions you want.
- Stand-up vs. tabletop. Do you have the room for a grill that stands up on its own, or would you prefer the type that sits on a table? This is a matter of personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric grills good?
Electric grills are a great way to cook outdoors without smoke and without creating any of the carcinogens that come from charcoal- or propane-charred foods. They can often be used at condominium complexes, on balconies, and by renters. All in all, an electric grill is a great choice.
How do I choose an electric grill?
Take a look at our “what to consider” section above. Think about the price you’d like to pay for your grill and how you’ll be using it. You should also read the reviews for any grills that you’re considering so you can make an educated decision.
Are electric grills safe?
Yes, electric grills are very safe. They are an eco-friendly way to grill, and they can be used indoors or inside a covered porch. The food cooked on them will be free of carcinogens that sometimes occur due to charring, and they are usually virtually smokeless.
Which is better, a charcoal or electric grill?
The answer to this question really depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for an authentic charred taste, then a charcoal grill might meet your needs better. If you need a smokeless option or you want to sometimes use your grill in the house, then an electric grill will better suit you.
Do electric grills take longer to cook?
No; in fact, electric grills are often faster than charcoal grills. One reason is that the electric grill heats up very quickly and doesn’t need to pre-heat for very long at all. Cooking might also be more even because it’s easier to control an electric burner than an actual flame.
Final Verdict
We’ve looked at a lot of grills with a lot of different features! We stand by our top pick, which is the George Foreman Electric Grill, and we hope that this has given you a good starting point when it comes to choosing the best backyard electric grill for you. Remember to check the reviews and read the product descriptions carefully so you will know exactly what you’re getting. Enjoy dining al fresco thanks to your new grill. Bon appetit!
About The Author
Michelle Kulas
Writer
Michelle Kulas has been writing professionally since 2008 in a variety of niches. She is a gardener and enjoys spending time with her family and her dog in her sunny Southwest Florida backyard. When she's not writing or in the garden, you can find her cooking or volunteer with foreign exchange students.