can anyone talk to me about electric grills?

[fizzgig]

the fire code changed and we're no longer allowed to have our little propane grill (which was due for replacement anyway) on our patio. i'm not about to give up grilling, so i'm looking around at electric ones. i don't have anywhere in the apartment to keep one of those counter top ones, so it'll have to be something i can keep out on the patio.

any advice?

[Major Nikon]

1. A buddy of mine has the All-Clad electric grill

It's a bit pricey, but I noticed someone is selling them on ebay for $225 shipped. He paid $300 for his. It seems to be quite well made and works well for what it is.

I've had a George Foreman grill I've used for many years. It was a gift that I didn't really need or want, but I do use it now and then as a panini press.

[fizzgig]

5. that's a bit pricey for us

but i'll keep an eye out on craigslist and ebay. thanks

[NJCher]

2. a Weber

Just get a real grill. Neither a propane or an electric will give you the taste of a real charcoal grill.

If you're worried about starting the fire, just buy those bags where you light the four corners.


Cher

[fizzgig]

4. wish i could

can't have charcoal grills at the apartment, either. it's been a bit since i've lived in a place where i can have an actual grill and i miss it.

[SheilaT]

3. I have a counter top electric grill.

I just looked and it says Hamilton Beach Portfolio.

I've had it about ten years now and I like it a lot. Maybe you can have a table out on the patio to use one, as I'm pretty sure there aren't any electric grills that are in the kind of structure that houses a propane or charcoal grill. In fact, if you wash it after each use, as I'm sure you would, there's no reason it can't be kept on the patio like your other grill. Just unplug the electric element and you should be good to go.

The drawbacks to my electric grill is that the grilling surface isn't as large as a conventional propane or charcoal one is, and it doesn't get quite as hot as those to can get. But I've had good success in all the grilling I've ever done on it.

[fizzgig]

6. i can deal with a smaller surface

our propane one was pretty small and i'm rarely grilling for more that two. thanks for the tip on the heat, that's not something i would have thought of.

hamilton beach stuff lasts forever, i've had my food processor from them for close to 15 years.

[TheKentuckian]

7. I've got a couple of smaller Foremans they do the job and can get a sear

but don't do much flavor wise, a significant step down from even gas much less charcoal or better yet wood.

I begin to believe that overall a cast iron grill pan would actually be better for surface area, heat, and probably flavor as well since cast iron generally seems to really add something to me.

I guess I'm saying consider such a piece as a substitute unless it is about doing it outside for you and I still might say to consider a hot plate and the grill slotted skillet because most of the little electric outdoor grills seem like cheap plastic pieces of crap, almost a joke or a mockery

Good luck, it is lame to get caught up in such quality of life sapping stuff even if well intentioned as can be.

[japple]

8. I have used an electric grill for years and really like the way I can

control the heat. It is a small, very well built grill and I got it on sale for 1/2 price at Home Depot several years ago for $35.00. The cover appears to be ceramic coated metal, very thick and sturdy. The only things I don't like is that it does not have a hinged lid, nor is there a lift-up tray or rack on the side to hold a plate or cooking utensils. If I can find a picture of it, I'll post. Likely the price has increased in the last few years.

ETA: This is the brand I have, though this one is a much newer model. I had a problem with the thermostat and they sent a replacement very quickly.

http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_631110201?hei=374&wid=374&op_sharpen=1

[japple]

9. I was mistaken about the cost of the grill. It was about $70.00 at half-price. I

also bought a smoker at about the same time. It was on sale and cost about $35.00. They were on sale in September at the end of the season. I think they were trying to move out summer items to bring in the Christmas decorations!

[mrmpa]

10. I have an out door Foreman Grill....

about 6 years ago it was $70. It looks like an outdoor charcoal grill. It stands about 3 /2 feet high and has a domed lid. I cook on it throughout the year & have had no problems with. Bed Bath & Beyond has it for $79

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/george-foreman-indoor-outdoor-electric-barbecue-grill/1011882650?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=all%20products&mcid=PS_bing_nonbrand_pla_&device=c