Contact Grill Recommendations: Finding the Right Model for Your Kitchen

Whether it's a juicy steak, grilled vegetables, or a crispy panini, the craving for grilled food isn't limited to the summer months. A contact grill offers the ability to grill all year round in your own kitchen, without the smoke and odours. However, the selection of models is vast and their features are diverse. This article provides an overview of important buying criteria and presents a selection of appliances to make your decision easier.

What to Look for When Choosing a Contact Grill

The search for the right appliance can be complex. To make an informed decision, you should consider several technical features that significantly impact the range of applications and ease of use.

1. Power and Temperature Control for Precise Results

The power, measured in watts, is a crucial factor, especially if you plan to cook meat regularly. Models with 2000 watts or more heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, even when preparing thicker cuts of meat. This is essential for being able to grill a steak that forms a beautiful crust on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Separate temperature controls for the upper and lower grill plates offer additional flexibility to cook different foods simultaneously or with extra care.

2. Grill Plates: Material, Flexibility, and Cleaning

The quality of the grill plates has a direct impact on the grilling results and the subsequent cleaning effort. A contact grill with removable plates has a clear advantage here. If these plates are also dishwasher-safe, the manual effort is significantly reduced. Non-stick plates made of die-cast aluminium ensure good heat distribution and prevent food from sticking. Some models offer interchangeable plates—ridged plates for the classic grill marks and flat plates (plancha), which are well-suited for pancakes, eggs, or delicate foods like fish.

3. Size and Multifunctionality

The size of the grilling surface should be matched to your household size. For individuals or couples, a compact appliance that also serves as a panini press or sandwich toaster is often sufficient. Families benefit from larger models that can be opened flat and used as a tabletop grill, effectively doubling the grilling area. Modern devices like the Tefal OptiGrill go a step further, offering smart programmes that measure the thickness of the food and automatically adjust the cooking cycle.

Our Top Contact Grill Picks

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of models that cater to different needs.

Braun MultiGrill 7 CG7010

Why it stands out: The Braun MultiGrill 7 is distinguished by its high power output of 2000 watts and separately adjustable thermostats for both grill plates. This allows for precise control of the cooking temperature up to a maximum of 230°C.

• Pros:

  • Three grilling positions (contact grill, oven mode, open BBQ mode) for maximum versatility.
  • Large grilling surface that, according to the manufacturer, can hold up to 12 burger patties.
  • Integrated heating elements for even heat distribution.
  • Removable and dishwasher-safe grill and plancha plates are included.

• Who is it for? For households and ambitious home cooks looking for a versatile and powerful appliance that delivers precise grilling results for meat, fish, and vegetables, and is also suitable for larger quantities.

View the Braun MultiGrill 7 CG7010

Tefal Contact Grill Minute

Why it stands out: This model from Tefal is a straightforward and compact indoor electric grill that focuses on the essentials. With 1600 watts of power, it is ideal for quick meals.

• Pros:

  • Removable, ridged grill plates that are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.
  • Three grilling positions, including the option to use the appliance as a tabletop grill.
  • Compact design with cord storage, allowing for space-saving vertical storage.
  • A temperature indicator light shows when the optimal grilling temperature has been reached.

• Who is it for? For individuals, couples, and novice cooks who want an easy-to-use appliance for sandwiches, paninis, or smaller portions of grilled food, and who value straightforward cleaning and storage.

View the Tefal Contact Grill Minute

Tefal OptiGrill 2-in-1 Smart Grill GC772D10

Why it stands out: The Tefal OptiGrill stands out with its smart technology. It automatically measures the thickness of the food and adjusts the cooking time and temperature to achieve results from rare to well-done.

• Pros:

  • Smart grilling technology with 9 automatic programmes for different foods (e.g., burgers, poultry, fish, steak).
  • A colour-changing light indicator shows the current cooking status.
  • Powerful 2100 watts for rapid heating and a powerful sear.
  • 2-in-1 function as a contact grill and an open indoor BBQ.
  • Removable, non-stick plates and the juice collector tray are dishwasher-safe.

• Who is it for? For tech enthusiasts and anyone who wants to rely on reproducible, perfect grilling results without constant monitoring. The automatic programmes make it a reliable partner for a wide variety of dishes.

View the Tefal OptiGrill 2-in-1

Discover More Options

Haven't found the right model for your needs yet? An indoor electric grill offers many possibilities beyond the appliances featured here. Discover a wider selection of models with different sizes, power levels, and features in our Outdoor Kitchens & Grills category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the easiest way to clean a contact grill? The easiest cleaning is offered by models with removable plates that are dishwasher-safe. After cooling, the plates and the grease tray can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher or by hand. For fixed plates, it is recommended to wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel while they are still lukewarm after use and unplugging the device.

2. Can you really grill a good steak with a contact grill? Yes, it is possible, provided the appliance has sufficient power (2000 watts or more is recommended) and a high maximum temperature. The dual-sided contact heat ensures that the pores of the meat are sealed quickly, keeping it juicy. Models with manual temperature control allow you to set the heat optimally for a powerful sear.

3. What is the difference between a contact grill and a sandwich toaster? A contact grill is generally more versatile. It has higher power, often an adjustable temperature, and flexible or interchangeable grill plates (ridged or flat). This makes it suitable for meat, fish, vegetables, and paninis. A classic sandwich toaster usually has lower power and fixed, shell-shaped plates designed exclusively for making filled toasties.

Written by: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer