Contact Grills Buying Guide for Quick Indoor Grilling

Enjoying the aroma of grilled food all year round—without needing a garden or balcony—is an ideal prospect for many who live in a city apartment. A contact grill makes this possible. It offers a fast, versatile, and low-smoke alternative to traditional grilling, enabling you to prepare meat, vegetables, and sandwiches in just a few minutes.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my job is to provide you with clear guidance in the electric grill market. This article will introduce the key purchasing criteria and present a selection of models suited for various use cases based on their specific features and functions.

What to Look for When Buying a Contact Grill

Choosing the right appliance depends on your individual needs. Three features are particularly important: cleaning, temperature control, and versatility.

1. Cleaning and Handling: The Time-Saving Factor

After the meal comes the cleanup. A contact grill with removable plates offers a significant advantage here. These plates can be easily removed and, if declared dishwasher-safe, conveniently cleaned in the dishwasher. This saves you from tedious scrubbing and ensures the appliance is quickly ready for its next use. Models with fixed plates require manual cleaning, which can be more time-consuming.

2. Power and Temperature Control: Precision for Every Food

The power, measured in watts, is an indicator of the heat-up time and the grill's ability to maintain consistent heat. An electric grill with temperature control is crucial for versatile cooking results. While a steak needs to be seared at a high temperature to remain juicy, vegetables or a panini require more moderate heat. Separate controls for the top and bottom plates offer maximum control and expand your culinary possibilities.

3. Versatility and Design: More Than Just a Sandwich Maker

Modern contact grills are often multifunctional. Look for different grilling positions:

• Contact Grill Position: Classic dual-sided grilling for fast cooking.
• Open Position: Transforms the appliance into a large indoor tabletop grill, ideal for social gatherings.
• Oven Position: With a slightly raised top plate for melting cheese or cooking delicate foods.

Another feature for a health-conscious diet is the option for low-fat grilling. Many models have sloped grill surfaces and a drip tray that drains away excess fat and juices.

Top Contact Grill Picks

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of appliances that meet different needs.

Tefal Contact Grill Minute Black

Why this model stands out: The Tefal Contact Grill Minute focuses on the essentials: simple operation and straightforward cleaning. With its fixed temperature and compact design, it's a practical helper for quick, everyday use.

Benefits:

• Removable Grill Plates: The ribbed plates are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
• Fat Drainage System: Excess fat is collected in a separate tray.
• Compact Storage: The appliance can be stored vertically to save space.
• Power:1600 W ensures a rapid heat-up time.

Who it's for: This model is a great choice for singles, couples, and small households looking for a straightforward appliance to prepare sandwiches, paninis, or small grilled dishes, and who value quick cleaning.

View the Tefal Contact Grill Minute Black

Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro CG9160

Why this model stands out: The Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro is a powerful and versatile appliance for demanding users. With two independent thermostats and a boost function for extra-high temperatures, it offers maximum control for perfect grilling results.

Benefits:

• High Power: With 2200 W and a boost function up to 265°C, it's ideal for searing.
• Separate Temperature Control: The temperature of both plates can be set individually.
• Included Accessory: A meat probe for monitoring the core temperature is included.
• Three Grilling Positions: Can be used as a contact grill, open tabletop grill, or in an oven function.

Who it's for: Ideal for ambitious home cooks and families who value precision and versatility. Anyone who enjoys preparing steaks, burgers, or different types of vegetables at the same time will benefit from the high power and separate temperature zones.

View the Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro CG9160

Braun MultiGrill 7 CG7010

Why this model stands out: The MultiGrill 7 from Braun is a solid all-rounder that offers a good balance between power and functionality. With its large grilling surface and three grilling positions, it is perfectly suited for preparing complete meals.

Benefits:

• Strong Performance:2000 W allow for temperatures up to 230°C.
• Large Grilling Surface: According to the manufacturer, it offers space for up to 12 burger patties when fully open.
• Versatile Plates: A grill plate and a flat plancha plate are included, both of which are dishwasher-safe.
• Three Grilling Positions: Contact, BBQ, and oven functions for maximum flexibility.

Who it's for: This model is aimed at families and anyone who regularly cooks for several people. The combination of a large surface area, solid performance, and the included plates makes it a versatile electric grill for daily use.

View the Braun MultiGrill 7 CG7010

Looking for More Options?

The electric grill market is diverse and offers the right appliance for every need. If you want to compare more models with specific features like a precise electric thermostat, or discover other sizes and configurations, you'll find a larger selection in our comprehensive category.

Discover More Electric Grills Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can you cook with a contact grill?

A contact grill is much more than just a sandwich maker or panini maker. You can use it to prepare meat (steaks, chicken breasts, burgers), fish fillets, a variety of vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant), and even fried eggs or pancakes (on a flat plancha plate).

What's the easiest way to clean a contact grill?

Models with removable, dishwasher-safe plates offer the easiest cleaning. After they have cooled down, simply remove them and place them in the dishwasher. For models with fixed plates, it's best to wipe them down while still lukewarm with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. Burnt-on residue can often be loosened by placing a damp paper towel between the closed plates for a few minutes.

Is grilling with a contact grill healthier?

Grilling on a contact grill can contribute to a lower-fat preparation. The sloped grill surfaces and grooves in the plates allow excess fat from the food to drain away and be collected in a drip tray. Compared to pan-frying, where the food often sits in its own fat, this is a method for low-fat grilling.