Contact Grill Recommendations: Your Buyer's Guide

The craving for grilled food isn't limited by the season or the need for a garden. For many who live in an apartment or seek a quick, hassle-free alternative to a charcoal grill, a contact grill is a practical solution. These appliances bring year-round grilling enjoyment into your own kitchen—smoke-free, fast, and with minimal effort.

This guide is designed to help you understand the essential features of a contact grill and make an informed decision. We will introduce a selection of models and explain which features are most relevant to your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Contact Grill

The range of models is vast. To find the right appliance for you, you should consider three key aspects that significantly impact user convenience and results.

1. Power and Temperature Control

The power, specified in watts (W), is an indicator of how quickly the electric grill heats up and how consistently it maintains the temperature. Models with 2,000 watts or more are generally powerful enough to sear meat perfectly and create an appealing crust. Manual temperature control offers the flexibility to cook different foods like vegetables, fish, or a panini at the ideal heat. Some devices also offer automatic programs that further simplify the cooking process.

2. Cleaning and Handling

Easy cleaning is a decisive criterion for many. A contact grill with removable plates makes cleanup significantly easier. If these plates are also dishwasher-safe, the manual effort is reduced to a minimum. Also, look for an integrated or removable drip tray. This collects excess fat and juices, which not only simplifies cleaning but also supports low-fat grilling.

3. Size and Grill Surface Functionality

The size of the grill surface determines how many portions you can prepare at once. For a household of two to four people, a surface of about 600 cm? is often sufficient. Some models can be opened 180 degrees, transforming into a large tabletop grill, which doubles the usable area. The texture of the plates (ribbed for grill marks, smooth for pancakes or eggs) and the mobility of the top plate, which adjusts to the thickness of the food, are other important functional features for a versatile indoor grill.

Our Recommended Contact Grills

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of appliances that stand out for their specific features.

Tefal GC740B30 SelectGrill Contact Grill 2000W

Tefal GC740B30 SelectGrill Contact Grill 2000W Silver/Black

Why it stands out: This Tefal model is distinguished by its automatic cooking time adjustment, which is based on the thickness of the food. This simplifies preparation and helps achieve consistent results.

Advantages:

• Power:2,000 W for rapid heating.
• Automatic Programs: Three preset programs for red meat, burgers, and poultry.
• Manual Control: Adjustable temperature from 120 °C to 270 °C for full control.
• Cleaning: Removable, non-stick plates and a drip tray, both of which are dishwasher-safe.
• Size: The grill surface of approx. 600 cm? is designed for 3–4 portions.

Best for: Users who value simple operation and reliable grilling results without having to constantly monitor the cooking process. Ideal for preparing steaks, burgers, or chicken fillets.

Braun MultiGrill 7 CG7010 Contact Grill

Braun MultiGrill 7 CG7010 Contact Grill Black

Why it stands out: The Braun MultiGrill 7 impresses with its versatility. With three grilling positions (closed, open, oven function) and two separately controllable heating zones, it offers maximum flexibility.

Advantages:

• Power: Strong 2,000 W with a maximum temperature of 230 °C.
• Versatility: Three grilling positions transform the device from a contact grill into a large tabletop grill or a type of mini-oven.
• Separate Temperature Control: The top and bottom plates can be heated independently.
• Cleaning: The included grill and plancha plates are removable and dishwasher-safe.
• Large Capacity: When opened flat, the grill offers space for a large amount of food.

Best for: Home cooks looking for a multifunctional appliance. The ability to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously makes it a flexible partner in the kitchen.

ADLER AD 3051 Contact Grill 2800W

ADLER AD 3051 Contact Grill 2800W 29x24cm

Why it stands out: With a maximum power of 2800 watts, the ADLER AD 3051 is a particularly powerful model. The large grilling surface, which can be doubled thanks to the 180-degree opening, makes it ideal for larger quantities.

Advantages:

• High Power: Maximum power of 2,800 W (nominal power 2,200 W) for very fast heating.
• Large Grilling Surface: The plates measuring 29 × 24 cm provide a total grilling area of 1392 cm? when opened flat.
• Functionality: Adjustable tilt of the grill plates for optimal contact with the food and manual temperature control.
• Practical Features: Includes a removable drip tray and a spatula.

Best for: Users who frequently cook for several people or prefer a device with extra high power for quick searing. The large, expandable surface makes it a capable tabletop grill.

Looking for More Options?

The models presented are versatile all-rounders. However, if you are looking for a device specifically for preparing sandwiches or smaller snacks, you might find what you're looking for in our selection of models with a sandwich plate.

Discover more models with a sandwich function here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most efficient way to clean a contact grill?

The most efficient cleaning method depends on the model. For a contact grill with removable plates, remove them after they have cooled down and clean them by hand or, if designated as dishwasher-safe, in the dishwasher. For fixed plates, wipe them while still slightly warm with a damp cloth or paper towel. The drip tray should be emptied and cleaned after each use.

Can you grill low-fat with a contact grill?

Yes, that is one of its key advantages. The sloped grill plates and grooves allow excess fat from the food (e.g., meat or sausages) to drain away and be collected in the designated tray. This enables a cooking method that is significantly lower in fat compared to frying in a pan.

What is the difference between a contact grill and a Panini grill?

A Panini grill is essentially a specialized form of a contact grill. Any contact grill can be used to make paninis. The term "Panini grill" simply emphasizes this function. Contact grills often offer broader functionality, such as higher power for steaks, fold-out surfaces for use as a tabletop grill, or interchangeable plates (e.g., for waffles), making them more versatile kitchen appliances.