Contact Grill Buying Guide: Healthy Indoor Grilling Models

The craving for grilled food isn't limited to a specific season or having a garden. For anyone living in an apartment or seeking a hassle-free, year-round alternative to a charcoal grill, a contact grill offers a practical solution. These appliances enable fast, low-fat cooking and versatile preparation—from steak to paninis.

This guide is designed to help you understand the key features and find a model that meets your needs for a modern indoor grill. We will introduce a selection of appliances and explain what matters most when making your choice.

What to Look for in a Contact Grill

The range of models is vast. To make an informed decision, three aspects are particularly important: ease of cleaning, flexibility, and the type of temperature control.

1. Cleaning and Convenience: Removable and Dishwasher-Safe Plates

One of the biggest advantages of a modern electric grill is the minimal cleaning effort. A crucial feature here is a contact grill with removable plates. Models that allow the grill plates and drip tray to be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher save significant time and effort. Fixed plates are considerably more cumbersome to clean and require manual scrubbing on the unit itself, which can be impractical in the long run. Therefore, look for the dishwasher-safe label to maximise post-cooking convenience.

2. Flexibility: From Panini Press to Full-Sized Tabletop Grill

A good contact grill is more than just a sandwich maker. Versatile models can open 180 degrees, transforming into a large tabletop grill. This feature doubles the cooking surface and allows you to grill different foods simultaneously without mixing flavours. A height-adjustable top plate is also beneficial, as it adapts to the thickness of the food—perfect for a thick panini or a substantial cut of meat. Appliances with two independently controlled thermostats offer maximum control, allowing you to set different temperatures for the top and bottom plates.

3. Doneness Control: Manual Settings vs. Automatic Programmes

Precision is crucial when cooking, especially with high-quality meat. There are two main approaches:

• Manual Temperature Control: You maintain full control, setting the temperature yourself based on the food and desired result. This is ideal for experienced cooks who prefer to manage the cooking process.
• Automatic Programmes: Smart grills do the work for you. They detect the thickness of the food and automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature. A visual indicator shows the level of doneness (e.g., rare, medium, well-done). Such features are especially useful for an electric steak grill and deliver consistent results without constant monitoring.

Top Contact Grill Recommendations

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of models that stand out for their features and versatility.

Tefal OptiGrill 2-in-1 Smart Grill (GC772D10)

Why It Stands Out: The Tefal OptiGrill combines smart technology with 2-in-1 functionality. Its patented technology, which automatically measures the food's thickness and adjusts the cooking time, makes it an exceptionally user-friendly appliance. The colour-coded light indicator visualises the cooking progress, ensuring steaks are grilled to perfection.

Advantages:

• Smart Grilling Technology: Measures food thickness and automatically adjusts cooking time.
• 9 Automatic Programmes: Pre-set programmes for meat, fish, vegetables, and more.
• 2-in-1 Function: Use as a contact grill or open indoor grill.
• Easy Cleaning: The non-stick grill plates and drip tray are removable and dishwasher-safe.
• Powerful:2100 watts ensure rapid heat-up.

Who It's For: Ideal for health-conscious users and families who value consistent grilling results with minimal effort. Anyone who appreciates technology that simplifies the cooking process will find this to be an excellent match.

View Product: Tefal OptiGrill 2-in-1

Princess 117310 Digital Grill Master Pro

Why It Stands Out: The Princess Grill Master Pro offers maximum control with two independently adjustable digital thermostats. This allows you to heat the top and bottom plates to different temperatures—perfect for searing a steak on the bottom while gently grilling vegetables on top. The 180-degree opening transforms it into a flexible tabletop grill.

Advantages:

• Dual Independent Thermostats: Separate temperature settings for the top and bottom plates via a digital control panel.
• Opens 180 Degrees: Converts into a large tabletop grill with a 29 x 23 cm cooking surface.
• Height-Adjustable Top Plate: Flexibly adapts to the thickness of paninis or burgers.
• Dishwasher-Safe Plates: The removable plates make cleaning significantly easier.
• High Power:2000 watts for rapid heating and efficient grilling.

Who It's For: This model is aimed at cooking enthusiasts who want full control over the cooking process. The separate thermostats and the large, flat-grill option make it a versatile tool for creative dishes.

View Product: Princess Digital Grill Master Pro

Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro CG9160

Why It Stands Out: The Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro is a high-performance appliance that impresses with 2200 watts of power and a boost function reaching temperatures up to 265°C. This intense heat is perfect for searing steaks and creating rich, roasted flavours. It comes with both a grill plate and a flat plancha plate, further enhancing its versatility.

Advantages:

• Very High Power:2200 watts and a boost function for temperatures up to 265°C.
• Three Grilling Positions: Can be used as a contact grill, open BBQ grill, or in oven mode.
• Included Accessories: Comes with a grill plate, a flat griddle plate (plancha), and a meat probe for precise temperature control.
• Separate Temperature Control: Independent thermostats for both plates.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Plates and the drip tray are designed for easy cleaning.

Who It's For: The Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro is the right choice for demanding users looking for a powerful electric steak grill who value precise results. The high temperature and included accessories make it an all-rounder for ambitious home cooks.

View Product: Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro

Didn't Find the Right Model?

The models featured here cover a range of needs. However, if you are looking for more options or specific accessories, you can find a wider selection of electric grills and other handy kitchen tools in our Grilling & BBQ category.

Discover More Grills in the Grilling & BBQ Category

Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Grills

What can you cook with a contact grill?

A contact grill is extremely versatile. Besides classic sandwiches and paninis, it's excellent for grilling meat (steaks, burgers, chicken breasts), fish fillets, sausages, and vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or aubergine. Models with flat plates can also be used for pancakes or fried eggs.

How important are removable plates on an electric grill?

Very important for user convenience. A contact grill with removable plates is effortless to clean. The plates can be easily removed and placed in the sink or, if dishwasher-safe, directly into the dishwasher. This prevents old food residue from sticking and ensures hygienic preparation.

Do I need automatic programmes for good grilling results?

Not necessarily, but they are very helpful. Automatic programmes offer a high degree of convenience and deliver consistent, repeatable results, which is especially beneficial for beginners or when cooking steaks. Those who prefer to control the cooking process themselves and have some experience can also achieve excellent results with a manually adjustable model. The choice depends on personal preference.