Contact Grill Recommendations: Your Guide to Indoor Grilling

For anyone living in an apartment without a garden or balcony, the craving for grilled food often goes unsatisfied. A contact grill offers a convenient and mess-free solution. This versatile kitchen appliance lets you quickly cook steaks, sandwiches, or vegetables right in your kitchen—without the smoke or complicated setup.

This article serves as your guide. We'll introduce various models and explain the key features to help you choose the right appliance for your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Contact Grill

Choosing the right model depends on your personal cooking habits and needs. Three key aspects are particularly important to consider.

1. Power and Temperature Control

Power, measured in watts (W), is a crucial factor for grilling performance. Models with 2000 watts or more heat up quickly and maintain a consistently high temperature. This is especially important if you're looking for a grill for steaks, as high heat is essential for creating a perfect sear (the Maillard reaction). Separate or variable temperature controls for the top and bottom plates provide maximum flexibility, allowing you to adapt the heat for everything from delicate fish to thick cuts of meat.

2. Grill Plates: Material and Cleaning

The design of the grill plates affects both the cooking experience and the cleanup effort. A contact grill with removable plates offers a clear advantage here. If these plates are also dishwasher-safe, cleaning becomes minimal. A high-quality non-stick coating is also essential, as it prevents food from sticking and enables low-fat cooking without the need for extra oil.

3. Size and Versatility

The size of the grilling surface should match your household size. A compact appliance is often sufficient for individuals or couples, while families will benefit from a larger surface area. Many contact grills are incredibly versatile and can also be used as a sandwich maker or panini press. Some models can be opened completely flat to function as a large electric tabletop grill, doubling the cooking surface and making them ideal for social gatherings.

Our Recommended Contact Grills

Here is a selection of models that cater to different needs and use cases.

For a Quick Start: Ochama Small Steak Grill

What sets this model apart The Ochama Small Steak Grill is a compact and energy-efficient appliance that combines the functions of a grill, sandwich maker, and panini press. Its simple operation makes it a straightforward solution for quick meals.

Pros

• Compact Design: With a 22.5 x 14 cm grilling surface, it fits even in small kitchens.
• Energy-Efficient: Its 400W power rating ensures low-consumption operation and heats up quickly for simple dishes.
• Double-Sided Heating: The plates ensure even cooking from both the top and bottom.
• Easy to Clean: The non-stick coating prevents food from sticking and simplifies cleanup.

Who it's for: This model is ideal for individuals, students, or households with limited space who are looking for a budget-friendly and simple appliance for making sandwiches, paninis, or smaller portions of grilled food.

For Precise Grilling: Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro CG9160

What sets this model apart The Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro is a powerful and versatile appliance for discerning home cooks. With two separate thermostats, high power output, and an integrated food probe, it enables precision cooking.

Pros

• High Power:2200W of power and a boost function reaching up to 265°C deliver a hard sear and intense roasted flavours, perfect for steaks.
• Precise Control: Two independent thermostats allow you to set the temperature for each plate separately. The included food probe ensures optimal cooking results.
• Versatile Positions: The appliance can be used as a contact grill, in an open BBQ mode, or with an oven function.
• Convenient Cleaning: The removable grill plates are dishwasher-safe.

Who it's for: This model is aimed at culinary enthusiasts who value precision, high performance, and versatility. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to cook perfect steaks and maintain full control over the cooking process.

For Convenient and Smart Grilling: Tefal OptiGrill 2-in-1 Smart Grill

What sets this model apart The Tefal OptiGrill 2-in-1 combines high performance with smart technology. It automatically measures the thickness of your food and adjusts the cooking time and temperature accordingly to deliver consistent results.

Pros

• Automatic Grilling Technology: A sensor detects the thickness of the food and manages the cooking process. A light indicator shows the cooking level, from rare to well-done.
• 9 Automatic Programmes: Preset programmes for meat, fish, vegetables, and more take the guesswork out of grilling.
• 2-in-1 Functionality: Can be used as a contact grill or opened flat as an indoor electric grill (BBQ mode).
• Effortless Cleaning: The non-stick, removable plates and the drip tray are dishwasher-safe.

Who it's for: The OptiGrill is perfect for users who appreciate convenience and reliable results without constant monitoring. It's well-suited for families and anyone looking for a simple "set-it-and-forget-it" solution for everyday grilling.

Looking for More Options?

If the models featured here don't quite meet your needs, or if you'd like to explore a wider range of products, you can find a larger selection of electric tabletop grills and griddles in our Outdoor Griddles category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you cook on a contact grill?

A contact grill is extremely versatile. Besides classics like steaks, burgers, and sausages, it's excellent for preparing paninis, grilled sandwiches, fish fillets, chicken breasts, and a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or aubergine.

What is the easiest way to clean a contact grill?

Models with removable, dishwasher-safe plates are the easiest to clean. After they have cooled down, the plates can be removed and placed in the dishwasher or washed by hand. For grills with fixed plates, it's best to wipe them down with a damp cloth or paper towel while they are still warm.

Is a contact grill suitable for steaks?

Yes, especially models with high power (over 2000 W) and precise, high-temperature controls are very well-suited for cooking steaks. The intense heat quickly seals the surface and creates an appealing crust, while the inside remains juicy.