An electric grill can be used in the kitchen, on the balcony or at the dining table, and does not depend on good weather. However, a low price or a long list of features does not automatically mean you have found the right appliance. The key factors are the design, temperature control, grilling surface and how easy it is to clean after use.
An electric grill with 2000 watts can heat up quickly and help maintain a stable operating temperature. However, wattage alone says little about how practical an appliance will be in everyday use. The size of the grill plates, heat distribution and insulation also affect the results.
For preparing several portions, a sufficiently large grilling surface is more important than the highest possible power rating. A small appliance with a high wattage can still be impractical for thick foods if the plates offer little space.
A digital contact grill with automatic programmes can make operation easier. However, these programmes are based on pre-set processes. The type of food, starting temperature, thickness and personal preferences may vary. Manual temperature control therefore remains useful, particularly for vegetables, paninis or meat of different thicknesses.
A grill with a non-stick coating does not require intensive care, but it is not completely scratch-resistant. Metal utensils, abrasive cleaners and vigorous scrubbing can damage the surface. Before buying, you should also check whether the plates are genuinely removable and dishwasher-safe. The description “easy to clean” is not sufficient as a technical specification.
Appliances with power ratings of around 1,300 to 2,100 watts are available for typical uses such as burgers, paninis, sandwiches and vegetables. A model with 2,000 watts, such as the Princess 117310, offers high rated power for preheating, according to the product details. However, it is still important to check whether the temperature can be adjusted.
Two separate thermostats allow the upper and lower plates to be set to different temperatures. This can be useful when foods require different temperatures or when the heat from above and below needs to be adjusted separately. If you only occasionally prepare toast or simple sandwiches, a simpler control system may be sufficient.
A contact grill should suit the size of your household and the portions you usually prepare. A grilling surface measuring 29 × 23 cm, for example, provides room for several smaller pieces or one or two larger portions, depending on the shape of the food.
A 180-degree opening turns the contact grill into a flat table grill. This makes the entire plate surface available, although the opened appliance requires more space. An adjustable-height upper plate is useful for filled paninis, sandwiches and burgers because the lid does not press down heavily on the food.
Removable grill plates and a separate drip tray make cleaning easier. Even if the components are dishwasher-safe, you should still follow the relevant manufacturer’s instructions, as often only certain parts may be placed in the dishwasher. The main appliance, cable and mains plug must not be submerged in water.
When using an appliance in Germany, you should also consider a suitable mains connection, a stable, heat-resistant surface and sufficient clearance from flammable objects. The grill plates remain hot after the appliance is switched off. Children and pets should not have access to the appliance while it is in use.
Why this product suits this profile: With a stated power rating of 1360 watts and a non-stick coating, this grill is aimed at households looking for an uncomplicated table grill for smaller quantities.
The product name clearly states the power rating and coating. Before buying, however, you should check the listing for details of the plate size, temperature control and cleaning.
1360 watts; aluminium construction according to the product details; non-stick coating.
Why this product suits this profile: Anyone who grills frequently and prepares a range of different foods gets nine automatic programmes, an indicator showing cooking progress and a 2-in-1 function as both a contact grill and indoor grill, according to the product description.
Automatic detection of food thickness is designed to help determine the cooking time and temperature. Manual control remains useful, however, as thickness and starting temperature can vary.
2100 watts; nine automatic programmes; removable plates and drip tray described as dishwasher-safe in the product details.
Why this product suits this profile: The combination of two independently adjustable digital thermostats, a 180-degree opening and an adjustable upper plate makes this grill suitable for users who prepare food in a variety of ways.
Separate temperature controls reduce reliance on a single standard programme. The removable plates also make the cleaning process more straightforward than with permanently fitted grilling surfaces.
2000 watts; two independent digital thermostats; 180-degree opening; 29 × 23 cm grill plates described in the product details as removable and dishwasher-safe.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
Before using the appliance for the first time, place it on a level, heat-resistant surface. Do not cover the ventilation areas. When using the contact grill, place the food on the preheated lower plate. If the grill is opened to 180 degrees, make sure there is sufficient clearance from walls and kitchen items.
After switching off the grill, allow it to cool down completely. Only then should you remove the plates and drip tray. Use soft cloths or suitable kitchen utensils on the non-stick surface. Clean the housing with a slightly damp cloth. Do not allow water to enter the main appliance.
1,300 watts may be sufficient for occasional sandwiches and small portions. If you regularly prepare burgers, paninis or several portions, you may want to consider a model with around 2,000 watts or more. The grilling surface and temperature control are also important.
Yes, a contact grill is generally suitable for paninis and burgers. An adjustable-height upper plate is useful for thick or filled foods. When cooking burgers, set the temperature according to their thickness and make sure they are heated through safely.
The cost depends on the power rating, operating time and electricity tariff. Calculate it using: power in kilowatts × operating hours × electricity price per kilowatt-hour. An appliance rated at 2,000 watts is equivalent to 2 kilowatts. Operating for 20 minutes theoretically uses around 0.67 kilowatt-hours, although actual consumption may vary because of thermostat cycling.