How to Light an Electric Grill: Doing it the Right Way
All over the world, barbecue parties are well-loved and enjoyed by many families. There is no doubt that grilled meat is something that brings friends and families together. Nowadays, more and more people are making the switch from using gas grills to electric ones. For this reason, a lot of people ask how to light an electric grill.
We understand that the concept of an electric grill may be almost foreign to several folks who have been grilling steaks on an outdoor gas grill. We all know what a tedious process lighting up a gas grill can be. So, you will be quite glad to know that when you use an electric grill, you completely skip that step altogether.
So how to light an electric grill? Most electric grills would only require you to flip the switch on, and the grill will automatically start heating up. In certain electric grills, there will be an additional switch on the grill itself to switch on or off the machine. There is often a safety feature that will switch off the grill when it senses it is overheating
To understand how an electric grill works, you must first be aware of what it is exactly. Lucky for you, you can rely on us to help you with that.
So, What is an Electric Grill?
An electric grill is an equipment that uses electricity to produce heat. Since in an electric grill has no flame, gas, charcoal, or fuel is completely unnecessary. You just have to place the food on the grill’s grate, which is positioned right above the heat source.
There is also a drip pan under this grate that will collect all the juices that come out from the food. This is essential as the drip pan can hold some of those flavors from the meat that you can use as a sauce, and it makes it easier to clean up the mess after cooking too. The best part of electric grills is that it can be used outdoors as well as indoors, as long as there is a power outlet.
How to Light an Electric Grill
Electric grills work completely on electricity with the help of a power outlet. So, the minute you flip the switch on, the grill will automatically start heating up. In certain electric grills, there will be an additional switch on the grill itself to switch on or off the machine.
Again, depending on the grill you own, you will be able to control the temperature of the heat too with the help of a temperature dial. This is one of the reasons why some people prefer to use an electric grill over a traditional grill.
In most electric grills, there is often a safety feature that will switch off the grill when it senses it is overheating, thus keeping you safe from any accidents.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Grill?
There are some features that an electric grill must possess that will make it very easy and convenient to use. We listed down some of the top things to look out for when you buy an electric grill below.
- Quick Start
One of the biggest benefits of an indoor grill is that it can start almost instantly. So, always choose a grill that switches on by just the flip of a button.
- Temperature Control
Controlling the temperature on an electric grill is not something you will find on every electric grill. This feature would allow you to cook different kinds of foods, even some that require very low heat settings too. While this may up the price range, it will definitely be worth it.
- Timer
It is very common to forget we have left something to cook as we are busy doing something else. So, another great feature to have in an electric grill is a timer. However, this may not be the most important thing if you already own a kitchen timer.
- Non-stick Surface
Whatever electric grill you settle on, it must have a non-stick cooking surface. Some grills have a non-stick griddle surface, and some are smooth on just one side, and the other side is ridged. Having a ridged surface is also a great feature in an electric grill. Not only do these ridges improve flavor, but they also make the cleaning process of the griddle so much easier.
In most grills, you can pop these griddles out and put in straight into a dishwasher. This is great as the valleys between these ridges are quite difficult to reach with just a sponge.
- Size
It is a known fact that electric grills are well-known for their compact size. These fit very comfortably on a kitchen countertop too, or even in tiny porches or balconies. Its size is the most beneficial to people who live in small apartments or condos, and that is all that they can use.
What you must look out for in an electric grill, though, is the cooking surface’s size. The ideal size is a minimum of 12 inches diagonally. This will allow you to cook different things at the same time or cook a couple of steaks or burgers together in order to save time. It allows the steak to cook properly and evenly too. Anything smaller than this may not be too ideal even for just steak.
The Benefits of Using an Electric Grill
Similar to any kitchen appliance, you would also want to know if it is something that would really make prepping and cooking meals easier for you. Thus, here are some of the most common benefits that come with using an electric grill.
- Safe to Use
Unlike gas grills, electric grills do not emit those insane amounts of carbon monoxide. For this reason, using them indoors or even in enclosed areas like sheds is so easy. Other than carbon monoxide, electric grills do not emit many other harmful fumes too. Therefore, it safe not just for you but for our planet as well.
- Cost-Effective
There is no argument that electric grills are cost-effective. In fact, you can even find electric grills that are no more than $50. Moreover, you cut down on propane costs too.
- Easy to Clean
One of the benefits of electric grills is that you can simply wipe it down with a sponge, and you are good to go. Alternatively, some models allow you to detach the griddle and put it in the dishwasher for it to do all the hard work for you.
- Convenience
Most of these grills are quite light in weight and can be carried around anywhere with you. All you need is a power outlet, and you can cook your steak or other grilled food anytime, anywhere.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that you don’t need to know how to light an electric grill because you don’t need to. You just need to plug it in the power outlet, and you are ready to grill! Electric grills are extremely convenient, safe to use, and are fantastic for the planet. We definitely would suggest you give one a try.