The meat grill is appreciated for its ability to preserve the flavor of food, regardless of the desired cooking point (blue, rare, medium or well done). It also brings that authentic taste that is so characteristic of a good grill. But what does it have more compared to a barbecue or a plancha? To find answers to your questions, read this guide to the best meat grills in its entirety.
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Our selection
"The versatility of this model will certainly seduce you. In addition to grilling meat, it can also cook fish and sandwiches thanks to its set…"
"The Schumann SGR2302800 is actually a grill pan. Made of forged aluminum, it will last for years without any mechanical problems."
"The Delonghi CGH1020D has everything you need for perfect cooking: 2 adjustable thermostats, 6 cooking modes, 2000 W power, a large 37 x 23 cm…"
"The Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212 has a distinctive, yet intuitive design that will make you love grilled meat and help you prepare recipes that are…"
The versatility of this model will certainly seduce you. In addition to grilling meat, it can also cook fish and sandwiches thanks to its set of plates. The only limit is your imagination!
82,40 £ on BoulangerThe Cuisinart GR47E Griddler Elite meat grinder offers professional performance. It features a drip tray, a set of cast aluminum plates with non-stick coating and built-in heating elements. The heating time is fast. A few seconds are enough to reach a temperature of 240°C. Thanks to this quality material, the heat is distributed evenly over the entire cooking surface.
The biggest advantage of this meat grill is its ease of use. You will not miss any more cooking. The presence of the unique thermostat makes it even easier to control the temperature. 4 positions are available. They range from 100 to 240°C. With the built-in timer, it's ideal for adapting the time and heat level to the food you're cooking. Of course, the Cuisinart GR47E Griddler Elite not only handles meat, it also handles fish and skewers.
The Schumann SGR2302800 is actually a grill pan. Made of forged aluminum, it will last for years without any mechanical problems.
40,72 £ on CdiscountDurable, convenient and easy to clean, the Schumann SGR2302800 meat grill is made of anodized forged aluminum. Therefore, it will easily withstand daily use. Its non-stick stone coating prevents you from using fat during cooking. Moreover, it allows the pan to keep the authenticity of the taste of your meat. The bottom is of a considerable thickness that ensures a fast cooking, a storage as well as an optimal restitution of the heat.
The Schumann SGR2302800 is compatible with all burners, including induction. Thanks to its removable handle coated with heat-resistant silicone, the cooking accessory can be stored without difficulty. Moreover, it can also be used in the oven and can withstand a maximum temperature of 230°C. The Schumann SGR2302800, measuring 28 cm in diameter and 5 cm high, is guaranteed to be PFOA-free. But be careful! You risk ferrering the meat if you don't control the cooking temperature.
The Delonghi CGH1020D has everything you need for perfect cooking: 2 adjustable thermostats, 6 cooking modes, 2000 W power, a large 37 x 23 cm cooking surface and a maximum temperature of 230 °C.
176 £ on BoulangerThe Delonghi CGH1020D is sure to make all your grilling a success. Its professional design and stainless steel finish will fit into any kitchen, no matter what the decorating style. Its cooking surface measures 37 x 23 cm. You have 1700 cm² to grill your meats, but also your vegetables and fish. With a power of 2000 W, the device is suitable for a family of 4 to 6 people. You can enjoy all the flavors of a good indoor barbecue.
The Delonghi CGH1020D meets all your needs since it includes 2 sets of plates and 6 cooking modes, namely the grill, panini, barbecue, plancha, mixed cooking and gratin. In plancha mode, simply open the meat grill and use both plates at the same time. The Delonghi CGH1020D has a very intuitive digital LED control panel. Note that the 2 plates are controllable via independent thermostats. You will also find a timer and an automatic shut-off system.
The Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212 has a distinctive, yet intuitive design that will make you love grilled meat and help you prepare recipes that are as tasty as they are delicious.
47,99 £ on BoulangerWhat is immediately striking is that the controls of the Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212 are not on the front, but on the lid. The cooking device is very practical. It is ideal for grilling meat, fish and vegetables. But these are not its only functions. It is also capable of making gourmet paninis for the whole family. With this equipment, you can adapt your recipes as you like.
In order for you to cook efficiently, the Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212 has non-stick aluminum plates and a removable grease tray. It operates at a power of 2000 W. This can be adjusted with a thermostat adjustable on 3 levels. The cooking surface is 28.8 x 25.8 cm, the perfect size for grilling medium-sized pieces of meat or even heating 2 paninis simultaneously. To save space in your cupboards, the Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212 can be stored both horizontally and vertically.
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The best entry-level meat grill
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9/10 |
7/10 |
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8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Cuisinart GR47E Griddler Elite
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Schumann SGR2302800
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Delonghi CGH1020D
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Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212
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The versatility of this model will certainly seduce you. In addition to grilling meat, it can also cook fish and sandwiches thanks to its set of plates. The only limit is your imagination!
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The Schumann SGR2302800 is actually a grill pan. Made of forged aluminum, it will last for years without any mechanical problems.
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The Delonghi CGH1020D has everything you need for perfect cooking: 2 adjustable thermostats, 6 cooking modes, 2000 W power, a large 37 x 23 cm cooking surface and a maximum temperature of 230 °C.
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The Tefal Inicio Grill GC24212 has a distinctive, yet intuitive design that will make you love grilled meat and help you prepare recipes that are as tasty as they are delicious.
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Wattage
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1650 W
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'-
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2000 W
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2000 W
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Cooking area
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29.5 x 23.5 cm (x2)
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28 cm diameter
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37 x 23 cm
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28.8 x 25.8 cm
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Plate material
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Non-stick aluminum casing
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Aluminum cast iron
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Cast aluminum
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Aluminum
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Specifics
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Serves 4 to 6 people
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All burners, including induction, removable handle
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2 independent adjustable thermostats
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Serves 2 to 4 people
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Functions
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Grill, barbecue, croque-monsieur, panini, plancha
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Grill pan, oven pan
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Gril, panini, barbecue, plancha, combo cooking and au gratin
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Meat grills
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Pay attention to the type of model you choose. It should fit the number of people in your family and your lifestyle. You can choose between two categories: the electric model and the grill pan.
Check the power of your future meat grill (expressed in W) so that it can heat up quickly. To benefit from a good performance and a better efficiency, we advise you to choose a model whose power oscillates between 1500 and 2200 W. A minimum of 1600 W will allow you to reach the desired temperature in a few seconds without having a negative impact on your electricity consumption.
The number of people to be served will determine the size of the cooking surface measured in cm². This is the size of the plate on which the food will be placed. At a minimum, the models available on the market are 21 x 29 cm, which is a surface of 500 to 600 cm². But the more this cooking surface will be important and the more you will be able to grill a great quantity of meat, fish, vegetables...
Do you often receive friends or are you a large family? In this case, choose a meat grill with a large cooking surface. Some can even be used in open mode, which will multiply the initial cooking surface by 2.
Habitually, the plates of a meat grill are made of cast aluminum, a material known for its ability to retain and evenly distribute heat. In case you don't want to add any fat to your food at all, turn to a model with non-stick coated plates.
The presence of a set of plates is a real plus. This is usually the case with electric meat grills. It allows you to vary the pleasures and to cook for everyone, whatever their taste and desires. If the plates are indeed removable, they will go through the dishwasher without any hassle.
The additional features of the meat grill will define its price, practicality and ease of storage. Some have only one function: grilling. Others offer the cooking of paninis, sandwiches and waffles thanks to their sets of removable plates or even go so far as to take on the role of a barbecue or a plancha.
In general, the meat grill has a juice collection tray and/or several channels to ensure the drainage of juices and fats during cooking. As for the handle, it must be heat resistant.
If it is an electric meat grill, the manual thermostat could be useful. Make sure that there are at least 3 levels of adjustment to be able to adapt the cooking to the types of food. The automatic programs are also very interesting. The appliance will systematically set the time and the cooking mode according to the thickness of the food.
To get the most out of your meat grill, you need to know how to use it properly. Plus, it will help you prolong its life.
Start by preparing a marinade of olive or sunflower oil, lemon or white wine, garlic, onion and herbs. Fennel, chives, dill and rosemary are preferred for fish. Pour the mixture over the meat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will enhance its softness and bring more taste. Afterwards, pat each piece dry before placing it on the grill.
Cooking on an electric meat grill and a cast iron meat grill will not really be the same. You are still required to preheat the griddle for about 5 minutes, regardless of which model you use.
Always make sure to heat up the meat grill before use. Once the appliance is turned on, do not move it or allow children to play near it. And last but not least, use the instructions to help you become more familiar with your new cooking companion.
The electric meat grill consists of two ridged heating plates that will mark the meat during cooking. They close on top of each other with a hinge to cook the food on both sides. A good model usually includes a juice tray and a thermostat. The most advanced meat grills have a second thermostat, additional plates and a digital control panel.
Advantages: The plates (removable or not) have a non-stick coating to avoid adding fat. All detachable parts are dishwasher safe, like the plates and the juice tray. Having such an equipment will give you an infinite number of cooking possibilities. Grilled meats, fish and vegetables are yours. In some cases, the meat grill can also be used as a barbecue, a plancha, a panini maker, a waffle maker or a sandwich maker.
Disadvantages: The meat grill works exclusively with electricity. You must be near an electrical source to use it.
Who is it for? Are you trying to rebalance your diet in order to lose weight significantly and without a yo-yo effect? You want to take care of your health by adopting a healthy lifestyle? To achieve quality cooking and preserve all the flavors, taste, nutrients and minerals of your food, prefer an electric meat grill.
The cast iron meat grill is also called a grill pan or griddle pan due to its shape and method of use. Unlike the electric model, this one does not need electricity to operate. However, it can be adapted to all heat sources: oven, induction hob, electric hob, gas hob or glass ceramic hob. This type of meat grill comes in various shapes: rectangular, square or round and has grooves.
Advantages: The cast iron meat grill is suitable for all cooking plates. Some are even oven safe. The cast iron surface retains and distributes the heat evenly. It is quite thick. This makes the utensil seem heavier, but it also means it will last longer. The ridges on the bottom of the pan isolate the meat from the juices and fat. It is easy to get rid of them afterwards by means of the pouring spout.
Disadvantages: Unfortunately, you can only grill food on one side at a time. You also need to have complete control over the cooking time and temperature to use it. If you're cooking a large amount of meat, the lack of a juice tray will quickly become apparent.
Who is it for? The cast iron meat grill is highly recommended for purists and grillers, i.e. people who can control both the temperature and the cooking time. It is easy to store and takes up as little space as possible. You want to grill during an outdoor event? The cast iron meat grill is just what you need.
The meat grill is very easy to use. It promises a natural cooking of your food, without the need to add fat. Often equipped with an adjustable thermostat and/or an automatic program, the appliance adapts its power according to the type and thickness of the meat to be grilled. The food keeps its smell, its vitamins, its minerals and its flavours.
But it's not only meat that you can cook on the grill. Hamburgers, vegetables, kebabs, sausages, steaks and fish are also grilled. In most cases, the appliance includes other removable plates giving you the opportunity to prepare other recipes such as waffles and paninis. Note that the cooking surface is usually between 97 and 610 cm².
Ecological and practical, the electric barbecue allows you to adopt a healthy cooking method. It can be used in small spaces, especially on the balcony or in small apartments. To heat the cooking grids, the device has several heating elements placed just below. It also has an adjustable thermostat.
The advantage of the electric barbecue is that it does not emit any smoke, even though it cooks only on one side at a time. The most advanced models can be converted into a plancha or a crepe maker. The size of the cooking surface varies from one model to another. If there are at most 6 of you, a 35 x 20 cm model is recommended. The models of 40 x 25 cm and more will be able to treat up to 10 people.
Both utensils allow you to grill while hot, without leaving your home. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Opt for the meat grill if you want to grill in a small community (6 people maximum). It will also save you time in the kitchen because it can cook on both sides at the same time. However, the cooking surface is smaller than that of an electric barbecue.
Are you planning to cook for the whole family or for a large table? Then you should choose an electric barbecue. Thanks to its large cooking surface, it is possible to grill a large quantity of food. Of course, nothing prevents you from offering both by choosing a multifunctional meat grill that can be used as a waffle iron, a plancha or a barbecue.
A healthy way to cook
Grilling has its detractors. Many criticize the lack of precision and the excessive production of smoke. However, this method of cooking has the advantage of being healthy. The use of oil is not mandatory unlike other methods such as frying. In order to avoid that the grilled meat is too dry, you can use different marinades which will also enhance its taste.
Easy to use
The old-fashioned grill is dreaded by many. Handling meat over an open fire can be scary. Modern meat grills are much easier to handle. Today there are electric or gas models. They offer different cooking programs to choose from depending on the food to be grilled (red meat, poultry, fish, vegetables...) with a choice of cooking degree. With a modern meat grill, you will be able to prepare delicious grilled food without any difficulty.
A fast rise in temperature
You will save time by cooking your food on the grill. By placing the food directly on the fire, the cooking time is greatly reduced. Fish and vegetables are ready in a few minutes. Red meat takes only a few minutes longer to cook. Electric models do not take longer. On the contrary, they heat up very quickly and prepare golden brown grills in just a few minutes.
A versatile cooking device
The meat grill is not only used to prepare delicious grilled food to enhance your barbecue afternoons with family and friends. You can pull it out of your cupboards much more often to cook a variety of dishes. For example, the grill can be used to brown breads for sandwiches, paninis or simply vegetables and various fillings. It's a versatile appliance that will help you make many tasty dishes.
A feast for the eyes and the taste buds
It's a fact that grilled food is one of the most visually appetizing dishes. Golden foods are a feast for the eyes. There is also the smell which, for most people, evokes the party, the barbecues in the garden on a beautiful summer afternoon. The taste is not left out. The grill releases all the flavors of the food. Do you want to make a success of the presentation and taste of your dishes? Equip yourself with a meat grill.
In our opinion, the best brands of meat grills in 2022 are :
Cuisinart is an American brand known for having introduced the concept of the food processor in the United States in the 1970s. Food processors are still its main specialty. Despite this, Cuisinart offers a whole catalog of kitchen utensils and cooking appliances, including meat grills. These are reliable, particularly sturdy and easy to use.
The Schumann brand has been making innovative cookware for 18 years. The manufacturer exploits already existing concepts with the aim of improving them and making them even more practical. This quest for improvement and excellence makes Schumann produce professional quality cookware. Are you looking for durable and efficient meat grills? Turn to the Schumann brand.
Delonghi was founded in Italy in 1902. The brand earned its credentials by manufacturing high-end coffee machines. It remains a reference in this sector. Delonghi has also expanded its product line to include a range of kitchen utensils and cooking appliances like meat grills. The brand's models are known for being sturdy and accessible to all in terms of price.
Created in 1956, Tefal is THE French specialist in non-stick cookware. More than 60 years later, it continues to innovate in its favorite field. Frying pans, saucepans, griddles and meat grills make up its very rich catalog of products. Tefal meat grills are recognized for their quality and ease of use.
For 50 years, Riviera&Bar has taken up the challenge of promoting the culinary arts through kitchen utensils and tableware. The brand exclusively offers high-end products, which are generally priced above the average. Riviera&Bar thus puts quality first. The brand's meat grills are very practical, innovative and long-lasting.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Cultivate the cast iron meat grill before first use
Just got a brand new cast iron meat grill delivered? Before using it, remember to seal the cooking surface. This step is essential because it prevents oxidation of cast iron, which is a porous material. To seal your cast iron meat grill, simply oil it when it is placed on the fire. Wipe off the oil and repeat three times. Note that regular use will help your meat grill to bake as long as you use oil.
Ground the grill so the meat doesn't stick
Don't want the meat to stick to the cooking surface? Remember to oil the grill before use. Using a paper towel soaked in oil, oil the entire cooking surface. Be careful, this operation must be done just before placing the meat to be seared on the grill. The cooking surface must be preheated and ready for use. If you oil the surface too early (before preheating), the liquid will burn and produce a lot of toxic smoke.
Heat the meat grill thoroughly before use
Preheating is a very important step in preparing grilled meat. It involves heating the meat grill to the ideal temperature. Only put the meat on the grill when it is hot enough to sear directly. This way, you won't have to turn the steak over several times. Preheating applies to all types of meat grills.
Meat grill: respect the cooking time
The cooking time changes depending on the food placed on the meat grill. Steaks 2 cm thick will grill between 3 and 5 minutes on each side. Poultry takes 5 to 10 minutes to cook, while pork takes 6 to 7 minutes. Turn the food regularly if it burns too quickly. You can also adjust the temperature to avoid overcooking.
Take food out of the refrigerator before cooking
It is advisable to remove your ingredients from the refrigerator several minutes before grilling. The goal will be to allow them to reach room temperature before being placed directly on the fire. This will listen to the cooking time and limit the degradation of the nutrients in the meat and vegetables.
Grilling meat like a chef is not as complex as it may seem. The most important thing is to find the ideal cooking time. It depends on the size and thickness of the piece, but also on the level of doneness (rare, medium rare). Don't forget to preheat the grill and, if necessary, to oil it. Place the meat on a hot grill so that it is seared at first contact. Ideally, you will turn the piece over only once.
Cleaning a meat grill involves removing oil stains and food and meat residue. The cooking grate can be cleaned with hot water mixed with dishwashing liquid. Use a stainless steel brush to scrub. A sponge soaked in water and dishwashing liquid will be sufficient to remove grease from the grill body. Ideally, the grill should be washed after each use. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the frequency of use of the grill.
There are many tricks totenderize meat to make it even more delicious. Ginger, wine, beer, tomato-based sauces, coffee, or fruits such as figs, papaya, and pineapple will tenderize meat. Use them as an ingredient in the marinade. It is also possible to pound the meat with a utensil like a rolling pin. This will break up the fibers and soften the meat.
The time it takes to cook meat on an electric grill depends on three factors: the type of meat, its size and the power of the grill. Thinner cuts will grill faster. Fish and pork will cook faster than red meat and poultry. Finally, you'll need to choose the right heat setting for your grill. Turn the heat up to the highest setting to get meat that is rare on the inside and golden brown on the outside. A lower heat setting is better for medium-rare meat.
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