Rated power of the device — that is, the maximum power consumed during normal operation. With a low intensity of heating, energy consumption may be lower, but it is worth focus on this indicator.
The larger the surface area of the electric grill, the more energy is required for its efficient operation. In addition, for different cooking tasks, the intensity of heating (and, accordingly, the required power) will also be different. Therefore, only devices of the same type (see above) with a similar size of the working surface (see below) can be compared by this indicator. And in such a comparison, it is worth proceeding from the fact that higher power provides faster heating and more stable temperatures, but significantly affects the cost of the device. In addition, appliances
more than 2 kW can create problems for old, “weak” wiring.
However, more than 2 kW is a high power for modern electric grills. Most of them have power consumption of
1,5 – 2 kW, quite a few models are in the range
of 1 – 1,5 kW, and in the most low-power devices, this figure does not exceed
1 kW at all. At the same time, it is worth emphasizing separately that low power in itself does not mean low efficiency — often it turns out to be quite sufficient, taking into account the type and capacity of the grill.
The main material from which the body of the grill is made.
— Metal. Metal is currently the most popular material used in grills across all types and price ranges. This is primarily due to its high reliability and durability, as well as its heat resistance and fireproof nature. Metal cases also offer a stylish appearance, scratch resistance, and easy cleaning, making them highly desirable. While metal cases may be slightly more expensive than plastic ones, the additional cost is often justified by the advantages mentioned above.
— Plastic. Plastic is another commonly used material in grills. It is generally cheaper than metal but is considered less reliable. Plastic cases are prone to scratches, and a strong impact can cause them to crack, unlike metal cases which are more likely to bend. Additionally, different types of plastic have varying heat resistance, although grills typically use heat-resistant varieties. However, plastic cases are more susceptible to damage from overheating compared to metal alloys. Despite these limitations, these shortcomings are not usually critical in normal everyday use. As a result, while plastic cases are still less common than metal ones, many grills are produced with plastic cases now.
— Glass. All-glass cases are not commonly used in grills due to their high cost and fragility. Instead, glass is often combined with metal or plastic materials as a protective case. It is found mainly in
barbecues, where the glass case surrounds the stand with skewers, allowing for easy monitoring of the cooking process without removing the protection from the device. However, glass cases are more fragile compared to metal ones. They can crack or break not only from strong impacts but also from temperature changes, such as washing the case with cold water while it is still hot. In other types of grills, glass is primarily used as a decorative coating for a metal or plastic body, rather than as the main material for the case.
— Wood. While wood can provide a pleasant and unique aesthetic to a grill, it is not as practical as metal or plastic cases. Wood is not well-suited to high temperatures as it can char or even catch fire, requiring careful consideration of thermal insulation in such devices. As a result, grills with wooden cases are extremely rare and primarily found in designer models that prioritize unconventional appearances over practicality.
