We combine tasty with useful: TOP-5 best contact grills

The contact grill of the successful German manufacturer Bosch is distinguished by its neat design and compact dimensions. When closed, it is quite thin (only 12 cm). If it were not for the protruding sidewalls with hinged fasteners, the device would be even smaller. But they make it possible to adjust the height of the product, and also allow you to store the electric grill in an upright position. Therefore, it will not be difficult to find a place to store the device even in a small kitchen.

With the help of Bosch TFB3302, you can cook steaks, sandwiches, bake vegetables, bake pizza, fry fish, etc. Approximate values for the cooking time of popular dishes are marked on the grill body in the form of pictograms.

Various ways of using the device are possible: contact grilling (both plates are pressed against the product), frying and heating (the device opens 180 degrees, in this case the total working surface doubles) and baking (the plates are close to each other, but the upper one does not touch the food).

The cooking temperature is regulated by a rotating mechanical switch. A closed heating element with 1800 watts is responsible for heating and maintaining the selected temperature regime. Given the overall compactness of the device, such power is quite enough for fast and high-quality roasting of rather thick pieces of meat or fish.

Bosch TFB3302 is equipped with corrugated metal plates. After use, they can be removed and cleaned of dirt, including in the dishwasher. A non-stick coating is applied to the work surfaces, which allows you to abandon the use of oil and reduces the likelihood of products sticking to the plates.

However, there is no tray for dripping fat. Therefore, a saucer or other container will have to be placed next to the grill during operation. But given the low price and the credibility of the manufacturer, the disadvantage does not look critical, and the device will appeal to bachelors and small families who monitor their nutrition.

The full name of the model of the French brand Tefal sounds like this: Ultra Compact Health Grill Comfort GC3060. Already in the name, the manufacturer hints at the main features of the device: compactness, the possibility of cooking healthy food and comfort during operation.

With small overall dimensions, the working surface of the electric grill is 30x22 cm, which is quite enough for cooking 4 steaks at a time. An additional feature of the model is the legs on the rear end, which allow you to store the device vertically.

The Tefal GC3060 is equipped with a powerful 2000W heater that warms up both corrugated metal plates. The device can be used in three positions: a contact grill, a barbecue (tilting the upper plate 180 ° turns the device into a large brazier) and an oven (the upper surface is held by a metal support at a distance of about 10 cm from the product). Just the last option distinguishes the model from its closest relative — Tefal Ultracompact GC3050 stainless steel Price from 2 809 up to 4 199 ₴.

The electric grill has 3 temperature modes set using a regulator. The first position involves heating up to 100 degrees and is suitable for cooking vegetables, the second (200 degrees) — for hot sandwiches. The third mode (up to 250 degrees) is designed for frying meat, fish, chicken and sausages.

It takes 6 minutes to preheat the plates to the maximum operating temperature.

The Tefal GC3060 grill has a fat tray. For cleaning, it can be removed, as well as the working plates themselves. These removable elements can be washed not only by hand, but also in the dishwasher. However, users note that automatic washing does not always effectively cope with cleaning corrugated surfaces from traces of food, and also gradually destroys the non-stick coating.

Also, the device smokes quite a lot during operation, which means that it presents additional requirements for the hood in the kitchen, which can be considered a disadvantage of the model. Otherwise, it is no coincidence that Tefal GC3060 holds the status of one of the most popular electric grills of the mid-price segment. It will not take up much space in a small kitchen and will make it easy to cook delicious and healthy food.

In addition to the advanced MultiGrill series, the Italian brand De'Longhi also produces electric grills of the medium price category. Its representative is the compact device CGH912 with grooved and smooth work surfaces included.

Rib plates are perfect for frying meat, fish, chicken, vegetables, sandwiches and burgers. Flat surfaces simplify the preparation of scrambled eggs, pancakes, seafood, etc. It is also possible to combine different types of surfaces together.

There is also a modification of this grill on the market De'Longhi CGH910 stainless steel Price from 6 560 up to 6 720 ₴, which differs from the CGH912 version by having only corrugated plates included.

The De'Longhi CGH912 electric grill is equipped with an adjustable thermostat that allows you to set one of five heating temperatures in the range from 80 to 230 degrees. The power of the device is 1500 watts, which is why it will take more time to prepare dishes than when using analogues designed for 1800 – 2000 watts. So, only preheating to the maximum temperature takes about 8 minutes.

You can use the grill in the closed and open 180° position (barbecue mode). In the latter case, the useful working area is 46x29 cm, which will allow you to cook dishes for a small house party at a time.

When folded, the De'Longhi CGH912 takes up very little space.

There are 3 knobs for control: a mode switch (grill/ barbecue) and separate temperature controllers for each of them. A special Cool Tech system keeps the controls cool and protects the user from burns. But, as users note, the designations around the handles are quickly erased, which is a disadvantage of the device.

The working plates in De'Longhi CGH912 are removable, and each of them has a non-stick coating. Also included are two trays for collecting fat and a shovel for cleaning work surfaces. You can wash the plates and accessories in the dishwasher, which is designed to facilitate the care procedure.

The electric grill handles well with its basic functions and provides additional versatility thanks to the expanded configuration. It looks stylish and will look advantageous in the kitchen, where there is another manufacturer's equipment, for example, a De'Longhi coffee maker.

Electric grills of the Optigrill line are positioned by the manufacturer as intelligent devices for frying. They automatically determine the thickness of the product and the degree of roasting, so that the user does not need to control the temperature and cooking time.

The Tefal GC722D model is the senior representative of the Optigrill series, differing in the largest dimensions of the working surface (40x20 cm) and the presence of 9 automatic cooking programs at once: for burgers, steaks, sandwiches, sausages, fish, poultry, seafood, pork and bacon (the GC712D model does not have the last three). It is worth taking into account the rather large dimensions (45 cm wide) of the device in advance.

In Tefal GC722D, even frozen foods can be placed on the grill for frying, after activating the "defrosting" programme. In addition to automatic programs, there is also a manual mode with the ability to set one of four temperatures in the range from 110 to 285 degrees. It is suitable for roasting vegetables and various culinary experiments.

After the selected programme is completed, the device switches to the heat preservation mode by default, and then automatically turns off. This protective function also works if you leave the grill open or closed for a long time without placing the product.

The lack of a barbecue mode (with open plates) slightly narrows the versatility of the model.

Tefal GC722D received a clear push-button control. The feature of the model is a colour indicator. It not only displays the current operating mode and warns about errors, but also helps to determine the degree of readiness of the product. The indicator will be especially useful for steak lovers, because it will let you know when the desired degree of roasting has been achieved: with blood (rare), medium (medium) and full (well-done). In addition to changing the colour of the indicator, each new stage of cooking is accompanied by an audible signal.

The model is equipped with a fat tray, and the bottom panel is tilted by 7° to ensure its effective draining. The corrugated plates with non-stick coating are easy to remove for cleaning, they can be washed in the dishwasher.

The grill will appeal to all connoisseurs of steaks and those who want to automate the processes of cooking delicious, healthy food to the maximum. Taking into account all the functionality, the price of the Tefal GC722D looks quite justified.

Representatives of the German brand Steba assure that this electric grill is made exclusively in Germany. This is due to both the appropriate quality of materials and the level of reliability, as well as the high cost of the model.

The grill has received a large working surface (23x37 cm), on which you can cook from 4 or more servings of meat or other products. Therefore, the model is not too compact. But it is very thin (only 12 cm), equipped with a handle with a lock for closing the plates, as well as legs on the sides, which allows you to carry it like a briefcase. Also, in an upright position, the device takes up less storage space.

Steba PG-4.4 can be used as a contact grill or barbecue (with 180° plate opening). The distance between the working surfaces in the clamping mode is easily adjusted to the desired products, starting from thin potatoes and ending with a large hamburger.

Double-sided plates give additional versatility to the grill. On one side there are classic corrugated surfaces for frying meat, fish, poultry, etc., and on the other — a special relief for cooking waffles. Therefore, the device is considered not only a grill, but also a waffle iron.

Note that the delivery package of the related model Steba PG-4.3 stainless steel Price from 5 777 up to 10 374 ₴ a third double-sided plate with a smooth and grooved surface is also included. Using its flat side, it is convenient to cook scrambled eggs and sausages in barbecue mode.

The Steba PG-4.4 has 5 temperature modes (from 150 to 250 degrees), which are set using a lever on the handle. Nearby there is an indication light indicating when the preheating of the plates is completed. The recommended cooking time for popular products is indicated on the case and in the instructions, however, it often differs from the real one, which is a disadvantage.

The disadvantage of the grill is the lack of a fat tray. Dishes or other containers will have to be substituted for the corresponding grooves. Cleaning the device after use is not easy, besides, the manufacturer does not recommend washing the removable plates in the dishwasher. But in general, the care process is similar to cleaning and washing other electric grills.

You can recommend Steba PG-4.4 to fans of traditional German quality and those who love homemade waffles.