This category covers electric contact grills, table grills and baking plates for cooking meat, fish, vegetables, sandwiches or pancakes at home. Our range includes over 120 models, with brands such as Tefal, Tristar, Princess, Rommelsbacher and Severin. You can choose anything from simple models to appliances with an adjustable thermostat.
How to choose a grill or baking plate
Type. A contact grill cooks from both sides at once, so food is ready faster and sandwiches or steaks brown evenly. An open table grill or baking plate suits meals where several people cook for themselves at the table and want to watch the food.
Power. In our range, power runs from 1350 to 2400 W, and many models are rated at 2000 W. Higher wattage heats up faster and holds its temperature better when you add a lot of food, but it is wise to plug it into a socket that is not already running other high-power appliances.
Temperature control. Many models we offer have an adjustable thermostat, which lets you cook fish more gently than beef. Controls are rotary dials, buttons or touch panels. A dial is the simplest to use, while a touch panel wipes clean more easily.
Coating and cleaning. A non-stick surface needs less fat and washes up faster. Check whether the plates are removable and whether there is a fat drip tray, as these two features make cleaning after cooking much easier.
Size and shape. Most of the models described are rectangular. Choose the cooking area according to how many people usually eat together, and check that the appliance will fit in your cupboard.
Brands in our range
- Tefal: known for non-stick coatings and electric contact grills, and the brand with the most models in this category.
- Tristar: a Dutch maker of small household appliances that offers table grills and baking plates for shared meals.
- Princess: another Dutch brand, known for table grills and other small kitchen appliances.
- Rommelsbacher and Severin: German manufacturers whose ranges often include table grills and other heat-cooking kitchen appliances.
- Gastroback: a German brand known for design-conscious kitchen appliances.
- Bosch and Philips: major home appliance makers with models in this category.
Also in our range: Esperanza, Salter, Adler and Domo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a contact grill and a baking plate?
A contact grill has two heated plates and cooks food from both sides at the same time. A baking plate is usually open, so food needs turning, but you can cook more pieces at once and prepare the meal at the table.
What power should a grill have?
For home use, around 2000 W is usually enough, as plates of that rating heat up quickly enough to cook meat. Lower-rated models, such as 1350 W, heat more slowly but put less load on the circuit.
Does a grill need an adjustable thermostat?
It is not essential, but it is useful. A thermostat lets you choose a lower temperature for vegetables and fish and a higher one for meat. Without it, the appliance cooks at a single set temperature, which limits what you can prepare.
How do I clean an electric grill without damaging the coating?
Unplug the grill, let it cool, then wipe it with a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Avoid metal brushes and sharp utensils, because they scratch the non-stick surface. Wash removable plates in the dishwasher only if the manufacturer's instructions allow it.
