Electric Outdoor Grill

[gadgetgary]

Condo restrictions might make is so that I have to get rid of my gas grill on a wood deck.
Any recommendations for an 'electric' grill that works almost as well as a gas grill?

Have a POS neighbor that has complained about my using the grill on a wood deck, even though it is 10 ft from the bldg and there are fire walls between each Unit.

Only takes one to make it miserable for all the rest. Have used my grill here for 31 yrs!

 

[crevicetool]

Hi Gary!

I have a Charbroil TRU-infrared Patio Bristo that I have grown to like a lot. I've had it for a year now, and while I can't imagine it even coming close to what I was able to do on my Weber - It has been successful in my situation. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of warm up time, and of course doesn't get as hot as I'm used to, but I can't complain (a lot). It's grill is about 18" and has a "warming rack" in the lid. Per the lid mounted thermometer, it gets to be 500 degrees in there. I will set an iron skillet on the grill and let it soak for a half hour and sear meat/vegetables etc.

On a scale of 1 - 10 for grills, I would give it a 6.5, as an electric grill, I would easily give it a 10.

Other than it being electric - the other complaint I have is the grill is a porcelain covered v-shaped inverted bar affair,(rather than what a regular charcoal grill would have), and the coil doesn't get hot enough to burn off BBQ sauce etc. It clogs rather easily, and is difficult to clean. Once baked on there, the stuff is really hard to get off (oven cleaner works). You can't use a grill brush (steel or brass) for fear of destroying the porcelain finish, and a nylon brush won't make a dent.

I really like it for what it is...

I got mine at Lowe's for I think $129.00.

Hope this helps a little,

Rick

 

[crevicetool]

...and, I KNOW what you mean about one making it miserable for all..., and there IS ALWAYS one of those....

 

[crevicetool]

I guess they don't make the one I have anymore - this ain't it but here's a link to what they offer now. Mine doesn't have the side tables...

http://https//www.charbroil.com/patio-bistro-electric-grill-2017

 

[gadgetgary]

Is this a better choice?

Or this one?

Amazon.com

http://https//www.amazon.com/Weber-55020001-2400-Electric-Grill/dp/B00FDOON8S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529288577&sr=8-3&keywords=weber+electric+grill

 

[rp2813]

I like the Webers.  That's what I was imagining would be the best design -- open element with a sturdy grate.  The Char-Broil looks nice, but with the anti-flare treatments I think it would be tough to sear a steak on it.  It also seems to be a bitch to clean per the post above.

 

Many years ago an electric grill was the only option for a friend who lived in a condo.  He got something that was basically an outdoor griddle with rippled cooking surface, and what it rendered got a thumbs down from everyone, including him.  We also couldn't flip the light on in the bathroom while the grill was on or it would trip the breaker.  A fan was integrated into the light fixture and that was the culprit.  Something to consider if your circuits are already maxxed out.

 

The smaller of the two Webers would be fine for one or two people/good sized steaks.   Go for the larger one if you think you'll need the extra surface area.  One thing you don't want to do when grilling is crowd things together.

 

 

 

[kb0nes]

I once cooked on one of those electric Weber's. While I'm not at all a fan of 120v electric grills (just not enough heat) that one did actually work. It is also built well enough that it is going to hold up to actual usage unlike cheaper electric grills.

 

[askolover]

I've eaten hamburgers cooked on an electric grill one time and I'll never forget how they tasted.....like burned grease.  Isn't there literature with a gas grill that says it is fine to use on a wooden deck???

 

[gadgetgary]

Wooden Deck

According to what I have read on the net, I am within my legal rites to use my grill. I live in a townhouse style condo, less that three stories, there are fire walls between each unit, and we all have a way of egress from each unit. However, there are no stairs directly to get off the deck. You have to go thru the house, but that seems to me a way of egress. I have a busy body neighbor that looks for things to pick on. He should just keep his mouth shut, since he went to jail a few years back for trying to solicit a 14 yr old girl on the internet, who turned out to be an undercover cop. He is a registered sex offender.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/rpt/pdf/2015-R-0206.pdf

Change In Fire Code Prohibits Grills On Decks For Some Residents Of Apartments And Condos

There will be no more grilling hot dogs or hamburgers on decks and balconies of Connecticut apartment buildings. A little-noticed change in the newly revised Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code,…

www.courant.com

 

[ozzie908]

31 years and no fire on deck?

Surely thats testament to how safe it is ?

Sounds like that lovely neighbour of yours is trying to cause you trouble to steer folk away from his !

Can you compromise and have a hose pipe to hand just in case ?

Good luck and rest assured we all have those neighbours at times

 

[dermacie]

I know in my area several friends have mentioned not being able to use charcoal or propane on the condo deck, but natural gas grills built in were ok. Is that the same where you are?

 

[gadgetgary]

I imagine built in would be the case, however, no natural gas. Unit owners are allowed propane for gas fireplaces, with the gas tank up against the building.

My feeling is that if the gas grill is used away from the building, what is the problem? An electric grill can catch fire too!

 

[tomturbomatic]

I have seen 240 volt grills that put out plenty of heat, but you probably don't have that outlet available on your balcony. Have you ever used a Farberware Open Hearth Broiler? They are not made any longer, but you could scout eBay for one. They really give good flavor and go in the dishwasher so clean up is easy. The other nice thing is that they can be used indoors or out.

 

[gadgetgary]

Farberware

I have that broiler. Although it works well, not the same flavor as a gas grill. I line with foil for even easier cleanup. Just wondered if any electric grills would give the same flavor?

Yes, no 240 Volt outlet on my deck.

Thanks!

 

[cuffs054]

I used my Farberware Open Hearth twice this week indoors. No one will confuse the food as cooked on a coal or gas grill but it does OK. My cord set is getting really hot lately and probably needs to be replaced. I pissed away $100  today on a PowerXL smokeless grill at Wally World today. Haven't used it yet but it's got a FAN built into it! More to play with!

 

[tomturbomatic]

I got one of the JennAir black ceramic plates that are positioned beneath the heating element. One fits nicely under the heating element in the Farber and gives more sizzle surface for flavor.

 

[petek]

Is there a restriction against bbq's on the patios or not? If it isn't clearly spelled out in the condo bylaws there is nothing stopping you. To change the bylaw requires a vote at a condo meeting.

 

[gadgetgary]

No condo restriction, per the article posted it is a CT state restriction, but given the guidelines, I am within the restrictions.

Tomturbomatic: Could you post a pic the the Jenn Air plates? Are they readily available???

 

[petek]

Then you have no reason to get rid of it, tell the neighbor to go frack himself LOL