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[grkazan12]

I recently moved to a new studio apartment with a balcony and I was looking to get an electric grill in order to cook outside. I feel like this would be the best option for me in my situation due to the reduced amount cleanup.

I narrowed it down to two choices,either the :

1. George Foreman GRP99 ($75)
2. Cuisinart GR-4N ($80)

Would love any type of feedback on this, thanks.

 

[entremet]

Why would use an electric grill outside? Most electric grills are for indoor use.

My roommates used a George Foreman in college for burgers and grilled cheeses. It was solid.

 

[grkazan12]

Don't really want to mess with gas, I know nothing bad will happen if you're cautious, but I just want to play it safe. I'ts not that big of a balcony either.

 

[L.B. Jeffries]

I would do neither and get a dutch oven.

Sear the meat, then bake it in the oven. Take the lid on or off depending on how dry you want it. Produces absolutely amazing pork loins. Plus you can reuse the juices for sauces.

 

[entremet]

Don't really want to mess with gas, I know nothing bad will happen if you're cautious, but I just want to play it safe. I'ts not that big of a balcony either.

I see. I know it is illegal in some locales due to fire safety laws, although they're broken all the time lol.

But with that, just cook inside and serve your food outside honestly. Must better results if you're using cast iron on a stove.

 

[Skellig Gra]

I have an electric one on my balcony because my wife made me ditch the gas one. It's decent at best. The main problem is if you open it to flip your meat the grill cools down significantly so its hard to cook something evenly.

 

[Transistor]

Electric grills are pretty terrible. You're better off using a camping stove that uses those tiny butane cylinders if you don't want a big propane tank.

 

[otapnam]

http://www.weber.com/grills/series/weber-q-electric/2400

Or get a small propane q 1200 for 200$

 

[dofry]

So far I've never eaten good food made on an electric grill. Mostly the price and quality of cooking is subpar.

I'd highly recommend to get a thingy, be it gas or coal, that actually produces good food. It's more important than the maintenance of the grill itself.

 

[grkazan12]

Used a cast iron and loved it, but it does produce a lot of smoke.

 

[Machine]

Gas and charcoal grills involve fire. Balconies are usually made of wood. Most apartment complexes ban grills on balconies for a reason.

I have a Foreman grill and it has its uses. I don't love burgers on it but it is good for bacon. I have yet to try grilled cheese sandwiches.

 

[grkazan12]

I know electric grills aren't top tier, but I just need it for simple meals. A steak here, a chicken filet there, and a burger once in a while.

I guess one more added to the list:

Hamilton Beach

 

[Konka]

I know electric grills aren't top tier, but I just need it for simple meals. A steak here, a chicken filet there, and a burger once in a while.

I guess one more added to the list:

Hamilton Beach

You're honestly better off just buying a cast iron grill pan.

 

[Vermillion]

...I've been reading Twitch chat too often.

 

[grkazan12]

You're honestly better off just buying a cast iron grill pan.

I want to, but it produces a lot smoke. unless I was doing something wrong.

 

[highoffcoffee496]

I recently moved to a new studio apartment with a balcony and I was looking to get an electric grill in order to cook outside. I feel like this would be the best option for me in my situation due to the reduced amount cleanup.

I narrowed it down to two choices,either the :

1. George Foreman GRP99 ($75)
2. Cuisinart GR-4N ($80)

Would love any type of feedback on this, thanks.

My bf and I have the second choice. We use to have a George Foreman but recently got that one. I prefer it so much more and highly recommend it.

 

[XenogearsX]

Electric grills are ok. There's a better taste that you get from flame broiling meat that you can't replicate using electric. If you need to use it indoors, fine, but if you have sunny weather and an outdoor area for it, go with gas

 

[Walter White Walker]

I used to have a George Foreman but wasn't impressed by it. Maybe it's just me but it had a tendency to dry meat out which isn't a good thing. I went back to using a gas grill.

 

[NealMcCauley]

I used to have a foreman but got rid of it after everything started having a strange funky flavor to it, like the coating was wearing off or something.

That Cuisinart looks nice.

 

[Stallion Dan]

Get a halogen oven.

If cleaning is a concern, it's just a big glass bowl to wash, simple. Can stick it in the dishwasher if got one.

 

[Slayven]

Get an open one and not with a lid that mashes the meat. They squeeze all the juice out of the meat and makes the food terrible.

 

[Shanlei91]

The best way to reheat pizza.

You're welcome.

 

[mhayes86]

That Cuisinart looks pretty good.

I was gifted a George Foreman, and it was a cooking lifesaver when I first moved and lacked other cooking tools. With that said, it does the job, but electric grilling isn't as good as traditional grilling.

However, moving to an apartment, it's highly likely that your apartment complex has grilling regulations listed in the lease with open flame grills banned on the premises, and possibly even stored.

 

[entremet]

I want to, but it produces a lot smoke. unless I was doing something wrong.

That's normal. Just make sure to get a grill brush to clean it.

Do you have a hood for your stove?

 

[DietRob]

I would rather jump off the balcony than be forced to use an electric grill. They are fucking garbage.

 

[FZZ]

I hate what twitch has done to me based on the first thought I had reading the thread title

Fucking gamers man

 

[SURGEdude]

I would rather jump off the balcony than be forced to use an electric grill. They are fucking garbage.

Pretty much. I'm not even quite sure if I get the point of them. It's like cooking indoors... just outside instead?

I realize some people aren't allowed gas. But I'd rather be trashy and bring a portable charcoal grill out to the common area or sidewalk and grill there than deal with cooking food on electric anything.

 

[OnkelC]

a high powered electric contact grill is a viable alternative for a cast iron skillet, but will never be able to reproduce the result of a charcoal or gas grill IMHO.

 

[grkazan12]

Any recommendations for a portable/safe charcoal or propane grill?

 

[Konka]

Any recommendations for a portable/safe charcoal or propane grill?

Can't go wrong with a Weber Smokey Joe if you're looking for a small charcoal. $30 on Amazon.

 

[Apt101]

I have a little Foreman grill. It's OK, gets a good char on burgers, chicken, whatever, but cooking in a pan is still better IMO.

 

[OnkelC]

Any recommendations for a portable/safe charcoal or propane grill?

http://www.weber.com/grills/series/smokey-joe

 

[grkazan12]

Can't go wrong with a Weber Smokey Joe if you're looking for a small charcoal. $30 on Amazon.

http://www.weber.com/grills/series/smokey-joe

Thanks Onkel and Konka, seems like a great model.

 

[entremet]

I hate what twitch has done to me based on the first thought I had reading the thread title

Fucking gamers man

Wut

 

[FZZ]

Wut

Grills = girls

That was my first thought reading the title and then I had to think about for three seconds before I realized what twitch has done to me

 

[Dead Prince]

Grills = girls

That was my first thought reading the title and then I had to think about for three seconds before I realized what twitch has done to me

at least you didn't post a picture of paul wall and his grills though

 

[Transistor]

Can't go wrong with a Weber Smokey Joe if you're looking for a small charcoal. $30 on Amazon.

http://www.weber.com/grills/series/smokey-joe

I concur with these. A simple Weber charcoal grill is the best thing in the world.

 

[OnkelC]

You can even put a grill on your grill when you like grills.

 

[Spiritreaver]

I hate what twitch has done to me based on the first thought I had reading the thread title

Fucking gamers man

You and me both.

I was even trying to mentally prepare myself for the horrorific pics that would be in this thread.

 

[RiccochetJ]

I have a weber electric grill and it's awesome. A bit pricey though. Beware of getting any sort of flame grill and you're in an apartment type complex. I used to have a propane bbq, but then I got a notice from the fire department that I would start getting a weekly fine if I didn't remove it. Depends on your local ordinance though.

 

[grkazan12]

I've been researching a ton on fire code laws about charcoal grill on patios for Pennsylvania, but I haven't found anything. This is more on me, but do any PA people know of the law requirements?

 

[oti]

What a coincidence, I bought this one just a week ago. http://www.amazon.de/dp/B0051FDKEM/

I'm satisfied with it so far.

 

[RiccochetJ]

I've been researching a ton on fire code laws about charcoal grill on patios for Pennsylvania, but I haven't found anything. This is more on me, but do any PA people know of the law requirements?

I think it's possibly a county ordinance like mine. Check that.

 

[grkazan12]

I think it's possibly a county ordinance like mine. Check that.

Are you in PA? Delaware County?

 

[Lambtron]

My dad found my wife and I an electric Holland grill. It's not as nice as a gas Holland, but it's simple to deal with and cooks well. If you can find one, I'd recommend it!

 

[RiccochetJ]

Are you in PA? Delaware County?

I'm in Colorado actually

Here's what my area has to say: https://www.westmetrofire.org/index.aspx?nid=372

West Metro Fire has adopted the 2012 Edition of the International Fire Code and code references are taken directly from that source.

308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3049 mm) of combustible construction.

Exceptions:
1. One and two-family dwellings
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
3. LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 1/2 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity].

If you live in an apartment building or other multifamily dwelling, you may not have open-flame cooking devices on your balcony or patio that is within 10 feet of combustible construction. One and two family dwellings, which include townhomes, are exempt.

The exceptions also include automatic sprinkler systems, which are not the norm in our area due to our weather. Also, you may use a propane grill if it is utilizes a small 2 ½ pound tank.
The larger 20 pound bottles are not allowed on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible surfaces.

Another option is to use an electric grill, which has no restrictions.

Hmm, I can't seem to find anything yet in your area. Are you renting or part of an HOA? You might be able to find out from the rental group or the HOA. The biggest thing is that I'd hate is for you to buy something only to be forced to remove it.

 

[The Albatross]

I have a griddler (Cuisinart one you have) which we use for sandwiches. It's good. I'd consider it a higher quality appliance than a George Foreman, which I had long written off as crap but maybe the higher priced ones are effective cooking devices.

We like it, makes good paninis, quesadillas, and oher things that require a press. Our's doesn't have a dial for specific heat, just low/medium/high. It takes up a decent amount of space because of the handle.

Overall, it's a good appliance.

 

[MRSA]

You're honestly better off just buying a cast iron grill pan.

You're right friend, I haven't used my Weber Q1200 that I bought on clearance for $100.

 

[mrklaw]

How about tabletop grills? Something you'd use for tepanyaki or sukiyaki? We have a crappy electric one at the moment wih heat that cuts in and out, but are there good alternatives - I've seen some using small gas canisters

 

[AndyD]

Get a grill pan. And if you want something electric, get a griddle not a Goerge foreman style. Something open that you can use to cook then easily clean or something reversible like this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083I7TCI/?tag=neogaf0e-20