You can use the same pans on a grill that you use in the oven, with some exceptions. Any metal pan that is oven safe can be used on either a gas or charcoal grill. However, because a grill can get much hotter than the oven, you should be aware there are a few types of pans that could be damaged.

A grill can roast, fry, or bake food, just like an oven. If you want to make a dish that can’t be placed directly on the grill grate, an oven-safe metal pan will work fine. The pan will conduct the heat from the fire and cook your food.

However, glass and stoneware could crack or break because the grill gets much hotter than an oven, so you should avoid using them.

For ordinary cooking, the temperature of an oven is rarely set above 450° F (230° C), though most ovens can reach a temperature of 500° F (260° C). The average oven temperature is 350° F (177° C).

By contrast, the temperature of a charcoal grill can easily get higher than 600° F (315° C). Propane gas grills can get as hot as 550° F (290° C), though some models are made with temperature controls.

The heat of the grill is higher than glass can withstand.

For metal pans, be aware that the high heat of the grill may make permanent changes to the cookware, such as discoloration, warping, or burned-on grease. You might not want to use your best, expensive cookware. Older oven pans, or those you no longer use in the house, are a perfect choice to become your “grill pans.”

What Type of Pans Can You Put On the Grill?

To decide what type of pans you that will work on the grill, you first need to determine what material they are made from.

The types of pans that work best on a grill are made of stainless steel, foil, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and carbon steel, although there are some cautions. Enameled cast iron, glass, and stoneware should not be used on either a gas or charcoal grill. Also, avoid using pans with a nonstick surface.

Here’s a roundup of the types of pans you can use and those you should not, and some things to look out for.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is mainly used for frying pans and pots. There are different grades and thicknesses of stainless steel, but all are lightweight and durable.

Stainless steel can withstand the high temperatures of a grill, but you should consider a few possible cautions before using them.

First, the pan or pot must be entirely made of stainless steel. If the handle is wooden or plastic, it could catch fire or melt. Second, thin stainless steel could get flimsy at high heat. The pan could get damaged if left on a direct flame from a charcoal grill.

Any stainless steel pan when subjected to high heat repeatedly could lose quality or discolor.

Cast Iron

Sturdy and versatile, cast iron pans are arguably the best choice for grill use. In fact, many pans specially made for the grill are made of cast iron.

If you already have cast iron frying pans, griddles, grill pans, or other pans that you use in the oven or on the stove, you can use them on the grill without problem or worry.

Foil

Foil pans are popular for grill use. They’re perfect for messy or greasy foods because you simply throw them out rather than scrub them.

Foil pans are made from aluminum and can withstand the highest heats on the grill. However, they are thin, so use extreme caution when removing them from the grill if they contain heavy foods, liquids, or grease.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is generally used for frying pans and woks. It has all the advantages of cast iron but is lighter in weight.

Aluminum

Aluminum is often used for bakeware, such as cookie sheets, round and rectangular pans, and muffin trays. These can go on the grill without a problem, as aluminum can withstand high temperatures.

However, it’s a good idea to avoid super-high heat with aluminum because they are prone to warping. If you use your favorite cookie sheet on the grill, it may not do well with baking cookies the next time you use it in the oven.

Use your second-best set of aluminum bakeware instead.

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron works great in the oven, but the enamel cannot withstand the high heat of a grill.

If you have a propane grill with temperature controls, you could use an enameled cast iron pan at lower temperatures without harm. But since these pans tend to be quite expensive, you don’t want to risk ruining them.

Copper

Copper pans do well in high heat, and many are lined with stainless steel to prevent reactivity with acidic foods. This also makes the pans sturdier.

Cooper cookware is expensive, so you might want to think twice before putting them on the grill. They could get warped or discolored.

Glass and Stoneware

Pans made of glass, stoneware, or ceramic should never be used on any type of grill because of the danger of cracking or breaking. Glass or stoneware cannot handle the direct high heat generated by a grill.

Is It Safe to Put a Pan on the Grill?

Cooking on a grill always carries some inherent dangers, and you don’t want to make it more dangerous because of the pan you choose to use.

It’s safe to use a metal pan on the grill, as long as you take proper precautions such as using gloves and handling the pans properly. It is very dangerous to use pans made of glass, stoneware, or ceramics.

As mentioned, glass, stone, or ceramics can crack or break. You could get burned by hot liquids that leak or spill, or you could get cut with a shard of glass.

The high heat and direct flame of a grill pose their own dangers. Anytime there is an exposed flame, you run the risk of clothing, hair, or something else catching fire. And since grills get very hot, you can experience burns on the pans or grate.

Silicone gloves are a good choice to protect your hands, and they allow you the dexterity needed to handle pans by the handles or the sides. There are also heat- and fire-resistant gloves made of other materials.

Another possible danger associated with using pans on the grill can be caused by the pan bending or warping. If the pan is thin, such as with an aluminum or foil pan, the high heat could cause the bottom to become uneven and the pan to become wobbly. This could lead to spills of hot foods.

Lastly, when using pans to cook on the grill, you should be careful about cross-contamination. This happens when the juices from raw meat mix with any sauces or marinades.

Raw meats may contain bacteria or other microorganisms, but these are killed off when the food is cooked to the right internal temperature. However, if the juices touch something that isn’t going to be thoroughly cooked, such as a sauce, there is the danger of food poisoning.

An example of cross-contamination would be marinating chicken in a pan and then using that pan to cook the chicken in. Using the marinade you soaked the chicken in as a baste also risks cross-contamination.

If you want to use the marinade as a baste while grilling, save out a portion of it before soaking the meat in it.

On the positive side, it’s possible that using pans may help to prevent the carcinogens linked to cooking on the grill. Charring meat can cause the development of heterocyclic aromatic amine (HAA), and cooking over flame may lead polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to be formed. Both substances may cause cancer, according to some studies.

Cooking food on a pan reduces the risk of charring and eliminates the problem of fat dripping on flames, producing smoke with PAH. Therefore, a pan may be a safer way to grill compared to placing the food directly on the grate.

Does food taste good on an electric grill? When cooked well, food will taste good on an electric grill. But it will taste different, so do not expect the same flavor that is provided through a gas or charcoal grill.

There are so many options when you are looking at electric grills. They are a variety of sizes, allowing for both outdoor or indoor use. They are convenient and can be easier to clean than their gas and charcoal counterparts. Not to mention, they can be healthier too.

Does Food Taste Good on An Electric Grill?

Yes, the food will taste good. It may not be the typical barbecue taste that you are used to, but it will still be delicious. The flavor from grilled food is primarily due to caramelization. Grilled foods are also heavily characterized by the look after cooking. During the grilling process, you are extracting fat from the meat.

Heat is really the most crucial part of the process, and the electric grill uses heat, just like any of the other options. The electric grill allows for a more even cook throughout.

The Grilling Process

The common element among all grills is heat. It’s the most crucial part. Once you place your meat on the heat, the process begins. Here are the stages the meat goes through during the grilling process:

1. Fat is extracted as a liquid. About 5% of the meat is made up of fat.
2. Along with fat, water is being removed, which is about 75% of the meat.
3. Protein is about 20% of the meat. The protein is tightly coiled, and heat allows the coils to loosen up. This breaking down of the protein is what makes the meat start to tenderize. Once you introduce heat, the compounds break apart and shrink.
4. This shrinkage occurs from the water and fat that is extracted from the meat.
5. The more it cooks, the further it dehydrates and shrinks. This is why something well-done may be smaller than something medium-rare.

The differences in an electrical grill are due to indirect and direct heat. The electrical grill uses indirect heat and allows for a flavorful interior. A lot of the crispiness associated with traditional grilling is due to direct heat and can’t really be achieved with the electrical grill. The indirect heat is more evenly cooked throughout, but may not get that crispy exterior that is common of the charcoal or gas grill.

How to Flavor Your Food For Optimal Electrical Grilling

The food you cook on your electrical grill will taste delicious. It is all dependent on how you flavor your food and prep beforehand. Without flames and things such as wood chips or charcoal, you will experience a slightly different taste than what you have been accustomed to with traditional grills.

These things will help improve the flavor of your food on the electric grill:

• Marinades – marinating your meats in sauces, seasoning, and spices will significantly enhance your food flavors.
• Prep cooking surface – make sure your grill is on and warming up for about 5 minutes before placing your food on the cooking surface.
• Cooking Oils – after the 5-minute warm-up, add oil to the surface for added flavor and to prevent sticking.

The flavor preferences can be very subjective. What may taste good to one person may not to another person. We all have different preferences, so through trial and error, you will find different flavors that you love that may not be an excellent flavor to another person.

How to Get Your Electric Grill to Taste like Outdoor Grilling

There are a few things you can try in order to mimic the taste of a charcoal or gas grill more closely. Here are the things that can help you achieve that:

1. Pick an open-face grill – It will cook slower, but allow smoke to circulate.
2. Marinate – the same way you would marinate your food for traditional grills.
3. Smokiness – the flavor comes from wood, so you can wet some wood chips and wrap it in some aluminum foil to be placed near the heating element.

Is an Electric Grill Best?

These types of grills have grown in popularity over the past few years. They are more realistic for those living in an apartment type situation where rules prohibit the more traditional grills. Electrical grills are also being viewed as the healthier option of all the grills available.

The ease of use is another feature that has increased the popularity. You just need an outlet near, and you are ready to get cooking. To clean it, you simply unplug, let cool, and wipe the surface down with a cleaning cloth or sponge.

Pros of Electric Grilling

There are so many pros to choosing an electric grill. They are convenient, easy to use, safer, and a great all-around choice. Here are the many reasons why:

• Ease of use – no extra things like lighter fluid, gas, or charcoal necessary. Just plug it in and go. It is also easier to clean than other options.

• Healthier than the alternatives – With charcoal grills, the smoke contains carcinogens that are linked to cancer.

• Safer – the others can be more robust fire hazards.

• Indoor and counter options available – some places won’t allow an outdoor grill on a balcony due to fire hazards. These indoor and smaller options are perfect for that. This also eliminates the worries of weather raining out your cooking.

• Heats up quickly – you don’t have to get a fire started. Just wait for the heating element to get warm.

Cons of Electric Grilling

The cons are very minimal. The main drawback will be if you are specifically looking for the exact flavors that are achieved on more traditional grills. You really can’t go wrong with this option. Here are the cons to an electric grill:

1. The taste is different from the more traditional grills. Your food will taste good, but different from the typical flavor of a gas or charcoal grill. It won’t have that familiar crisp or smokey flavor.
2. It must be near an outlet.

Are Electric Grills Healthier?

Electric grills are healthier than the more traditional gas or charcoal grills. They don’t produce the carcinogens that are created through the other grills. This type of grill also doesn’t utilize gases that can be detrimental to the environment.

Electric Grills Will Make Your Food Taste Good

Electric grills will make your food taste good, but there are so many other great reasons for buying one. They are healthier, easier to use and clean, and much more accessible to people that cannot have a large grill because of building codes.

If you can get past the fact that it will taste slightly different than what the traditional grills produce, then it is a fantastic option. If you season and marinate your food correctly and cook to the desired temperature, your food will be delicious and nutritious.

Go in with an open mind and don’t expect the flavor to be exactly like the gas or charcoal grills. These are fantastic options for anyone looking for an indoor, easy-to-use grill. They are super convenient and come in a variety of sizes, whether you are looking for a small personal use grill or a grill for hosting cookouts.

So, are you allowed to have electric grills on your balcony?

Yes, you are allowed to have electric grills on balconies as well as roof tops. Electric grills are allowed on balconies while propane and charcoal grills are not. Before setting up any grill on a balcony, check with the building guidelines and or landlord.

Electric grills can allow you to bring the feast right to your balcony. Throughout this article, we will review the different types of electric grills, the difference between electric grills and other grill styles, and some safety tips to consider while using your electric grill.  

Why Electric Grills are Better Than Charcoal and Propane

Electric grills are different from other types of grills because they do not use flames and do not produce smoke. They are also magnitudes smaller than most grills. They also use electricity, which is different than any other grill model.

Electric grills should be considered over other grill models because they:

• Allow the user to choose a more diverse array of options for placement

• Can be used both indoors and outdoors (note some of them are strictly meant for indoor use while others outdoor)

• Are easily transportable as long as where you are going has an electrical source that can support the wattage of the grill

• Are easy to clean, some have collection trays under a cooking rack and non-stick surfaces which allows for easy clean up

• Sometimes resemble skillets both in shape and in size

• Easy to store with other kitchen appliances

Differences Between Electric and Charcoal Grills

Other instances, electric grills cannot provide the same results as other grill models such as charcoal and gas. Some main examples of this are the lack of the classic smoky flavor and the cooking speed.

Some things that charcoal grills can offer but electric grills cannot include (source):

• They provide the signature smoky taste that reminds people of summer BBQs

• Require more space than electric grills and cannot be used on balconies

• Charcoal grills emit more heat as well as smoke

• With smoke can come carcinogens depending on the material being burned

• Require heavier cleaning than most electric grills as well as more inputs (charcoal, starts, and sometimes wood for flavor).

• Can provide indirect heat to allow for slow cooking/smoking of food giving it more time to cook evenly

Differences Between Electric and Propane Grills

The last option for grills is the gas grill. This uses propane and cannot be used on your balconies or inside! There are some major differences between electric grills and propane grills, such as (source):

• Size! Propane grills are generally much, much larger than electric grills.

• Can provide a balance between charcoal and electric by still providing the smoky flavor with some of the sleek cleanliness of the electric grills.

• Allow addons for personalization such as rotisserie chicken additions.

• Allows for high heat that cooks food quickly, compared to the slower cook on a charcoal grill.

• Can be dangerous due to the use of the propane tanks (propane is highly flammable)

• These grills are not portable and have to have a larger space set for them.

• They are connected to a gas line.

In summary, when looking for a smaller grill that can be used on balconies or even inside, the electric grill will be the most convenient. The other two styles of grills should be used at stand-alone homes in yards or on decks.

Different Models of Electric Grills

As most things today, there are many different brands and styles of electric grills. Along with different brands, there are also different models which create two different classes of electric grills.

Some are designed for inside use, while others are meant for outdoor use. Yes there can be some overlap, but generally, these are the two main models for electric grills (source). All use electricity and should be used the way the manual instructs, but here we will review the different brands/ styles and what they have to offer.

• Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill: great indoor choice that uses 1500W and has collection tray for juices, reaches 450 degrees. However, pretty expensive compared to other competitors (source).

• George Foreman GGR50B: this is the best grill for multi-use (both indoor and outdoor). Some of its features that make it stand out include a grill stand that allows for ease of use, and also features a large non-stick surface for cooking. The only downside to this grill is that it does not come with a warranty while others do (source).

• Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill:if you are looking for an outdoor grill, this is the best option with a long chord for easy placement, the largest cooking surface, and heating element reaching 500 degrees. The downside to this option is it is pricey for the size of the grill (source).

These are only a few examples to get you familiar with products that can be used in all settings; however, there are countless other options for each setting, and research should be done to establish which electric grill model would work best for you and the cooking goal you are aiming for.

Safety Tips to Consider

Now that we have covered the basics of some the different types of electric grills for inside placement, outside, placement, and grills that are flexible for both, lets cover some of the safety tips for you to get the best results from your electric grill.

• When using outside, do not use if it is raining. If using inside, do not allow the wires to get wet or sit in water.

• If there is ever any damage or wear on the cord or the plug, replace it for a new one to avoid electrical complications

• Always remember to turn off the grill when unplugging the appliance

• Always make sure that the outlet you are plugging the grill into can handle the wattage

• Keep out of the reach of children due to hot surfaces

• Make sure the grill is off/unplugged before cleaning

When considering if you are allowed to have a grill on your balcony, you should also be considering safety. This is another reason why electric grills are the best choice. You are allowed to have them on balconies, and they do not have open flames or use flammable propane.

The main safety concern is using outlets that can handle the wattage for the electric grill. Note that the wattage for electric grills is not uniform. Without the proper support, the circuit could short, and the device could be dangerous for use.

In Summary

Electric grills can be used on balconies, which gives them a boost above gas and charcoal grills.

They are also able to be used inside in the kitchen as well as outside on your balcony. There are different types of electric grills for inside and outdoor use, so check the wattage and research the best fit for your situation.

Before installing any electric grills on your balconies, if you are renting or are in a multi-unit building, check with your landlord and the building guidelines.

Lastly, always review the user manual and follow all safety precautions, especially checking the wattage of the grill and the type of outlet being used. Not all electric grills require the same amount of wattage.

If you need something low maintenance or need something that doesn’t produce a lot of smoke, an electric grill may be something you should look into.

Do electric grills produce smoke? Yes, they do. However, it will not be as smoky as a gas grill. This is an excellent option if you are in an apartment and don’t want to smoke out your neighbors, but still like the smell of barbecue.

Electric grills offer many benefits, one of them being that it is slightly better for the earth. It releases 99% less carbon monoxide than your charcoal grill would. However, there are many options to choose from, and there are many reasons you should choose an electric grill.

How Do Electric Grills Work?

The coolest thing about an electric grill is that it can be easy to use. It has a pan embedded into the actual structure and another container that catches the grease. It is generally small enough to push anywhere in the yard, and a lot easier to clean than a typical charcoal barbecue.

The next neatest thing about this grill is that you can use it inside because it produces way less smoke. So even if it is winter time you can easily make a good old fashion barbecue without freezing!

Do Electric Grills Have Flames?

This type of grill does not produce flames, and that is generally why it does not produce smoke like a charcoal or gas grill would. However, if you cook any food at a high enough temperature, it will start smoking. The good news is, no matter how high of a heat you choose, no flames will come out. This is because an electric grill uses nichrome.

It will get so hot that it will glow, but it will never actually produce any flames. This is another reason it can be useful to use inside. An electric grill is all about convenience.

Can Electric Grills Be Used Outside?

Yes! An electric grill is a fantastic option to use inside or outside. It is easy to move around and can be placed almost anywhere, but some may require an outdoor plug. You can barbecue in the farthest part of the yard, on the patio or even inside of the living room if that is what you want. Electric grills are some of the most convenient options for people because it gives them options.

A gas or charcoal grill can only be in a few places; they need to be outside, uncovered, and have proper ventilation. Unlike an electric grill, they produce a lot of smoke that can harm people when placed inside. Electric grills are by far the most convenient and even safer option for some families. 

What Are the Main Differences Between Electric Grills and Gas Grills?

The main difference between an electric and gas grill is the fuel they use to run. Electric grills are plugged into a wall or charged to be able to use. Gas grills require you to buy a tank of gas and placed strategically so you can let the smoke out. 

Gas grills will either use natural gas or propane tanks. Natural gas is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. The best choices are either electric or natural gas barbecues.

How To Clean an Electric Grill

Cleaning an electric grill is very easy. Firstly, you will want to make sure that the pan is cooled off, so you don’t burn yourself and want to make sure that the grease is caught by the drip pan. After everything is cool, you can take hot water and let it sit on the dirty pan.

Then you will be able to use a regular sponge or rag to scrub the touch areas. That is, it! You will want to make sure you are not too rough on your pan because that could lead to scrapes that won’t go away. Using hot water and soap with a regular sponge is always the best way to go.

What Are Good Electric Grill Options?

Most electric grills you find will be a little more budget-friendly than other options. They can be placed inside or outside, and they will last for a while. You will have to take care of them properly to make sure they last.

1.  George Forman 15-serving grill-  This is an excellent grill that stands up high and is lightweight. You can move it indoors or outdoors quickly. No heavy lifting is required. It is great for parties because you can cook for 15 all at once. It is nonstick and easy to clean. Also, it has a wide range of temperatures you can use. This is not a bad electric grill for beginners.

2.  Char-Broil 20602108-  This is an excellent grill if you have a small patio or live in an apartment without much space. It uses infrared to help cook your meat to the perfect temperature while also controlling the heat, so there are no flare-ups. This specific grill is easy to clean and rust-resistant, making it a great option to go outside.

3.  Americana Electric Cart grill-  This is an excellent choice for convenience; it has wheels and is perfect for moving place from place. It also comes with two shelves to help hold and serve food, all while cooking. It is small enough to fit in most places, but can still serve a party of people. This grill cart does need an outlet to be able to plug into.

4.  Americana Lock & Go-  A small grill you could take on a picnic as long as you have some outlet. It is small and so portable you can actually just carry it around in your hands. Though it is small, you should only use this grill outside. It is durable and can cook a small meal for a full family.

5.  Americana Portable Table Top Grill-  Another small grill that can be used inside of your house! It is meant to be used on a countertop or a table. Your whole family can watch the food sizzle and grill. The temperature is easy to control, making it easy to cook meat to any temperature, and it is also effortless to clean, which is especially important. 

There are many good choices for electric grills, and you will want to shop around to compare. They all have different features that you may or may not want in a grill. These are truly good for people who have close neighbors or live in apartments.

Final thoughts

Owning an electric grill can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and be an easy option if you want to grill outdoors without owning a huge barbecue. It is also an excellent option if you feel like grilling up a steak in the wintertime. It makes little to no smoke, and it is easy to manipulate the temperature. This is a wonderful choice for first-time grillers.

Electric grills are a better option for the environment and good to teach someone the basics of grilling. There is no doubt this is one of the best options to choose from, and there are now many options and places you can get an electric grill from.