How To Use An Electric BBQ Or Grill

How To Use An Electric BBQ Or Grill

Grilling made easy! In this blog, we'll guide you through using an electric BBQ/grill for perfect outdoor cooking, even if you're new to grilling. We'll highlight the benefits of electric grills, from convenient temperature control to smokeless cooking, making them ideal for patios or small spaces. You'll also discover a variety of foods you can cook, from juicy steaks to grilled veggies. Plus, we'll share expert tips on keeping your BBQ in top shape with easy cleaning steps and recommend essential accessories to enhance your grilling experience. Get ready to master your electric BBQ and enjoy delicious results every time!




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Why Should You Use An Electric Grill?

Electric BBQs are perfect for hassle-free grilling! They're incredibly user-friendly, offering simple controls for precise temperature management, making it easy for beginners and seasoned grillers alike. Enjoy the versatility of using them both indoors and outdoors - perfect for patios, balconies or from the comfort of your kitchen. Unlike traditional BBQs, electric grills produce minimal smoke, so you can enjoy grilling without worrying about smoky surroundings. Cleanup is a breeze too, with most models featuring non-stick grill plates and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. With all these benefits, electric BBQs deliver a convenient and enjoyable grilling experience, all while keeping maintenance and cleaning up to a minimum!




What Food Can You Cook On An Electric Grill?

Electric BBQs are incredibly versatile, letting you cook a wide variety of delicious foods to suit any meal or occasion. Whether you're preparing a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch or a tasty dinner, an electric BBQ/grill can handle it all. Its adjustable temperature settings and even heat distribution make it ideal for different types of cooking, from searing succulent meats to grilling delicate vegetables. You'll find it easy to cook various dishes without needing extra equipment, allowing you to enjoy the endless culinary possibilities with an electric BBQ!

Here's what you can cook:

  • Meat: Steaks, burgers, sausages and chicken breasts
  • Seafood: Fish fillets, prawns, scallops and lobster tails
  • Vegetables: Zucchini, capsicum, mushrooms and corn
  • Bacon: Crispy strips or rashers for breakfast
  • Sandwiches: Grilled cheese, paninis and toasted wraps
  • Fruit: Grilled pineapple slices, peaches and apples for dessert



How To Use An Electric BBQ Or Grill

Step 1

Preheating your electric grill is essential for great cooking results. The first step is to preheat the electric grill until it reaches the desired temperature, usually taking about 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures even heat distribution across the cooking surface, allowing your food to cook thoroughly and achieve those perfect sear marks. Preheating also helps prevent food from sticking, making grilling easier and cleanup quicker.


Step 2

The next step in using your electric grill is to prepare your food. Now's the perfect time to marinate your vegetables or season your meat to maximise their flavours. Also be sure to let them reach room temperature before grilling, as this helps them cook evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside remains underdone. Proper food preparation ensures delicious results and an enjoyable grilling experience every time!


Step 3

When using an electric BBQ, it's important to oil the grill plate once it's hot - lightly and carefully. This step creates a non-stick surface, preventing food from sticking and tearing while you cook. It also helps achieve those perfect sear marks and ensures your food cooks evenly. Oiling the grill while it's hot allows the oil to coat the surface better, providing optimal cooking conditions and making cleanup easier afterwards.


Step 4

Carefully lay your food down on the hot grill plate, being cautious to avoid splattering. If your electric BBQ/grill comes with a lid, closing it will help retain heat for even cooking and quicker results. As your food grills, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning. Use your tongs or a spatula to flip or turn items halfway through once they're ready, ensuring both sides cook evenly and achieve that perfect grilled texture and flavour.


Step 5

The final step when using an electric grill/BBQ is to check your food for doneness. Use a thermometer to ensure it's cooked to the proper temperature for safety and taste. Once ready, carefully remove the food from the grill plate. For meats, it's essential to let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavourful. Following these steps ensures perfectly cooked, delicious results every time.




How To Clean An Electric BBQ

Step 1

The first step in cleaning your electric BBQ is to turn it off, unplug it and let it cool completely. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent accidental burns and electrical hazards. Allowing the electric grill to cool ensures that you can safely handle and clean all parts without risking injury. Additionally, cleaning a hot grill can damage surfaces or leave residue that may be harder to remove once the grill cools down.


Step 2

The next step in cleaning your electric BBQ is to use a stiff or hard brush to scrub the grates, removing any grease, residue, or leftover food. This step ensures the cooking surface is clean and ready for your next grilling session. A good brush will help lift stubborn grime and keep your grill in top condition, allowing for consistent cooking results and extending the life of your BBQ.


Step 3

The third step in cleaning your electric BBQ is to remove the BBQ plate and set it aside. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the rest of the grill, removing any grease splatter and residue. This ensures the entire surface is cleaned thoroughly and prevents grease buildup, which can affect the performance and longevity of your BBQ. Make sure to clean all areas, including corners and edges, for a spotless finish.


Step 4

The final step in cleaning your electric BBQ is to reassemble it and lightly oil the grates. This step is essential because it helps protect the grates from rust and keeps the cooking surface non-stick for your next grilling session. Oiling the grates ensures food won't stick during cooking and maintains the grill's performance over time. A light coating of oil will keep your BBQ in great condition and always ready for future use.


How To Clean An Electric BBQ Plate

To clean an electric BBQ grill plate, first allow it to cool completely before unplugging. Use a stiff brush to remove any food residue or grease from the grates and if they are heavily soiled, soak them in hot soapy water for about 10 minutes to help loosen the grime. Afterwards, scrub away any remaining debris and rinse thoroughly. Wipe down the rest of the grill with a damp cloth to clean any grease splatters. Lightly oil the grates after cleaning to prevent rust and keep the cooking surface ready for the next use. Regular maintenance ensures your BBQ stays in top shape.




Electric BBQ Accessories You Will Need

A Grill Brush

A grill brush is an essential accessory for your electric BBQ, as it's necessary for properly and thoroughly cleaning the grill plates and racks. Keeping the cooking surface clean ensures even cooking and prevents grease buildup that can affect the grill's performance. A quality grill brush made from stainless steel is ideal, as it's durable, resistant to high temperatures and effective at scrubbing away stuck-on residue without damaging the grill. Using a sturdy grill brush keeps your electric BBQ in tip-top condition, prolonging its lifespan and maintaining a clean cooking surface for consistently great grilling results.


Tongs

Long-handled tongs are an essential accessory for electric BBQ grilling, allowing you to safely turn, flip and grab food without getting too close to the hot grill. Their extended length keeps your hands and fingers at a safe distance from the heat, reducing the risk of burns while giving you better control over your cooking. The best tongs are made from high-quality stainless steel for durability and heat resistance, with silicone or wooden grips for a comfortable and secure hold. This combination ensures a sturdy tool that can handle high temperatures and provide a reliable grip on food, making grilling safer and more efficient.


Thermometer

A thermometer is an essential accessory for your electric BBQ/grill, as it allows you to accurately gauge the internal temperatures of food, particularly meat. Ensuring that your dishes reach the appropriate temperature is crucial for safety, preventing foodborne illnesses and guaranteeing that they are cooked to your desired level of doneness, whether medium, rare or well-done. Using a thermometer not only enhances the quality of your cooking but also provides peace of mind for you and your guests, ensuring a delicious and safe dining experience. For precise grilling results each and every time without the effort or guesswork, investing in a reliable thermometer is a must!


Grilling Tool Set

A grilling tool set is an essential accessory for electric BBQ enthusiasts, offering everything needed for a convenient and enjoyable grilling experience. These BBQ sets typically include long-handled tongs for safely turning food, a grill brush for cleaning the grill plates, a sturdy grilling fork for handling larger cuts of meat and a basting brush for adding your favourite marinades or sauces. With various tools at your fingertips, you'll be well-prepared for any grilling task. Investing in a comprehensive grilling tool set ensures that you have the right equipment to achieve perfectly cooked food every time, making it a must-have for any BBQ setup.


Serving Board

A serving board is a fantastic accessory for your electric BBQ setup, adding a touch of style and functionality to your outdoor gatherings. It's perfect for presenting various foods, including meats, chicken, seafood and even grilled vegetables, delivering a wow factor with every serving. A serving board's sturdy surface makes it ideal for carving or slicing, while its design adds a rustic charm to your table. A serving board also helps keep food warm off the grill and can be used for arranging snacks or sides, making it an indispensable addition to any BBQ for both preparation and presentation.




Discover All Your Electric BBQ Needs At Harris Scarfe Today

Now that you know how to use and clean an electric BBQ/grill, there's only one thing left to do - host a BBQ! Visit us online or in-store to shop our entire range of electric grills including BBQ supplies, tongs, spatulas, thermometers and everything else you'll need, and head over to the Hub for more styling ideas and inspiration! Some great articles you'll love include:

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