Electric grills are a climate-friendly option to fossil fuel grills - Manufactures

By Jeff Brady

May 23, 2025

Heard on All Things Considered

Source: NPR

Photo Source: Unsplash

Grill manufacturers embrace electric

Mention electric grills and many people think of small models that look more like a waffle iron. But now some manufacturers are focused on making full-size, stand-alone grills that can reach temperatures of 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

"People are skeptical because of those previous experiences where they've used small [electric] grills," says Tom Penner, CEO of Current Backyard. The parent company, W.C. Bradley, also makes Charbroil grills.

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Penner says electric grills are popular with younger consumers and people who live in apartments that may not allow gas grills.

"You have a lot of empty nesters that also find it more convenient to simply plug into their outlet," Penner says, "and 15 minutes later have a grill that's hot enough to cook on."

Cooking vegetables also is easier with electric grills, he says. "You're able to control the different parts of the grill and really control the temperature — vegetables and other products can be a little more sensitive sometimes."

Because electric grills don't have flames, they also can be an option in places where forest fires are a risk, assuming there's an outdoor outlet available.

"Electric grills, like Kenyon's lineup, eliminate the risks associated with open flames, making them a wildfire-safe choice for outdoor cooking," says Mike Williams, vice president of sales and marketing for Connecticut-based Kenyon.

Both Kenyon and Current Backyard say their grills can withstand some exposure to water, such as a light rain.

Gas grills generally cost more to purchase. The highest rated gas grills at Consumer Reports, which doesn't rate electric grills, range from $275 to $2,750. Freestanding electric grill retail prices range from about $200 to $1,600. For operating a grill, whether propane or electric is more expensive depends on your local utility rates and propane prices. Either way, the cost is nominal per meal — usually under $2.

Kenyon says its electric grill sales have increased more than 40% in the past three years. Current Backyard doesn't disclose sales, but the company is expanding its line with an electric griddle and pizza oven.

While the industry is optimistic about electric grills, some cooking experts are more skeptical about grilling without gas or charcoal.

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