How to light the oven in a gas stove Hephaestus, Greta, Indesit and others

Features of the grill mode in the oven

Grilling in the oven is not the most used mode. Its purpose is unclear to many, so let’s look at all the features in detail. This function is indispensable if you need to prepare a dish with a golden brown crust .

Reference. Typically, the grill looks like a zigzag tube at the top of the oven. This addition allows you to use the oven for quick baking and roasting. Thanks to the device, you can taste a delicious kebab of meat or fish without leaving your home.

The crispy crust is obtained from exposure to the high temperature generated by the heat element. There are different temperature conditions depending on the model. Typically the range ranges from 170 to 250 °C.

Don't worry about the dish, it won't burn. The functioning of the grill is different in that the product is covered with a crispy crust, but the inside remains juicy and soft. This is due to the rapid cooling of the heat element.

Some oven models are equipped with a grill spit . This device allows you to rotate the product so that it is evenly baked on all sides. Such devices are extremely rare.

In modern ovens, the “grill + convection” mode is increasingly used . A fan is responsible for convection, which distributes heat throughout the dish. This function eliminates the need for a spit, and the result is similar.

The grill can be used throughout the entire cooking process or at the final stage for browning. To start the operation of the heat element, just turn on the mode. It heats up quickly, so you don't have to wait.

Power consumption of electric ovens

The higher the power consumption of the oven, the less time you will spend cooking, and the better the end result will be. The oven temperature also depends on its power. For example, a device that consumes 3.5 kW can heat up to 500 degrees. Powerful ovens are usually equipped with a pyrolytic cleaning function, which uses high temperature. If you do not need this function, choose a model whose power does not exceed 3 kW. It will be able to warm up to 250-280 degrees.

Many modern models of electric ovens are equipped with a function that reduces the energy consumption of devices to a certain level. The cooking process will take longer, but you will be able to reduce the load on the electrical network when using several household appliances at the same time.

Varieties

The type of grill directly depends on the type of oven . There are three in total: gas, electric and infrared. Let's look at each type in more detail.

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Gas grill

This option is found in stoves with a minimum set of functions - gas . For quick heating, the lower part of the oven is equipped with a gas burner, and the grill is located in the upper part. It is necessary to fry a piece of meat on top or brown a pie.

Being located only at the top, the grill in a gas oven does not provide uniform heat distribution, so the food must be turned over to cook on all sides. To facilitate the process, some stove models are equipped with a spit.

Not all gas stoves have a convection function . For good air circulation, you have to keep the oven door ajar while cooking.

If the choice fell on a gas oven with grill function , you should take a closer look at the following manufacturers:

• Delonghi;
• Beko;
• Bosch.

Electric grill

Electric ovens are equipped with two types of heaters : electric or infrared. Both grills are mains powered. Their main difference is the heating element. In the first case it is an electric coil, and in the second it is a halogen lamp.

Attention! The safest grill is one powered by halogen lamps. It is also the most economical, as it heats up and cools down faster.

In modern devices, the electric grill is equipped with a timer . This option allows you not to control the cooking process, since the device shuts down automatically. There is a fan inside the oven that provides convection for even cooking of food.

Some electric models are equipped with the PerfectGrill function . This oven has two heating elements at once: small and large. The degree of frying of the dish depends on which element is included.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of equipment , preference should be given to the following manufacturers:

• Asko;
• Gorenje;
• Bosch;
• Hotpoint-Ariston.

Some features of the operation of stoves of various brands

There are three main plate control systems:

• mechanical,
• electronic,
• combined.

The principle of mechanical and combined control is described above.

How to turn on an oven in a stove with an electronic programmer using the Gorenje brand as an example:

1. The time is set by simultaneously pressing buttons 2 and 3, then + and -.
2. The selection of functions on the clock on a programmer with an analog display is carried out by pressing the “A” button.
3. Press twice to confirm your choice.

How to light the oven in a gas stove Hephaestus, ARDO, Bosch, Indesit, Greta: tips

The Hephaestus gas stove is equipped with a handle that regulates the inclusion at the top and bottom. Turn and select a mode.

Press and hold the thermocouple button for several seconds and at the same time press the electric ignition button with the other hand (a spark or light is shown next to it). If piezo ignition is not provided, use matches.

To use the ARDO electric oven:

1. Select the desired mode using the button or adjusting knob.
2. Light it with a match or electric ignition.
3. They don't close the door for a couple of minutes.
4. Warm up the cabinet for 15 minutes.

Types

In addition to species diversity, there are types of grill . According to this division, devices come in the form of a zigzag, two circuits and turbo. Let's look at each type in detail.

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Regular zigzag

The grill affects the entire grate, and equally on every centimeter . Products can be placed throughout the entire area and not be afraid that they will not be baked. For cooking, you can use both regular baking sheets and frying pans or various forms.

For cooking, you should use the upper levels, and place a baking sheet underneath so that fat accumulates there. This method will protect the bottom of the oven from contamination. Large pieces of meat can be roasted on a spit. They will taste like food cooked over coals.

With two circuits

The grill consists of two heat elements: small and large . The small one is located in the center, and the large one is located around the entire perimeter. The heating elements are located at the top of the oven. To prepare a modest dish, only a small grill is used; if the entire grate is occupied by food, both are turned on.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the features of the small grill . When using it, the middle section of the heater turns on. This provides the lower temperature needed just to achieve a crispy finish.

It is important to remember that the dish should be placed exactly under the grill , otherwise it will not cook completely. The small grill is perfect for making toast, hot sandwiches, frying sausages or pizza.

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Turbo grill

This grill is a combination of a top grill and a fan . It is commonly found in electric ovens. The function allows you to cook large products and large dishes, as the fan distributes heat evenly throughout the pan.

The turbo grill is in demand among connoisseurs of baked delicacies . Its main feature is the temperature regime. If the previous types use 200–240 °C, then this one uses 170 °C. This allows you to enjoy dishes that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Important! Don't rush into making a choice. Many housewives prefer an electric grill, but the features of all types should be taken into account. The gas option is considered more budget-friendly, but no less efficient. And the electric one regulates the temperature more accurately than others.

The equipment is very expensive, so you should choose it carefully. Before purchasing, it is important to consider the following points :

• what kind of food do you cook most often?
• what set of functions do you need;
• Is a grill function necessary?
• price range.

Multifunctional appliances are suitable for large families and lovers of baked dishes . People who don’t like to spend time cooking or don’t have time physically choose ovens with automatic programs.

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Rules of use and safety measures

Any device needs careful care and proper operation . In order for your appliance to enjoy for many years, you need to know how to use the grill in the oven:

1. Attention should be paid to cooking utensils . It makes the most sense to use cast iron pans and iron grates. To protect the utensils from grease, you need to cover them with foil before laying out the food. Glass and silicone utensils cannot be used.
2. To ensure that pieces of meat, fish or vegetables are well baked , they should not be made too thick when cooking in a gas oven without convection. Once food is placed on the middle tier, it must be checked and turned over every 5 minutes.
3. Before using, you should study the grill's hot spots. To ensure that food does not burn and is baked efficiently, you need to know about them. To do this, place slices of white bread on a baking sheet and place it on the top tier of the oven. Some pieces will brown more than others - that's where the hot spots are located.
4. The grill should be preheated before cooking . Leave it for five minutes and close the door. After this, the products can be placed in the oven. The maximum grilling time is 30 minutes.
5. To clean the heater from settled fat, do not wipe it under any circumstances. First, turn on the hood or open the windows. Then turn the grill on high and wait for all the fat to burn off. After cooling, simply wipe the oven with a sponge.

Carefully! Directly during the cooking process, you need to monitor the oven door - it may accidentally open. After some time, the door will become hot and pose a danger to small children.

Protection systems

Oven protection systems are functions aimed at ensuring the safe operation of the appliance. Electrical and gas appliances automatically turn off in case of overheating or use a special cooling system. The device will also turn off if it does not receive commands from the user for a long time.

One of the most popular is the child lock feature. When activated, the control panel of the device is locked.

Ovens with pyrolytic cleaning are equipped with an advanced protection system. Their door is locked until the temperature inside becomes safe.

What is the grill function: features and benefits

This feature will be of interest to those who love healthy and tasty food. Dishes cooked in the oven, for the most part, belong to a healthy diet. But they don’t always look appetizing. But when a golden side appears on the meat, and a fried crust appears on the baked fish with vegetables, the desire to try them increases many times over. A grill is used for this effect.

How does the built-in grill in the oven work and what is it? This is an additional heating panel installed on the top panel. With its help, the maximum temperature is set, which ensures the crust effect. At the same time, the upper part of the dish is “sealed” and under the influence of high temperatures the products do not lose their juiciness and remain very tender and soft.

This way you can cook:

• meat;
• fish;
• bird;
• vegetables;
• hot sandwiches;
• hamburgers;
• toasts.

It is used to bake fruits and create delicious desserts. The grill function in your oven is an opportunity to cook delicious kebabs without going out into the countryside.

We select suitable dimensions

The oven should fit into the niche that you have allocated for it. The standard width for this type of equipment is 60 cm and the same height. You can place a standard baking tray in the oven chamber. The depth of the devices is approximately 55 cm.

Non-standard versions of electric ovens are also produced. Compact models with a standard width of 60 cm have a height of only 45 cm. You can install baking trays not on five, but on three levels. Narrow ovens are only 45 cm wide and 60 cm high. The housewife will have to cook on small baking sheets that are included with the appliance.

Semi-professional models with a width of 70 or 90 cm are also produced, but the choice of such models is limited and the price is quite high.

Types and functions of the grill

Before you buy a stove with grill, you need to find out what kind of grills there are, what is special about built-in models, and which one is best for your family.

Kinds

Conventionally, grills can be divided according to the type of fuel they run on. They can be electric or gas, and each of them boasts a certain set of advantages:

1. Electric. Simple and easy to use. Just set the desired temperature and the meat will be cooked evenly on all sides. The heat spreads throughout the entire space; food can be placed both at the edge and in the center. But in terms of taste, such dishes are somewhat inferior to those prepared using a gas burner;
2. Gas. The result is more reminiscent of grilling over coals, the natural taste of the products is preserved as much as possible, and there will definitely be a light crust. But the principle of operation of a gas grill in a conventional oven is quite complex and to obtain the desired result it is necessary to constantly monitor the temperature. And in order for the dish to be evenly fried on all sides, it is necessary to use a spit or alternative options, for example, various stands. Electric grill Gas grill

Tip: It’s not enough to know how to use an oven with a gas grill.
It must be remembered that it is this technique that gives housewives maximum inconvenience, since in the process of turning the dish, when operating the spit, the inner walls become very dirty and traces of fat remain on the entire inner surface of the oven. When choosing a suitable gas stove model, you should clarify what functions are used here and what result they will provide.

Functions

1. Large or reinforced. It is a frame located around the perimeter of the top panel of the oven. Provides intense heat, which allows you to not worry that the edges will remain uncooked and not fully cooked. It is used for large portions when a powerful effect is needed. Using this function can significantly reduce the cooking time;
2. Small. Convenient for small dishes when you have to cook 1-2 servings. The heating element is located in the central part of the top panel. Accordingly, for high-quality heat treatment, the dish must be placed directly under the heating element, otherwise the food may partially remain raw. This function allows you to save energy and cook food in a delicate mode at lower temperatures;
3. Convection. Used for fast and uniform heat treatment of products. Convection alternately activates the grill and fan. The heat spreads throughout the entire oven space, and in the area where the heating element is located, a more powerful effect on the products is provided to obtain a fragrant, crispy crust;
4. Infraheating Provides a powerful flow of heat, food is baked quickly and evenly, no matter where on the grill they are located. Dishes cooked on such a grill are considered the most delicious and healthy; the maximum amount of useful elements remains inside the food, meat and fish retain their juiciness, and a golden crust always appears on top.

GEFEST 1200C

I present to your attention the GEFEST 1200C gas stove, which has a classic white design. The device consists of a hob and an oven, which makes the device a universal means for cooking.

The hob is covered with enamel and is thus reliably protected from corrosion and minor damage

It is worth noting that this coating material has a significant drawback - it is difficult to clean. Therefore, you will have to stock up on good detergents without abrasive particles, since they cause the enamel to lose not only its attractive appearance, but also its protective properties

GEFEST 1200C 1

GEFEST 1200C 2

GEFEST 1200C 3

GEFEST 1200C 4

The role of heating elements is performed by 4 gas burners of varying power:

• front left: 1.7-2 kW;
• front right: 3-3.1 kW;
• rear left: 1.7-2 kW;
• rear right: 0.7-1 kW.

As you can see, the distribution of productivity is quite uniform and allows you to use the stove with maximum efficiency, which is typical for devices in the middle price category. True, I was a little disappointed by the lack of electric ignition and gas control for the hob, so you will have to come into contact with the flame, which increases the unsafety of the device.

The oven is quite spacious and has a volume of as much as 63 liters. This performance will be quite enough for a large family of 5 or more people. It does not lag behind in functionality, because it has a powerful grill and bottom heat: 2 kW and 3.55 kW, respectively. And thanks to the presence of a spit, you can even cook barbecue right at home. The operating parameters are adjusted by a thermostat, which automatically maintains the set temperature inside the chamber by increasing or decreasing the gas supply to the burner.

For safer operation of the oven, gas control and mechanical electric ignition are provided.

The advantages of GEFEST 1200C are:

• classic design that will suit any kitchen interior;
• large oven;
• availability of gas control and electric ignition of the oven;
• spacious drawer for utensils.

The only disadvantages include the lack of gas control and electric ignition for the hob.

How to use - icons on the oven panel

It’s not at all difficult to figure out how to use the grill function in the oven if it is just one button. If there is a whole series of different symbols on the panel, it is worth familiarizing yourself in more detail with all these modes and functionality of kitchen appliances.

In addition to the most common modes, additional functionality can be used. This could be defrosting food, a small grill, or a grill with microwaves. Different manufacturers may have different names for the same function. For example, grill mode and barbecue mode in an oven mean the same thing.

Choosing color and design

If previously almost all equipment was produced in white, now there will be no problems with choosing an original color scheme. Traditional universal shades are still the most popular: white, beige, ivory, black, anthracite, stainless steel, gray. But many manufacturers also offer bright devices - red, green, blue, yellow, burgundy, purple.

Most of the brands range consists of ovens made in a modern style. But many manufacturers offer customers lines of retro-style equipment. Such ovens are suitable not only for vintage, but also for classic and rustic interiors. The equipment has a special design and is equipped with antique-style fittings.

Grill cooking tips

Having figured out what a built-in grill is in an electric oven and why the corresponding function is needed, all that remains is to find out how to cook correctly using this kitchen appliance:

1. Place food inside the oven only after it has warmed up. Some stove models have an alert that lets you easily know when the temperature inside the oven has risen to the desired level;
2. Before turning on the grill function in the oven, you should install a sleeping tray inside, in which fat and other moisture, as well as food debris, will accumulate. In some cases, a baking sheet on which vegetables are laid out is used for these purposes. The oven remains clean, and the vegetables get the great taste and aroma of baked meat or chicken;
3. Products are laid out on a wire rack or baking sheet so that they have “personal space.” In this case, frying occurs more evenly, and the finished vegetables, meat or fish look beautiful, they are easy and convenient to transfer to a plate;
4. The meat is not salted before placing it in the oven, only before finishing cooking it must be lubricated with salted water. The dish will retain its juiciness, and its crust will be brighter and more appetizing;
5. If a recipe requires whipped egg whites to be applied to the finished product, which is baked under the grill, the baking sheet must be lowered. Protein rises under the influence of high temperature and can leave marks on a hot grate;
6. It is not recommended to open the door often, as this can lead to a longer cooking process and the absence of a crust - which is what the grill in the oven is for;
7. The finished products are not immediately removed from the oven, but left inside for 10-15 minutes;
8. The grill should always be kept clean and washed every time after cooking.

When purchasing a cooker with a grill function, you should approach it as responsibly as possible. The presence of an additional function greatly affects the final cost of the equipment and such expenses are not always justified. That is why it is recommended to carefully study the capabilities of the grill, think about what kind of dishes you will cook in it, and whether your family will appreciate this approach to cooking. For those who like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen and come up with new interesting recipes, it is best to choose a multifunctional oven with manual settings.

If you don’t have a lot of extra time, but you don’t want to give up delicious dishes prepared in your kitchen, you should pay attention to ovens with automatic control.

The grill in the oven is a spit that rotates, or an additional heating panel in the working space of the oven. This technology allows you to get chicken, any poultry, meat, and vegetables after processing evenly fried and ready to eat. Every modern oven or microwave oven is equipped with this function.

How to turn on the oven on a gas stove using electric ignition: instructions

In the modern world, electrical appliances are quite popular, and therefore, many encounter difficulties when working with gas stoves and ovens. Fortunately, modern technologies are designed to make culinary processes as easy as possible.

The principle of igniting the oven manually and using the built-in electric ignition is almost the same. Also, do not forget about the safety of working with gas ovens and stoves, because... If you treat such devices negligently, the consequences can be disastrous. It is worthwhile to ventilate the room in which the gas appliance is located more often.

Instructions for turning on the oven

The instructions for using and turning on a gas oven are simple and accessible to everyone; the first thing you need to pay attention to is the serviceability of the equipment and its cleanliness. Next you need to perform actions in the following sequence:

1. Open the tap on the pipe, or valve (when using a gas cylinder)
2. Select a specific temperature and type of heating on the control panel
3. Light the oven burner using the built-in electric ignition button, or if it is built into the burner tap, you just need to turn the burner valve (in some cases, the valve needs to be slightly pressed and turned)
4. Control the gas supply process
5. Do not leave the oven open for a long time

Gas ovens have a big advantage. Firstly, it has a long service life, thanks to modern technology, ovens are made from high-quality types of metal, and galvanized steel is also often used, which allows maximum resistance to corrosion and prolongs the life of the device. Also, one of the advantages of these types of ovens is considered to be cost-effectiveness and the ability to use different types of utensils for baking.

Principles of using the grill function in the oven

To prepare dishes, hot air circulation is used in the internal space of the appliance, called convection. Before you begin cooking the selected product, you should install a metal stand under the food element you are using. A specially designed tray is always included with the purchased stove.

What does the grill icon look like on the oven - possible designations

To turn it on, you need to press the special icon with the “grill” function on the device panel. The icon is a black square with three triangles at the top, the point of which is directed downwards. Typically, all manufacturers place functional buttons on a conveniently located top panel.

Then you should set the timer for the time necessary to process the selected product. To fully cook delicious grilled chicken, you need to set the timer for 30 minutes. The grill function in the oven allows you to cook meats, poultry, and vegetables with the desired golden brown crust. Its main advantage is that the meat and vegetables will be soft and juicy inside.

An important consumer characteristic when operating a grill is always the correct choice of temperature. Please note that low temperatures are only suitable for shallow frying of foods. To fully prepare a high-quality dish, it turns out to be painfully long and, as a rule, useless.

Types of grill

According to performance, the grill function can be divided into three types:

1. Big grill. Its designation on the panel is a square button with a unit inside. This mode makes it very convenient to cook large pieces of flat meat, all types of steaks, cutlets, any vegetables and whole fish. A similar option built into microwaves and ovens makes it possible to quickly and efficiently prepare a large volume of food.
2. Small grill. Its designation on the panel is a square button with a two inside. Cooking is carried out through the operation of only the middle heating element. Therefore, electrical energy consumption is significantly saved. The device is convenient to use when you need to prepare small portions of ready-made food.
3. Turbo grill. This technology is especially convenient for evenly frying chicken and other poultry. The additional use of a spit allows you to get a juicy inner flesh and a crispy outside.

Electric grill in the oven
According to the type of energy used, the grill is divided into the following subtypes:

• gas;
• electric;
• infrared.

A gas grill is characterized by easy ignition and precise temperature control. This design is characterized by extraordinary flexibility in the volume of prepared food. Dinner for one user or for a large family of ten people is prepared in less than half an hour. The fuel is propane or natural gas.

Gas is consumed exactly as much as necessary, without excess or unaccounted expenses. You can connect bottled gas or the main line. Therefore, you can use the grill inside the apartment and in the courtyard of a private house, dacha, or your own cottage.

An electric grill is a universal appliance. If the family lives in a private estate, and the plot has a cozy green corner for preparing food under a canopy, an electric grill fits perfectly into the landscape of your yard. The device will always feed the whole family, a friendly group of guests with fried chicken, turkeys, quail, bacon, and kebabs.

An infrared grill in an oven is modern know-how for high-quality roasting of meat and vegetable dishes. The glass-ceramic surface where food is prepared is heated by infrared heat rays. They are evenly distributed in the device and quickly and efficiently fry the food to the desired state.

Features of the location of grills in the oven

Microwave, gas, and infrared cookers produced by modern industry are equipped with many options that are extremely useful for housewives, novice cooks, and ordinary families. People are happy to develop their culinary talents, delight their households with interesting dishes of their own creation, and come up with something new every day.

Grilling in an oven has long been no longer a novelty for the modern cook. This system for preparing delicious food is often installed in premium cookers and even in many budget models. How necessary is such a function in everyday life and how are the main structural elements of the grill located in the oven?

Many boiled and stewed dishes do not always have a presentable, appetizing appearance. The grill function is created in order to obtain a golden side on meat and poultry, and a golden brown crust on fish baked with vegetables and lemon juice. A person who sees such an amazing effect, the desire to immediately taste this dish increases many times over. That's what the grill effect is!

In the oven, the grill is not installed in the form of a poultry spit. Its design is slightly different. An additional heating block is installed on the top panel of the oven. Enabling this element creates the highest temperature possible. This favors the appearance of the desired crust on the processed product.

The top structure of the product is sealed. Thanks to this technology, under the influence of high temperatures, dishes retain their internal juiciness, remaining tender and soft, pleasant to the taste. The following foods are prepared on the grill in the oven in the same way:

• toast;
• hamburgers;
• hot sandwiches;
• vegetables, poultry, fish;
• meat.

You can fry vegetables on the grill in the oven.
The grill function is not always welcomed by housewives. When turning over meat and fish, especially fatty varieties, fat may sometimes splash onto the walls of the oven and heating elements, causing smoke. For such work the chef must have high professional qualifications.

After each preparation of tasty and healthy dishes, all working surfaces of the grill must be treated with special detergents and cleaning agents. In this case, special attention is paid to places with difficult access. Carefully and thoroughly wipe all metal parts, spit, and surfaces in contact with food products.

For wiping, special soft flannel napkins are used, soaked in liquid to remove grease and burnt residues. Rubbing vigorously and using hard objects is not recommended. Regular maintenance will prevent your grill from wearing out prematurely. The device will always delight your family with fresh, delicious dishes.

The amazing view, wonderful taste, and healthy qualities of grilled food are designed to compensate for those small difficulties that arise when true culinary virtuosos create these culinary masterpieces.

Choosing a modern grill for the home: what to look for first

Table of contents

We are all accustomed to the fact that a home grill is a simple and uncomplicated device, the only function of which is to maintain a set temperature that ensures the best roasting for a particular dish. However, modern grills offer many additional functions, including a timer, precise temperature control, and even automatic selection of the desired program for frying steaks.

Let's take a look at the variety of modern models and figure out what they have in common and how they differ. And, of course, we will try to assess how necessary certain functions will be in reality.

Almost grilled, but not quite

In this review, we will look at contact grills equipped with panels on which food is actually cooked. What will remain behind the scenes are such specific and niche devices as electric barbecue grills (devices for cooking barbecue on a spit) and air grills (devices that compete more with ovens than with contact grills).

Let's start the conversation with the “younger brothers” of contact grills - electric sandwich makers, waffle irons and baking devices. All of them, in essence, are a less powerful analogue of full-fledged contact grills, and are designed to perform a rather narrow range of tasks.

The electric sandwich maker, for example, is well known to almost everyone. This small “grill” with a power of about 700-800 W is intended exclusively for preparing hot sandwiches, which is its weak and strong point at the same time: such a sandwich maker is unlikely to open up new culinary horizons, but it will most likely cope with its task perfectly. And such a gadget takes up little space in the kitchen.

Let us note that in countries of developed capitalism there are many varieties of such sandwich makers that offer expanded functionality: preparing multi-layered high sandwiches, frying scrambled eggs, etc. In Russia they can be found quite rarely, and the effectiveness of such devices remains in question, so focus on them we won't. Let’s just mention that such gadgets exist, and therefore there is a certain demand for them.

An “advanced” version of such grills are devices for preparing all kinds of baked goods - donuts, waffles, doughnuts, etc. Simpler models of such gadgets have non-removable panels and are designed for preparing one type of product.

Advanced - allow you to change the panels and thus prepare a wide variety of baked goods. Additional panels can either be included in the delivery kit or sold separately, which allows the user to independently select the desired forms depending on their own needs, but in the end can significantly affect the final cost of the entire kit.

We will also mention such specific devices as pancake makers and pizza makers - niche devices, the purchase of which for the home in most cases cannot be called advisable: too often such devices are sent to the mezzanine for permanent storage. However, this is “also a grill” - albeit with one panel.

However, let’s move directly to the topic of our review - full-fledged grills.

Contact grills: principle of choice

Home contact grills are very similar to each other: they have two panels, one of which is attached to a hinged lid. A heating element and temperature sensor are hidden under the panel. The control panel, as a rule, consists of temperature and timer control knobs (although variations are possible here).

This grill is suitable for cooking meat, fish and poultry, can easily handle hot sandwiches and homemade shawarma, and allows you to bake vegetables and fry flatbreads.

The differences between different models lie in a number of characteristics, each of which significantly affects both the capabilities of the device and the overall ease of use. Let's list the main characteristics and understand how and what they affect.

Power and maximum temperature

The power of a contact grill and the maximum heating temperature directly related to it are key parameters that determine how quickly the device will heat up to operating temperature, and how well it will cope with maintaining it during the cooking process.

A lack of power will lead to the fact that the grill panels will not heat up quickly enough (which, in principle, is not very bad), and also to the fact that after placing food in the grill, the temperature will drop significantly (but this is not good at all, especially for cooking steaks) .

Full-fledged household grills have a power of about 2000 watts. It is this power level that we would recommend focusing on if you want to get a guaranteed good result, regardless of the type of product intended for frying. Fortunately, such power can be found in relatively inexpensive models.

Choosing a grill of significantly lower power is always a compromise, which it is better not to make without urgent need and full awareness of why you need it at all.

The maximum temperature that the grill can maintain is usually indicated in the documentation that comes with it. To be sure that the grill will adequately handle any type of product, it should reach a temperature of 230-240 °C. Do not need anymore. Less is bad.

The vast majority of manufacturers honestly indicate both the power and the maximum operating temperature of the grill, although we have sometimes encountered unscrupulous sellers whose devices turned out to be significantly “weaker” than the declared characteristics. In general, this is the very case when it makes sense to turn to such a concept as “brand trust”: serious manufacturers may release a not very successful model, but its characteristics will be indicated honestly.

Panel types

Removable or non-removable

Panels on contact grills can be removable (for more expensive models) or non-removable (for cheaper models). If there is no need to save money, we definitely recommend choosing removable panels: they are attached to the device body using special latches and can be easily “snapped off” by pressing a special button.

Such panels are not only easier to clean (washing the panel under running water is much more convenient than wiping it directly on the grill, trying not to flood the body of the device with dirty water), but they are also easier to replace in case of damage (for example, if the protective non-stick layer is damaged) . Spare panels for current models are available for purchase at service centers.

With built-in heating element

Recently, it is increasingly possible to find heating elements pressed directly into the panels. It is believed that this type of connection provides better thermal conductivity, and therefore higher accuracy in controlling the temperature of the panels. Frankly, in the course of numerous tests we have not identified a clear pattern regarding the accuracy of temperature maintenance, but almost always panels with a pressed-in heating element are a sign that this model belongs to the “above average” category. And therefore, the overall quality of the device should be above average.

Panel shape

The standard grill panel has characteristic “stripes”, thanks to which not only a nice striped pattern is achieved on the fried product, but also ensures the removal of excess moisture (vegetable juice and meat fat).

Some grills have one of the panels “striped”, and the second (top) is flat. As a rule, such solutions can be found in grills that fold out 180 degrees, allowing the panels to be used as a regular frying surface. On such a flat panel you can, for example, fry eggs.

Maximum lid opening angle

Since we mentioned that some grills can tilt the lid 180 degrees, thereby turning the device into two independent frying surfaces, we will also mention other options. For budget grills (though not only for them), the standard way to adjust the distance between panels is the most common mechanical switches that regulate the opening angle of the panels. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are obvious: on the one hand, simplicity, on the other, the inability to ensure uniform heating (especially thick pieces of meat that will be pressed unevenly).

More modern grills are equipped with a mechanism that allows the top panel to move in a horizontal plane. Thanks to this, it is always parallel to the bottom, regardless of the thickness of the product placed in the grill. It is clear that this method is more preferable. Especially for cooking products that require precise control over the degree of frying (for example, steaks).

Panel coating

The panels of contact grills are covered with a non-stick coating, and therefore it will be quite easy to care for them. The main thing is to avoid the use of aggressive household chemicals and abrasive materials (metal sponges and the like).

In most cases, dirt can be removed by turning the grill on high and then removing the soot. This method, however, may result in the release of a large amount of smoke.

Regarding the comparative quality of non-stick coatings, we cannot draw far-reaching conclusions: in testing mode, they all demonstrated approximately the same properties, and we are not able to talk about their durability. Therefore, you again have to trust the strength of the brand or the reviews of other users.

Control

The control of household grills can be mechanical or electronic. Mechanical control, as a rule, includes two knobs, one of which is responsible for the heating level, and the second serves as a timer - exactly the same as the familiar mechanical timer on an oven (with a bell).

Electronic control means that all settings (temperature, operating time, etc.) are set using mechanical or touch buttons, and the selected mode is displayed on the display. Many people consider this control more convenient and understandable, although there are not so many fundamental differences between such electronic and mechanical control.

But for more “advanced” models, electronic control provides access to additional functions, the most interesting of which, in our opinion, is the automatic selection of the frying mode depending on the type of product and its thickness. This smart grill will automatically measure the thickness of a piece of meat and automatically select the best combination of temperature and cooking time.

Using this function (of course, if it works adequately), you can fry steaks and cook other foods with virtually no participation from the cook. All that is required is to put the product in the grill, select the desired mode and wait for the signal indicating the end of cooking.

Easy to care for

A grill is an easily dirty appliance, and cooking in it is associated with the appearance of splashes of fat and burnt particles of the product. Therefore, caring for such a device is an important issue, because the grill will have to be cleaned after each use.

When choosing a grill, you need to pay attention to the presence of a special container to collect excess fat and moisture. Access to such a container should be easy, and the container itself should be easy to remove and install back.

The presence of removable panels and the absence of gaps between the panels and the body of the grill will greatly facilitate the process of caring for the grill: washing non-removable panels is a dubious pleasure.

Finally, it is worth noting that many grills have a nasty habit of splashing oil on surrounding objects and on external elements of the housing (in particular, on its own control panel). This option should also be kept in mind, and therefore, the simpler the grill body looks, and the fewer secluded places and crevices it has where dirt can get clogged, the better.

External probe thermometer

Concluding the conversation about grills, let’s mention such a simple device as an external probe thermometer, the presence of which will significantly simplify the process of cooking food in a contact grill. Even though modern grills work well in selected automatic modes, additional control will not hurt.

An external probe thermometer will allow you to accurately control the temperature inside the product, which ensures that there are no problems with overcooked or overdried product.

Well, the most advanced of these thermometers will be able to sound a signal when the desired temperature is reached or even send a corresponding signal to the cook’s smartphone.

conclusions

To summarize the conversation about household contact grills, let's summarize what was said above.

So, when choosing a grill for your home, you need to decide on the following things:

Source

Rules for using the function

The grill is such a versatile culinary equipment that there are thousands of rules for its use. It can be used outdoors, in an apartment, in a homestead, at sea, in the mountains, anywhere - where a cheerful company gathers, where a family comes and simply when you want to eat deliciously.

Here are some of the most important rules.

Rule 1: Using the grill in winter

• Cleanliness is the key to success and pleasant taste. Clean the grill itself and all approaches to it from snow, ice, and unnecessary objects. It will make cooking much more convenient and ensure safety for all picnic participants.
• Prepare meals in advance in a warm room. This way you will spend less time in the bitter cold.
• Prepare the grill for use. To do this, it should be heated to an operating temperature of +260° C. In winter, the grill takes much longer to heat up than in summer under the gentle sun.
• Cooking. The basic rule is to open the grill door or lid as little as possible. By doing this, you reduce the temperature inside the workspace every time. Therefore, the cooking time increases by 5-7 minutes each time.
• Tools and dishes should not be taken out into the cold. They should stay in a warm room. The prepared dish cools instantly when placed on a frozen plate.
• Steaks and chops need to “rest” for some time after cooking. To do this, after removing them from the grill, they should be taken to a warm room and wrapped in food foil or parchment paper.
• Don't forget to turn off your grill when you're done cooking! On a gas grill, turn the valve tightly. Disconnect the electrical device from the network. On a charcoal grill, carefully close the vent dampers.

Rule 2. Cooking vegetables

• To preserve the excellent natural taste of hard vegetables - carrots, onions, bell peppers, they should be left slightly crispy when cooking.
• If you want to get a soft vegetable consistency, they should be kept on the grill for 2-3 minutes longer. During the process, you need to make sure that they don’t burn, but also don’t get too fried.
• Potatoes and carrots should be soft inside. To do this, before grilling, it is recommended to boil them until half cooked. This will take about 5-10 minutes in boiling salted water.
• When using spice mixtures with added sugar, be aware that grilling makes the vegetables sweeter than usual. It is advisable not to overdo it.
• Vegetables for grilling are cut into equal pieces of medium size. Their size is approximately a finger thick or somewhat thinner. This will ensure they cook evenly and are ready at the same time.
• To avoid finely chopped vegetables falling through the grill, if small specimens are being cooked, you should use a special perforated grill pan.

Rule 3. How to cook the perfect steak

• 15-20 minutes before cooking, remove steaks from the refrigerator.
• Remove excess moisture by patting the meat with a paper towel.
• Season the dish with pepper and salt and leave for 10-20 minutes at room temperature.
• Set the grill to operate in direct high heat mode (230-290°C).
• Cook steaks for 1 minute for every centimeter of meat thickness on each side. More details: if the thickness of the piece is 3 cm, then you need to hold it for 3 minutes on each side. The steak will be cooked medium rare.
• Remove steaks from grill. Let them lie next to each other on the board and “rest” for as many minutes as they were fried.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Can be served.

What is the temperature of 350 on the grill?

Grill temperature chart:

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