Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Maxi-Matic 14-Inch Electric Indoor Grill, Black Review

Editor Rating: 4.8/5

The most affordable grill that has a lid - the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Maxi-Matic 14-Inch Electric Indoor Grill, Black heats up fast and cooks food quicker than most electric grills.

This affordable grill is fully packed with features. It as an adequate power cord and a removable temperature dial that is labeled in degrees. The removable temperature dial makes this grill easy and safe to clean, plus the griddle plate and drip pan are all removable. The grill is also UL tested which means it meets the requirements for safety standards.

Now when it comes to cooking, this grill is fully equipped. It comes with a domed lid that is made of transparent tempered glass which means checking the food can be done without lifting the lid. It also helps prevent splatterings keeping your kitchen clean.

The grill uses a griddle plate instead of grates and wire meshes which is a big positive. The griddle plate allows you to cook smaller food that would usually go through the spaces between grates and wire meshes. Also, non-stick griddle plate is easier to clean because they don't have those tight corners and its back does not require a lot of cleaning because it is not exposed to food residue or grease. The ribbed or raised bars on the griddle plate put grill marks on your food and separates excess oil and grease from your food to the drip tray.

However, the drip pan is a bit small you'll need to keep an eye on it and empty it before it gets full especially when you are cooking fatty foods.

Finally, this grill probably has the largest cooking surface out of all the electric grills we reviewed - it is perfect for big families and indoor gatherings. However, it does require a larger counter space. Make sure that you take note of the grills diameter before you purchase it and plan ahead on where you're going to put it in your kitchen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Features

Temperature

Unlike most electric grills, this electric grill heats up fast and therefore cooks food quickly. It has a thermostat with a clear label (in degree Fahrenheit) giving you control in terms of temperature which is very important in cooking delicious food. It has 5 settings (on/off, 195, 250, 355 and 445 degrees Fahrenheit). Furthermore, it has a light indicator that lets you know when the grill is hot and ready.

At the same time, this grill is inexpensive and yet it includes a lid which is something most affordable grills don't have. There are several reasons why it is always better when a grill comes with a lid. The lid helps with cooking by preventing heat from coming out of the grill. The lid also prevents splattering keeping your cooking area clean. Having a lid provides versatility in cooking. Depending on what you're cooking, you can put the lid on or leave it off. Rest assured, you can cook thicker pieces even with the lid on because the lid is domed and the grill is quite deep. Additionally, the lid is tempered with a hole for smoke ventilation and it is see-through letting you see your food without lifting the lid. Because of these qualities, this grill is recommended for indoor use and for tabletop grilling.

Cooking

When it comes to cooking, this grill is great. Aside from its ability to cook fast, it retains flavor and keeps the food moist. And most importantly, it is large enough for a big indoor gathering. In fact, couples and singles find this grill larger than expected. It is because this grill is made for a family of at least 4 or more.

Cleaning and safety

It is important to note that this grill has a stand to let the grill tilt so that the grease drips to the tray and does not get stuck on your food while you're cooking. However, the drip pan has to be emptied while you're grilling fatty foods to keep it from overflowing because the drip pan is a bit small.

This grill uses a non-stick griddle plate for cooking which is easier to clean compared to grills that use grates or wire meshes. The griddle plate and the drip pan are all removable and dishwasher safe. Just be sure to remove the power cord then the thermostat/temperature dial. Don't worry, the grill is UL tested passing safety standards. Although the grilling surface area is large, the grill is quite lightweight so washing is easy and won't require a lot of effort.

Frequently Asked Questions