Electric grills

Outdoor Electric Grills: What Wattage, Outlets and Extension Cords Mean for Real Cooking

For many apartment and condo balconies, an electric grill is the only option the lease or building rules allow. The cooking results depend less on the brand than on two things most listings bury: how much power the grill draws and whether your outlet can actually deliver it.

This guide covers the electrical side of choosing and using an outdoor electric grill, plus the design features that help an electric grill get closer to real grilling.

What wattage tells you

An electric grill's wattage is the rate at which its heating element turns electricity into heat. Unlike a gas grill's BTU rating, nearly all of that energy becomes heat in the element. Where it goes next is the design question: into the grate and food, or out of an open top and into the breeze.

Standard US household outlets are on 120V circuits, commonly 15 or 20 amps. Appliances meant for those outlets are typically limited to around 1,500–1,800 watts so they don't overload the circuit. That ceiling is why electric grills can't simply add power the way a gas grill adds burners. Good electric grills compensate with smart design instead.

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Your outlet matters as much as the grill

Use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet

Outdoor outlets in the US are generally required by electrical codes to have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, and many grill manuals specify it. A GFCI cuts power quickly if current leaks to ground, which matters around rain, wet hands and metal grills. If your balcony outlet isn't GFCI-protected, or you're not sure, ask your landlord or an electrician before using a grill on it.

Avoid sharing the circuit

A grill drawing near the limit of the circuit doesn't leave room for a space heater, kettle or other big load on the same circuit. If the breaker trips, the grill drops out mid-cook. Find out which indoor outlets share the balcony circuit, and keep high-draw appliances off it while you grill.

Check the cover

Outdoor outlets should have a weatherproof cover. “In-use” covers, which close over a plugged-in cord, keep rain off the connection while the grill runs.

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The extension cord question

If your manual permits a cord, the general principles are:

• Use the shortest cord that reaches.
• Choose a heavy gauge as specified (a lower gauge number means a thicker wire).
• Use only cords marked for outdoor use, with a grounded three-prong plug if the grill has one.
• Keep the connection off the ground and out of puddles.
• Don't daisy-chain cords or use a power strip.
• Unroll the cord fully; a coiled cord under heavy load can heat up.
• Check the cord and plug for warmth during use. A hot plug or cord means stop and reassess.

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Building rules and balcony checks

Rules for balconies are set by fire codes, landlords and HOAs, and they vary widely. Many multi-unit buildings restrict charcoal and propane on balconies but permit electric grills. Some restrict all grills. Ask before you buy, and get it in writing if possible. Our guide to grills for small patios and balconies covers the physical space questions, and our gas vs electric vs charcoal for apartments guide covers the fuel decision.

Getting better results from an electric grill

1. Preheat fully with the lid closed. Give it the full preheat time in the manual, or longer on a cold or windy day.
2. Keep the lid closed as much as possible. Every opening dumps stored heat.
3. Pat food dry before it goes on. Surface moisture has to evaporate before browning starts, and that steals heat.
4. Don't overload the grate. Cook in batches so the grate recovers between them.
5. Go thinner for searing. Thin steaks, burgers, chicken thighs and vegetables suit electric grills better than thick roasts.
6. Use a thermometer. Without flare-ups to judge by, an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness.

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For doneness, use the USDA's minimum safe internal temperature guidance for each food rather than time alone. The USDA publishes its current recommendations on its food safety site; check there for the latest figures.

Care and storage

• Unplug before cleaning and never immerse the control unit or element unless the manual says it's removable and washable.
• Let the grill cool, then wipe and empty the grease tray.
• Cover it when not in use and bring the controller indoors if the manual recommends it.
• Inspect the cord regularly for cracks or damage, and stop using a grill with a damaged cord.

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Electric grill styles for outdoor use

Indoor countertop grills aren't meant for outdoor use unless the manufacturer says so; our indoor grill guide covers those separately.

Shopping checklist

• Confirm the grill is rated for outdoor use, not just indoor countertop use.
• Check wattage and the voltage it's designed for, and make sure it matches your outlet.
• Look for a closed lid, a heavy grate and a thermostat with clearly marked settings.
• Check the cord length. A longer factory cord may avoid the extension cord question entirely.
• Check whether the controller detaches for cleaning and storage.
• Look for a safety certification mark from a recognized testing laboratory on the product or listing.
• Measure your balcony space and the distance from the outlet to where the grill will stand.
• Check that a fitted cover is available.