Understanding Electric Grills: Types, Features & What sets them spart

Electric grilling is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to gas or charcoal grilling — especially for those who want a clean, compact, and reliable way to prepare grilled food at home. Unlike traditional grills, electric models are designed to be used year-round, indoors or on balconies, without smoke or fire hazards.

But not all electric grills are the same. Each type is built for a specific cooking style, from table grills to raclette sets and contact grills. In this article, we’ll examine the different types of electric grills Rommelsbacher offers, how they work, and what makes each one suitable for different situations.

What Is Electric Grilling — and Why Choose It?

Electric grills use a powered heating element to warm up a grill plate — no gas, charcoal, or open flames are involved. This makes them safe to use indoors or in small outdoor areas like balconies. Because they heat up quickly and are generally easy to clean, electric grills are well-suited for everyday cooking.

Many people choose electric grills because they produce no smoke or fumes, making them ideal for shared living spaces. There’s no need to store or handle charcoal or gas, and the adjustable temperature controls allow for more consistent cooking. With many models offering non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts, cleanup is usually fast and straightforward. Their compact size makes them especially practical for small kitchens, apartments, or homes with limited storage space.

Whether you're preparing a quick solo dinner or enjoying a relaxed meal with friends, electric grills are designed to fit smoothly into daily life — without the mess or waiting time of traditional grilling.

Overview of Rommelsbacher Grill Types

Electric grills may look similar at first glance, but their designs reflect very different cooking intentions. Some are ideal for fast weekday meals, others for slow, social dinners, and some for recreating the classic BBQ experience — minus the smoke and fire. Here's a detailed look at the key types of electric grills in Rommelsbacher’s range.

1. Contact Grills & Multi-Grills
Contact grills like the Rommelsbacher KG 2020 and KG 1800 are hinged devices that close over your food. Heat is applied from both above and below, allowing for quick, even grilling without needing to flip your ingredients. They're especially popular for sandwiches, vegetables, sliced meats, or halloumi.

These grills work by pressing the food between two heated grill plates. The closed design helps retain heat and shortens cooking time. Most models are slightly tilted so that fat can drip off, making them useful for healthier cooking.

They stand out for their speed and simplicity. The compact design makes them easy to store in small kitchens, and the flat non-stick surfaces are easy to wipe clean. The KG 2020 is great for smaller households, while the KG 1800 offers more space and flexibility. Contact grills are ideal for people who want fuss-free, low-maintenance grilling that fits into their weekday routine.

2. Table Grills
Table grills, such as the BBQ 2003 offer a large open grilling surface that can be used right at the dining table. These grills are perfect for shared meals where everyone can cook together — from meat and vegetables to tofu, seafood, or even pancakes.

Food is placed directly on a heated grill plate, which can be either ribbed to create grill marks or smooth for more delicate cooking. Some models.

The plates are usually made from die-cast aluminum and coated with a PFAS-free ceramic layer, making them durable and nonstick. Most are removable and dishwasher-safe. These grills are well-suited to families, couples, or anyone who enjoys interactive, casual dining. They are also a practical choice for people who want a year-round grill that works just as well indoors as it does on a balcony.

3. Barbecue-Style Electric Grills
If you're looking to recreate the feel of traditional outdoor grilling without using charcoal or gas, Rommelsbacher's barbecue-style electric grills — including the BBQ 4000 and BBQ 4100/S — are worth considering. These models are larger and more powerful, offering high-temperature cooking with features that mimic classic BBQ setups.

They use a heating element to warm up a heavy cast iron grate. This setup allows the grill to reach temperatures up to 300 °C, which is ideal for searing meat, roasting vegetables, or even baking pizza with a stone. The BBQ 4000 is a compact tabletop version, while the BBQ 4100/S includes a wheeled grill trolley for added mobility and prep space.

The lid allows for indirect grilling, and a built-in temperature display helps monitor heat levels during longer cooking sessions. These grills are particularly suitable for outdoor use on balconies, terraces, or small patios — especially where open flames aren’t allowed. They're designed for people who enjoy weekend grilling, cooking for family or guests, and want the look and feel of a traditional grill in an electric format.

4. Raclette Grills
Raclette grills like the RCS 1350, RC 1400, RCC 1500, and RC 1600 are designed for slow, social meals. They combine a top-surface grill with a set of small individual pans underneath (raclette dishes), allowing everyone at the table to cook their own portion.

The upper grill can be used for meats, vegetables, or bread, while the lower pans are traditionally used to melt cheese or warm small toppings. These models vary in size and features. The RCC 1500 includes a natural stone plate that heats slowly but evenly — perfect for gentle, gradual grilling. Other models use non-stick coated aluminum, which heats faster and is easier to clean.

Raclette grills are ideal for festive gatherings, birthdays, or holiday meals. They're not about speed, but rather about creating a shared cooking experience where everyone takes their time. With space for up to 8 pans, these models are perfect for families and small groups who enjoy relaxed meals with variety and interaction.

Materials, Heat Control & Cleaning
Rommelsbacher grills use different surface materials depending on the model. Die-cast aluminum plates are lightweight and heat quickly, making them great for everyday use. Stone plates retain heat longer and distribute it more evenly, while cast iron grates — used in BBQ-style grills — provide the highest heat and leave classic grill marks.

Most grill plates are non-stick coated and easy to clean, with several models offering removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. Many Rommelsbacher grills also feature inward-sloping surfaces that allow grease to drain into a separate tray, supporting lower-fat cooking without mess.

Choosing the Right Grill for Your Needs
Each grill type serves a different purpose. Contact grills are compact and efficient for quick meals. Table grills are ideal for shared indoor cooking experiences. Barbecue-style grills cater to outdoor-style cooking with more power and space. Raclette grills are designed for social, slow-paced dining.

The best choice depends on your lifestyle, space, and cooking habits — whether you want something small for daily use, a social tool for shared meals, or a setup that brings the BBQ experience home without gas or fire.

Curious about which grill suits your cooking style best? Rommelsbacher offers a wide range of contact grills, table grills, barbecue grills, and raclette sets. Browse the full collection.