Electric grill manufacturers have broken through the proverbial brick wall, during the first part of this millennium, to get their products recognized as essentials for the home. Rewind 15 years, and regular consumers didn’t really trust them to make great meats, while grill enthusiasts considered them almost as a Trojan Horse, sent in to destroy real grilling as they knew it. A lot has changed since then, and although charcoal grilling is still seen as the ideal for authentic outdoor cooking, electric grills have improved, so much so, that many consumers see them as a viable alternative, not only for the winter months but for their grilling needs in general. Today I’m going to be providing you with a closer look at the Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill, and we’ll find out whether it really can be trusted to grill some great food; we’ll also see how it compares to other electric grills.
[amazon template=’wishlist’&asin=B0000AZK85]
Pros:
- Great heating elements
- Good grates
- Large family size cooking surface
- Easy to clean
- Excellent thermostat
Cons:
- Bigger than most portable electric grills
- Buyers should avoid thick steaks and red meats
Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill Review (Official Site):
Size/Design:
There are always limits to an electric grills portability because you need a generator if you’re taking it away from home, and even if you’ll just be carrying it out into the back garden, with an extension lead, it’s a little on the heavy side, at 11.2 pounds. However it’s still a one person job, and as with most electric grills, you’ll mainly be using this inside the house. The measurements are 21.8 inches in length, by 14.4 inches of width, with the depth being 5.5 inches, so it’s also slightly on the large side, compared to rival electric grills, but it is easy to use. Buyers should judge the BG24 on performance anyway, because super-portability is not a requirement for electric grills, and although it’s above average in size and weight, it still comes down to a matter of a few pounds and couple of inches, so size and weight isn’t a huge concern.
[amazon template=image&asin=B0000AZK85]
Performance:
So it’s a little chunky, but how does it cook? Well, the grates on electric grills are often a problem, because to reach the low prices these grills sell at, certain decisions need to be made. One of these is to use an inferior material for the grates, then cast iron or steel. In this case, they’ve used die-cast aluminum, but the Delonghi BG24 cooks much more evenly, and quickly than most other electric grills because they’ve installed some fantastic heating elements, which simulate the job of expensive grates. What you end up with is sear marked meat, that retains its moisture, and so avoids the dry taste associated with some charcoal grills.
It can be hit and miss though. For chicken, fish and thin steaks you’ll get an awesome flavor, but for thick steaks and pork, the heat output just isn’t powerful enough to heat right the way through. This is pretty common with electric grills, so no big problem, but for buyers who have never purchased one, it’s definitely something they should know. With the space being 12 inches by 6 inches, you’ll be able to cook for the family, but don’t plan on creating a feast, because it’s not going to happen. So, it all comes down to what you want it for. If you have a partner and child, and you want to cook dinner in the evening, then this is perfect. If you want to have a party and invite friends, then perhaps you should give this one a miss.
Here’s the good news; the BG24 is incredibly easy to clean. Sometimes they say that, but after cooking for the first time, you end the night, scraping debris from the cooking surface. But, the BG24 is coated with porcelain-enamel, so one wipe and everything falls off the surface for you. The best thing about the BG24, however, is the thermostat; it’s detachable, and you can set it to precise temperatures, so you can cook food exactly to your liking. The thermostat is also large enough for you to view it, without squinting or looking closely, and ease of operation through little inclusions like this is something Delonghi have become exceptional at, over the years. From the tempered glass lid, which also keeps your food warm after grilling, to the removable drip pan; everything about the BG24 makes for a relaxing grilling experience.
Conclusion
There’s nothing absolutely amazing here, but it is less than $60, and it will grill great food, provided you avoid thick steaks and pork. Everything is set-up to be easy, so it’s perfect for dinner after a hard day at work and will look nice in any kitchen. The BG24 grills evenly thanks to the excellent heating elements, but don’t expect to cook for more than 4 people. The Verdict: Pretty good grill for a pretty good price.