When you’re looking for the best grills, especially the best indoor grills or the best electric grill, it can be a little overwhelming because there are so many options. Well, why not both? The T-Fal OptGrill combines the power of an electric grill with the easy-to-clean convenience of an indoor grill into a capable machine.
Why We Like It – T-Fal OptiGrill Electric Grill
The T-Fal OptiGrill Electric Grill is probably one of the most powerful indoor grills we’ve seen so far. It’s capable of searing a steak to perfection, which a lot of indoor grills have trouble doing, and can feed a hungry family of four thanks to its exceptionally large cooking space. But, for a couple, you’ll want to try the Presto 09020 indoor grill.
- Very Powerful Compared to Competitors
- Automatic Sensor Cooking and a Variety of Cooking Modes
- Easy to Clean and Dishwasher Safe
- This Power Could Cost You or Blow a Fuse
- Top-Heavy
- Expensive
Power/Heating
Unlike the Weber Q1400 grill, the OptiGrill is a powerful machine capable of putting out 1800 watts of power, which is impressive. Cooking plates not normally common with indoor grills, like steak, is possible. However, 1800 watts is a lot of power that can easily add up to your energy bills, or can even blow a fuse. So it’s a double-edged sword. If you do want something less powerful, try the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill.
Related: Also check out our Summerset Grill review.
Size/Versatility
The OptiGrill has a cooking surface of about 235 square inches, which is among the largest we’ve seen and is on par with some smaller barbecues. It has even more space than the Secura GR-1503XL. It also features six pre-set programs for auto cooking programs like burgers, poultry, sandwich, sausage, red meat, and fish. It also has a manual mode for cooking to your liking and another mode specifically designed for frozen food.
Related: If you like this grill, you might be interested in our Stok Quattro review.
Durability
The OptiGrill weighs a modest 12 pounds which isn’t light but also isn’t particularly heavy either. Try the Zojirushi Indoor if you’re looking for something lighter. The OptiGrill is constructed of stainless steel though. And although stainless steel may be tough to clean, at least you know it’s durable. Just make sure you invest in some stainless steel cleaner!
Ease of Use
The OptiGrill is, overall, a pretty simple unit to clean. The removal, non-stick grill plates, and drip tray are all dishwasher safe and the temperature setting is easy enough to select from a dial on the front of the machine. Indicator light and beeping noise let you know when your food is ready to go. Honestly, it shouldn’t be too hard to cook a steak on this, be it rare or well done.
Value
If I had to nitpick something about the OptiGrill it’s that it’s top-heavy. If you have soft food that you’re trying to cook there’s a good chance it will get crushed when you bring the top down. It’s also a little on the expensive side, but this was to be expected considering how powerful it is and the variety of cooking modes. It also comes with a one-year warranty from the time of purchase.
T-Fal OptiGrill Electric Grill Wrap Up
Those who take the plunge and buy the OptiGrill shouldn’t be disappointed. Just make sure you’re being careful when you’re running it to save a trip to your fuse box! But other than that it should do wonders for someone living in an apartment or a college student looking to grill up some of their favorite meals.
