A contact grill is one of those appliances where you wonder why you didn't get one sooner. You can grill whenever you feel like it, no waiting for good weather, no charcoal, no smoke. All you need is a power outlet, and within minutes you're enjoying grilled chicken breast, salmon, or halloumi with a golden crust. Yum.
Choosing the right contact grill isn't exactly straightforward, though. The differences in power, surface area, and features between models are huge. Our guide will help you get it right.
What Is a Contact Grill and How Does It Work?
A contact grill cooks from both sides at once. The upper plate presses down on the food from above while the lower plate heats from below. The result is evenly cooked food without flipping in a fraction of the time compared to a traditional grill.
And unlike a charcoal grill, there's no prep, no smoke, and no dependence on the weather. A contact grill works in the kitchen, on the balcony, or on the terrace. Basically anywhere there's a power outlet.
Many models can also be opened flat. This transforms the contact grill into an open tabletop grill with double the cooking surface which comes in very handy for a proper barbecue with friends.
Six Parameters to Consider When Choosing a Contact Grill
1. Power
The wattage determines how quickly the grill heats up and what temperatures it can reach. For home use, look for at least 1,800 W, ideally 2,000 W. Why? Lower-powered models don't actually grill, they just warm the food through. A properly seared steak with a crispy crust simply isn't possible at 1,200 W.
Higher wattage also means the grill is ready to use in two or three minutes. Cheaper models take noticeably longer to reach temperature.
2. Cooking Surface
The surface area in cm² determines how much you can cook at once — and whether everyone gets to eat while the food is still hot.
A rough guide:
- under 600 cm² — for one or two people, sandwiches and lighter dishes
- 600–1,000 cm² — for 2–3 people, everyday home grilling
- over 1,000 cm² — for families or the occasional barbecue with friends
A small surface area is the most common mistake people make. Grilling in two or three batches is annoying, and the first batch will be cold before you've finished cooking the rest.
3. BBQ Mode
The ability to open the grill to 180° and turn it into an open tabletop grill might look like a bonus feature at first glance. In reality, it significantly expands what you can cook. It's particularly useful for thicker cuts of meat, fish, or cheese — foods where the pressure of the upper plate gets in the way.
If this mode isn't mentioned in the product description, look for a different model.
4. Plates
This is where the biggest differences between models lie.
A ridged plate leaves classic grill marks on meat and lets fat drain away from the food. A flat plate is ideal for eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, or fish.
The best grills offer both — either as a reversible plate you simply flip over, or as a set of two different plates included in the box.
A non-stick surface is a standard feature every grill should have. Without it, food sticks to the plate and cleaning becomes a nightmare. Removable dishwasher-safe plates are something you shouldn't scrimp on.
5. Temperature Control and Automatic Programs
Chicken breast needs a different temperature than salmon. Salmon needs a different temperature than sausages. Basic models have just a rotary thermostat, which is fine if you know what you're doing. For beginners, though, grills with automatic programs are much more practical — you select the ingredient and the grill sets the temperature and time itself.
Even better are models with memory settings. The grill remembers how you last adjusted the beef program and starts from your values next time.
6. Maintenance
Do the plates go in the dishwasher? If not, move on. Does the grill have a drip tray? Fat has to go somewhere, without a tray it ends up on the worktop. Is the handle heat-insulated? Handling the upper lid during cooking needs to be safe.
How Much Does a Good Contact Grill Cost?
Under £100 / $100 you'll find basic models with fixed plates, no temperature control, and a small cooking surface. Fine for the occasional sandwich, but regular grilling with one won't be enjoyable.
£100–200 / $100–200 covers solid home grills with temperature control. Non-removable plates or a smaller surface area are common compromises in this range.
£200–350 / $200–350 is the most interesting category. Dishwasher-safe removable plates, a larger cooking surface, a display, and automatic programs. A good example of a grill that ticks all these boxes is the Lauben Contact Grill Deluxe 2000ST. It has 2,000 W of power, a 1,400 cm² cooking surface, BBQ mode, reversible dishwasher-safe plates, and 6 automatic programs with memory, all for around £/€120.
Over £350 / $350 you'll find premium models with a temperature probe, independent temperature control for each plate, or advanced doneness sensors.
The Most Common Mistakes When Buying a Contact Grill
Too little power. A grill with under 1,500 W won't properly cook meat, it'll just heat it through. It seems like a saving, but you'll regret it.
Too small a cooking surface. For a family of four, a small surface means cooking in three batches. The food will be cold before you sit down.
Fixed plates. Cleaning a plate that's attached to the grill is tedious. After a few uses, you'll stop.
No BBQ mode. Without the option to open the grill flat, you're limited to contact grilling only and you're missing out on half of what the grill can do.
No drip tray. Fat has to go somewhere. This isn't a minor detail.
So, to wrap up. Power, surface area, dishwasher-safe plates, and BBQ mode — those are the things that really matter when choosing. Automatic programs are the cherry on top.
