An electric grill utilizes heating elements powered by electricity to cook food, instead of an open flame. This makes temperature control easier and lighting the grill quicker compared to charcoal or gas grills. Electric grills allow the fun and flavors of outdoor grilling even in spaces where open flames are prohibited, like patios, balconies, or small urban backyards.
However, electric grills still pose safety risks from high heat, electricity, and grease that can cause burns, shocks, or fires. By following grill safety fundamentals and tips specific to electric grills, you can prevent hazards and cook delicious BBQ without worry.
This guide will cover:
- Dangers specific to electric grills
- Location guidelines for electric grills
- Inspection and maintenance best practices
- Electric cord and outlet safety
- Clothing and behavior protocols
- Grease and flare-up prevention
- Kids and pets precautions
- Storage and cleaning advice
- and more safety tips!
Let’s get grilling…safely!
Dangers Specific to Electric Grills
Electric grills have unique risks compared to charcoal or gas grills related to electricity, overheating components, and water exposure. Being aware of these hazards can help you take proper precautions.
Electric Shocks
Electric grills plug into standard household outlets, so coming into contact with live elements risks dangerous electric shocks. Faulty cords, damaged plugs, worn insulation, or improper grounding can make electric grills hazardous.
Exposing cords, plugs or electrical components to water heightens shock risks further. Something as simple as getting an extension cord wet could be extremely dangerous with an electric appliance.
Electric Fires
Like any electric appliance, damaged wires, bad connections, or faulty equipment can overheat and spark electrical fires. Electric grills contain many wires and connections between heating elements, temperature controls, displays and power cords.
If liquids seep into these components, overheating or short-circuiting can ignite plastic components or grease buildup into difficult-to-extinguish electrical fires.
Heating Element Damage
The metal heating elements in an electric grill operate at very high temperatures to cook food. Dripping grease can overheat elements and damage protective coatings. Heating elements and internal wiring exposed to damage are more likely to cause electric shorts or fires.
Picking an Outdoor Location for an Electric Grill
Since electric grills rely on power outlets, pay special attention to positioning them safely outdoors.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Unlike charcoal or gas grills, electric grills do not produce harmful combustion byproducts. However, electric grills still generate plenty of smoke and airflow is important to prevent buildup.
Set up your electric grill in an open outdoor area without anything obstructing airflow for 10 feet on all sides, including overhead. Do not place it right next to your house or garage, underneath patio covers, too close to fences or trees, or anywhere with limited ventilation.
Protect from Weather
Electric grills are designed for outdoor use, but you still need to protect electrical components from direct rain or water exposure. Avoid placing your grill anywhere that puddling water could reach the outlet, cords or internal parts if the grill is uncovered during storms.
Ground Surfaces
Set up your electric grill on a flat, stable, non-combustible surface like concrete or brick. Soft ground, like grass or dirt, can shift over time, causing the grill to tip. Make sure the location is level without any tripping hazards from cords stretching across pathways.
Power Source
Electric grills pull significant electricity to power heating elements, sometimes over 15 amps. Make sure your power source can handle the load without blowing circuits.
Dedicated outdoor outlets protected from weather are ideal. Avoid small apartment balconies or patios with only indoor outlets and thin extension cords.
Use heavy 12 or 14-gauge extension cords if necessary, checking that connections are tight and the cord is in good condition without cracks or exposed wiring. Don’t chain multiple extension cords.
Ideally, keep cords out of main traffic areas so they aren’t tripping hazards.
Inspecting Your Electric Grill
Before plugging in and turning on your electric grill each season, give it a thorough inspection to check for any problems that could impact safety.
Cord Inspection
Examine the entire power cord, checking for:
- Cracks, damage or exposed wiring
- Broken/loose prongs on the plug
- Missing ground pin
- Any heat damage or melting
Worn cords are extremely dangerous for electric grills. Replace immediately if any damage is found.
Plug Connection
Ensure the power cord connects snugly to the outlet without any looseness or exposed prongs. Try unplugging and reconnecting a few times to check for a secure fit.
Housing
Inspect the outer metal housing, looking for:
- Rust or corrosion, especially on heating elements
- Cracks, holes or instability
- Proper alignment of heating elements in racks
- Buildup of grease, dirt or debris
Internal Components
Remove cooking grates and thoroughly inspect inside the grill for:
- Damage to heating elements or wiring
- Vermin or insect nests/droppings
- Water sitting in bottom of grill
Check all knobs, thermostats and electronic displays function properly when grill is powered on.
Maintaining Your Electric Grill
Like any appliance, electric grills need regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent damage impacting safety.
Storage
Store electric grills indoors when not in use for extended periods. Choose clean, dry locations safe from weather exposure, grease residue attracting insects, or curious pets chewing wires.
Use grill covers when storing outdoors between uses. Make sure to fully disconnect the power cord with covers on, so heat cannot build up.
Cleaning
Allow grill to fully cool after each use before cleaning. Use a grill brush and scraper to remove stuck-on food from grates and trays. Then wipe down exterior surfaces with a non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent solution if needed.
Avoid using metal scouring pads or wire brushes that could scratch protective coatings on heating elements. Only use soft-bristle nylon brushes.
Check manufacturer instructions before attempting to clean any internal components. Do not spray the interior with water or use a pressure washer.
Rust Prevention
Rust damage can impact electric grill safety and performance. Wipe down the exterior with cooking oil before storing it indoors for winter. For grills left outdoors, purchase water-resistant grill covers.
Check periodically for rust spots and treat immediately with rust converter chemicals and touch up paint if needed.
Electric Grill Cord Safety
The power cord is the most critical component for electric grill safety. Follow these precautions when dealing with cords:
Never Immerse Cords
Never submerge electric grill power cords or expose the prongs/plug to standing water when cleaning. If cords ever get wet, completely dry off before using them again. Consider replacing any cords exposed to moisture, as water damage can happen internally where you cannot see.
No Removal/Repairs
Do not attempt to replace or splice cords yourself. Contact the manufacturer or authorized repair company for any power cord repairs needed.
Proper Handling
When maneuvering the grill during setup or takedown, be careful not to twist, kink, or forcibly bend cords to avoid damage to wiring or internal connections.
No Touching Live Elements
Never touch plugs or cords with wet hands. Ensure connections are fully cool before unplugging.
Disconnect When Not In Use
Always disconnect the power cord completely when cooking or before covering your electric grill. Never leave it plugged in constantly.
Grill Safety Clothing & Behavior
How you operate and move around an electric grill impacts safety for both you and equipment.
Tuck In Loose Clothes
Do not wear loose shirts or clothing that could blow onto the grill surface or get caught on knobs and controls while cooking. Tie back long hair securely.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Wear proper footwear covering your whole foot when grilling. Sandals or flip-flops make it too easy to spill hot grease or coals onto bare skin.
Attention On Cooking
Stay by the grill when it is powered on, never leaving food unattended. Reduce distractions from TVs, phones, or guests that could lead you to forget a burning grill.
Proper Movement
When checking food or adjusting vents/knobs, open the grill cover away from your body to avoid steam burns. Use gloves or cooking tools instead of grabbing food directly with bare hands. Close the cover gently without slamming.
Prep Area
Designate a safe food prep area at least 10 feet from the grill with a sturdy table for raw meat and setting down hot cooking tools. This reduces reaching over open flames.
Gloves/Mitts
Use heat-resistant gloves, mitts or cooking tools at all times when handling hot grates or adjusting grills. Regular oven mitts protect from heat only briefly before heating up themselves. Invest in specialized grilling gloves.
Preventing Electric Grill Grease Fires
The #1 safety hazard with any grill is flaming grease. Hot cooking oil and melted fat dripping onto electric heating elements can easily ignite, creating dangerous grease fires.
Empty Grease Trays
Electric grills collect grease drippings from food in pull-out grease trays under the heating elements. Always empty trays into a metal can after each use once grease has cooled completely. Never let more than 1/4 inch depth accumulate.
Flare-Ups
If flames appear when grease drips during cooking, move food to another area and turn heat to low until flames die down. Do not spray water directly onto electric heating elements. Close lid to suffocate flames if they grow too large. Consider flare-ups a warning your grill needs cleaning.
Small Meal Portions
Only cook 2-3 servings of food at once, especially fatty meats like chicken or sausages. Overcrowding the grill surface increases risk of grease fires. Cook additional rounds in batches.
Turn off When Not Cooking
Don’t leave your electric grill powered on high between cooking tasks. Turn heat to lowest setting or shut off unit until ready to cook next items.
Kids & Pets Safety
Children and pets naturally want to inspect smells and activities near an outdoor grill. Take precautions to keep them safe.
Supervise Children
Do not let young children linger near the grill without constant adult supervision. Teach older youth proper safety fundamentals before allowing them to assist with grilling.
Restrict Access
Consider setting up temporary fencing or gates to keep kids/pets restricted from your grilling area, especially during active use.
Secure Storage
Ensure electric grills, accessories, and extension cords are properly stored out of reach and access between uses. Consider locked storage containers.
Pets can burn themselves jumping up to reach food as easily as kids. Keep pets restricted or inside while grilling.
What to Do if an Electric Grill Catches Fire
Despite precautions, electric grill fires can still occur, Spreading quickly from ignited grease and accelerated by plastics in grill housing. Here is what to do if your grill catches fire:
Unplug Immediately
If smoke or sparks begin emanating from your electric grill, immediately unplug the unit or shut off power at circuit breaker if possible. Eliminating the power source helps suppress electrical fires.
Do NOT Use Water
It may be instinct to grab your garden hose but do NOT spray water directly into an electric appliance fire. Water will likely short-circuit wires and spread flames further. Fine misting could be used on external fires.
Baking Soda/Fire Extinguisher
Baking soda disrupts the chemical fire reaction and is safe for electrical components. Keep boxes near your grill in case of minor flare-ups you can directly pour onto.
Class B dry powder extinguishers are best for oil fires without conducting electricity. Class C extinguishers for electrical equipment may work for minor electric grill fires but still should not directly spray internal components.
When In Doubt, Call Fire Department
If the fire grows beyond immediate control or you cannot safely reach plug/breaker, dial emergency services. Fires fueled by electricity and grease can quickly overtake grills and spread to surroundings like homes or trees. Do not take risks trying to extinguish large blazes yourself.
Safe Electric Grill Storage & Maintenance
Proper maintenance, while grills sit idle between seasons, enhances safety by keeping components in working order.
Cool Completely Before Storing
Always allow electric grill to cool fully for over 30+ minutes before disconnecting the power cord for storage. This gives internal wires, heating elements and grease drippings to return to safe temperatures.
Clean Thoroughly First
Refer back to cleaning tips. Remove all food debris, grease and grime before storage to prevent attracting insects that could nest in wires. Avoid applying cleaning chemicals right before storing.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage
Storing electric grills indoors reduces exposure to extreme cold, excess moisture that causes rust, and curious animals who may chew wires. But only store clean, dry grills inside without grease residue.
Use waterproof grill covers if keeping outdoors. Never operate grills soaking wet.
Maintenance Before Next Use
When taking electric grills back out for grilling season, complete another thorough visual inspection and test operation before cooking again.
Replace any worn parts like heating elements or grease trays showing rust/damage.
Grill Safely and Confidently
While electric grills provide convenience for urban dwellers and indoor use, they still carry serious safety risks from high heat, electricity and grease. Following these electric grill safety tips and paying vigilant attention while cooking minimizes the chance of shocks, burns or fires.