Ever stood by your sizzling electric grill, burger in hand, and had a fleeting thought: “I wonder how much this is adding to my electricity bill?” You’re not alone. It’s a question we get all the time. Understanding the Electric Grill Energy Consumption Per Hour is key to appreciating just how efficient and budget-friendly modern grilling can be. Forget the complex charts and confusing jargon; let’s break it down together, just like we’re sharing tips over the fence. We’re here to show you that enjoying perfectly seared steaks and vibrant grilled veggies doesn’t have to come with a shocking utility bill.
What Factors Influence Your Grill’s Energy Use?
Before we can stick a number on it, we need to understand what’s actually “under the hood” of your grill. The electric grill energy consumption per hour isn’t a single, fixed number. It’s more like the gas mileage on your car—it depends on how you drive it.
The main players in this energy equation are:
- Wattage: This is the big one. Think of wattage as the raw power of your grill’s engine. Most indoor and outdoor electric grills range from 1,200 to 1,800 watts. A higher wattage usually means the grill heats up faster and can maintain higher temperatures, but it also draws more power while actively heating.
- Temperature Setting: Grilling a delicate piece of fish at a low temperature will use significantly less energy than searing a thick-cut ribeye on the highest setting. Your grill’s thermostat is smart; it cycles the heating element on and off to maintain the temperature you’ve set. So, it’s not drawing maximum power the entire time.
- Preheating and Cooking Time: The longer your grill is on, the more energy it will consume. This includes both the initial preheating time and the actual time your food is on the grates.
- Grill Type and Size: A large, open-style outdoor electric grill has more surface area to heat and is exposed to the elements, potentially using more energy to maintain its temperature compared to a smaller, enclosed contact grill (like the classic George Foreman style) that cooks food from both sides simultaneously.
How to Calculate Your Electric Grill’s Energy Cost
Alright, let’s get down to the brass tacks. You don’t need to be a math whiz to figure this out. Here’s a simple, step-by-step way to estimate the cost.
- Find Your Grill’s Wattage: Check the label on the bottom or back of your grill, or look it up in the user manual. Let’s use a common example: a 1500-watt grill.
- Convert Watts to Kilowatts (kW): Utility companies bill you in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To convert, simply divide the wattage by 1,000.
- Example: 1500 watts / 1000 = 1.5 kW
- Determine Your Cooking Time: Let’s say you preheat for 10 minutes and cook for 20 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes, or 0.5 hours.
- Calculate Kilowatt-Hours (kWh): Multiply the kilowatts by the hours of use.
- Example: 1.5 kW * 0.5 hours = 0.75 kWh
- Find Your Electricity Rate: Look at your latest utility bill. The price is listed as cents or dollars per kWh. The U.S. national average is around 16 cents per kWh, but this varies wildly by location. Let’s use that average for our calculation.
- Calculate the Final Cost: Multiply the kWh used by your electricity rate.
- Example: 0.75 kWh * $0.16/kWh = $0.12
That’s right. Running your 1500-watt grill for a full half-hour costs you about 12 cents. Suddenly, that weeknight grilling session seems even more appealing, doesn’t it?
Expert Take: As Chef Isabella Martinez, a specialist in modern cooking technology, notes, “People often overestimate the energy draw of electric grills. In reality, they are incredibly efficient. Because they heat up so quickly and transfer heat directly to the food, the total ‘on’ time is much less than a conventional oven, making them an energy-smart choice for many meals.”
Smart Tips to Reduce Your Electric Grill’s Power Usage
Even though the cost is low, who doesn’t love saving a few extra pennies? Being an efficient griller isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also a hallmark of a true grill master. Here are some of our favorite energy-saving hacks.
Master the Preheat
Preheating is essential for getting that perfect sear, but don’t overdo it. Most electric grills are ready to go in 5-10 minutes. Don’t turn it on and walk away for half an hour. Set a timer!
Use a Lid or Cover
If you’re using an open-style grill, using a lid traps heat, which means the thermostat won’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature. This speeds up cooking time and slashes the electric grill energy consumption per hour. It’s the same principle as putting a lid on a pot of boiling water.
Cook in Batches
If you’re grilling for a crowd, have everything prepped and ready to go. Cooking in back-to-back batches is much more efficient than letting the grill cool down and heat back up again between rounds of burgers or skewers.
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Our Picks for the Best Electric Grill in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer Combo with Ceramic Accessories, 7-IN-1 Digital Display, 5.2 QT Electric Smokeless, 500°F Max, Large View Window, Roast, Bake & Dehydrate, Adjustable Temps, Easy Clean |
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| 2 | George Foreman® Fully Submersible™ Grill, NEW Dishwasher Safe, Wash the Entire Grill, Easy-to-Clean Nonstick, Black/Grey |
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| 3 | bella Electric Griddle with Warming Tray - Smokeless Indoor Grill, Nonstick Surface, Adjustable Temperature & Cool-touch Handles, 10\" x 18\", Copper/Black |
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| 4 | Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch |
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| 5 | Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker Non-Stick Coated Plates, Opens 180 Degrees to Fit Any Type or Size of Food, Stainless Steel Surface and Removable Drip Tray, 4 Slice, Black |
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| 6 | Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Recipe Book – Electric Grill for Indoor Use, 5‑in‑1 Countertop Cooker, Cast-Iron Grate, 1650W, Glass Lid, Dishwasher-Safe Plates |
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| 7 | OVENTE Electric Sandwich Maker with Non-Stick Plates, Indicator Lights, Cool Touch Handle, Easy to Clean and Store, Perfect for Cooking Breakfast, Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts and Snacks, Black GPS401B |
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| 8 | Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles, Black, 22-inch |
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| 9 | George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Electric Grill and Panini Press, George Tough Non-Stick Coating, Drip Tray Catches Grease, Black |
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| 10 | BELLA XL Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle, Make 15 Eggs At Once, Healthy-Eco Non-stick Coating, Hassle-Free Clean Up, Large Submersible Cooking Surface, 12\" x 22\", Copper/Black |
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Thaw Your Food Completely
Placing frozen food on the grill forces it to work much harder and longer. Not only is this inefficient, but it can also lead to food that’s burnt on the outside and still cold on the inside. Let your meat and veggies thaw completely in the fridge first.
Clean Your Grill Regularly
A clean grill is an efficient grill. Leftover grease and food particles on the heating element or grill plates can absorb heat and prevent it from being transferred effectively to your food. A quick scrape after each use goes a long way. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on How to Clean Your Electric Grill Like a Pro.
How Does It Compare to Other Grills?
So, how does the electric grill energy consumption per hour stack up against its gas and charcoal cousins?
- Electric vs. Gas: A standard propane tank for a gas grill holds about 20 pounds of fuel and costs around $20-25 to refill. It provides roughly 25 hours of cooking time. This works out to about $0.80 – $1.00 per hour. As we calculated, an electric grill is often less than $0.25 per hour. Winner: Electric.
- Electric vs. Charcoal: A 20-pound bag of charcoal briquettes might cost $15-20 and give you 3-4 grilling sessions. Each session’s fuel cost is around $4-6, not to mention the cost of lighter fluid. It’s fantastic for flavor, but it’s by far the most expensive per use. Winner: Electric.
When it comes to pure running costs, electric is the undisputed champion of efficiency. It offers the ultimate convenience of plugging in and grilling without ever worrying about running out of fuel mid-cookout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does a George Foreman grill use a lot of electricity?
A: No, not at all. Most George Foreman and similar contact grills are very energy-efficient, typically using between 760 to 1500 watts. Because they cook from both sides, cooking times are very short, making their overall energy consumption for a single meal extremely low.
Q: Is it cheaper to use an electric grill or an oven?
A: In most cases, it is significantly cheaper to use an electric grill. A full-size electric oven uses between 2,000 to 5,000 watts and takes much longer to preheat a large, empty space. An electric grill heats a smaller, focused area quickly, making it far more efficient for cooking smaller meals.
Q: Can I use an extension cord with my electric grill?
A: Yes, but you must use the right kind. Always use a heavy-duty, three-pronged extension cord rated for outdoor use and for the amperage of your grill (check the manual). Using a flimsy, indoor cord is a serious fire hazard and can impair the grill’s performance.
Q: How many amps does an electric grill use?
A: You can calculate this easily with the formula: Amps = Watts / Volts. For a 1500-watt grill on a standard 120-volt US outlet, it would draw 12.5 amps (1500 / 120). This is important to know so you don’t overload a circuit.
Q: Will an outdoor electric grill work well in the cold?
A: It will work, but it will have to use more energy to maintain its temperature against the cold air. Preheating may take longer, and you’ll definitely want to use a lid to trap as much heat as possible. The overall electric grill energy consumption per hour will be higher in colder weather.
Grilling Smarter, Not Harder
At the end of the day, the power of an electric grill lies in its incredible convenience, safety, and, as we’ve seen, its remarkable efficiency. Understanding the Electric Grill energy consumption per hour empowers you to make the most of this fantastic appliance. It’s not about pinching every penny; it’s about appreciating the smart, modern technology that allows you to enjoy delicious, grilled flavors any day of the week without a second thought. So go ahead, plug it in, and get grilling. Your wallet will barely notice.