Health grills: Features explained
What is a health grill?
Simply two ridged grill plates that close together
Health grills are basically a pair of metal plates with a ridged surface that cover a concealed heating element and close like a sandwich maker around the food.
They vary considerably in size – some are just about big enough to line up a few slices of bacon side by side, others will handle many burgers or chicken breasts.
The bottom grill plate slopes towards the front of the appliance so that fat and juices dribble away from the food.
Standard Features
Grill plates
Health grill plates are made of lightweight aluminium that is coated with a non-stick finish, or occasionally heavier cast-iron.
They all have ridges across the surface of the plate, which are supposed to hold the food slightly above the cooking surface and allow fat and juices to drain away freely.
The food browns where it is in contact with the plates, creating an attractive seared appearance and crispy texture.
Large and wide or small and narrow, there are many grill sizes and shapes available
The width and height of the ridges vary considerably, with deep, narrow ones creating the most pronounced seared line. Food is usually more seared underneath, because the weight of the lid presses the food down into the heated ridges.
On most grill plates, the lower ridges are tilted to stop your food sliding forwards when you open the lid. The grill plates also have a ridge around the back edge of the plate that guides juices towards the front.
The depth of the ridges also dictates how closely the grill plates come together. Plates with a deep ridge are further apart, so thinner items such as vegetable slices or bacon tend to toast rather than sear.
Drip tray
Health grills are always supplied with a drip tray – a small separate plastic tray –which sits in front, or to the side, of the grill to catch the fat and juices as they drain away from the food.
Some clip into a housing on the health grill, which prevents you from knocking the tray accidentally and spilling the fat everywhere. Most drip trays are dishwasher safe.
Scraper
The indentations follow the ridges on the grill
Many grills come with a plastic scraper that has indentations that fit into the ridges on the grill. These scrape debris from the grill plates, making it easier to clean.
Indicator lights
A health grill usually has one light that comes on when the grill is heating, and goes off when it's ready to cook.
Some more expensive health grills may have two separate lights.
Instructions
All of the grills are provided with an instruction booklet, but the quality of these varies considerably.
The best contain a diagram of the grill with all of the parts clearly labelled, as well as useful cooking and safety instructions, a quick-start guide and recipes.
These plates can go in the dishwasher
Advanced features
Removable grill-plates
Some health grills have removable grill-plates, which click easily into position over a heated metal plate.
They’re convenient because you can unclip them and put them in a dishwasher or sink to clean.
However, our tests show that removable plates do not heat as evenly or get as hot as fixed grill-plates, so what you gain in convenience you lose in cooking ability.
Pivoting lid
This lid pivots to keep the grilling plate even
Some health grills have a lid that is only attached at one point along each side, allowing it to pivot slightly.
When you close a pivoting lid, it automatically adjusts to the thickness of the food, creating even pressure across the surface.
This helps to ensure that the food is cooked evenly, although it won't help if the food is a really uneven thickness or awkward shape.
Separate power switch
The majority of health grills turn on when the grill is plugged in, but some have a separate power switch, which gives you more control over the heating process.
You should never leave your health grill unattended while it is plugged in.
Floating hinge
An elevating grill plate is more versatile
Some health grills have a hinge that moves up or down in its casing. This means that the plate can be lifted slightly and automatically adjusts to the thickness of the food, creating even pressure across the surface.
Some health grill lids with floating hinges can be clipped into an elevated position so that the plates don’t come together at all. In this case the top heated plate hangs above the food.
This feature is used to toast or melt food in the manner of a sandwich press, traditional grill or raclette.
Locks
Some grills have external catches that lock to that keep the plates together, making it easier to store the appliance on its side.
A warming plate
They don't have any functional benefit for cooking though.
Bun warmer
This is a clear plastic lid over a hot plate in the lid of the appliance where you can warm bread buns for burgers.
Don't try to use the bun warmer to cook food, though – it won't work.
Many health grills have a housing in the base where you can wind the power cord to keep it out of the way in operation or for storage.