Breville Smart Grill Review – The Best Indoor Grilling?
Introduction
Tired of battling unpredictable weather or limited patio space when craving a perfectly grilled meal? The Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL brings the outdoor grilling experience indoors, eliminating frustrating variables like wind, rain, and uneven heat. Many indoor grilling options suffer from uneven cooking, constant flare-ups, and a lack of true searing power. This grill aims to solve those problems while offering unmatched versatility – from juicy steaks to perfectly griddled pancakes, all within the comfort of your kitchen.
Overview
The Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL isn’t just another electric grill; it’s a countertop cooking appliance engineered to replicate the best aspects of outdoor grilling. Its unique design allows it to open flat into a 260-square-inch surface, ideal for larger cuts of meat or entertaining. With embedded heating elements and precise digital temperature control, this grill is designed for both serious cooks and those seeking a convenient, consistent grilling solution. The Smart Grill is ideal for those who love the flavor of grilled food but lack the space or time for traditional outdoor setups, or for those who want to grill year-round, regardless of the weather.
Features
Removable, Dishwasher-Safe Plates: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe, non-stick plates. Removing the plates is quick and easy, saving you time and effort. The PFOA-free non-stick coating ensures food releases effortlessly, minimizing sticking and simplifying cleaning, even with greasy foods.
Adjustable Height Settings: The adjustable height feature lets you precisely control the distance between the grill plates and your food. This is invaluable for controlling cooking speed, preventing overcooking of delicate items, and achieving the perfect sear on thicker cuts of meat.
Open Flat BBQ Mode: When fully opened, the grill transforms into a generous 260-square-inch surface, providing ample space to grill larger quantities of food – think full-sized steaks, multiple burgers, or a whole fish. This mode also makes it suitable for griddling pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast favorites.
High-Sear Embedded Elements: Breville’s innovative design incorporates 1800W heating elements directly into the grill plates, rather than underneath. This ensures even heat distribution and incredibly rapid searing capabilities. The embedded elements deliver consistent high heat that rivals traditional grills, creating a beautiful crust and locking in moisture.
LCD Digital Display: The integrated LCD display provides real-time information on preheating status, cooking time, and temperature settings. This enhances the grilling experience by providing crucial feedback and allowing for precise control over the cooking process.
Benefits
Effortless Cleanup: Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal. The dishwasher-safe plates and integrated drip tray make cleanup a breeze.
Ultimate Versatility: Transition effortlessly from grilling steaks to griddling pancakes to making panini sandwiches – all with a single appliance. The open flat mode and adjustable height provide remarkable flexibility for a wide range of cooking techniques.
Precise Temperature Control: Say goodbye to guesswork and uneven cooking. The LCD display and electronic thermostat allow for precise temperature regulation, ensuring consistent results.
Year-Round Grilling Convenience: Enjoy the taste of grilled food any time of year, regardless of the weather. The indoor design eliminates the limitations of outdoor grilling and provides a convenient alternative for year-round use.
Consistent Searing Performance: Achieve a restaurant-quality sear on steaks, burgers, and chicken without the need for a bulky outdoor grill. The high-heat elements and adjustable height ensure a beautiful crust and juicy interior every time.
Usages
Quick Weeknight Dinners: Enjoy a delicious, grilled meal without the hassle of firing up an outdoor grill – perfect for busy weeknights.
Hosting Indoor Barbecues: Cook for a crowd with the expansive grilling surface. It’s perfect for family gatherings or entertaining friends.
Making Panini and Sandwiches: The adjustable height feature is ideal for pressing and grilling panini and sandwiches to perfection.
Griddling Breakfast Foods: The open flat mode makes this grill ideal for preparing fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs.
Searing Steaks and Chicken: The high-heat searing elements are perfect for creating a beautifully crusted steak or juicy chicken breast in minutes.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent searing capabilities
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy to clean
- Precise temperature control
- Compact and convenient design
- Consistent cooking performance
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Limited portability
- Electric power required
- Can be pricey compared to other electric grills
- Potential for some smoke during cooking
- May not be suitable for very large gatherings despite expanded surface area
FAQs
What is the maximum cooking capacity?: The open flat mode provides 260 square inches of cooking space, allowing you to grill a significant amount of food at once.
What fuel type does the Breville Smart Grill use?: The grill is electric and runs on a standard 110-120 volt outlet. No propane or charcoal is required.
How easy is it to clean?: The grill plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup very easy. The drip tray also catches excess fat and is simple to empty.
How well does it retain heat?: The grill retains heat very well, thanks to the embedded heating elements and well-insulated design. This ensures consistent cooking temperatures.
Does the grill produce smoke?: While the grill doesn’t produce significant smoke, some minimal smoke may occur depending on the type and amount of fat being cooked. The integrated drip tray helps to minimize this.
Product Specifications
| Warranty | 1 Year Replacement |
| Cleaning Requirements | Dishwasher-safe plates; wipe down exterior with damp cloth |
| Wattage | 1800 watts |
| Dimensions | 16.7″D x 14″W x 5″H |
| Included Accessories | Flat plate, ribbed plate, drip tray |
| Material Type | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Temperature Range | N/A (temperature controlled electronically) |
| Plate Material | Non-stick coated aluminum |
| Cooking Area | 260 sq. in. (open flat mode) |
| Weight | 19.4 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Ignition System | Electronic |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
| Durability | 4.3 |
| Cleaning | 4.7 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Searing Performance | 4.8 |
| Heat Distribution | 4.9 |
| Versatility | 4.4 |
Recommendation
The Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL is an excellent choice for apartment dwellers, families who love grilled food but lack outdoor space, and anyone who wants a convenient and consistent grilling experience year-round. Its searing power, versatility, and ease of cleaning make it a standout option.
If you’re tired of inconsistent grilling results and frustrating cleanup, the Breville Smart Grill is an investment that will elevate your indoor cooking game. It’s a clear step above basic electric grills and offers a surprisingly close approximation of the outdoor grilling experience.
Conclusion
The Breville Smart Grill BGR820XL truly delivers on its promise of bringing the outdoor grilling experience indoors. While it comes with a premium price tag, the consistent performance, remarkable versatility, and effortless cleanup make it a worthwhile investment for serious cooks and casual grillers alike. If you value convenience, precision, and exceptional results, this smart grill is a game-changer.
From perfectly seared steaks to fluffy pancakes, the Smart Grill expands your culinary horizons while simplifying the grilling process. Its sleek design and user-friendly features make it a welcome addition to any kitchen, providing a reliable and enjoyable grilling experience year-round.
