Tefal Grills: a review of popular models

Tefal always thinks about us. This slogan is familiar to almost everyone. It fully justifies the quality and functionality of the products of this French brand. The company is rightly proud of the invention of non-stick Teflon in the middle of the last century, but does not lag behind the advanced technologies in the XXI century, having developed the world's first “smart” electric grill.

If you are a true connoisseur of fragrant steak with a crust or lead a healthy lifestyle, preferring baked vegetables, then you just need an electric grill - a device that will prepare the most delicious "smoky" dishes right in your kitchen. This is a compact model of household appliances that fries food with heating elements at a temperature of about 270 ° C.

There are many reasons that made consumers look at Tefal's electric grills:

• they are convenient and easy to use and have an intuitive menu;
• give wide functionality - some models have several different programs, including frying and heating food;
• dishes are cooked quickly, saving you time - there is a simultaneous roasting of the product on both sides;
• the taste of dishes, as if cooked on an open fire, is difficult to describe in words, it can only be felt;

• the possibility of frying without oil is ideal for cooking healthy and lean foods;
• grilled food helps fight off extra pounds;
• compact size - the device fits easily even in a small kitchen;
• the materials from which electric grills are made do not absorb food odors;

• removable parts of the grill can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand;
• the surface of the device is not subject to corrosion and deformation;
• This is a great gift for a man;
• there are models with the necessary basic functions at an optimal price;
• Some models automatically calculate the thickness of the steak and select the time of its preparation.

Despite numerous advantages, Tefal electric grills have some disadvantages, including:

• high cost of some models;
• not all grills are equipped with a countdown timer and have a thermal insulation of the case;
• the severity of some models;
• not all models can be stored upright;
• Teflon coating requires careful handling;
• no on-off button and pallet.

All modern Tefal electric grills are contact models. This means that the appliance consists of two frying surfaces, which are tightly compressed with the help of a spring, thus forming the very contact — products and hot surfaces.

The range of Tefal products is divided into two main categories: classical and grills with an indicator for determining the degree of roasting.

Classic grill Health Grill GC3060 from Tefal has the basic configuration and the most necessary functions. In this model of electric grill, there are 3 temperature modes and 3 working positions for creating tasty and healthy dishes for the whole family.Bilateral heating significantly speeds up the preparation of your favorite dishes, and the three working positions of the grill cover - grill / panini, barbecue and oven, allow you to expand your culinary horizons. In the "oven" mode, you can reheat ready meals.

An important detail of the grill is removable aluminum panels that are interchangeable. Non-stick coating of interchangeable plates allows you to cook without oil, increasing their usefulness and naturalness.

Another important advantage of the Health Grill is that it can be stored upright, saving space in the kitchen. A roomy tray for collecting fat without problems can be placed in the dishwasher. The device has a sufficient power of 2 kW, has a heating level indicator, which lights up when ready to work. Of the minuses, consumers note the absence of a timer and heating of the case during intensive work.

Tefal Supergrill GC450B represents the powerful unit which distinctive feature is the big working surface in comparison with the previous model. The grill has two working positions - grill / panini and barbecue. The device can be used in two variations - as a frying pan and as a press grill.

This model differs from the previous one not only in size, but also in the presence of 4 programs. Added mode "Superkorochka", allowing you to get the perfect crisp on the already prepared dish at a temperature of 270 ° C. Removable panels are easy to clean, and it is even easier to observe the cooking thanks to the indicator of the level of roasting, which marks the stages of preparation, reporting on each beep. The possibility of storage in a vertical position. Among the drawbacks, buyers call only a large weight of the structure.

Minute Grill GC2050 is the most compact model among classic Tefal grills. Specially developed design allows to store a grill both in vertical position, and in horizontal, without taking a lot of place. The power of the appliance is 1600 W, the size of the frying surface is 30 x 18 cm. The appliance has an adjustable thermostat, and the removable panels with non-stick coating can be easily washed in the dishwasher. Of the minuses of this model note the absence of a pallet, which should drain the fat during cooking.

Panini Grill (Tefal "Inicio GC241D") You can easily define it as a waffle-iron grill or a toaster grill, because this appliance is ideal for cooking both meat dishes and various sandwiches, waffles and even shawarma.The manufacturer promises that the panini, cooked on such a grill, will come out no worse than the restaurant.

Among the advantages of this model, it is worth noting power (2000 W), compactness (plate size 28.8x25.8 cm), the ability to store in different positions, versatility, non-stick panels, allowing cooking without oil. In the "Panini Grill" there is no "barbecue" mode, and the cast aluminum frying plates are fixed.

Grill XL 800 Classic (Tefal Meat Grills GC6000) - a real giant in the line of classic grills: in the unfolded form of the "barbecue" mode, you can cook 8 servings of dishes for the whole family. The power of this device is also different from the previous ones - it is 2400 watts. This unit, despite its parameters, can easily find a place in your kitchen, since it can be stored vertically.

For better control over the cooking process, the grill is equipped with a thermostat and a readiness indicator light. A container for collecting liquids, as well as two interchangeable removable panels with non-stick coating will provide tasty and healthy food. Two working modes - "grill" and "barbecue", will help to cook your favorite dishes perfectly.

Smart grills with an indicator for determining the degree of roasting are presented in the Optigrill lineup. You will not need tricks to cook your favorite steak with blood, the desktop “helper” will do all the work yourself.

Tefal Optigrill + XL GC722D opens the description of the smart grill line. Just one click on the unique circular display, and the grill will do everything for you, giving the required degree of roasting from rare to well done.

The main advantages of this model:

• a large frying top makes it possible to simultaneously download more products;
• a special sensor automatically determines the number and thickness of steaks, and then selects the optimal cooking mode;
• 9 automatic cooking programs are provided - from bacon to seafood;
• non-stick cast aluminum plates are removable, they can be easily cleaned;
• the tray for collecting juice and fat is washed manually and in the dishwasher;
• presence of the indicator of the level of roasting with sound signals.

Optigrill + GC712 presented in two stylish colors - black and silver.This smart grill is somewhat different from the previous functionality, but it has the same advantages: an automatic sensor for determining the thickness of the steak, a non-stick coating and removable panels. In addition, there is still a prescription reference book that can be reproduced on “Optigrill +”. The bonus comes with 6 programs of automatic cooking, the indicator of the level of cooking, manual mode with 4 temperature modes.

With electric grill Optigrill Initial GC706D you will easily become the king of steaks, because in the model there are 5 levels of rare: rare, 3 levels medium, well done.

Six automatic programs with defrosting function, automatic measurement of the thickness of the piece and touch control make cooking a pleasure. As in other Tefal models, there are removable cast aluminum panels, high power appliance, and a tray for liquids that can be placed in a dishwasher.

Optigrill GC702D - another universal model from the line of smart grills Tefal. With it, you can easily cook meat, fish, vegetables, pizza and a variety of sandwiches, because the device has 6 different programs for each type of product.The indicator of the level of roasting changes its color from yellow to red depending on the degree of readiness of the steak.

The automatic sensor will come to the rescue by independently determining the thickness of the piece and selecting the necessary cooking program. Traditionally, a removable set of plates and a tray for juice can be sent to the dishwasher.

A few cons are present:

• no barbecue mode;
• Store the device only in a horizontal position.

The models considered are modern devices that Tefal offers to its customers. Convenience of management, stylish design, ease of cleaning and the ability to prepare tasty and healthy dishes right in their kitchen deservedly keep the products of the French brand in leadership positions.

The sizes of Tefal grills are about the same and only slightly differ from each other. However, among them there are peculiar giants and mini variants.

The manufacturer offers several standard colors that are common among household appliances:

• the black;
• silver;
• stainless steel.

Electric grills are not intended for going to nature, because they depend on the power source and are limited by the length of the cord, but as a home option they are optimal.

When choosing such products should consider the following recommendations:

• The power of the device - the higher it is, the faster the meat is cooked, while remaining juicy. The optimum is the power of 2000 watts.
• Shape and size. The more servings to be cooked, the greater the area of ​​frying surfaces will be needed. For example, to prepare 5 servings, you need from 500 cm² of working area. For a large company, you need a two-sided grill, such as Tefal Meat Grills.Pay attention to those models that are tilted so that the juices during cooking independently flow into the pan.
• Match the size of the working areas of the kitchen and the grill parameters - after all, this is not the smallest appliance. Not all models can be stored vertically, saving space.

• Body material and cover panels: in all models, Tefal is metal or stainless steel, and the panels have a high-quality and durable non-stick coating.
• It is very important and hygienic that the pan and panels are removable. So they are easier and easier to wash off fat. Experienced users of branded grills claim that it is enough to wipe the non-removable options immediately with dry, and after - with wet towels. However, it is sometimes more pleasant to enjoy the cooked steak than to run for a towel.
• Models that do not have the working position of "barbecue" will not be able to cook food of such rich flavors as barbecue grills.
• For cooking delicious shawarma, choose a grill with the "Bird" mode for cooking poultry stuffing. Finished shawarma brought to readiness on the cooling plates on the advice of the chef.

• Keep in mind that even the flagship models of “Optigrill” smoke in the process of work, so you need a hood or placing the device on the balcony.
• Indicators on the devices simplify cooking for beginners. However, experienced housewives are able to cook delicious steak and without indicators, which greatly affect the cost of electric grill.
• Thermal insulation on the handles to avoid burns.
• Some models can even cook frozen foods, for this purpose a button with a snowflake is placed on the dashboard.

Manual for grills Tefal - pretty weighty brochure. Its thickness is increased by the operating information in 16 languages: maintenance of the device, safety rules, a detailed depiction of the device's circuit and all its parts, the characteristics of the control panel, the color value of the “Optigrill” model indicator.

The manual also contains important tables: description of different cooking modes, preparation of products not included in the table, indicator color table for “Optigrill” models.

Some models include a collection of recipes for dishes that can be cooked on this grill.

Producers took care of their customers: in order not to use constantly rather big operating instructions, they are offered inserts with the above tables, photos with steaks of different roasting and corresponding color signals of the indicator, schematic rules for using the device. Infographics made very clear, it will understand even a child.

Multicolored rings of indicators with inscriptions in the main languages ​​are attached to the models of the Optigrill line, so that the consumer can choose the necessary and attach to the device.

Consider the management of the example of Optigrill GC702D. It is carried out on the dashboard. First, you need to connect the grill to the power supply network, press the power button on the left.The grill begins to offer a selection of programs, highlighting all the buttons alternately red. If you are going to prepare the product from the freezer, you must first select the defrost button, and then select the desired program. The "OK" button confirms the selection.

When the grill begins to heat up, the indicator pulsates in purple. After 7 minutes, the unit reaches the required temperature, notifying about this with a sound signal. You can now place food on the surface and lower the lid. The cooking process starts, during which the indicator changes color from blue to red. Each stage of frying has its own color (blue, green, yellow, orange, red) and is marked with a signal.

When the desired degree is reached, products can be obtained. The grill is again ready for the selection of the program.

If you need to prepare the second portion of the dish, all actions are repeated in the same sequence:

1. select a program;
2. wait for the plates to heat up, which will be notified by a sound signal;
3. place products;
4. expect the desired degree of roasting;
5. remove the finished dish;
6. turn off the grill or repeat all the steps to prepare the next portion.

After completing these simple steps several times, you can later not use the instructions. Another important advantage of the grill: when the whole cycle of frying is completed and the red indicator icon lights up, the device goes into sleep mode, maintaining the temperature of the dish. The plates are not heated, and the dish heats up due to cooling of the working surface; a beep sounds every 20 seconds.

We note several fundamentally important nuances of using Tefal electric grills.

• The preparatory work is carried out as follows: you need to detach the plates, gently wash and dry them. Attach the juice tray to the front of the grill. Wet the work surface with a paper towel moistened with vegetable oil. This enhances the non-stick coating properties. If there is excess oil, blot dry with a towel. After that, the device is ready to start.

• Direct use of 6 automatic programs:

1. hamburger allows you to cook a variety of burgers;
2. poultry - fillet of turkey, chicken and the like;
3. Panini / Bacon - ideal for making hot sandwiches and toasting bacon strips, ham;
4. Sausages - in this mode, not only sausages are cooked, but also a variety of homemade sausages, chops, nuggets and more;
5. meat is the key moment for which the electric grill is intended, in this mode steaks of all degrees are fried;
6. fish - the mode is suitable for cooking fish (whole, steaks) and seafood.

• Manual mode is useful for those who do not trust automatic frying products. It cooks vegetables and various small-sized products. The indicator in this mode glows blue and blue, which is indicated in the manual as white. 4 modes can be set: from 110 ° C to 270 ° C.
• To prepare frozen foods, simply press a special button with a snowflake, and then the program will automatically adjust to the unfrozen instance.
• The grill does not need to be turned off and wait until it is completely cooled to prepare the second and subsequent batches of dishes. It is necessary to remove the finished product, close the grill and click "OK".The sensors light up faster than the first time, because the plates are heated.
• If the color indicator flashes white, it means that the device has detected a defect and the wizard needs to be consulted.

• If the indicator continues to turn purple after closing the grill with food, it means that it was not fully opened before loading food onto the appliance. Therefore, you need to fully open the plates, then close them and press the "OK" button.
• The indicator may continue to flash, even if the products are already cooked in the grill and covered with a lid. This is due to thin pieces of products - the sensor does not work for a thickness of less than 4 mm. You just need to click "OK", and the cooking process will start.
• If the device began to cook independently in manual mode, you may not have waited for the desired degree of heating of the plates. You need to turn off the grill, pull out the products, turn on and wait for the beep. If the problem persists, consult the wizard.
• Disposal should be carried out at municipal waste collection points.

Since most Tefal electric grills have removable frying surfaces and a tray for juice and fat, they can be sent to the dishwasher without hesitation.Models with fixed elements can be washed with wipes or a soft cloth dipped in hot water.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning electric grills:

• Turn off the device from the outlet. It takes about 45 minutes to cool the grill and it can be processed.
• Clean the juice and grease tray. The digester should be cleaned after each preparation. Remove the pan, remove its contents in the trash, then rinse with warm water and soap or place in a dishwasher.
• Use only sparing detergents, as products with an intensive effect or content of alcohol, gasoline can violate the non-stick properties of surfaces.
• The device must not be immersed in water.

• To remove large residues of food from the working surface of the grill, use a wooden or silicone spatula.
• Proper care of the plates: clean with soft paper towels will only get enough heated panels. Not burning, but not just warm. Dry paper with a paper towel to begin to blot. When the main pollution is eliminated, the paper towel should be moistened with water and applied to warm surfaces, so that the burned parts of the food are slightly “otkisli”.After that, easily touching the surface, remove the soot with the same wet towel. When the plates have cooled, they need to be unfastened and rinsed with a soft sponge with a drop of detergent, for example, Fairy.
• Wipe the grill under the removable panels. The design of Tefal grills does not allow fat to leak under the work surface, however, leaks sometimes occur.
• After washing with soap, rinse all removable parts thoroughly with water and wipe dry. If necessary, wipe the external parts of the grill, power cord.

The choice of electric grills offered today is extensive, for every taste and budget. Below is a comparison of data on the example of the flagship of the Tefal line "Optigrill + XL" with other popular manufacturers.

Thus, if we compare the characteristics of Tefalc, Bork and Delonghi electric grills, in each model you can see its significant advantages and disadvantages. However, in terms of price-quality ratio, as well as in terms of compactness and weight, Tefal still benefits.

It is natural that when choosing a new household appliances, the consumer is guided not only by their own preferences, but also by the feedback from customers who have already had the opportunity to test the device at home.

If you open popular sites with reviews, you immediately see a large number of enthusiastic epithets. According to statistics, approximately 96% of consumers recommend the Tefal GC306012 model, the Tefal "GC702 OptiGrill" is 100% of users.

Of course, continuous positive comments can be alerted, but there are also more critical comments. According to buyers, the device is expensive, sometimes it smokes and is sprayed with fat, food sticks to it and it is not compact. Also noted among the minuses is the difficulty in cleaning the plates, the inability of the vertical storage of some models and the working position of the Oven / oven cover.

In the reviews you can find a few life hacking for those who are going to buy a grill and use it regularly. One buyer advises to put a paper towel folded several times into a tray for draining fat - during cooking all the juices will be absorbed into it, after the end of cooking it is enough to throw away the soaked towel.If the product was not too greasy, it is quite possible to do without washing the tray. Another nuance: fat mist is formed when cooking chicken pieces with skin and sausages. It is better to fry the last ones in open space or under the hood, and place the chicken away from the edges of the plates, then using the grill will not bring disappointment.

To learn how to cook filet mignon steak in Tefal OptiGrill, see the next video.