Tefal grills: an overview 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 justly proud of the invention of non-stick Teflon in the middle of the last century, but it keeps up with advanced technologies in the 21st century, having developed the world's first “smart” electric grill.

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

There are many reasons that have made consumers turn their eyes to Tefal electric grills:

• they are convenient and easy to use and have an intuitive menu;
• provide wide functionality - some models have several different programs, including frying and heating food;
• dishes are prepared quickly, saving you time - the product is fried simultaneously 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;

• frying without oil is ideal for healthy and lean food;
• grilled food helps fight extra pounds;
• compact size - the device fits easily even in a small kitchen;
• the materials from which the 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 option for a gift to a man;
• there are models with the necessary basic functions at the best price;
• some models automatically calculate the thickness of the steak and adjust the cooking time.

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

• high cost of some models;
• not all grills are equipped with a countdown timer and are thermally insulated;
• the severity of some patterns;
• not all models can be stored upright;
• Teflon coating requires careful handling;
• lack of on-off button and pallet.

All modern Tefal electric grills are contact models. This means that the device consists of two frying surfaces, which are tightly compressed by means of a spring, thus forming the very contact - food and hot surfaces.

Tefal's product range is divided into two main categories: classic grills and grills with a roast indicator.

Classic grill Health Grill GC3060 from Tefal has the basic equipment and the most necessary functions. This model of the electric grill provides 3 temperature settings and 3 working positions to create delicious and healthy meals for the whole family. Double-sided heating significantly speeds up the preparation of your favorite dishes, and the three working positions of the grill lid - grill / panini, barbecue and oven, allow you to expand your culinary horizons. On the “oven” mode, you can reheat ready meals.

An important part of the grill is the removable aluminum panels, which are interchangeable. The non-stick coating of the interchangeable plates allows you to cook food without oil, increasing their health and naturalness.

Another important advantage of the Health Grill is that it can be stored upright, saving space in the kitchen. And the spacious grease tray can be easily placed in the dishwasher. The device has a sufficient power of 2 kW, has a heating level indicator that lights up when it is ready to work. Of the minuses, consumers note the absence of a timer and the heating of the case during intensive work.

Tefal Supergrill GC450B is a powerful unit with a large working surface compared to 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. The Super Crunch mode has been added, which allows you to get the perfect crispy crust on a ready-made dish at a temperature of 270 ° C. The removable panels are easy to clean, and cooking is even easier to observe thanks to the cooking level indicator, which marks the cooking stages with each beep. Possibility of storage in an upright position is provided. Among the shortcomings, buyers name only the large weight of the structure.

Minute Grill GC2050 is the most compact model among the classic Tefal grills. The specially developed design allows you to store the grill both vertically and horizontally, without taking up much space. 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 non-stick panels can be easily washed in the dishwasher. Of the minuses of this model, they note the absence of a pallet where fat should drain during cooking.

Panini Grill (Tefal "Inicio GC241D") can be easily labeled as a grill waffle maker or grill toaster, because this device is ideal for preparing both meat dishes and a variety of sandwiches, waffles and even shawarma. The manufacturer promises that panini cooked on such a grill will come out as good as restaurant ones.

Among the advantages of this model, it is worth noting the power (2000 W), compactness (plate dimensions 28.8x25.8 cm), the ability to store in different positions, multifunctionality, non-stick panels that allow cooking without oil. The Panini Grill does not have a BBQ function and the cast aluminum frying plates are non-removable.

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 portions of food for the whole family. The power of this device also differs from the previous ones - it is 2400 watts. This unit, despite its parameters, will easily find a place for itself 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 ready indicator light. A container for collecting liquids, as well as two interchangeable removable panels with a non-stick coating, ensure delicious and healthy cooking. Two working modes - "grill" and "barbecue", will help you perfectly cook your favorite dishes.

Smart grills with an indicator for determining the degree of doneness are presented in the Optigrill line. You do not need any tricks to cook your favorite steak with blood, the table "assistant" will do all the work on its own.

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 you the required degree of doneness from rare to well done.

The main advantages of this model:

• a large frying surface makes it possible to load more food at the same time;
• a special sensor automatically determines the amount and thickness of steaks, and then selects the optimal cooking mode;
• 9 automatic cooking programs are provided - from bacon to seafood;
• die-cast aluminum plates with non-stick coating are removable and can be easily cleaned;
• the tray for collecting juice and fat is washed by hand and in the dishwasher;
• the presence of a frying level indicator with sound signals.

Optigrill + GC712 available in two stylish colors - black and silver. This smart grill is somewhat different from the previous functionality, but 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 also a recipe guide that can be reproduced on "Optigrill +". As a bonus, there are 6 automatic cooking programs, a frying level indicator, a manual mode with 4 temperature modes.

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

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

Optigrill GC702D Is another versatile model from the Tefal smart grill line. With its help, you can easily cook meat, fish, vegetables, pizza and a variety of sandwiches, because the device has 6 different programs for each type of food. The cooking level indicator changes color from yellow to red depending on how cooked the steak is.

An automatic sensor will come to the rescue by independently determining the thickness of the piece and selecting the required cooking program. Traditionally, the removable plate set and juice tray can be sent to the dishwasher.

Several disadvantages are present:

• there is no "barbecue" mode;
• the device can only be stored in a horizontal position.

The models reviewed are modern appliances that Tefal offers to its customers. Convenience of management, stylish design, ease of cleaning and the ability to cook tasty and healthy dishes right in your kitchen deservedly keep the products of the French brand in the lead.

Tefal grills are roughly the same size and differ only slightly from each other. However, there are some kind of giants and mini options among them.

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

• black;
• silver;
• stainless steel.

Electric grills are not intended for outdoor use, since they depend on the power source and are limited by the length of the cord, but they are optimal as a home option.

When choosing such products, the following recommendations should be considered:

• The power of the device - the higher it is, the faster the meat is cooked, while remaining juicy. The optimal power is considered to be from 2000 watts.
• Shape and dimensions. The more portions to cook, the more cooking surfaces you need. For example, cooking 5 portions requires 500 cm² of working area. A large company will need a reversible grill such as Tefal Meat Grills.Pay attention to those models that have a slope, so that the juices flow into the pan on their own during cooking.
• Compare the size of the kitchen working areas and the grill parameters - after all, this is not the smallest device. Not all models can be stored vertically, saving space.

• The material of the body and the coating of the panels: in all Tefal models it 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 pallet and panels are removable. So it is more convenient and easier to wash them from fat. Experienced users of branded grills claim that it is enough to wipe the non-removable options immediately with dry, and then with damp towels. However, sometimes it is more pleasant to enjoy a cooked steak than to run for a towel.
• Models that do not have a barbecue position will not be able to cook foods as rich in flavors as barbecue grills.
• To prepare delicious shawarma, choose the grill with the "Poultry" mode for preparing poultry in the filling. Finished shawarma is brought to readiness on cooling plates on the advice of the chef.

• Keep in mind that even the flagship Optigrill models smoke during operation; therefore, an extractor hood or placement of the device on the balcony is necessary.
• The indicators on the appliances make cooking easy for the novice cook. However, experienced housewives are able to cook a delicious steak without indicators, which greatly affect the cost of an electric grill.
• Thermal insulation on handles to avoid burns.
• Some models can even cook frozen food; for this, a button with a snowflake is placed on the dashboard.

The Tefal Grill Manual is a rather hefty brochure. Its thickness is increased by information on operation in 16 languages: device care, safety rules, a detailed diagram of the device and all its parts, characteristics of the control panel, the color meaning of the indicator of the Optigrill line models is described.

The instructions also contain important tables: description of different cooking modes, preparation of products not included in the table, color table of the indicator for the "Optigrill" models.

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

Manufacturers have taken care of their customers: in order not to constantly use the rather large operating instructions, they are offered inserts with the aforementioned tables, photographs with steaks of different fries and corresponding indicator color signals, schematic rules for operating the device. The infographics are made very understandable, even a child can figure it out.

The Optigrill line models are supplied with multi-colored indicator rings with inscriptions in the main languages, so that the consumer can choose the one he needs and attach it to the device.

Let's consider the control on the example of Optigrill GC702D. It is carried out on the dashboard. To get started, the grill needs to be connected to the power supply, press the power button on the left. The grill starts to offer a choice of programs, highlighting all the buttons alternately in red. If you are going to cook food from the freezer, you must first select the defrost button, and then select the required program. The "OK" button confirms the selection.

When the grill starts to heat up, the indicator will pulsate purple.After 7 minutes, the unit reaches the required temperature, notifying about this with an audible signal. Now you can 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 indicated by a signal.

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

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

1. choose 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 steps to prepare the next portion.

After completing these simple steps several times, you can later not use the instructions. Another important plus of the grill: when the entire frying cycle 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, but the dish heats up due to the cooling of the working surface, every 20 seconds a sound signal sounds.

Let's note several fundamentally important nuances of using Tefal electric grills.

• Preparatory work is carried out as follows: you need to detach the plates, carefully wash and dry them. Attach the juice tray to the front of the grill. The work surface should be blotted with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. This enhances the non-stick properties of the coating. If there is excess oil, pat dry with a dry towel. The device is then ready to start operation.

• Direct use of 6 automatic programs:

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

• The manual mode is useful for those who do not trust automation to fry food. It is used to cook vegetables and various small foods. The indicator in this mode glows blue-blue, which is designated as white in the instructions. 4 modes can be set: from 110 ° C to 270 ° C.
• To prepare frozen food, just press a special button with a snowflake, and then the program will automatically adjust to the defrosted specimen.
• You do not need to turn off the grill and wait until it has completely cooled down to prepare the second and subsequent batches of food. You need to remove the finished product, close the grill and click "OK". The sensors will light up faster than the first time because the plates are hot.
• If the color indicator starts blinking white, this means that the device has detected a defect and a specialist's consultation is required.

• If the indicator stays on in purple after closing the grill with food, it means that it was not fully opened before loading food on 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 food is already placed in the grill and covered with a lid. This is sometimes associated with thin pieces of food - 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 appliance started to cook on its own in manual mode, you may not have waited for the required degree of heating of the plates.You need to turn off the grill, remove the food, turn it on and wait for the beep. If the problem persists, a specialist consultation is required.
• Disposal should be carried out at city 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 non-removable elements can be washed with napkins or a soft cloth soaked in hot water.

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning electric grills:

• Unplug the device from the socket. It takes about 45 minutes for the grill to cool and process.
• Clean the juice and fat tray. The grease receptacle must be cleaned after each preparation. Remove the pallet, empty its contents into a trash can, then wash with warm water and soap or place in a dishwasher.
• Use only mild detergents, as detergents with intensive action or containing alcohol, gasoline can damage the non-stick properties of surfaces.
• The device must not be immersed in water.

• Use a wooden or silicone spatula to remove coarse food residues from the grill surface.
• Correct care of the plates: only hot enough panels will be cleaned with soft paper towels. Not scalding, but not nearly warm either. First, blot the fat with a dry paper towel. When the main contamination has been eliminated, a paper towel should be dampened with water and applied to warm surfaces so that the burnt parts of the food are slightly “acidified”. After that, gently touching the surface, remove carbon deposits with the same damp towel. When the plates are cool, unfasten them and wash them with a soft sponge and a drop of detergent, such as Fairy.
• Wipe the grill under the removable panels. Tefal grills are designed to prevent grease from leaking under the work surface, however leaks occasionally do occur.
• After washing with soap, rinse all removable elements thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Wipe the outside of the grill, power cord if necessary.

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

Thus, if we compare the characteristics of Tefal 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 wins.

It is natural that when choosing a new household appliance, the consumer is guided not only by his own preferences, but also by customer reviews who have already had the opportunity to test the device at home.

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

Of course, continuous positive comments can be alarming, but there are also more critical remarks. According to buyers, the device is expensive, sometimes it smokes and splashes with fat, food sticks to it and it is not compact. Also note among the minuses is the difficulty in cleaning the plates, the lack of the possibility of vertical storage of some models and the working position of the Oven / Oven lid.

In the reviews, you can also find several life hacks for those who are going to purchase a grill and use it regularly. One customer advises to fold a paper towel folded several times into the drip tray - during cooking, all juices will be absorbed into it; after cooking, it is enough to discard the soaked towel. If the product was not too greasy, it is quite possible to do without washing the tray. Another nuance: a greasy fog is formed when cooking chicken parts with skin and sausages. It is better to fry the latter in an open space or under a hood, and put 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 following video.