I've been thinking about getting an electric grill--not sure if I want an open-faced one or not, probably the former. But what I'm looking for is one I could use indoors and take outside as well (don't have a BBQ). I heard very mixed reviews--mostly with regards to the finish coming off (I'm thinking of avoiding a "teflon finish:) and also with regards to them being difficult to clean. I don't know much about them, but I'm thinking one with a removable grill part that could be washed separately would probably suit me best.

Any suggestions or experiences you'd like to share would be most welcome.

Neighbor had bought one, used it indoors and outdoors - he eventually abandon it and got a propane grill. It was too small for him plus it did not produce enough heat

PG13 That's exactly what we discovered also, plus they would
leave a smokey smell in house

We have both a large stainless propane BBQ and a foreman grill.
While they technically push the Foreman grills as indoors - we would never use it that way. The smell/smoke etc is not fun. If you have a porch or deck thats a great place to use a grill. We have a porch off our kitchen so its easy access for making breakfasts. If we are doing bacon or sausage the grill is our preference over using the oven/stove.

The grease drains of so much easier and cooks twice as fast with the double grill elements. I wouldnt want to do steaks on it - would dry them out too much and they are not big enough to feed a crowd with.

It is a pain to clean (our is fixed grills) but no more of a bother that other appliances.) A removable grill surface is the best way to go if you can get one!

Pros and cons but works for us.

I bought one a few months ago, everytime i use it the house gets smokey and the fire alarm goes off. I am not using it anymore, maybe i will try it outside in the summer. I was thinking of giving it to the Salvation Army as a donation

Rosebuddy, since you ask... I had a T-fal electric grill a few years ago and found it generally easy to maintain. Used it both indoors (on the stove with range hood fan) and outside. I, too, found the heat to be not quite up to snuff. It was great for anything like chops or steaks or kebabs but did take a long time to cook. Won a big honking Propane BBQ in a contest and the little, neglected T-fal just up and vanished one day.

A few years ago I won a T-Fall small appliance package from CityTV, and it included an open face grill with teflon. We've been using it to grill meats, burgers, and fish without any problems, and the cleaning is very easy, I know because I'm the one who cleans it after every use. It's a wonderful product, and great to have for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

I have a Breville Gourment Health Grill but have only used it a few times, it is currently in hall closet. We have a propane bbq and we use it year round in the garage.

nothing compares to a real BBQ

they are popular.. a friend of mine is on her own and uses one; she has no BBQ.

I have decided to take our Breville with us when we go camping in 5th wheel trailer and give it a try outdoors.

electric outlet when camping? not the rough stuff

Thanks all for your input--I was wondering about many things, obviously, and I do know that a "real" BBQ would be the best, but under the circumstances, financial constraints and also the fact that mostly it would be just for me and perhaps one other person, well, that is the reason I was wondering about the smaller electric concept. I was wondering in particular Noah, if the grill you are speaking of the the Breville Gourment Health Grill mentioned or not. Some actual brands to watch out for would be most helpful to me. I think my parents got a George Foreman for a time, but I was never there when they used it and they never really spoke about how they felt about it (they were using it on a balcony). I suppose what I am thinking of mostly now is one I could take outside that wouldn't be too cumbersome and use on what passes for a patio at the back of my home. Thanks again all for your input.