Living in a place with restrictions on open flames was a challenge when I first moved in. I’d always loved grilling, but my new apartment balcony meant charcoal and gas grills were strictly off-limits. The thought of giving up grilled steaks and burgers felt like a genuine loss. Finding a viable alternative wasn’t just about convenience; it was about preserving a small piece of my previous lifestyle and enjoying outdoor cooking without violating rules. Without a solution, summer cookouts and quick weeknight grilling would be impossible, leaving me stuck with indoor cooking methods that just don’t replicate that unique grilled flavor.
Before diving into a specific model, it’s worth thinking about whether an electric grill is the right fit for you in the first place. Electric grills primarily solve the problem of grilling in locations where gas or charcoal is prohibited due to fire safety regulations, such as apartment balconies, condos, or even some RV parks. If you live in one of these restricted areas but still crave that outdoor cooking experience, an electric grill is likely your best bet.
The ideal customer for this category is someone who values the convenience and safety of electric power, doesn’t need the intense heat or smoky flavor of charcoal or gas (though some electric grills can mimic this), and lives in a setting where traditional grilling is not an option. They might be looking for something compact and portable, easy to set up, and simple to clean.
Who shouldn’t buy an electric grill? If you have unrestricted access to outdoor space and prioritize authentic smoky flavor and high-temperature searing for things like pizzas or restaurant-style char on thick steaks, a gas or charcoal grill will likely be more satisfying. Electric grills generally don’t reach the same scorching temperatures as their fuel-based counterparts, and while some methods can add smoky flavor, it’s not the same as cooking over burning coals or wood chips. If you need a massive cooking area for large gatherings, a small electric grill might not suffice.
Before buying, consider the following:
* Size of cooking area: How much food do you typically cook at once?
* Power/Wattage: Higher wattage usually means faster heating and potentially higher temperatures.
* Portability: Do you need to move or store it frequently?
* Allowed fuel types: Confirm that electric is indeed permitted in your location.
* Cleanup: Look for features that make cleaning easier.
* Features: Does it need a stand, temperature control, drip tray, etc.?
- COMPACT SIZE: 120 Volt / 60Hz. Pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle; weighs 17 pounds.
- GREAT FOR FAMILY MEALS: Cooks 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish at once.
- TELESCOPING STAND: Portable electric grill with 145-square-inch grilling area and 3 position telescoping base.
Introducing the Cuisinart CEG-980
The Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill with VersaStand is designed as a direct answer to the limitations posed by gas and charcoal restrictions. It promises a convenient, safe, and portable way to enjoy grilling outdoors using just a standard electrical outlet. When you purchase it, you get the grill unit itself, a porcelain-enameled grill grate, the integrated telescoping VersaStand, a temperature controller, a lid latch, and a spill-resistant drip tray. Unlike many grills that require significant setup, this model ships ready to go with no assembly needed beyond unfolding the stand.
This particular portable electric grill is ideal for apartment dwellers, condo owners, RVers, or anyone with limited outdoor space or regulations against open flames. It’s not really for someone with a large backyard looking for a primary, high-capacity grill for entertaining dozens of people, nor is it for the purist seeking that intense, smoky flavor only achievable with charcoal or wood. It’s for practical grilling in specific situations.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my long-term use:
Pros:
* Extremely portable and easy to store due to the VersaStand and carrying handle.
* Heats up relatively quickly for an electric grill.
* Cooks food evenly once hot.
* Provides adequate cooking space for a small family.
* Safe and compliant with restrictions where other grills are banned.
Cons:
* Grease trap is small and requires frequent emptying.
* Cleanup can be a bit tedious, especially the drip tray area.
* Loses a noticeable amount of heat when the lid is opened.
* Doesn’t achieve the same high temperatures or searing power as gas/charcoal.
- 12 PLUS SERVINGS - It’s tailgate time! The 200 square inches of rectangular grilling surface lets you make over 12 servings for large groups of people
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: Enjoy the flexibility to use this electric grill on the stand for outdoor cooking or remove it for tabletop grilling indoors. Ideal for kitchens, balconies, patios, and more....
- ELECTRIC GRILL: This grill is powered by electricity to give you the convenience of grilling without the hassle of gas or charcoal. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and...
Exploring the Features and Benefits
Having used the Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill with VersaStand for quite some time now, I’ve really gotten a feel for its design and functionality. It’s not just a basic electric grill; it has several key features that make it practical for its intended use.
Compact Size and Portability
One of the most standout features of the Cuisinart CEG-980 is its compact size and remarkable portability. Weighing in at just 17 pounds and featuring a pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle, it’s incredibly easy to pick up and move. The dimensions (22″D x 11.8″W x 17.6″H when set up, though much more compact when stored) mean it doesn’t take up a lot of space on a balcony or patio, and critically, it can be easily stored away in a closet, cabinet, or even under a bed when not in use.
The benefit here is immense for anyone with limited space or those who need to comply with rules requiring grills to be stored out of sight. It solves the problem of finding a permanent spot for a bulky grill and makes spontaneous grilling sessions much easier – just grab it and go. The handle feels sturdy and well-balanced, making the 17 pounds feel even lighter during transport.
The VersaStand
Integrated directly into the base of the grill is the clever VersaStand. This isn’t a separate cart; the legs telescope smoothly and lock into place, raising the grill to a comfortable height for standing while cooking. When you’re done, they collapse and fold neatly beneath the grill body.
This feature is a game-changer for versatility. You can use the grill as a tabletop unit by keeping the legs collapsed, or extend the stand to grill at a comfortable standing height without needing a separate table. It’s quick to set up and pack away, taking mere seconds. The stand feels reasonably stable when extended, certainly sturdy enough for typical grilling activities. The benefit is flexibility – you can grill on a small balcony table or use the stand on a patio, and then simply collapse it for compact storage. It eliminates the need for additional furniture and enhances the unit’s portability.
Cooking Capacity
Despite its relatively small footprint, the Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill offers a decent 145-square-inch grilling area. Cuisinart states this is enough to cook 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish at once.
In practice, I’ve found these estimates to be quite accurate. For a small family (2-4 people), this is usually plenty of space to cook a main protein and perhaps some vegetables simultaneously. It’s not designed for hosting large parties, but for everyday meals or casual get-togethers, it performs well. The benefit is that you can prepare a complete meal without needing multiple batches, serving everyone hot food at the same time. It strikes a good balance between a usable cooking area and the grill’s overall compact size.
Powerful Heating Element
The grill is equipped with a powerful 1,500-watt heating element, rated at 5,120 BTU. It plugs into any standard electric outlet.
This power output allows the grill to heat up relatively quickly for an electric model – usually hitting grilling temperature in about 10-15 minutes, which is much faster than preheating charcoal. The element provides heat directly beneath the porcelain-enameled grate, helping to cook food evenly. While it won’t reach the scorching temperatures of some gas grills, it gets hot enough (often cited around 425°F – 500°F depending on conditions) to cook common grilled foods effectively. The benefit here is convenience; just plug it in, turn it on, and you’re ready to grill much faster than with other fuel types. It also eliminates the need to manage fuel, whether it’s refilling propane tanks or dealing with bags of charcoal.
Porcelain-Enameled Coated Grill Grate
The cooking surface is a porcelain-enameled coated grill grate. This type of grate is known for its ability to retain heat well and provide a non-stick surface, making it easier to get those desirable grill marks on your food.
The porcelain coating makes cleanup somewhat easier compared to bare cast iron or stainless steel grates, as food is less likely to stick. It also helps distribute the heat generated by the element more evenly across the cooking surface. The benefit is twofold: better grilling performance with nice sear marks and a slightly less intimidating cleanup process for the cooking surface itself. While still requiring scrubbing, it’s generally manageable with a good grill brush after soaking or scraping while warm.
Electric Power Source
Perhaps the most defining feature is that this is a purely electric grill. It simply plugs into a standard 120V household outlet.
This is the core solution for grilling in restricted areas. No dealing with heavy, potentially dangerous propane tanks or messy charcoal briquettes and ash. It’s a clean, simple, and safe power source for outdoor cooking. The benefit is compliance and peace of mind – you can enjoy grilling without worrying about fire hazards or breaking lease/local regulations. It’s also simpler to start; there’s no need for lighter fluid or igniters, just turn the dial on the temperature controller.
No Assembly Required
A minor but appreciated feature is that the Cuisinart CEG-980 ships ready to go. You just take it out of the box, unfold the stand if needed, plug it in, and you’re set.
This saves time and hassle right out of the box. There are no confusing instructions or searching for tools. The benefit is immediate usability – you can literally start grilling minutes after receiving the product, assuming you have an outlet handy.
Lid Latch and Drip Tray
The grill includes a lid latch, which is useful for securing the lid during transport, enhancing its portability. It also has a spill-resistant drip tray located beneath the heating element and grate.
The lid latch is a simple but effective addition for keeping the grill secure when carrying it using the handle or storing it. The drip tray is essential for collecting grease and food drippings, preventing them from accumulating inside the grill body or spilling onto your deck or patio. However, based on user feedback and my own experience, this is where a notable disadvantage comes in: the drip tray is quite small. It needs to be emptied after almost every use, especially when cooking fattier meats like burgers or sausages. If you forget or cook a lot of fatty food, it *can* overflow, creating a mess. This requires diligence in cleanup.
In summary, the features of the Cuisinart CEG-980 are clearly designed with portability, convenience, and use in restricted areas in mind. While it has limitations compared to traditional grills, its strengths in these specific areas make it a highly functional appliance for the right user.
What Others Are Saying
I’ve seen quite a few positive comments from other users online who have had similar experiences with the Cuisinart CEG-980. Many appreciate it as a solid alternative when gas or charcoal isn’t allowed, particularly in condos or apartments. People mention being able to get decent grill marks and a surprisingly good grilled flavor, sometimes enhanced with liquid smoke or wood chips (used carefully, as recommended by the manufacturer). The portability and quick setup are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some echo the points about the small grease tray needing frequent attention and the cleaning process being a bit of a chore, the overall sentiment is that it’s a capable electric grill that fulfills its promise for those needing a restricted-area solution.
Final Thoughts
For anyone facing the frustrating reality of gas or charcoal grilling restrictions, the dream of enjoying outdoor-cooked meals doesn’t have to end. The Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill with VersaStand presents a compelling solution. Without it, you’d be stuck cooking indoors, missing out on that unique grilling experience and flavor, especially when nice weather beckons you outside.
This electric grill is a great fit because of its exceptional portability thanks to the handle and integrated VersaStand, making it easy to use and store almost anywhere. It provides a sufficient cooking area for small families or couples, delivering evenly cooked food. Most importantly, it allows you to grill safely and legally in locations where traditional grills are prohibited. If you need a reliable, easy-to-use electric grilling option for a restricted space, the Cuisinart CEG-980 is definitely worth considering. To learn more or make it yours, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API