Like many people living in apartments or places with strict fire regulations, I often found myself longing for the simple pleasure of grilling. The dream of perfectly seared steaks or smoky vegetables felt out of reach because open flames were prohibited. This limitation wasn’t just an inconvenience; it meant missing out on a popular cooking method and the social joy that comes with grilling, a problem that definitely needed a viable solution.
If you’re considering an electric grill, chances are you’re facing restrictions on open flames, live in a smaller space like a balcony or patio, or simply want a convenient, easy-to-use grilling option without the hassle of charcoal or propane tanks. An electric grill is perfect for someone who values convenience, cleanliness, and the ability to grill in areas where traditional methods aren’t allowed. The ideal customer is typically an urban dweller, apartment resident, or RV enthusiast looking for a portable and compliant grilling solution. Who shouldn’t buy one? If you have ample outdoor space and no restrictions, and you crave the specific smoky flavor only produced by charcoal or gas combustion, an electric grill might not fully satisfy you. In that case, a small charcoal or propane grill would be a better fit. Before purchasing any electric grill, consider the cooking surface area you need, the power requirements (standard outlet?), whether it’s rated for indoor and outdoor use, ease of cleaning, build material for durability, and portability if you plan to move it often.
Introducing the Kenyon B70200 City Grill
Enter the Kenyon B70200 City Grill. This product presents itself as a premium, portable electric grill designed specifically for places where traditional grilling isn’t feasible or desired. Its core promise is simple: deliver a genuine grilling experience without smoke, flare-ups, or open flames, allowing you to grill safely indoors or outdoors. When you purchase the Kenyon B70200 City Grill, you get the grill unit itself, including the stainless steel housing, the electric element, the non-stick grate, the faceted lid, and a 6-foot GFCI-protected power cord. Compared to cheaper, smaller electric grills on the market, the Kenyon City Grill positions itself at the higher end, focusing on durable construction, effective heat, and safety features. While it doesn’t have the extensive features of some high-end propane grills, its niche is portability and fire-code compliance. This specific electric grill is ideal for apartment dwellers, condo owners, boaters, and RV enthusiasts. It’s less suited for someone needing to feed a large crowd frequently or someone who insists on the taste profile that only comes from burning fuel.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Approved for indoor and outdoor use; complies with fire restrictions.
* Produces minimal smoke and no flare-ups.
* Constructed from durable, marine-grade stainless steel.
* Easy to clean, especially the dishwasher-safe grate and lid.
* Reaches high temperatures for good searing.
Cons:
* Higher price point compared to many electric grills.
* Single burner limits cooking capacity for larger meals.
* Requires access to a standard electrical outlet.
* Doesn’t impart the smoky flavor of charcoal or gas.
- 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...
In-Depth Look: Features and Why They Matter
Having used the Kenyon B70200 City Grill for a significant period now, I can genuinely speak to how its features translate into real-world benefits. This isn’t just a temporary fling; it’s become a staple in my cooking routine.
No Smoke Grilling: Compliance and Comfort
One of the absolute standout features, and the primary reason many people look at this type of grill, is its “no smoke grilling” capability. The City Grill’s patented concealed electric element is key here. Unlike open flames or elements exposed directly to dripping fats, this design significantly reduces smoke and completely eliminates flare-ups. This is critical because it means the grill exceeds fire code requirements in areas where open flame grilling is prohibited. For someone living in an apartment with a small balcony, this is a game-changer. Before finding this grill, my balcony was off-limits for grilling. Now, I can set up the portable Kenyon grill and cook without worrying about triggering smoke alarms or violating building rules. The benefit isn’t just compliance; it’s comfort. You don’t have that acrid smoke wafting into your neighbors’ units or back into your own home. It creates a much more pleasant grilling experience, both for the cook and anyone nearby. While it’s not *zero* smoke, especially with fattier foods, it’s dramatically less than any traditional grill and well within the tolerance for most restricted environments.
Stainless Steel Construction: Built to Last
Durability is a major concern for any appliance, especially one that might be used outdoors or in varied conditions. The Kenyon B70200 addresses this by being made with marine-grade 304 stainless steel. This isn’t just standard stainless steel; marine-grade means it’s highly resistant to corrosion and rust, even in harsh environments like coastal areas or on boats (hence the “marine-grade” designation). Kenyon offers a rust-proof guarantee for life on this. After using it for a while, I can attest that the finish holds up beautifully. There are no signs of rust or deterioration, even when it’s occasionally left out on the balcony during unexpected rain showers (though I recommend covering it). The handles are also sturdy and feel solid, making transport easier despite its weight. This robust construction isn’t just about longevity; it contributes to the overall premium feel of the product and inspires confidence that you’ve made a worthwhile investment. It feels like a serious piece of cooking equipment, not a flimsy gadget.
Knob Control: Simple and Effective Heat Management
One of the aspects I appreciate most about the Kenyon City Grill is the simplicity and effectiveness of its heat control. It features a single knob control connected to a 1300-Watt element. There aren’t complex digital interfaces or multiple burners to juggle. You simply plug it in and turn the knob to adjust the temperature. This provides complete control over the cooking process, from low heat for gentle cooking to high heat for searing. The product description mentions that the actual cooking temperature exceeds 550°F, and I can confirm it gets plenty hot. Achieving good grill marks on steaks or getting a nice char on vegetables is absolutely possible. The benefit of knob control is its intuitiveness and reliability. There’s no guesswork; you turn it up or down based on what you’re cooking and how quickly you want it to cook. This ease of use makes the grill accessible to anyone, regardless of their grilling experience. It’s a refreshing change from overly complicated appliances.
UL Approved for Indoor and Outdoor Use: True Versatility
The UL approval is more than just a sticker; it signifies that the Kenyon B70200 meets rigorous safety standards for both indoor and outdoor use. This is a critical feature that sets it apart from many other “portable” grills. You truly *can* use this grill indoors, provided you have adequate ventilation (like an overhead fan) or outdoors on a balcony or patio. The convenience of being able to grill regardless of the weather is fantastic. Raining outside? No problem, just bring it in. This versatility adds immense value, making it a year-round cooking appliance rather than something relegated to just the warmer months. The inclusion of a 6-foot 120V GFCI-protected standard US plug further emphasizes its safety and ease of connection to typical household outlets. It’s designed for practical, everyday use in standard living environments, indoor or out.
Double-Coated, Dishwasher-Safe Grate: Effortless Cleaning
Let’s be honest, cleaning is often the least favorite part of grilling. The Kenyon electric grill tackles this head-on with its thoughtful design, particularly the grate and drip tray system. The cast aluminum grate is double-coated with a medical-grade non-stick coating that is also PFOA-free. This coating is incredibly effective. Food releases easily, minimizing stuck-on residue. The grate itself is removable, as is the faceted lid. Both are durable and, crucially, dishwasher safe. This is a massive time-saver. After cooking, I just let the grate cool slightly, scrape off any large bits into the trash, and pop it in the dishwasher. The brilliance continues with the removable drip tray located beneath the element. This tray catches all the grease and drippings, preventing them from pooling and causing smoke or flare-ups (which goes back to the “no smoke” feature). Emptying the tray is simple, and it too is easy to wipe clean. This combination of a highly effective non-stick grate and an easy-to-clean drip tray makes the post-grilling cleanup almost painless, which encourages me to use the grill more often. The non-stick surface also helps in achieving those characteristic barbeque grill marks without excessive effort or oil.
Portability and Size: Compact but Capable
Advertised as a portable grill, the Kenyon B70200 City Grill lives up to the name. Its dimensions (12″D x 21″W x 10″H) and the convenient carrying handles make it relatively easy to move around. While it’s not feather-light due to the stainless steel construction, it’s certainly manageable for one person to transport from kitchen to balcony, or pack up for a trip. The cooking surface area is 155 square inches. This is a single-burner grill, so that size is primarily suited for cooking for 1-3 people comfortably. You can fit a couple of good-sized steaks, several burgers, or a generous amount of vegetables. It’s not designed for hosting a large backyard barbecue, and that’s okay, because that’s not its intended purpose. For small families, couples, or solo grillers, the size is quite practical. It heats up quickly and maintains temperature well across the cooking surface, allowing you to cook efficiently on that 155 sq. inch area.
What Others Are Saying: User Experiences
Looking around online, it’s clear that many users share my positive view of the Kenyon B70200. People rave about its performance, particularly its ability to grill effectively without smoke or flames, making it perfect for places with restrictions. Several reviewers highlighted how much they appreciate the easy cleanup, especially the dishwasher-safe grate and the effective drip tray system. Many find the size just right for small households or for taking along in an RV, noting the convenience of not needing propane. The solid, durable construction is frequently mentioned as a major plus, giving owners confidence in its longevity. Even those who primarily grill vegetables praise its capability and ease of use.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Living in an apartment or restricted space shouldn’t mean giving up on the joy of grilled food. The inability to use traditional grills can be a real limitation, preventing you from cooking certain dishes and enjoying the simple pleasure of grilling outdoors (or even indoors!). The complications of not solving this problem mean missing out on flavor, variety in cooking methods, and the convenience of quick grilling. The Kenyon B70200 City Grill is a fantastic fit to solve this problem. Firstly, its UL approval and no-smoke technology mean you can legally and safely grill in many places where other grills are forbidden. Secondly, the durable stainless steel build and easy-to-clean features like the dishwasher-safe grate make it a practical and long-lasting investment. Finally, despite being electric, it delivers excellent heat and performance, allowing you to achieve great grilling results. If you’re in a situation where traditional grilling is difficult or impossible, this portable electric grill is absolutely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, click here.
Last update on 2025-08-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API