I Tried the First Full-Size Electric Outdoor Grill — and the Results Surprised Me

Growing up, my favorite part of summer could be summed up in one word: barbecue. Nothing, and I mean nothing, got me more excited as a kid than seeing my dad begin to prep the grill on a hot summer day. However, as I got older, I came to realize that grills … are a pain. From their cumbersome size and fickle temperatures to (somehow?) never having enough charcoal or propane on hand, for a while pulling out the barbecue felt like more stress than it was worth. 

Since coming to this realization, I’ve pretty much been anti-grill, opting for indoor and stovetop versions instead. However, earlier this year I got word of something that had me wondering if there was finally a grill out there that would make all of the aforementioned pain points a thing of the past. Reader, let me introduce you to the Current Model G Dual Zone Grill, a piece of outdoor machinery I’m convinced is going to change the way you look at grills for good — it certainly did that for me. 

When it comes to things that stand out about this grill, the list is long so bear with me. First and foremost, this grill is 100% electric. This means you won’t ever have to worry about running out of propane or cleaning up charcoal ever again. This device also comes equipped with an easy control front panel with touch buttons and a knob that makes setting controlling the grill a breeze. Speaking of the grill, perhaps the biggest feature that stands out to me is the dual-side design. What does this mean? Well, with this grill you’ll be able to set each side to its own individual temperature, allowing you to cook multiple foods and different temperatures, all at the same time. To top it off, this grill also comes with temperature probes so you can ensure you never over (or under) cook your meats ever again. 

Now let’s talk about the physical design. This grill is eye candy, with a compact size perfect for smaller outdoor spaces and three sleek colors to choose from: moondust, slate, and onyx. The standard Model G Dual Zone Grill comes with two side folding tables (complete with hanging hooks for utensils) and an open shelf with two trays to store extra supplies or rest food once it’s off the grill. That being said, if you’re looking for a bit more storage, you’re in luck! Current also offers three cabinet kits: a full-body base cabinet, a side cabinet with racks, and an interior kit for the base cabinet with sliding drawers. 

After receiving the grill and putting it together (seamlessly, btw!) it was ready to use! The first thing I noticed (and loved) was the size. This grill is much more compact than other outdoor grills with a similar design. In fact, it fit perfectly on my parents’ tiny patio, something we all were delighted to see. Now, onto the good part: the cooking. 

Using this grill truly couldn’t be easier. I decided to try it on a hot, summer Florida afternoon. After plugging it in, pressing the on button and setting the preferred temperatures, I took a step inside to catch a breather (90% humidity is not my favorite kind of weather). I decided I’d track the temperature inside from the comfort of the much needed AC and was thrilled to watch the temperature tick up on the app to 350 and 370 accordingly. Once it reached temperature, I went ahead and got to grilling my favorite hot dogs (you can read more about those here). What I was left with was perfectly cooked hot dogs, grill marks and all, in only a few minutes (see: the image below). After I finished grilling the other meats and some veggies, I popped on the cleaning function, let it do its thing, and then gave it a quick scrub. Et voilà! I had never had a more pleasant (or foolproof?!) grilling experience. 

• Dual zone design: All in all, the dual zone design has been the biggest plus of this device. In having two sides with individual temperatures, I found that it helped cut down on cooking time by allowing me to multitask cooking different types of food at once (for instance meat on one side and veggies on the other) without having to worry about burning or undercooking one or the other. 
• Cooking quality: With this grill ranging in temperature from 200 to 700 degrees, cooking on this grill has been the easiest grilling experience. With a traditional grill, I always found myself guessing temperatures and at times under (or over) cooking foods as a result. I’ve yet to cook anything but to perfection when it comes to temperature. As for taste, I’ve also been surprised at just how deliciously barbecued everything has tasted even without charcoal or pellets. And don’t even get me started on the gorgeous grill marks. 
• App integration: While you don’t need the app to use this grill, having the option is a major perk. We all know how hot it gets in the summertime, so being able to keep an eye on the grill — and adjust temperatures when needed — without standing outside in the heat on sweltering days has made this a game-changer in my eyes. Plus, it’s nice to have instant access to recipes at the touch of a button. 

When it comes to cleaning this device, you’ll first want to run the SmartClean function which helps burn off excess dirt and grime. After, you’ll have to scrub the plates with a brush like any other grill. However, the grill plates (which are broken into four pieces) are removable for easy cleaning! 

It’s also important to note that when you first receive the grill, these grates are a gleaming silver, but after the first use they’ll start to develop a patina (they take on seasoning much like cast iron) so don’t be alarmed by the change of color. 

One last thing — if you like the concept of this grill but are interested in an outdoor pick with a griddle top, Current also has a griddle grill that may be perfect for you. 

All in all, the Current Model G Dual Zone Grill is an incredible find, but I would specifically recommend it if you’re looking for something that:

• Doesn’t require gas, propane tanks, charcoal, or pellets
• Is powerful yet small-space-friendly
• Makes grilling less intimidating

• Current, $899.99
• Wayfair (with cabinet), $885.03 (normally $999)
• Home Depot (with cabinet), $999
• Ace Hardware (with cabinet), $999.99 

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