How to Use a Contact Grill for Oil Free Cooking

Whether you are a person who loves grilling, but doesn't want to burn your hand with so much oil or make a mess like an actual grill, a contact grill could be your new best friend.

Imagine perfectly grilled sandwiches, vegetable wraps, even tender grilled chicken, all without using much oil. Sounds like a dream, right? 

Contact grills are a kitchen must-have for those looking to cook healthier, faster, and more conveniently. 

But the best part? So you still get all the goodness without the fat. 

Let’s find out in this article how you can make delicious, non-oil dishes on your contact grill to satisfy your taste buds and keep your body healthy as well.

Why Choose a Contact Grill?  

Health Advantages of No Oil Cooking

Fry food, we all know, tacks on unnecessarily many calories, and over-consumption of oil is bad for our waistlines or our health. That's where a contact grill enters the picture. Your foods will cook without all the grease you have with a contact grill. With non-stick plates your food doesn’t stick and your natural fats run off of your food leaving you with lighter, healthier meals. 

Fast and Easy Cooking  

The fastest part about a contact grill is how fast it cooks. Whether you’re grilling vegetables, making sandwiches, or cooking fish, a contact grill is quick to heat and evenly cooks. The meal is ideal for the working people who want a healthy and tasty dish but don’t have the time to make it at home. 

Versatility in Cooking  

Contact grills are incredibly versatile. They aren’t limited to sandwich or burger grilling – you can literally make anything on a contact grill! Vegetables, fish, grilled cheese, pizza... the list goes on. Depending on the models, you can add extra plates (griddles, waffle plates) to make it even more flexible when you are cooking. 

What Kind of Foods You Can Prepare With a Contact Grill?

Credits: Glen India

1.  Grilled Sandwiches and Paninis  

No place better to get a delicious, golden-brown sandwich than on a contact grill. These evenly heated surfaces heat your sandwich on both sides for the best crispy outside and melty interior. It doesn’t matter if you are making a standard grilled cheese or trying something different like a veggie-packed panini, the result is always mouthwatering. 

2.  Grilled Vegetables  

Contact grills work great for cooking vegetables without much oil. Grill everything from bell peppers to zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms and so on. Grilling cooks the veggies and infuses them with that smoky flavor that you’re used to without any extra seasoning or oil. 

3.  Chicken and Fish  

Whether you prefer your chicken skinless or boneless, a contact grill can get it just right. And the same for fish – when you’re grilling salmon, tilapia or any kind of fish, the contact grill seals in moisture and flavour. It’s healthier cooking too with the bonus of a healthier recipe, yes please! 

4.  Breakfast Items  

A contact grill is even available for breakfast! Crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, contact grill it all. Breakfast gets prepared quickly and you have more time to enjoy your morning. 

5.  Pizza and Quesadillas  

YES – even pizza and quesadillas on some models! The heat is even so that your pizza crust gets crispy and the cheese melts nicely. The same goes for quesadillas grilled until golden brown. 

What You Need to Know About a Good Contact Grill

When it comes to a contact grill, here are some things to consider so you can make the most of it: 

1.  Non-Stick Plates  

Non-stick surfaces are a must when using oils. It doesn’t leave crumbs on the plates and makes clean-up a breeze. Make sure it’s a contact grill with good non-stick plates that are easy to clean and keep clean. 

2.  Adjustable Temperature Control  

You get to choose how you want your food to cook with the adjustable temperature options. You’re grilling tender fish or smoking a steak and you want the control of temperature to get the perfect result. 

3.  180-Degree Opening  

A contact grill with a 180 degree door gives you even more room to cook. You can make a bigger serving, grill open-faced sandwiches, or double what you cook in one session. This is especially handy if you are cooking for a large party or creating big batches. 

4.  Oil Collector Tray  

Most contact grills have an oil collector tray built in that collects grease and oils from cooking drippings. It makes your food healthier and your grill clean. 

5.  Power  

The cook-time is also the power of the contact grill. High wattage = more cook time. The majority of them run between 850W and 2000W depending on the size and type of grill. 

Best Contact Grill For Oil-Free Cooking by Glen India

Credits: Glen India

If you are looking for the best contact grill, there are a couple of products that Glen India has to offer so that you get the best out of your oil-free cooking experience. 

3037 Electric Contact Grill & Sandwich Maker (2000W) 

With two cooking surfaces for open grilling this 2000W contact grill cooks food evenly. The 180° angle opens for extra room to grill larger items. This model is healthy to cook without oil thanks to its stainless steel grip and non-stick plates. It has an oil collector tray which guarantees less grease so this is a good option if you’re trying to save on fat.

Key Features:  

• 180-degree opening  
• Stainless steel handle for safety  
• Oil collector tray  
• Non-stick plates for easy cleaning  
• 2-year warranty  

How to Cook with a Contact Grill?

Credits: Glen India

• Heat up Your Contact Grill: Always heat up your contact grill for a few minutes before you place something on it. This means even cooking and optimal outcome. 
• You Can Use Parchment Paper: When it comes to softer items such as fish or thin vegetables, parchment paper will work to keep it from sticking. 
• Don’t Overcrowd: To get even cooking, don’t crowd the grill. Cook in batches if you are cooking for a large crowd. 
• Make Sure You Clean It Every Time: After each use, make sure to clean your grill which will save it’s time and keep the non-stick side intact. Wipe off the plates with a moist cloth or sponge. 

Grill Your Way to Healthier, Better Foods! 

Contact grills are a great addition to any kitchen if you are trying to prepare healthier foods that won’t compromise on taste. Whether it’s grilling veggies, sandwiches or even a full dinner, this versatile machine can make oil-free cooking easy in no time. 

So what are you waiting for? So start grilling now, and grill healthier, no oil meals with Glen India’s contact grills!