Who this suits

Solo skewer cook wanting less fuss

You usually make one portion and want to keep preparation and washing-up manageable. A closed grill is worth considering if your short skewers let the lid rest evenly.

Cook using mixed-size vegetable skewers

You need room to handle uneven pieces or protruding skewer handles. Access to an open-flat cooking surface may matter more to you than an automatic cooking programme.

Buyer wanting one grill for several meals

You also plan to cook foods such as paninis or meat. Plate options, cleaning and storage space may therefore influence your choice as much as skewer handling.

What to check before choosing

Start with how your assembled skewers will sit on the grill. A closed lid and an open-flat surface solve different handling problems, while size and cleaning affect how practical either choice is for one portion.

Closed contact grill

Choose it when: You make short, evenly cut skewers that allow the lid to rest level and want heat from both sides without regular turning.

The trade-off: Protruding handles or uneven pieces can prevent the lid from sitting properly.

Grill that opens flat

Choose it when: You need to turn or reposition awkward skewers, or would also use the surface for loose vegetables.

The trade-off: It takes up more worktop space while open, and food on the open surface does not receive simultaneous contact heat from above.

Concern What to check when buying Who this matters to
Skewer fit and handling Compare your assembled skewers with the usable plate area; check hinge clearance and whether the grill opens flat. If my vegetable pieces sit at different heights, I need to move the skewers without forcing the lid down. Around 36% of consumers put skewer fit and handling first.
Space for one-person cooking Compare closed storage dimensions and the space needed when the grill is open with your kitchen. I usually cook one portion and do not want an appliance that is awkward to store. For around 29% of consumers, a manageable footprint is the main concern.
Cleaning Check whether plates detach, how the drip tray is removed and what cleaning the exact model permits. After a small meal with marinade, I want to spend less time cleaning the plates. Easy clean-up comes first for around 21% of consumers.
Cooking flexibility Look for adjustable temperature or a manual mode for vegetables, and check the available plate surfaces. I want to adjust the heat for vegetables and use the grill for other foods too. Around 14% of consumers make that flexibility their primary need.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by wattage alone

    A wattage figure does not tell you whether assembled skewers fit beneath the lid or whether you can remove the plates for cleaning.

    Check the hinge, cooking surface, cleaning method and storage dimensions before using wattage to distinguish between models.

  • Assuming every skewer suits a closed lid

    Uneven vegetable pieces or protruding handles may keep the upper plate from resting level.

    Measure your usual assembled skewers and compare them with the usable surface. Consider an open-flat grill if you need access to turn or reposition them.

  • Treating a discontinued model as a routine purchase

    Cuisinart marks the GR47BU as discontinued, although its open-flat and reversible-plate design remains a useful point of comparison.

    If considering remaining stock, check the seller's warranty and return terms and whether compatible replacement plates are currently available.

  • Sharing utensils between raw meat and ready-to-eat vegetables

    UK Government barbecue guidance warns that raw meat can transfer bacteria to ready-to-eat food. The same separation matters when preparing food for an indoor grill.

    Use separate or thoroughly washed utensils, boards and serving dishes, and clean the grill according to its manual before preparing food that will not be cooked further.

Relevant grill brands

Salter

Salter describes vegetables and skewers as uses for its health-grill range. Its EK5857SSC Large Health Grill is a 2000W model with an adjustable temperature setting and a 180° opening design.

  • The EK5857SSC also has an integrated drip tray, according to Salter.
  • Check its usable plate area against your assembled skewers; the appliance's overall dimensions do not establish skewer clearance.

Tefal

OptiGrill models focus on automatic cooking functions. Tefal specifies four manual temperature levels for the GC722D40 and describes that model's manual mode as suitable for fruit and vegetables.

  • A model-specific manual mode gives buyers another setting to consider for vegetables alongside automatic programmes.
  • Tefal describes the GC722D40 as a 6–8 portion grill; check whether its size makes sense when you usually cook for one.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart's GR47BU Griddle & Grill combines closed contact grilling with an open-flat format and removable, reversible plates.

  • Cuisinart documents a floating hinge and both grill and griddle plates for the GR47BU, giving cooks different ways to arrange food.
  • Cuisinart marks the GR47BU as discontinued. Check current availability, warranty arrangements and replacement-plate support before considering remaining stock.

Joybuy contact grills to consider

These contact grills are options to consider if an open-flat surface would make your vegetable skewers easier to arrange. Compare the space available for your assembled skewers and the cleaning requirements before choosing one for a single portion.

Princess Contact Grill with 180° opening

Princess Contact Grill, 1800W, 180° opening

Consider the open-flat arrangement when you need to turn or reposition vegetable skewers rather than close the lid over them.

The stated cooking area is 27.5 × 18 cm, and the plates are detachable. Compare that area with your assembled skewers, including their handles, and check the model's plate-cleaning instructions.

Joybuy
Philips 5000 Series Contact Grill HD6301/90

Philips 5000 Series Contact Grill HD6301/90

For solo vegetable skewers, check that your assembled skewers can be positioned safely on the cooking surface before choosing this model.

Allow for washing the plates by hand; they are described as not dishwasher-safe.

Joybuy

Common questions

Can I close a contact grill over vegetable skewers?

Yes, if the food and handles allow the lid to rest level without force. Check the exact grill's hinge, usable plate area and instructions; an open-flat arrangement gives you access to turn skewers that are awkward beneath a closed lid.

Do I need an automatic programme for vegetables?

No; a suitable manual temperature setting is another option. Tefal describes the four-level manual mode on its GC722D40 as suitable for fruit and vegetables, but that feature should not be assumed for every OptiGrill model.

How should I clean a grill after cooking vegetable skewers?

Let it cool and follow the instructions for the exact model. Tefal's OptiGrill instructions call for a sponge, hot water and washing-up liquid on the plates and warn against immersing the appliance, cord or plug; check separately whether another model's removable plates can go in a dishwasher.

What if I also cook raw meat on the grill?

Keep raw-meat preparation separate from ready-to-eat vegetables, using clean utensils, boards and serving dishes. UK Government barbecue guidance warns about cross-contamination; clean the grill according to its manual before preparing food that will not be cooked further.

Can I get replacement plates for a grill?

It depends on the exact model and current parts availability. Cuisinart lists ridged replacement plates compatible with the GR47BU, but marks the grill itself as discontinued, so confirm compatibility and availability before relying on that option.