It would be easy to say that the Kenyon G2 grill appeals to anyone who wants to grill food — indoors or outdoors — using a portable grill that can be set up on a table or countertop in minutes. Sure, this is true, but not everyone can afford the hefty price tag associated with this premium stainless steel grill and its accessories.
Consider the Kenyon G2 to be the Rolls Royce of stainless steel portable electric grills. There are plenty of much lower-cost portable grills available, but few offer the same quality, simplicity, cooking space and elegance. Based in Connecticut, Kenyon is a well respected brand when it comes to residential high-end grills and cooktops. The company has been around since 1931, so you know you’re paying for quality and reliability.
Kenyon G2 Portable Electric Grill
Just in time for the summer grilling season, the folks at Kenyon provided me with a review unit of its flagship G2 portable electric grill to test. What I learned is that if you have the budget, this is certainly a good indoor/outdoor electric grill option that, if cared for properly, will provide many years of reliable use.
Specifications
- Price: $915.
- Cooking Area: 214-square inches.
- Max. Cooking Temperature: 600-degrees Fahrenheit. .
- Burners: One.
- Dimensions: 21.6 inches wide by 19.25 inches deep by 9.5 inches tall.
- Lid: Removable.
- Voltage: 120V.
- Power Cord Length: 6 feet.
- Construction: Marine-grade 304 stainless steel body with cast aluminum grate.
- Weight: 37 pounds.
- Usage: UL-approved for Indoor or outdoor use.
Pros
- Ideal for apartments and RVs.
- Plugs into a standard, 120-volt electrical outlet.
- Sets up on a table or countertop in minutes.
- Generates minimal smoke with no flareups.
- Enough cooking space for up to eight people.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Must be properly cleaned after each use.
- The optional grill stand ($695), griddle ($140), warming rack ($29.95), and grill cover ($85.95) are each sold separately.
Who Will the Kenyon G2 Portable Electric Grill Appeal To?
When you focus on the price alone, this grill appeals to upscale individuals and families with a passion for grilling and people who do not want to deal with charcoal, propane, or wood pellets. Thanks to its size, the grill nicely fits on a typical kitchen countertop, or can be used inside or outside your RV. An optional stand is available. Setting up the grill takes just minutes, and it’s easy to carry using its two side handles.
Because the grill requires an electrical outlet, it’s not ideal for camping or tailgating, unless you’re able to connect the grill to an ample power source. I did find it great for use on a porch, patio, in a kitchen or a backyard that’s equipped with a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. And thanks to the 214-square-inches of cooking space, there’s plenty of room to simultaneously prepare food for up to six people.
Use the Kenyon G2 Portable Electric Grill Inside or Outdoors
Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or up to six people, the Kenyon G2 offers the grilling space to prepare plenty of food simultaneously. You will need to provide your own grilling thermometer to determine when your food is properly cooked, as there’s not once built into or included with this grill.
As for cooking utensils, I highly suggest using non-metal tools (such as the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle Took Kit 5-Piece Set or Kenyon’s own Grill Utensil Kit), or you risk scratching the grill’s stainless steel and non-stick aluminum grate.
Two of the most appealing things about the Kenyon G2 portable electric grill are its premium appearance (thanks to the stainless steel construction) and its simplicity. There’s just one temperature dial. The main steps involved with cooking with this grill include:
- Plug the grill’s power cord into a standard 120-volt, three-prong electrical outlet.
- Add about three cups of water to the grill’s easily accessible drip tray.
- Place the grate (or griddle) on the grill.
- Turn the grill’s single dial to the desired temperature (between one and eight bars).
- Allow the grill to heat up. Based on the chosen temperature, this will take between five and 15 minutes.
- Place your food on the grill.
- When the food is properly cooked (use a grilling thermometer to check it), remove it from the grate, and then turn off the grill.
- Enjoy eating!
- Wait for the grill to fully cool down.
- Empty and clean the drip tray, and properly clean the grate (or griddle) after each use.
Because of the single burner, and the fact that the grill maintains a constant temperature once it’s set, only foods that require the same cooking temperature should be prepared at the same time. For example, you can easily cook two full-size chickens, or a bunch of hamburgers side by side. However, refrain from preparing fish and steaks at the same time, as these foods require two significantly different cooking temperatures.
As I mentioned, the Kenyon G2 has a single power on/off and temperature control knob. To use it, press down gently and rotate the knob counter-clockwise. In addition to the off position, there are eight heat settings measured in bars. How long it takes the grill to initially heat up depends on several factors, including the ambient temperature where the grill has been set up.
The following chart offers recommended heat settings for specific types of foods.
| Setting | Type of Food |
| 0 | Off |
| 1 | Warming |
| 2 | Reheating |
| 3 | Vegetables |
| 4 | Fish |
| 5 | Fish or Chicken |
| 6 | Chicken or Hamburgers |
| 7 | Hamburgers or Steaks |
| 8 | Steaks |
When setting up the grill to use, make sure that the back of the grill is at least three inches from a wall whenever it’s turned on. I found that if you want to prevent the creation of smoke and flare ups while cooking, adding about three cups of water to the drip tray before turning on the grill is important. The grate must also be pre-cleaned.
My Final Thoughts: Is the Kenyon G2 Portable Electric Grill Worth It?
After preparing a few meals for myself and a few friends on separate occasions, I found that the Kenyon G2 works nicely and exactly how it’s supposed to with zero hassle. Between the single temperature dial and the fact that the grill maintains a constant temperature, preparing food is a straightforward process.
When set to the proper temperature, the grill has no trouble searing foods. It can reach a cooking temperature up to 600-degrees Fahrenheit. You will miss out on the authentic smoked or flame-broiled taste of barbequed food, but on the plus side, there’s no charcoal, propane or wood pellets to deal with.
To keep the grill looking good and functioning properly, cleaning is essential. You want to empty and clean the drip tray and clean the grate after each use. On a more occasional basis, it’s also necessary to wipe the inside of the grill’s lid using a soft cloth with warm and soapy water.
To keep the outside of the grill looking new, it can be cleaned periodically using stainless steel polish. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads when cleaning any part of the grill. Also, pay attention to which components of the grill are dishwater safe, and which need to be cleaned by hand. This is outlined in the owner’s manual. And since the grill is portable, don’t leave it outdoors.
Kenyon G2 Portable Electric Grill
With the proper care, the Kenyon G2 grill makes a wonderful addition to a kitchen. Or, it can just as easily be used for outdoor food preparation (which is my preferred use). What you’re paying for is the quality of the grill itself, and ownership of a product from a premium brand. For people with the financial means to afford it, it’s well worth the investment if a portable electric grill is what you’re seeking.
