Craving Charcoal Flavor? Here's How to Achieve it on Your Electric Grill!

Imagine biting into a juicy steak, and as the flavors burst in your mouth, you're instantly transported to a summer barbecue, feeling the warmth of the charcoal and hearing the sizzle of the grill. But here's the twist: this isn't a charcoal grill—it's electric.

Sounds impossible? Think again. Dive into our guide and discover the magic of infusing that beloved charcoal essence into your meals, all while using an electric grill. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a weekend griller, we're about to elevate your culinary journey.

How to get charcoal flavor on an electric grill?

There are several methods of achieving a charcoal flavor, but the common one is by use of charcoals chips on your electric grill. However, it requires you to do it right for the best results. This article looks into those methods and how to do them perfectly. 

How to Get a Charcoal Flavor on an Electric Grill 

In case you have been hesitant to acquire an electric grill wondering if you could attain a smoky flavor on your food, you’re at the right place. Charcoal is an essential ingredient in this process. 

There are two methods you can apply to your electric grill for the best results. 

Use a Wood or Charcoal Chips

Some people might be wondering, “How do I use charcoal on an electric grill”? No doubt, you use wood/charcoal chips on your electric grill when you want to attain a charcoal flavor on your food.

What are wood/charcoal chips anyway? They are small pieces of dry wood that ignite easily when burned. They produce smoke when burnt. Usually, they are shaving and scraps from various trees such as maple, hickory, alder, and cider.

Each type of wood has a certain level of smokiness and aroma. Wood chips are readily available since various brands are making them. Wood chips can be used in a smoker box or on aluminum foil. 

Smoker Box

A smoker box is specifically a small container designed to hold a few wood/charcoal chips and let out smoke after being burnt.

This container is placed at the corner of a cooking surface on a grill. In most cases, this kind of smoking works best with an electric grill that has a lid cover on top. 

You can first moisten the chips before placing them on the electric grill. It increases the smoke produced. Also, set your grill at a higher temperature so that the smoker box absorbs the heat faster and produces smoke.

You can later reduce temperatures after the chips are ignited. Additionally, have a spray bottle with some water to put off a flame if the chips catch fire. 

More wood chips in a smoker box mean thicker smoke and a long period of smoking. You can fill up the box with more chips if you are grilling for an extended period. 

Wrap Wood Chips in a Thick Aluminum Foil

Start by soaking your preferred wood chips in water. However, you use dry chips. Secondly, place the chips on a thick or double-layer aluminum foil. Then wrap the wood chips on the foil. 

Use a toothpick to make vents on the top side of the foil where the smoke will come out. 

The wrapping on the grill and heat it on high heat for about 10 minutes. 

Use Liquid Smoke 

Liquid smokes are an alternative yet effective way to get a smoky flavor on your food, particularly for anyone using an electric grill without a lid cover, such as our Atgrills Indoor Electric Grill. 

Liquid smoke is a simple ingredient that imparts a smoky flavor to your food while grilling. All you have to do is to mix it with other ingredients during preparation.

In most instances, it’s prepared with the marinade or as a wet rub. Then marinate your steak or other foods you want to cook on an electric grill. However, you must ensure you distribute the mixture evenly on your food. 

You can as well acquire a marinade containing liquid smokes from your nearest grocery store.

Once your food is cooked, it will have a sort of smoky flavor similar to that of food cooked outdoor. 

Bottom Line 

Don’t hesitate to get yourself an electric grill with the fear that you won’t enjoy a charcoal flavor on your food.

Above are ways you can quickly achieve it. Use wood/charcoal chips either in a smoker box or wrapped in aluminum foil, or use liquid smoke as part of your recipe. 

They are inexpensive, effective, and healthy methods that will enhance the taste of your food. 

Check out our article on the taste of foods cooked on electric grills.

Besides, view Atgrills indoor electric grills and griddles to cook food on a non stick cookware with natural stone coating.