(ARA) - For several really good reasons outdoor cooking on an electric grill makes more sense than ever. “The days when electric grills were under-performing novelties are long gone,” says John McLemore president of Masterbuilt Outdoor Products, which manufactures and markets the very contemporary Electric Veranda Grill. He points out that the evolving demographics of the U.S. household make them literally the only outdoor cooking game in town for a steadily increasing percentage of residential environments. “This has encouraged the barbecue industry to develop new technologies which result in greatly improved performance for electric grills,” says McLemore.

The typical American barbecuing household – and there are about 80 million of them – now has more than one grill. A second (or even third) grill makes a terrific Father’s Day gift and the good thing about electric grills is they will fit into virtually any gift-giving budget.

The average household size -- once 2.8 people -- has decreased to 2.4, as a result of the ‘empty nest’ syndrome and downsizing among the Baby Boomer generation. Market research tells us that within 20 years a full 25 percent of all households will be just one person. In many multi-family residential developments, including town homes, condos and apartment buildings, gas and charcoal grills are often not allowed, leaving only outdoor electric grills as the choice. They not only optimize available outdoor cooking space, but are considered safer.

Barbecue Time – Anytime

May is National Barbecue Month, when people begin outdoor cooking on a more frequent basis, though today nearly 60 percent of all grill owners cook outdoors year-round. A recent consumer survey by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) showed that fully 25 percent of barbecuers intend to buy another grill during 2005, and 30 percent plan to upgrade their outdoor cooking area. May is a prime time for both grill buying and yard improvements.

Plug and Play…Small Footprints, Too

No, we’re not talking about desktop PCs, but electric grills, which now provide high performance with increased convenience and ease of use. The Electric Veranda Grill from Masterbuilt is meeting wide consumer acceptance. It features a contemporary stainless steel dome (unique to its product category), a striking black pedestal, a cooking surface of 200 square inches, easy to use controls and a drop tray for simple cleanup. A 1650 Watt heating element enables cooking temperatures up to 600 degrees to sear that sizzling steak or juicy hamburger, yet requires only a standard 110 volt electrical outlet. Unlike earlier electric grills, it recovers cooking temperatures quickly after putting cold food on to cook and its heating element and inner pot are ready for easy cleaning once unplugged.

Meeting Consumer Needs

Many consumers, particularly women and seniors, are simply more comfortable with an electric appliance. This reliable new electric grill can be placed in the corner of even the smallest patio porch, deck or apartment terrace and its six-foot cord enables far greater latitude in placement than most other models. It is not advisable to use extension cords with electric grills as it reduces the high temperature capability, so cord length matters.

This new electric grill is very affordable at about $199.00 retail. Equally important, it is inexpensive to operate -- with no possibility of running out of fuel in the middle of a barbecue. For more information visit www.masterbuilt.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content