What Does the Smeg MultiGrill Offer That Air Fryers Don’t?
The Smeg MultiGrill is a countertop electric grill that serves as a grill, sandwich press, panini maker, waffle iron, and even a flat BBQ. Its retro 1950’s look sets it apart visually from most small appliances. Unlike most air fryers, the MultiGrill comes with interchangeable plates—including grill, smooth, and waffle plates—and can be set up in three main modes: Contact (top and bottom heating), Oven (adjustable upper plate for delicate foods), and BBQ (fully open for double the cooking area).
Air fryers primarily use rapidly circulating hot air to crisp food, excelling at convenient, oil-free frying, roasting, and reheating. The Smeg MultiGrill, on the other hand, directly presses heat into your food, making it suitable for grilling meats, making paninis, pressing sandwiches, and baking true Belgian waffles. Unique features include a high-heat sear mode (250°C boost), adjustable temperature (60–230°C), and preset modes for paninis, waffles, and burgers with customizable times.
Who Should Consider the Smeg MultiGrill?
This appliance is most appealing for those seeking versatility beyond an air fryer and who frequently enjoy pressed sandwiches, homemade waffles, and grilled foods. It’s especially suited for kitchens where counter space is limited and every device needs to do double (or triple) duty.
- Renters and those in apartments: Installation is just countertop placement—no permanent fixtures, so it’s suitable for renters. It requires only a standard outlet but may need cleaning space due to the fat drawer and plate size.
- Multi-use seekers: If you want more than typical air fryer results—like seared steaks, pressed paninis, and authentic Belgian waffles—this rivals buying several devices at once.
- Style-conscious buyers: Smeg’s design is a consideration for buyers who want their appliances to stand out.
Those who mainly cook with minimal prep or seek a one-touch, hands-off approach (common with air fryers) may not use the MultiGrill’s full range of features. Its preset modes help, but it does require some involvement to swap plates and set up different cooking functions.
How Does the MultiGrill Compare to Air Fryers and Alternatives?
Compared to classic air fryers, the MultiGrill prioritizes contact grilling and baking. Air fryers are still superior for oil-free crisping and bulk batch cooking of snacks and fries. If most of your weekly cooking centers on air-fried vegetables, chicken wings, and frozen foods, an air fryer will remain more practical.
MultiGrill’s interchangeable plates and multiple cooking modes offer greater flexibility than typical sandwich presses or waffle irons, but its price is higher (around £300). The competition from all-in-one air fryer grills or multi-cookers (like the Ninja Foodi series) brings similar versatility, often with a focus on convenience and sometimes lower cost. However, the Smeg stands apart in its aesthetic and plate-based adaptability.
Trade-offs, Running Costs, and Practical Considerations
All the MultiGrill plates are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup manageable. Operating costs are typical for a countertop grill—no extra filters or subscriptions, but if you use the waffle function regularly, be prepared to buy batter ingredients and perform occasional deep cleaning of the fat drawer.
For those interested in smart home ecosystems: The Smeg MultiGrill does not integrate with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or Matter. All controls are manual via dials and the LCD.
Key Takeaways: Should You Buy the Smeg MultiGrill?
The Smeg MultiGrill is best for users wanting multi-functionality—think pressed sandwiches, grill marks, and waffles—all in one retro package. If aesthetics matter or you’re looking for a single appliance for several specific cooking needs, it’s a strong contender. For those who mainly air fry, the Smeg doesn’t replace an air fryer but could nicely complement one. Value-wise, it’s at the premium edge—prioritize it only if you’ll use more than one feature regularly.