Our search for the ideal indoor electric grill brings us to the Delonghi Perfecto Indoor Electric Grill. Like some other models we’ve tested, this grill features a heating element embedded within the cooking grate. Delonghi’s design uses a W-shaped element inside the grate, which increases element length and coverage compared with some competitors. That design difference suggested a potential change in performance; here’s how it performed in our hands-on testing.
The Delonghi Perfecto arrives in six parts and takes about 10–15 minutes to assemble. It includes a nonstick cooking grate, a plug-in temperature controller, a metal drip pan, and a plastic base—features consistent with several other indoor grills we’ve reviewed. A notable addition is a glass lid with a plastic handle, which is unique among the units we’ve tested so far. The handle is attached to the lid by the user with a screwdriver. The base has recesses on both ends so the cooking grate can be oriented either way, and the temperature controller plugs into the base similarly to other models.
The product labeling claims the cooking grate is “dishwasher safe,” but the documentation is inconsistent. The printed manual notes the cooking plate “can be washed in the dishwasher” while warning to avoid moisture contacting the control socket. The online PDF manual contains a clear contradiction, stating you should “Never submerse or rinse the cooking plate in water or any other liquid.” We ran the cooking grate through a dishwasher cycle and allowed it to dry thoroughly; the grill functioned afterward. Despite that single test, we do not recommend dishwasher cleaning of the grate because the conflicting manufacturer guidance presents a potential safety concern.
Using the drip pan with water is an optional feature. Following the manual, we preheated the grill on high for 10 minutes. With the controller set to high, the unit—rated at 1500 watts—reached the specified 470ºF quickly. Our infrared thermometer recorded peak grate temperatures just under 550ºF after 10 minutes, with the hottest points along the left and right edges directly above the W-shaped element. The center area of the grate registered at noticeably lower, medium-range temperatures.
When we added proteins and vegetables, the sizzling response we expected did not materialize. Although the grate reached high temperatures when empty, the surface temperature dropped significantly once food was placed on it—similar to behavior we observed with another grill at comparable wattage. Proteins did reach safe internal temperatures, but achieving that took longer than anticipated and the sear was subdued. Vegetables cooked unevenly and were only barely warm after the same cooking interval used for the proteins.
Item Specs: Delonghi Perfecto Electric Indoor Grill (Model BG24) *
- Dimensions: 19.69” W x 13.19” H x 6.69” D
- Grate Material: Aluminum
- Wattage: 120V–1500W
- Heat Range: Listed at 470ºF in the product manual
- Cooking Grate Surface Area: 15” W x 11” D (measured)
- Cord Length: 39.5” (measured)
*Specifications from the manufacturer website.
What We Liked
The glass lid is a practical addition: it helps contain grease splatter and lets you use the grill as a small roaster. The cooking surface is larger than many other indoor grills we tested, and the raised edge helps when flipping food with a spatula. The nonstick grate and metal drip pan were easy to clean, and the reversible base orientation gives flexibility for countertop placement. The prospect of a dishwasher-safe grate would be convenient if the safety guidance were clearer.
What Could Be Improved
The contradictory messaging about dishwasher safety for the cooking grate is a major concern and needs clear correction from the manufacturer. Performance-wise, the grill’s 1500W rating did not translate into the aggressive searing we expected; whether this is related to the W-shaped element, grate thickness, materials, or another design detail is unclear. Additionally, shipping the glass lid with a user-installed plastic handle feels like an unnecessary manufacturing shortcut.
Who This Is For
The Delonghi Perfecto suits users who value a covered indoor grill for roasting or for reducing grease splatter—especially in compact kitchens where containing mess is important. Its large cooking surface and easy-clean components make it attractive for families or those who cook multiple items at once. However, because of the unclear dishwasher guidance and modest searing performance, hand-washing the grate is the safer recommendation.
Final Thoughts: Delonghi Perfecto Indoor Grill Review
Empty-grate testing produced maximum surface readings around 540ºF and a stable range near 470ºF when cycled with the thermostat. In real cooking conditions, surface temperatures fell significantly under load, which led to longer cook times and weaker sear marks than expected given the grill’s wattage. Proteins cooked through and tasted acceptable, but the appliance did not deliver the pronounced sear or consistent vegetable results seen with some competing models.
Conflicting instructions about whether the grate is dishwasher safe present a potential safety issue. Combined with the lackluster searing performance, these concerns prevent us from recommending the Delonghi Perfecto at this time.