The best tefal contact grills, compared.
Top pick: Tefal OptiGrill+ XL GC722D40 – Highest score in this set: 4.7 from 2,766 reviews with a UK sample, nine programmes, and a lower scrape price than the smaller Plus. Best value: Tefal GC3050 Ultra Compact – £109 in this scrape, removable plates, and 4.6 from 4,630 reviews. The age of many UK reviews, and a continental plug in those reviews, stay in the deduction. Updated October 2026.
A Tefal contact grill is a mains electric press that cooks both sides at once. On amazon.co.uk this set splits into sensor models and simpler dial presses: the SuperGrill 3-in-1, the Ultra Compact, and the older Inicio. You are usually choosing one for steak, chicken, paninis, or a larger batch indoors. Separate the eight listings by the control, the plate area, whether the plates come off, and the lead. The [Tefal contact grill buying guide](/hub/grills-and-barbecues/tefal-contact-grill/sub/tefal-contact-grill-buying-guide) puts control, area, cleaning, plug, and evidence in that order. Here the OptiGrill+ XL costs less than the smaller Plus.
A Tefal contact grill is a mains electric press that cooks both sides at once. On amazon.co.uk this set splits into sensor models and simpler dial presses: the SuperGrill 3-in-1, the Ultra Compact, and the older Inicio.
28 products checked · 61 hrs invested · +21,400 readers
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Personal buying guide
Question 1 of 2
How do you want to control the cook?
The OptiGrill+ XL GC722D40 is a 2,180 W sensor contact grill listed at 220 V and £129.99 in this scrape, with a 6–8 person claim. The same listing prints about 650 cm² and 800 cm², and two body sizes, 36.5 × 44.5 × 17.5 cm and 22.9 × 48.1 × 22.9 cm, at 5.2 kg. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.7 stars from 2,766 reviews, and the first 50 texts are from the United Kingdom. Reviewers use it for steak, burgers, bacon, fish, and paninis, and several credit the programmes and the colour indicator. The plates are listed as removable and dishwasher-safe. UK reviews also call the cord extremely short, say pieces need a similar thickness, and one report says the non-stick was gone within five months.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A household that wants a doneness cue and a larger plate than the six-programme Plus
Less suitable: A small worktop, or a buyer who needs one printed plate size and a long lead
Specifications
Common questions
Which programmes does the listing name?
The bullets say nine programmes and name red meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables. The spec line says 9 presets plus 2 additional. The full name list is not in this scrape.
Are the plates dishwasher-safe?
The listing says the removable non-stick parts are dishwasher-safe. UK reviewers mention taking the plates off for the dishwasher. One reviewer avoids the dishwasher because coatings wear.
How big is the plate?
The listing prints about 650 cm² and 800 cm², and two body sizes: 36.5 × 44.5 × 17.5 cm and 22.9 × 48.1 × 22.9 cm. The stated portion claim is 6–8 people. Weight is 5.2 kg.
The OptiGrill+ GC713D40 is a 2,000 W sensor grill listed at 230 V, with 600 cm² and a 4–5 person claim, at £155.55 in this scrape. It carries 4.7 stars from 2,504 amazon.co.uk reviews, the same stars as the larger XL and at a higher price. Six programmes cover burger, chicken, bacon, sausage, red meat, and fish, with four manual temperatures for vegetables and sandwiches. UK reviewers mention burgers, bacon, and fish with less mess than a frying pan, and several credit the colour display. The plates come off. It is listed at 36.5 × 36.5 × 17.5 cm and 5 kg, and one reviewer says those dimensions are wrong. One unit arrived faulty, one person set off a smoke alarm, and one note says auto-sensing stopped after about five years on an earlier unit.
Pros
Cons
Best for: One or two people who want a sensor grill and accept a smaller plate than the XL
Less suitable: A household that needs the XL plate, or a buyer choosing mainly on price
Specifications
Common questions
Which programmes does it list?
Burger, chicken, bacon, sausage, red meat, and fish. The bullets also describe four manual temperature settings for meat, vegetables, and sandwiches.
Are the plates dishwasher-safe?
The listing says the removable non-stick plates and the drip tray are dishwasher-safe. One reviewer warns that a metal clip in the dishwasher can scratch a plate.
Will it fit a small worktop?
The listing size is 36.5 × 36.5 × 17.5 cm and 5 kg, with a 600 cm² plate and a 4–5 person claim. UK reviews still call it heavy, and one says those printed dimensions are wrong.
The OptiGrill Elite XL is listed as GC760D, with GC760D12 in the title, at £246.19. It is a 2,200 W grill at 230 V, with 16 automatic programmes, frozen food, a manual mode, grill marks, and a recipe booklet. Plate area is not printed. The portion claim is 6 to 8 servings. The listing prints 17.5 × 13.5 × 7.1 cm and 44.4 × 34.3 × 18 cm, at 7.2 kg. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.7 stars from 2,482 reviews. None of the first 50 texts are from the United Kingdom, so those comments are not British opinion. A Netherlands note says the plate hooks broke after about three months, and another says the coating came off. Rank is 230 in Electric Grills.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Only if you accept a high price and will not treat these reviews as UK experience
Less suitable: A buyer who wants UK review text, a printed plate area, or a lower price
Specifications
Common questions
Is this the same evidence as the Plus XL's 4.7?
No. Both lines say 4.7, but this scrape's first 50 texts include no United Kingdom review. The count is 2,482. Treat the stars as the listing line only.
What size is it?
The listing prints 17.5 × 13.5 × 7.1 cm and 44.4 × 34.3 × 18 cm, at 7.2 kg. No plate area is printed. The portion claim is 6 to 8 servings. The 17.5 cm line is not a credible body size beside that weight.
Are the plates dishwasher-safe?
The listing says the removable plates and the juice tray are dishwasher-safe, and a recipe booklet is included. It does not name the 16 programmes.
The GC3050 is a 2,000 W contact grill listed at 240 V and £109.00, with five thermostat settings and no thickness sensor. The body is listed at 32 × 32 × 14 cm and 4.13 kg. Included parts are dishwasher-safe plates, a bowl, an integrated drip tray, and non-stick cast aluminium plates. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.6 stars from 4,630 reviews. Of the first 50 texts, 26 are from the United Kingdom, and many of those dates are 2012 to 2014. Reviewers praise plates that come off, heat that holds, and a flat opening. They also report a soft coating, no timer, and a German or continental plug. One reviewer says not to cut that plug off.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A buyer who wants a dial press with plates that come off, and who will check the plug before use
Less suitable: Anyone who needs a sensor doneness cue, or a confirmed BS 1363 plug on the listing
Specifications
Common questions
Does it have a thickness sensor?
No. The listing is a thermostat contact grill with five settings, 2,000 W, and a 240 V field. It does not list automatic programmes.
Do the plates come off?
Yes. Included components name dishwasher-safe plates, a bowl, an integrated drip tray, and non-stick cast aluminium plates. UK reviews describe opening it flat.
Will the plug be a UK three-pin?
The listing does not say. UK reviews describe a German or continental plug. One says an adapter was in the box. Another says not to cut the plug off.
The OptiGrill Elite GC750D40 is a 2,000 W sensor grill at £198.80 in this scrape, with 551 cm² and a 4–5 person claim. The listing names twelve programmes, from red meat and burger through potato, aubergine, pepper, and tomato, plus a digital countdown, searing boost, and refill. Voltage is not printed. The body is 40.3 × 22.9 × 38.3 cm and 6.63 kg. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.6 stars from 725 reviews, and the 31 scraped texts are from the United Kingdom. Reviewers credit the sensor and the plates that come off. They also call the cable short, and more than one report describes peeling or bubbling coating. The included-components line says tray, while the highlight says dishwasher-safe plates.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A cook who wants named vegetable programmes and a countdown, and who accepts a smaller plate
Less suitable: A buyer choosing on plate area or price, or anyone who needs a printed voltage
Specifications
Common questions
Which programmes does it list?
Red meat, burger, sausage, panini, fish, chicken breast, seafood, bacon, potato, aubergine, pepper, and tomato. The bullets also name a searing boost and a refill feature.
Are the plates dishwasher-safe?
The item highlight says dishwasher-safe plates. The included-components line only says tray. UK reviewers say the plates come off and go in the dishwasher. Separate reviews report peeling and bubbling.
What size is the plate?
551 cm², with a 4–5 person claim. Listed body 40.3 × 22.9 × 38.3 cm and 6.63 kg. Voltage is not printed. UK reviews call the cable short.
The Inicio GC241D12 is a meat and panini grill at £73.79, with 2,000 W, 220 V, one setting, and no thickness sensor. Size is 33.2 × 36.3 × 10.8 cm and 3.9 kg, with a 90 cm cable and vertical storage. The drip tray is removable and dishwasher-safe. The listing does not say the plates come off. A PTFE Free line appears on this listing only. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.5 stars from 12,222 reviews. Only two of the first 50 texts are from the United Kingdom. One of those says it works as a panini press and that the plug cover came off at the socket. The star count is not a UK sample.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A panini press buyer who will inspect the plug and does not need programmes
Less suitable: Anyone who wants a doneness cue, removable plates, or UK review evidence
Specifications
Common questions
Is it an OptiGrill?
No. The Inicio GC241D12 is a meat and panini grill with one setting, 2,000 W, and 220 V. It has no thickness sensor and no programme list.
Do the plates come off?
The listing does not say so. It says non-stick plates and a removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray. Included components name the drip tray only.
Is the plug safe?
The listing prints a 90 cm cable and does not name the plug. One UK review says the plug cover came off at the socket. The other 48 texts in this sample of 50 are not from the United Kingdom.
The SuperGrill GC520DG1 is a 2,200 W 3-in-1 grill at £114.99, listed at 220 V, with three temperature settings and no thickness sensor. The bullets say contact, barbecue, and oven modes, an 800 cm² plate, and up to 8 people in barbecue mode. The title says it opens to 180°. Body size is 37.8 × 43.7 × 17.5 cm and the listed weight is 3.18 kg. Plates and the juice tray are removable and dishwasher-safe, with vertical storage claimed. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.4 stars from 146 reviews, and the first 50 texts are from the United Kingdom. Reviewers like the size and the speed. More than one describes a sagging or wonky hinge, and one reports overheating and a broken plate within two months.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A household that wants the lid open flat and will watch the food itself
Less suitable: A buyer who wants a rare-to-well-done cue, or a short worktop
Specifications
Common questions
Does it cook by sensor?
No. It is a 2,200 W dial grill with three temperature settings and three modes: contact, barbecue, and oven. The title says it opens to 180°.
How large is the plate?
The listing prints 800 cm² and up to 8 people or more in barbecue mode. Body size is 37.8 × 43.7 × 17.5 cm. Listed weight is 3.18 kg. UK reviews still call it large.
Do the plates come off?
Yes. Included parts name removable plates and an internal drip tray, and the bullets say both are dishwasher-safe. UK reviews also report a flimsy tray lug and a sagging hinge.
The OptiGrill One GC7P08G0 is a 2,000 W sensor grill at £91.63, with a 600 cm² plate, manual mode up to 270°C, and a removable drip tray. Voltage is not printed. The body is 22.7 × 40.4 × 22.7 cm and 5.44 kg. Amazon.co.uk shows 4.1 stars from 19 reviews, all of them from the United Kingdom in this scrape. Reviewers say the plates come off, the plug is a UK three-pin, and the buttons are in German, with an English sticker in the manual. Cable length is not listed; reviews say about 70 cm and 74 cm. One review says the grill tripped the power at temperature, the replacement did the same, then showed ERR.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A low-price sensor grill only if you will fit the English sticker and watch the first heat-up
Less suitable: Anyone who wants English buttons out of the box, or a large UK review base
Specifications
Common questions
Are the buttons in English?
UK reviews say the panel is in German, including Blutig, Medium, and Durch. An English sticker is in the manual. Reviewers also say the plug itself is a UK three-pin.
What size is the plate?
600 cm². The body is listed at 22.7 × 40.4 × 22.7 cm and 5.44 kg. The cable length is not on the listing. UK reviews say about 70 cm and 74 cm.
Did it trip a breaker?
One UK review says the first unit tripped as it reached temperature, the replacement did the same, then showed ERR and later ran in manual mode. The listing has 19 reviews at 4.1 stars.
For this comparison we scored the eight amazon.co.uk listings kept on 15 October 2026, using the star lines and the review notes for those listings. Each score is out of 100. Deductions cover conflicting or missing electrical details, a repeated defect theme, circuit-trip reports, a German-language panel on UK deliveries, and non-UK review samples. It is an editorial score for this set, not a laboratory test, and not a claim about every Tefal contact grill on sale in the UK.
Star evidence
40%The amazon.co.uk star rating is divided by 5, multiplied by 40, then rounded. A 4.7 contributes 38 points and a 4.1 contributes 33.
Review-base confidence
15%A mostly UK sample of 2,000 reviews or more scores 15. Smaller, older, or non-UK samples score 12, 8, 6, or 2, including listings with fewer than 30 reviews.
Cooking control and plates
20%Sensor programmes with removable plates score highest. A dial with removable plates sits in the middle. Fixed plates and drip-tray-only cleaning score lower.
Everyday practicality
15%Points reflect the listed size and weight, and the complaints that show up in use, including a short cord, the hinge, storage, and plug checks.
Value in this set
10%The scrape price is set against what the listing actually offers. The lowest price is not automatically the best value.
Use this section to separate a sensor OptiGrill from a dial press before you compare stars. The table ranks eight amazon.co.uk listings from 15 October 2026. It does not time a cook, and it does not treat a portion claim as a weighed serving. Weeknight cooks who want a doneness cue start with the OptiGrill+ XL. Households that want the lid open flat look at the SuperGrill. Panini kitchens that will check the plug look at the Inicio.
A Tefal contact grill in this set is a mains electric press that cooks both sides at once. The eight amazon.co.uk listings from 15 October 2026 split into OptiGrill sensor models and simpler dial presses. Sensor models with a colour cue are the OptiGrill+ GC713D40, six programmes at £155.55, 4.7 from 2,504 reviews, and a 600 cm² plate, and the OptiGrill+ XL GC722D40, nine programmes at £129.99, 4.7 from 2,766 reviews. Here the XL costs less than the smaller Plus.
The OptiGrill+ XL costs less here than the smaller Plus. The Elite is £198.80 for 551 cm², which is smaller than the cheaper Plus XL. Keep both printed sizes where a listing disagrees with itself.
The SuperGrill uses three thermostat marks and opens to 180°. It has no thickness sensor. Doneness is something you watch. The hinge sag in more than one UK review is a separate point.
The Inicio listing line is 4.5 from 12,222 reviews. Only two of the first 50 texts are from the United Kingdom. The Elite XL’s 4.7 from 2,482 has no United Kingdom review in that sample. Star counts are the listing lines.
Control comes first. OptiGrill models add programmes and a rare-to-well-done cue. The Plus lists six programmes, the Plus XL nine, the Elite twelve, and the Elite XL sixteen on the Amazon row. The SuperGrill uses three thermostat marks, opens to 180°, and has an oven position. The Inicio and the GC3050 listings have no thickness sensor. The OptiGrill One is a sensor grill, but the programme count is not printed. Then read the plate. The Plus and the OptiGrill One print 600 cm².
SuperGrill, OptiGrill+, and OptiGrill+ XL listings say the plates are removable and dishwasher-safe. OptiGrill One reviewers say the plates come off. The Inicio listing only makes the drip tray removable. UK reviews still report peeling or bubbling coating, and that wear is not covered by calling the parts repairable. A portable grill needs a UK three-pin plug and fuse. Older GC3050 reviews describe a continental plug.
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
You want a doneness cue for steak, chicken, or fish. The OptiGrill+ XL is first in this scrape: nine programmes, a UK review sample, and a lower price here than the smaller Plus. The Plus or the Elite comes next if you want fewer programmes or named vegetable settings.
You want the lid open flat and you will watch the food yourself. The SuperGrill XL opens to 180°, prints 800 cm², and uses three thermostat marks. It has no thickness sensor, and more than one UK review describes a sagging hinge.
You want a panini press and you will inspect the plug. The Inicio is the lowest scrape price, with one setting and no sensor. Only two of 50 review texts are from the United Kingdom, and one says the plug cover came off. The OptiGrill One is a sensor alternative only with the German-panel and trip caveats.
Eight amazon.co.uk listings run from £73.79 to £246.19 at 2,000–2,200 W. The OptiGrill+ XL GC722D40 is the top pick: the highest score in this set, nine programmes, 4.7 from 2,766 reviews with a UK sample, and £129.99, which is lower here than the smaller Plus. The listing prints two plate areas and two body sizes, and UK reviews call the cord extremely short. The best value is the GC3050 Ultra Compact at £109, with removable plates and 4.6 from 4,630 reviews. Many of those UK texts date from 2012 to 2014, and reviews describe a continental plug, so the plug still has to be checked. The Inicio is cheaper, at £73.79, but only two of 50 review texts are from the United Kingdom.
Tefal OptiGrill+ XL GC722D40
Highest score in this set: 4.7 from 2,766 reviews with a UK sample, nine programmes, and a lower scrape price than the smaller Plus.
Tefal GC3050 Ultra Compact
£109 in this scrape, removable plates, and 4.6 from 4,630 reviews. The age of many UK reviews, and a continental plug in those reviews, stay in the deduction.
Editorial
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Listing prices and ratings are from the amazon.co.uk files for these eight ASINs, kept on 15 October 2026. The public sources below cover the maker claims, the plug guidance, and the 30-day right to reject.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The comparison uses amazon.co.uk listings and public UK sources. It is not a lab test, and it does not promise the cheapest price.
