THE CLEVER NEW GRILL THAT LETS THE FAT DRAIN AWAY, WITH NO OIL NEEDED

Photo: Unsplash

There is a lot to love about a grilled dinner on a warm summer night.

There is a lot less to love about the smoky kitchen, the oil splatters on the benchtop and the greasy pan soaking in the sink afterwards.

A new kitchen appliance that has just landed in Australia is promising to fix all three.

It is called VGRILL, and it does something a little unusual: it cooks your food standing up.

It sounds odd at first, but the idea is beautifully simple once you see how it works.

How does a vertical grill work?

Instead of laying food flat on a hotplate or in a pan, the VGRILL holds it upright in a patented vertical grilling system.

Because the food stands on its side, excess fat drains away as it cooks rather than pooling underneath it.

There is no need to add any oil, either, which the brand says makes it a healthier way to grill everyday meals.

The dual-sided design also cooks food from both sides at once, so there is no flipping and no wondering whether the underside is done.

Less smoke, less mess

Anyone who has set off the smoke alarm while searing a steak will appreciate this one.

The VGRILL is designed to minimise smoke, which the brand says makes for a cleaner, more comfortable kitchen while you cook.

Clean-up is simpler too.

The racks are removable and can go straight into the dishwasher, so there is no scrubbing burnt-on bits off a pan at the end of the night.

Teflon-free and PFAS-free

Many home cooks are now paying closer attention to what their cookware is made from.

The VGRILL is Teflon-free and PFAS-free, which the brand says gives extra peace of mind when you are cooking for the family every day.

It has also been ergonomically designed to make everyday grilling easy to use, even for those who are not confident in the kitchen.

Who is it for?

An indoor grill like this could suit apartment dwellers without a balcony barbecue, as well as anyone cooking for one or two.

It is also handy on wet or windy evenings when firing up the outdoor barbecue feels like too much effort.

For families, cutting down on the cleaning after a weeknight dinner may be the biggest selling point of all.

And for anyone trying to cut back on added oils, a grill that needs none could make healthier habits a little easier to stick to.

What could you cook in it?

A grill like this suits the kinds of quick, simple dinners many of us lean on during busy weeks.

Think chicken breasts, lamb cutlets, sausages, fish fillets, haloumi and thick slices of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant and capsicum.

Pair it with a big summer salad, some couscous or a crusty loaf and dinner is on the table with very little washing up.

Leftover grilled chicken or vegetables also make easy fillings for wraps and lunchboxes the next day.

How much does the VGRILL cost?

The VGRILL has a recommended retail price of $349.

It is available from leading retailers, and you can find more information at vgrill.com.au.

Our tips for healthier grilling at home

Choose lean cuts of meat and trim any visible fat before cooking.

Marinate with herbs, garlic, lemon juice and spices rather than heavy oils for plenty of flavour.

Load up on vegetables, which grill beautifully and add colour and fibre to the plate.

Let meat rest for a few minutes after cooking so it stays juicy.

And always check chicken and pork are cooked right through before serving.

Is a vertical grill on your Christmas wish list this year?