Electric bbq grills

	This product from Zhongshan Songjing is equipped with thermostat controls and microswitches.

Suppliers are releasing larger and two-tier models. High-quality thermostats and microswitches may be incorporated as well.

China makers of barbecue grills are concentrating R&D efforts on physical and safety enhancements.

For the former, handle construction is a popular target for improvements. The latest releases have components in novelty shapes such as cow and football. Wood may also be employed instead of the typical black nylon.

In addition, suppliers are tailoring design development to the specific demands of their export markets.

Some companies, for example, are now offering 600x375x720mm models, which are shipped mainly to the US. Such products are 10 percent larger than typical versions and are capable of accommodating five to 10 users simultaneously.

For the EU market, makers are now releasing designs in a two-tier construction. The top part is made for traditional use, and can come in stone, steel or a combination of these materials. The lower portion is intended for melting cheese, enabling use as a raclette grill.

In addition, many new models feature user-adjustable height.

To enhance safety, a number of China suppliers are employing better components such as high-quality thermostats that resist radio interference. These also allow five-level temperature settings and cost $0.25 to $0.50, or 10 to 20 percent more than alternatives.

Further, microswitches are used to cut power when the heating tube is removed, inhibiting operation in case of accidental impact. Such parts add $0.15 to $0.30 to the base price.

Even though demand for energy-effi cient barbecue grills has not risen appreciably, some makers are exploring the integration of solar panels and structures that minimize power consumption in future releases.

Mainstream electric products are smoke-free units with built-in temperature controllers. Housing materials and key components are typically from domestic suppliers.

Popular models have three to eight small steel pans, and are equipped with upper spaces for cooking at 300 C and lower areas for 100 C heating and warming.

Typical shapes include rectangle, square and circle. The majority of products meet LFGB, GS, CE, RoHS, EMC, UL, AGA and VDE standards.

Unit size, power, housing design and features are the price determinants.

Low-end versions go for $4 to $10 and are suitable for up to two users. Most have a power rating of 1,000W, and consist of a steel plate with two small pans for grilling.

These designs incorporate a thermostat but do not have temperature settings.

Midrange products are for five to 10 people. They generate 1,000 to 1,500W of power.

Among the available types is a configuration with a top plate combining steel and stone, and three to six small pans below. Others have a stone top plate, and small steel pans in the second and third levels. In addition, select versions utilize one steel plate for meat and another in a concave shape meant for pancakes.

Most models are between $11 and $20. Other than temperature controls, auto shut-off capability and an indicator light are standard.

High-end electric grills have a power rating of 1,500 to 2,000W. While the features duplicate those of midrange products, the housings are larger and exteriors typically made of steel with an enamel coating.

Suitable for more than 10 users, upscale releases are priced from $21 to $25. Quotes for stone plate models are 3 to 5 percent higher than those for steel versions.

Last year, about 5 percent of China’s electric barbecue grill makers suspended operations in the wake of the global financial crisis. Most were small companies.

Currently, the country is home to about 300 manufacturers, many of which are privately owned.

There are also 1,000 providers of related parts and components.

Small suppliers take up roughly 60 percent of the industry. With annual sales of less than $10 million, they usually produce one or two appliance types and have a monthly output of fewer than 20,000 units.

About 30 percent of companies are midsize. They typically offer appliances in two to four categories, and generate between $10 million and $20 million in annual sales.

The remaining industry members are large suppliers that have multiple factories and produce a range of home appliances. The monthly output usually exceeds 100,000 units, while annual sales are from $50 million to $100 million.

The majority of models from these companies meet GS, CE, RoHS and LFGB standards. Designs may bear patents.