Let’s be honest: for decades, the “serious” outdoor cooking community has treated electricity like the annoying younger sibling who wasn’t allowed to play with the big kids.
If you weren’t hauling heavy propane tanks or coaxing a chimney of charcoal into a glowing red fury, you weren’t really “grilling.” You were just using a giant version of a kitchen toaster.
But things change. Technology catches up. And frankly, I’m tired of smelling like a campfire every time I want to sear a flank steak on a Tuesday night.
Enter the Current Model G.
This isn’t your grandma’s electric skillet. This is a high-voltage, Wi-Fi-connected, 600-degree beast that looks like it was designed by a team of engineers who got bored building luxury EVs.
As a pitmaster who has spent more time squinting through smoke than I have sleeping, I’m here to tell you: the future of the backyard is officially plugged in.
The Electric Revolution in Your Backyard
We are currently living through the “Great Backyard Pivot.” For years, we accepted the flaws of gas and charcoal because there wasn’t a better way.
We dealt with “gas anxiety” – that sinking feeling when you realize your propane tank is empty ten minutes into a ribeye sear. We dealt with HOA boards that treat charcoal grills like active arson threats.
The Current Model G exists because the modern griller wants more control and less drama. It’s designed for the person who loves the results of outdoor cooking but hates the chore of it.
By moving to a smart electric platform, Current has essentially taken the guesswork out of the equation.
It’s the difference between driving a manual transmission in stop-and-go traffic and letting an autonomous car handle the commute.
This is the flagship of the electric-first outdoor kitchen. It’s clean, it’s precise, and it doesn’t require a trip to the hardware store for fuel.
Design & Build Quality: Industrial Sleekness
The first thing you notice when you unbox the Current Model G is that it doesn’t look like a toy. It has a heavy, intentional feel to it. The aesthetic is what I’d call “Industrial Minimalism.”
Whether you opt for the Onyx, Slate, or Moon Dust finish, it looks like it belongs in a high-end architectural digest, not tucked away under a tarp.
The Bones of the Beast
The frame is made of weather-resistant painted steel, and the cooktop itself is a massive slab of cold-rolled steel. This is crucial. In the world of griddling, thermal mass is king.
You want a surface that can hold heat and won’t buckle when you drop a pile of cold smash burgers on it.
Footprint and Portability
With 330 square inches of cooking space, it’s the “Goldilocks” size. It’s large enough to feed a family of four or a small party, but compact enough to fit on a balcony in downtown Seattle or a patio in suburban Austin.
The 8-inch wheels are surprisingly rugged, too. I’ve rolled this across uneven pavers and grass, and it didn’t feel like it was going to tip over – a common “cheap grill” problem.
Performance: Breaking the “Electric is Weak” Myth
If you take nothing else away from this review, remember this: The Current Model G hits 600°F. For a long time, the knock on electric grills was that they couldn’t get hot enough to sear.
They were “simmer machines.” The Model G shatters that reputation. Powered by a 1,750-watt system, this unit gets screaming hot.
The Sear Factor
When I dropped a ribeye on this surface at full tilt, I got that beautiful, mahogany crust that you usually only see in high-end steakhouses. Because the heating elements are mapped directly to the underside of the steel, the heat is incredibly even.
On a gas griddle, you often have “dead zones” where the flames don’t reach. With the Current Model G, the heat is edge-to-edge.
Heat Recovery
In the pitmaster world, we talk about “recovery time.” When you put cold food on a hot surface, the temperature drops. A weak grill stays cold.
The Model G’s smart sensors detect that temperature drop and pump power back into the elements instantly. It stays hot, which means your food sears instead of steaming in its own juices.
The “Smart” in Smart Griddle: The Current® App
I’ll be the first to admit I was a skeptic. Do I really need my griddle to talk to my phone? As it turns out, yes. Yes, I do.
Remote Control and Monitoring
The Current app allows you to set your target temperature and monitor it from inside the house. If I’m prepping the salad and the sides in the kitchen, I don’t have to keep running outside to check if the griddle is ready.
My phone vibrates and says, “Hey, I’m at 450°F. Let’s go.”
The Auto-Seasoning Miracle
Seasoning a new griddle is usually a rite of passage that involves a lot of smoke and guesswork. The Current Model G has a dedicated “Auto-Seasoning” mode.
You apply the oil, hit the button, and the griddle handles the temperature cycles perfectly to create that black, non-stick patina. It’s foolproof.
Precision Probes
The unit comes with stainless-steel meat probes that plug directly into the front of the grill. The temperature shows up on both the digital display on the unit and in the app.
You can set an alert for a specific internal temp – say, 130°F for a perfect medium-rare – and the griddle will tell you exactly when to pull it off.
Lifestyle Fit: Who is the Model G For?
Let’s look at the “User Persona” for this machine.
The Apartment Dweller: This is your savior. Most apartment complexes have strict “no open flame” policies. Since the Current Model G has no flame and no combustible fuel, it usually passes the test.
You can finally have a real BBQ experience on a 4th-floor balcony.
The Tech Enthusiast: If your house is full of smart lights and Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, this is the final piece of the puzzle. It integrates into a modern lifestyle where data and precision are valued.
The “Tuesday Night” Cook: This is for the person who wants to cook a healthy, fast meal without the 30-minute setup of a traditional grill. You plug it in, you cook, you’re done.
Maintenance & Cleanup: No More Griddle Guilt
Cleaning a griddle is usually the part everyone hates. But Current made a few design choices that make this a lot less painful.
- The Grease Chute: There is a front-access grease chute that leads to a hidden tray. When you’re done cooking, you just scrape the bits forward. No mess running down the back of the machine.
- The Lid: The built-in lid is sturdy and helps keep the heat in while cooking, but it also protects the steel surface from the elements when you’re done.
- The Steel Surface: Because it’s cold-rolled steel, it’s incredibly durable. You can use metal spatulas, scrapers, and heavy-duty cleaning pads without worrying about chipping a “non-stick” coating.
The Comparison: Model G vs. The World
How does it stack up against the competition?
- Vs. Blackstone E-Series: The Blackstone is a great entry-level machine, but it feels like a consumer appliance. The Current Model G feels like a piece of professional equipment. The Model G gets hotter, builds faster, and the app integration is miles ahead.
- Vs. Traditional Gas: Gas still wins on “raw power” in very cold climates, but it loses on precision. You can’t tell a gas grill to “hold exactly 375 degrees.” On the Model G, 375 means 375.
The Flex Tray System: Beyond the Flat Top
One of the most overlooked features of the Current Model G is the Flex Tray Kit. Most people see a griddle and think “flat surface,” but Current realized that sometimes you need a little more versatility.
It transforms the unit from a simple searing plate into a multi-functional outdoor oven.
- Infuse Wood Smoke: Place wood chips in a tray and nest it under the hood to add hickory or applewood notes to your proteins – historically impossible on electric units.
- Steam-Finishing: Add a splash of water under the lid to melt cheese on smash burgers instantly or keep delicate fish moist.
- Culinary Range: Easily handle everything from steamed dumplings to breakfast sides right alongside your main proteins.
Energy Efficiency: Grilling Without the Guilt
In a world where we’re all watching our carbon footprint, the Current Model G makes a compelling case for sustainable searing. It’s the rare “green” upgrade that actually performs better than the old-school alternative.
- Superior Efficiency: This unit is roughly 4x more energy efficient than a standard gas griddle.
- Direct Heat Transfer: While gas burners lose heat to the air, the Model G’s elements stay in direct contact with the steel for nearly 100% energy transfer.
- Long-Term Savings: You aren’t just saving the planet; you’re saving cash. Estimates suggest a lifetime savings of up to $250 in fuel costs.
The “Silent Chef”: Managing the Noise Floor
We don’t talk about it enough, but traditional grilling is loud. Between the “whoosh” of gas and the roar of charcoal, conversations often involve a lot of shouting.
The Current Model G operates in near-total silence – what I call the “Silent Chef” advantage.
- Intimate Atmosphere: Hold a normal conversation standing right over the griddle without competing with a “jet-engine” burner.
- Early Bird Approved: The ultimate tool for early morning breakfast sessions that won’t wake the neighbors.
- Focus on People: Shift the focus of your backyard hosting back to the guests, rather than the loud machinery.
Electrical Safety and Weatherproofing Mastery
When you mix 1,750 watts of power with an outdoor environment, safety isn’t just a feature – it’s a requirement.
The Current Model G is built with UL-certified safety standards that make it one of the few high-power appliances insurance companies and HOAs actually trust on a wooden deck.
- IPX4-Rated: Designed to live outdoors year-round and handle the elements with ease.
- GFCI-Compatible Plug: Features a high-grade plug that shuts down instantly if it detects an electrical ground fault.
- 12-Foot Power Cord: A heavy-duty cord that eliminates the need for dangerous, “daisy-chained” extension cords.
The 10-Year Warranty: A Legacy Investment
Most “big box” griddles are lucky to survive three seasons before the burners rust out. The Current Model G isn’t a disposable “seasonal purchase”; it’s a legacy investment in your home’s outdoor infrastructure.
- Decade of Coverage: A limited 10-year warranty covers critical components, reflecting massive brand confidence.
- Patented Tech: The warranty protects their specialized heating technology and premium, corrosion-resistant finishes.
- Anti-Obsolescence: When you break down the cost over a decade, you’re paying pennies per meal for a machine built to stay out of the landfill.
Pros & Cons: The Honest Truth
Every piece of gear has its quirks. Here’s the breakdown.
The Pros:
- Insane Precision: Digital control down to the degree.
- HOA Friendly: No propane, no charcoal, no problems.
- High Heat: 600°F is no joke; this thing sears like a champ.
- Build Quality: It’s built to last a decade, not a season.
The Cons:
- Single-Zone Cooking: Unlike some massive gas griddles, the Model G generally maintains one consistent temp across the surface. You can’t have one side at 500°F and the other at 200°F quite as easily.
- Power Dependent: You need a dedicated 110V outlet. If you have a bunch of other high-draw appliances on the same circuit, you might trip a breaker.
- The Price: At roughly $700-$800, it’s an investment. You aren’t buying this because it’s cheap; you’re buying it because it’s the best.
Top 3 Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Current Model G, you’re likely weighing the benefits of a “smart” electric experience against the raw power of gas or the portability of a tabletop unit.
While the Model G is unique for its Wi-Fi precision and high-heat electric output, these three alternatives offer different strengths depending on your priorities:
1. Weber Lumin Electric Grill (The Portable Powerhouse)
If the Current Model G is the “luxury sedan” of electric outdoor cooking, the Weber Lumin is the “sporty hatchback.” It’s compact, incredibly powerful, and perfect for smaller spaces.
- Heat Range: Reaches over 600°F, proving it can sear just as hard as its gas-powered cousins.
- Versatility: It’s designed to steam, smoke, and even thaw food – something most standard grills can’t handle.
- Best For: Apartment dwellers with very small balconies who still want the brand reliability and high-heat performance of a Weber.
2. Traeger Flatrock Griddle (The Professional’s Choice)
If you are willing to move away from electric and stick with gas, the Traeger Flatrock is widely considered the “best-in-class” for high-end griddling. It brings a level of engineering to the flat-top world that rivals the Current Model G’s build quality.
- U-Shaped Burners: Unlike cheap gas griddles with “dead spots,” the Flatrock uses recessed U-burners for total edge-to-edge heat consistency.
- Triple-Zone Control: While the Model G is generally a single-zone experience, the Flatrock allows you to have three distinct heat zones at once.
- Best For: The pitmaster who wants massive cooking space and professional temperature zoning, provided they don’t have HOA restrictions on propane.
3. Blackstone E-Series 22″ (The “Smart” Tabletop)
If the price tag or the footprint of the Current Model G feels too heavy, the Blackstone E-Series is the most accessible “tech-forward” electric alternative. It’s a dedicated electric griddle designed to mimic the Blackstone experience without the gas tank.
- LCD Display: Features a digital control dial and a large screen to help you monitor temperatures precisely.
- Indoor/Outdoor Flex: Because it’s smaller and produces no open flame, it’s one of the few griddles marketed for both kitchen and patio use.
- Best For: The casual cook or traveler who wants a “plug-and-play” experience for breakfast and burgers at a much lower price point.
Is the Future Electric?
After spending a significant amount of time with the Current Model G, I’m convinced that we are seeing the “de-fossil-fication” of the backyard.
Does it replace the soul of a wood-fired offset smoker? No. But that’s not what it’s trying to do. It’s trying to replace the clunky, inconsistent, high-maintenance gas grill that’s currently rusting on your patio. And in that mission, it succeeds brilliantly.
The Model G is fast, smart, and incredibly capable.
It makes you a better cook by removing the variables that usually lead to burnt food or undercooked centers. It gives you the confidence to cook outside on a random Wednesday because you know exactly how it’s going to perform.
If you’re ready to stop “managing” your grill and start cooking with it, the Model G is the way forward. The backyard just got a whole lot smarter.
Pitmaster’s Final Cheat Sheet
- Best for: Smash burgers, hibachi-style dinners, and the perfect weekend breakfast.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid of the 600°F setting. If you’re doing steaks, crank it all the way up and let it sit for 20 minutes before you drop the meat. You’ll get a crust that will make your neighbors jealous.
- Must-Have Accessory: Get the custom-fit cover. Even though it’s built like a tank, keeping the moisture off that steel cooktop will save you from having to re-season it later.
The verdict? The Current Model G isn’t just a new product; it’s a new category. Welcome to the future of the backyard. It’s electric, and it’s delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really use this on an apartment or condo balcony?
Yes. One of the biggest wins for the Current Model G is that it is NFPA-approved (National Fire Protection Association) for urban environments.
Because there is no open flame and no combustible fuel source (like propane or charcoal), it bypasses most of the fire code restrictions that ban traditional grills from multi-family housing.
2. Does it require a special electrical outlet?
It runs on a standard 120V outlet, but there’s a catch: it needs juice. You should plug it into a 15-amp minimum circuit (though 20-amp is recommended).
For the best performance, ensure the griddle is the only thing running on that circuit while you’re cooking so you don’t trip a breaker while trying to sear your steak.
3. How long does it take to reach that 600°F max temp?
While electric is precise, it’s not instantaneous.
Expect it to reach cooking temps (350°F–400°F) in about 10 to 12 minutes. To hit the full 600°F searing temperature, you’ll want to give it about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the cold-rolled steel plate to fully saturate with heat.
4. Can I control the griddle if I’m not home?
For safety reasons, you cannot turn the griddle “On” via the app – you must physically be at the unit to start it.
However, once it’s powered on, you have full remote control to adjust temperatures, monitor timers, and even shut the unit down completely from your phone or smart watch.
5. How do I clean the smart sensors and probes?
The meat probes are stainless steel and can be wiped down with soapy water (just don’t submerge the plug end).
For the griddle itself, the SmartClean® mode does the heavy lifting by burning off debris. Once it cools, a simple scrape and a light coat of oil are all you need to keep the tech and the steel in top shape.
Featured image credit: Ubuy.com
