Safe temperatures for an electric grill (no guesswork)

When it comes to electric grills, the biggest mistake is relying "only on the color." The safest practice is to use a thermometer and monitor internal temperatures.

1) Quick table (the most commonly used at home)

  • Poultry (chicken/turkey): 74°C

  • Ground beef / hamburger: 71°C

  • Whole cuts (steak/pork/lamb): 63°C + 3 min resting time

  • Pisces: 63°C

Simple "global" rule: cooking at ≥70°C greatly reduces the risk of microorganisms — pay extra attention to poultry and minced meats.

2) 5 common mistakes that cause "rawness on the inside"

  1. Overloading the grill (lowers the temperature and creates steam)

  2. Very cold meat (straight from the refrigerator, very thick)

  3. Thick cuts without enough time

  4. Turning it "all the time" (it loses temperature and doesn't brown properly)

  5. Do not allow to rest when recommended (for whole pieces).

3) Frozen food directly on the grill? Best to avoid it.

Food safety guidelines recommend thawing thoroughly to ensure even cooking — especially for meats/poultry/fish.

4) Safety also means avoiding cross-contamination.

Cooking well is half the battle. The other half: keeping utensils separate and avoiding contact between raw and cooked food (a practice highlighted in safe handling guides).

FAQ

Poultry: what is the safe temperature?
74°C inside.

Can a hamburger turn pink?
The safety reference point is internal temperature (71°C for ground meat), not color.

Is cooking at 70°C sufficient?
The WHO reports that cooking to at least 70°C reduces the risk of unsafe food, with extra attention needed for poultry and minced meats.