Determining the correct duration for cooking steak on an electric grill is crucial for achieving desired doneness and ensuring food safety. This process directly influences the final texture, flavor, and overall quality of the cooked steak. Undercooking may pose health risks, while overcooking can result in a dry, tough product. For example, a thin-cut steak requires significantly less time than a thicker cut to reach medium-rare.
Properly timed cooking is important because it balances achieving a palatable outcome with minimizing potential hazards. Historically, grilling times have been determined through experience and observation. Modern electric grills with temperature controls and timers offer increased precision and reduce the reliance on subjective judgment. The advantage of understanding optimal grilling times lies in consistently producing enjoyable and safely prepared meals.