Best Indoor Grill of 2021: When Open Flames Are Not an Option

#1. Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill - Best Design System Technology

Our best indoor grill offers you the best BBQ experience, thanks to the intelligent cooking system. Thus, you will find its crisping, sizzling and searing possibilities.

Moreover, the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL indoor grill offers another cooking technology - 500F cyclonic grilling technology, for the right temperature, even grilling and cooking, and desired doneness. Hence, you can prepare your food with maximum flavor and taste, as you like, due to the combined 500F grill grate and 500F cyclonic air.

Concerning the intelligent cook system, the unit provides:

Thus, you can choose the best option from rare to well done, without under or overcooking, with a single button pressing.

Thanks to the XL grill area, the unit is perfect for family gatherings. Thus, you can place up to twenty-four hot dogs, six or more steaks, side and main dishes at the sides, and all at once. The food will preserve the quality and full taste.

Of course, the product includes five additional grilling and cooking options so that you can find dehydrating, broiling, roasting, baking, and air crisping options. Besides, the last one offers up to 75% less fat than regular deep frying. And, the combination of an excellent air zone with the design system reduces the smoke and keeps it out of the kitchen.

Hence, why don't you try the grill and see why we love it?

#2. George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill – Best Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

Next one up is a model by arguably the most well-known name in the industry, George Foreman, and one that brings you the best of both worlds – outdoor and indoor grilling – all without messing with charcoal or lighter fluids.

With the stand, you can use the grill on the balcony or the patio, and if you want to move it indoors, remove the stand to make it a bit more countertop-friendly.

The best part about this electric grill isn’t its versatility, though – it’s the large, 240-square-inch cooking surface that can grill up to 15 servings at a time! Moreover, the surface has a non-stick coating and is slightly sloped to help drain any excess fat to the drip tray (and a dishwasher-safe one, for that matter) for preparing leaner, healthier meals.

You have five heat settings at your disposal, as well as indicator lights to let you know when the temperature is right.

The cord might be a bit too short for outdoor use – unless you have an outlet nearby, that is. Also, bear in mind that, due to its size, cleaning and storage can be a bit of a pain.

#3. Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler Deluxe – Most Versatile Indoor Grill

If versatility is what you’re after, look no further – this Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe is virtually unbeatable in that department.

Thanks to the height-adjustable top lid, you can set it to six lockable positions – lowering it for contact grilling or raising it for melting. It doesn’t end there:

The Cuisinart lets you prepare food in six different ways, thanks to the combination of reversible grill and griddle plates, and dual-zone temperature control that heats each side independently – for a combined total of 240 square inches of cooking surface.

So, besides contact grilling and melting mentioned above, you can use it as a Panini press, or open it up entirely to use both sides – top and bottom – as a full grill, griddle, or a half grill-half griddle combo.

The not-so-compact size is something you should consider, but since this one does double as a griddle, it might replace the one you already have sitting on your kitchen countertop.

Another downside is how messy it can get. It’s not uncommon to have juices dripping all over the place when the top lid is lifted. Also, it doesn’t drain fat as efficiently, which might cause it to overflow.

#4. Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill – Best High-End Indoor Grill

You’ve seen what the budget-friendly model looks like, so now it’s time to see what the high-end model has to offer – and what better way to do so, than by introducing you to the Breville Smart Grill? Stick around for a model that takes indoor grilling to the next level.

It’s a grill, griddle, and a Panini press all in one – and it handles all these tasks exceptionally well.

One dial allows you to set the temperature (you have three heat levels to choose from here – Low, Panini, and Sear) and the other is used for timer control, along with the countdown and audio alert options. The digital display will let you keep track of all these settings.

Moreover, it has six adjustable height levels, two cooking modes – barbecue and Panini – as well as ribbed and flat cooking surfaces that can be used interchangeably.

Another thing worth mentioning is the Element IQ auto-adjustment feature that detects and addresses any sudden temperature drops.

The price is an obvious downside for some, but if you’re a demanding customer that expects a lot from the best indoor grill, it might be worth it for you.

#5. CUSIMAX Smokeless Grill Indoor Electric Grill - The Best Performance

The following indoor grill will wow you with various benefits, so let's check them!

Firstly, it offers a supreme experience, since you don't need to go outside to prepare your favorite meals and check the weather conditions. Further, the unit won't create and release the smoke in your indoor area, and you can focus on preparing the perfect food.

Moreover, the CUSIMAX grill includes consistent and fast heating, full of moisture and flavor, thanks to the dual U-shaped heating tubes for your juicy steak. Like a charcoal grill, this one also leaves the meat with grill marks and filters out the excess oil. Thus, no matter what food you prepare, it won't be too fat or oily.

You will notice the glass lid that keeps the heat at a wanted temperature, together with the thermostat control. All you have to do is switch the top skillet or grill plate as you like and avoid using two devices for food preparation. Instead, you can now use only one; it will be enough.

Additionally, the LED screen controls will help you moderate the temperature from 250 to 400°F, and the non-stick heating plate permits you to use and take out your food without any residue.

Besides, various detachable tools will help you clean it thoroughly, without leaving any parts. And the dish-washing safe areas are the silver heat reflector, two heating plates, and the glass lid.

#6. Presto 09020 Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill – A Budget-Friendly Option

A budget-friendly option worth considering is the Presto Cool Touch Electric Indoor Grill.

It features a reasonably-sized – well, for an indoor grill, anyway – non-stick cooking surface, but is still compact enough to easily fit inside a standard kitchen cupboard when it’s not in use. One more place it will fit in with ease is the dishwasher:

I’ve seen a lot of easy-to-clean grills, but this one beats them all – with the heating element removed, the entire thing can be submerged in water or cleaned in the dishwasher.

The unit is equipped with a temperature control dial and maintains the right cooking temperature automatically. The maximum temperature of 400°F may not be as high as in some other models, but it’s still adequate for most indoor grilling tasks.

The Presto grill has a raised grid surface, and although most of the grease does land in between the grooves, it doesn’t find its way to the actual drip tray because the cooking area itself lies perfectly flat. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you’ll have to move things along with the included spatula.

Also, it doesn’t come with a lid, so be prepared for cleaning the occasional splatters.

#7. MegaChef Dual Surface Indoor Grill and Griddle – The Top Rated Two-In-One Deal

A model certainly worth a mention in my round-up of the best indoor grill models is the MegaChef Dual Surface Reversible Grill and Griddle – and as the name suggests, it’s yet another two-in-one option you should consider if you’d like a grill with a bit more versatility to it.

Similarly to other models you’ve seen, this MegaChef indoor grill also doubles as a griddle. The cooking surface panel is reversible, with one side that features a ribbed surface and the other that is completely flat. The best part about it, however, is that you can flip the panel even when the grill is turned on.

I’m in a love-hate relationship with the glass lid, though. I like that it comes with handy options, such as locking it in the open position for added safety and being able to remove it for cleaning. And while the lid contains some of the splatters inside the unit, it also creates a mess of its own – which brings me to my next point:

I’ve had issues with opening the lid and having steam and moisture drip all over the counter. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something worth nothing.

#8. Hamilton Beach 25361 Electric Indoor Searing Grill – Best Electric Grill for the Average User

The round-up of the best indoor grills wouldn’t be complete without this Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill. There are a few solid reasons why this model came in high on our list – the main one, however, is that it’s easily one of the best options for bringing outdoor grilling into indoor spaces.

The first thing that grabbed my attention here was the level of control it allows temperature-wise – the dial lets you adjust the temperature anywhere between 200 and 450°F. And yes, that means you get to sear your food, too, and cook it to perfection.

The indicator lights notify you when the grill reaches the desired temperature, and you'll be able to keep an eye on things without lifting the lid thanks to the built-in window.

Also, most of its parts, including the non-stick cook plate, the grill hood, and the drip tray, are all removable and dishwasher-safe, which makes maintenance a breeze.

If there’s one thing I didn’t like about this model, it’s the relatively short cord it comes with – it’s not the end of the world, but it can be a bit limiting in regards to where you can use it.

#9. T-fal GC70 OptiGrill Electric Indoor Grill – Smart, But A Bit Unreliable

It may look like a glorified (and slightly overpriced) food press at first glance, but as the T-fal OptiGrill goes to show, looks aren’t everything:

Behind the seemingly average exterior hides the first electric grill that utilizes Precision Grilling Technology. And yes, that means it’s packed with tons of automatic features, including two cooking modes (a manual one and one for frozen foods), and six automated cooking programs (Burger, Sandwich, Poultry, Sausage, Red Meat & Fish).

The coolest part is that it detects the thickness of the food on the grill, and adjusts the temperature accordingly!

Moreover, it’s equipped with both indicator lights that notify you when the unit heated up, and when your food reaches the desired level of doneness (rare, medium, or well-done), as well as audible alerts. As you can imagine, all this takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation.

Unfortunately, I feel like T-fal bit more than they could chew with this one. The most significant selling point of this indoor grill is the "brains" that lend it its smart features – but as it turns out, it's not as reliable as you might expect. In short, sometimes, it ends up being anything but automatic.

#10. Philips Smoke-less Indoor BBQ Grill – Best Smokeless Indoor Grill

Yes, you read that right – smokeless! 

It utilizes indirect infrared technology, emitted from the elements located around the interior edges – the heat is then redirected from the sides to the grill itself. And since the drip pan isn’t affected by the heating elements, the fat and moisture that do end up on it won’t sizzle or burn. 

In short, it’s designed to reduce smoke output to an absolute minimum, boasting 80 percent less smoke production than the competing models. 

Now, one of the features of this unit counts as both an advantage and a disadvantage – for me, at least. You see, the grill heats up to 446°F automatically (and fast, might I add), which is the optimal temperature for cooking and searing. 

However, you don’t have a say in it – there’s no way for you to adjust the temperature here. It’s the grill’s way or the highway. 

It ended up down here on my list, not because it's not good – that it most certainly is – but because I know a lot of you might not be able to afford it. However, if the smoke output is a concern, though, this one's worth every penny.

#11. Techwood Raclette Table Grill - Best Quality

The penultimate indoor grill will astonish you, so examine it thoroughly and see why we adore it!

As you might observe, the indoor grill is ideal for large family parties and other gatherings. Namely, it offers a wide grilling area, measuring 19 x 9 inches. Combined with the power of 1500 watts, it provides you the best cooking experience for preparing seafood, veggies, meat, and melting cheese.

Additionally, you will find a combination of flat and grooved surfaces for even heating and versatile cooking options. You can now prepare pancakes, eggs on the flat surface, and the grooved side removes frying fat. Hence, the two-in-one electric indoor grill saves you from using additional devices to prepare your meals.

Thanks to the visible indicator lights on the adjustable thermostat, the indoor grill will allow you to moderate the desired temperature for the best cooking experience and avoid over or undercooked meals.

If you want various sauces, cooking sides, and raclette cheese, you will find eight individual grill pans to select the proper one for your needs and keep the food warm. The non-sticking benefit makes it easier for you to clean it and remove food. The same feature removes unnecessary fat, and there's no need for oils or butter for healthier meals.

The indoor grill comes with a 30-days free return and replacement period if there are some inconveniences. Also, you can contact customer support to help you solve additional problems and dilemmas.

#12. DeLonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill – Best Budget-Friendly Indoor Grill

If your budget is relatively tight, no worries, I have you covered – this DeLonghi model is probably the best indoor grill in the budget-friendly category.

With a decent-sized cooking area and a tempered glass lid that not only lets you keep an eye on your food without continually lifting the lid but contains heat and steam inside the unit, too, you can expect a rather pleasant indoor grilling experience.

Cooking takes a bit longer due to a single heating surface, but it heats up fast enough. You have five temperature levels at your disposal here thanks to the detachable thermostat, ranging from low to high – “high” being 450°F.

One of the main things that make it stand out of the bunch is the even heat distribution – the heating element is fully embedded in the grilling plate, ensuring that there are no hot or cold spots on it.

However, this ended up being its main downside, too – because the heating element is right there in the grilling plate, putting it in the dishwasher is not an option. The good news is that it has a non-stick surface, so cleaning should still be relatively easy.

Lids

Lids can be an excellent addition to any indoor grill, and for several reasons, too – they’ll trap heat and smoke, lock the moisture in the meat, and prevent the smell of cooked food from spreading around your home.

Indicator Lights

Indicator lights even the basic On/Off ones, can come in handy, too, because, with an electric grill, you don’t have any other way of accessing whether the unit is heated or not.

Drip Trays

Drip trays also known as grease pans, will collect the juices and excess grease during the cooking process, which not only makes your meals leaner and healthier but makes clean-up a breeze, and removes any fire hazards, as well.

Removable Components

Removable components are, without a doubt, your best friend when it comes to maintenance, and if there’s one additional feature you should insist on getting, it’s this one. 

Consider how you plan on using the grill, and whether or not you need all these extra features for your intended purposes.

I mean, these are all excellent additions, and they make indoor grilling a lot more versatile and straightforward – but there’s no point in spending more on them if they won’t get much use.

Are indoor smokeless grills worth it?

YES, they are! As you will see, the indoor options are famous for being easier to clean and use, as many of them have parts that you can place in a dishwasher and wash quickly. 

Also, many of them provide smokeless features thanks to design and systems, so you don't need to bother much about the indoor-outdoor conditions.

What's the best indoor grill for you?

The best one to buy is undoubtedly the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill.

Namely, the indoor grill contains a two-in-one design technology system for grilling and cooking and keeping the food healthy and fat-free. Thus, it provides the best performance, design, and quality, but other benefits as well, so don't skip it.

What is the best indoor grill for Consumer Reports?

The best indoor grill, according to his category, is the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill.

The gas grill offers an adjustable temperature for average users, a wide grilling surface, and a window to follow the cooking process. However, it also includes the dish-washing safe parts and other advantages, so try it to find them all.

Can you smoke meat on an indoor grill?

YES, you can. The types of meat to smoke here are poultry, pork, and beef. Thus, they will be evenly cooked, and you can regulate the flavor, taste, color of the food, and other qualities.

Moreover, they're smaller than their outdoor counterparts; therefore, they won't occupy too much of your indoor space.