Cold weather doesn’t have to mean the end of backyard-style cooking. If you miss the charred flavor of outdoor grilling, an electric indoor grill gives you the same searing results without the smoke, open flame, or need for outdoor space. Indoor grills are compact, simple to use, and ideal for apartments or kitchens where a full-size outdoor grill isn’t feasible.
Below are top-rated indoor grills I recommend based on real-world use, key features, and value. I focused on appliances that deliver reliable heat, easy cleanup, and features that reduce smoke or expand cooking options.
My Top Picks
- Best Overall: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill – $42.99
- Best Splurge: Blackstone Electric Tabletop Griddle – $147
- Best Budget: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill – $59.99
- Best Smokeless: Power XL Elite Plus Smokeless Grill – $99
- Most Versatile: Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill – $169.99
Detailed Reviews of the Best Indoor Grills
Best Overall: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill
This compact Hamilton Beach grill is an excellent all-around choice. It heats quickly, produces clear grill marks, and the nonstick plates clean up easily. A removable drip tray collects grease, making it a tidy option for everyday use. Despite its small footprint, it fits several burgers at once and is handy for paninis and chicken breasts. The simplicity and low weight make it easy to store between uses.
The Specs:
- Size: 6.38 x 12.68 x 13.78 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Power: 1,200 watts
Pros: Lightweight, nonstick surface, easy cleanup, removable drip tray. Cons: No adjustable temperature control.
Best Splurge: Blackstone Electric Tabletop Griddle
Blackstone’s 17-inch electric griddle offers a large, flat cooking surface that’s incredibly versatile. Use it for pancakes, stir-fries, burgers, or grilled vegetables. It reaches high temperatures for a good sear, features a sloped surface that drains grease to a collection cup, and includes a removable glass lid so you can check progress without losing heat. Avoid metal utensils to protect the nonstick finish.
The Specs:
- Size: 17.89 x 18.7 x 6.97 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Power: 1,200 watts
Pros: Large surface, digital controls, built-in grease cup, removable lid. Cons: No traditional grill marks; metal utensils can scratch the surface.
Best Budget: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
If you need an affordable, compact grill for one or two people, this Hamilton Beach model is a solid pick. It reaches up to 450°F to create char marks, includes a drip tray that collects grease, and has dishwasher-safe grill plate components for fast cleanup. The smaller cook area is ideal for singles or couples.
The Specs:
- Size: 12.4 x 16.73 x 6.81 inches
- Weight: 8.14 pounds
- Power: 1,200 watts
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to use, dishwasher-safe plate. Cons: Smaller cooking surface.
Best Smokeless: Power XL Elite Plus Smokeless Grill
For apartment living or indoor cooking where odor and smoke are a concern, the Power XL Elite Plus includes a tight-fitting lid and a fan/filter system to reduce smoke and smells. It still reaches high temperatures for searing, offers a glass lid for monitoring, and several removable parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
The Specs:
- Size: 19.8 x 11.9 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Power: 500 watts
Pros: Fan system that reduces smoke, see-through lid, nonstick surface, dishwasher-safe parts. Cons: Lower wattage compared with some competitors.
Most Versatile: Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL works as an indoor grill and also air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. Its large cooking area accommodates several steaks, and the built-in meat probe helps you cook to the perfect doneness. It grills up to 500°F for serious searing, though the unit is heavier and occupies more counter space than simpler grills.
The Specs:
- Size: 11.1 x 15.7 x 16 inches
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Power: 850 watts
Pros: Large surface, multiple cooking functions, built-in thermometer, high-temperature grilling. Cons: Heavy and takes up more space.
Other Indoor Grills to Consider
Cuisinart Griddler FIVE
A hybrid grill and griddle with removable plates and digital temperature control from 175–450°F. Plates are dishwasher-safe. Note: it lacks special smoke-control features.
Breville Smart Grill & Griddle
A higher-end hinged grill that can lay flat for extra surface area. It offers durable, dishwasher-safe plates and precise temperature control but comes at a premium price.
Cosori Aeroblaze Smart Indoor
An advanced multi-function unit with eight cooking modes and a smoke filter built into the lid. It reaches very high temperatures and includes app connectivity for remote control.
George Foreman Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill
A slim panini-press style grill that’s easy to store and gives good grill marks, but it only has simple on/off controls, which limits temperature precision.
Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill
An affordable option with a large cooking area and a water tray designed to cool grease and reduce smoke. It has simple dial controls and dishwasher-safe components.
Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill
A higher-wattage open grill with easy-to-clean components and strong heating, though it lacks a cover to help minimize smoke.
About the Author
I’m the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste, where I share hundreds of family-friendly, lighter recipes, including many for the grill. I test kitchen appliances and pick products that balance performance, ease of use, and cleanup. When I haven’t tested a specific model myself, I consult trusted product reviews, expert testing, and user feedback to inform recommendations.
What to Know Before Buying an Indoor Grill
Key Factors to Consider
Capacity: Match the cooking surface to your household size. Brands often list the cooking area in square inches or the number of servings.
Power: Measured in watts—higher wattage usually means faster heat-up and higher maximum temperatures for better searing.
Smoke control: If you cook fatty meats or live in an apartment, choose models with lids, filters, or fan systems to reduce smoke and odors.
Cleaning: Look for removable plates, dishwasher-safe parts, and a grease tray or cup for easier maintenance.
Safety and Usage Tips
Never use propane or charcoal grills indoors. Choose electric grills designed for indoor use and place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Allow the unit to cool before cleaning, empty grease trays regularly, and follow manufacturer cleaning instructions.
Basic Indoor Grilling Technique
Preheat the grill for several minutes to reach the target temperature. Place food on the cooking surface, let it sear undisturbed to develop char marks, then flip to finish the other side. Use a meat thermometer for safe internal temperatures—165°F for chicken breasts is a good target. Let rested meats sit a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Favorite Recipes to Try
Indoor grills can handle all the classics—burgers, steaks, veggies, and skewers—plus lighter, flavor-forward recipes. Try yogurt-marinated chicken, chipotle chicken, grilled portobello burgers, blackened salmon skewers, or grilled pineapple for easy weeknight meals and healthy options.
Prices listed were accurate at time of publication.