Choosing the best indoor grill is tricky. We reviewed everything you need to know before buying an indoor grill to make sure you buy the best one according to your needs. Many of these grills come with stands which make them the same height as a traditional grill. They are easy to use and easy to clean. Contact Indoor Grills, known as clamshell grills, are typically set on the countertop and offer a great amount of versatility. They can be used not only as a grill but also as a sandwich press or panini grill. Small kitchens and small families will appreciate these efficient grills for their convenience and the time they can save.
Indoor grills are the perfect solution to great barbecue all year long, no matter the weather. It is a great option for people living in apartments, or for those who don’t have a lot of space for an outdoor grill. Indoor grills, also known as electric grills, come in either compact or table top sizes and generally fit in any area. Tabletop indoor grills have a single grilling surface and have plenty of space to cook for a large crowd or your family.
There are two primary types of indoor grills. Close top grills & open top grills. The close top grill is more like a sandwich maker which grills like a sandwich but can also grill meats. The open top grills are more like your traditional outdoor grill. They can grill steaks or anything you want either in your home or outdoors.
There are few things that you need to look for when buying an indoor grill. The basics are almost the same as for outdoor grills. With an indoor grill, the number of features you want will certainly affect the amount of money you should expect to pay… typically the more money, the more features and more efficient.
Best Indoor Grill Comparison Table
Image | Product Name | Dimensions | Style | Our Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler ** Our Top Pick ** | 11.50 x 13.50 x 7.12 inches | Closed Top | 9.1 / 10 | ||
Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill | 13.19 x 19.69 x 6.69 inches | Open | 8.3 / 10 | ||
T-fal OptiGrill Stainless Steel Indoor Electric Grill | 13 x 14 x 6 inches | Closed Top | 8.2 / 10 | ||
Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill | 14.1 x 20.5 x 6.1 inches | Open | 8.8 / 10 | ||
Hamilton Beach 38546 3-in-1 Grill/Griddle | 23 x 12.51 x 6.71 inches | Open | 7.5 / 10 | ||
Hamilton Beach 25331 Super Sear Nonstick Indoor Searing Grill | 7.5 x 14 x 13.8 inches | Closed Top | 8.0 / 10 | ||
Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler Elite Grill | 16.22 x 14.65 x 8.11 inches | Closed Top | 8.9 / 10 | ||
Smart Planet Sig1 Smokeless Indoor Grill Non Stick Surface | 13.5 x 19.5 x 5 inches | Open | 6.5 / 10 |
Editors Choice: 8 Best Indoor Grill Review
#1 Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Indoor Griddler
** OUR TOP PICK **
The Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler is compact in size but has major features. This countertop grill / griddler offers five functions in one: contact grill, panini press, full grill, half griddle, and half grill/half griddle. With brushed stainless-steel, its stylish and sleek look is a great addition to any kitchen. It features a wide panini-style handle and floating cover that adjusts to food thicknesses.On the base, there are two temperature controls, a function selector, and indicator lights for accurate operation. You can customize the cooking surface with removable and reversible nonstick grill and griddle plates that conveniently snap in and out. It also drains grease into a drip tray for healthier cooking. The Griddler also comes with delicious recipes. The cooking plates, drip tray, and scraper can all go into the dishwasher.
Using the Griddler as a full grill, you can cook burgers, steak, poultry, fish, and vegetables. As a full griddle, you can cook perfect pancakes, eggs, French toast and hash browns. As a full griddle, the cover opens and lies flat. This creates a double, cooking surface. As a half grill/half griddle in order to create full meals like steak and potatoes. As a contact grill, it cooks boneless pieces of meat, burgers, and vegetables. This function works best when you need to cook something in a very short amount of time, or when you are looking for a healthy method of grilling. As a panini press, you can grill sandwiches and quesadillas, just like in the restaurants.
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#2 Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill
With the Perfecto BG24 Indoor Grill, you can grill indoors all year long. This is one of the better indoor grills available out there with a modest price. It features an extra-large cooking surface that cooks food consistently for the best results. You can grill like a pro with the adjustable thermostat, and it has a removable drip tray for easy clean-up. The Delonghi Perfecto has a tempered glass lid and other safety measures. It helps you prepare healthy-tasting grilled meat or vegetables for your family or even a large party with its 12-by-6-inch cooking surface.
The cooking surface is made of die-cast aluminum and will last a long time. It weighs less than 11 pounds and is portable to carry anywhere you need it. The grill is able to distribute heat evenly, because of its featured embedded heating element. This ensures that your food is consistently grilled with no spots that are overly hot or cold. The M-shaped design helps the heat distribute evenly for the best results. Here is what a customer said about the Perfecto:
#3 T-fal GC702 OptiGrill Indoor Electric Grill
T-fal introduces the OptiGrill, the first electric grill with Precision Grilling Technology. This cooks food to your preference based on the selected program (poultry, sandwiches, burgers, sausage and pork, red meat, or fish) by automatically adjusting to the food thickness. It has six cooking programs and two cooking modes: one for frozen food and the other for more cooking versatility. A unique cooking level indicator alerts you to the cooking progress and beeps at Rare, Medium, and Well-Done. Your food will be cooked the way you like it.
The OptiGrill features a defrost setting for cooking food from frozen in minutes. It has a powerful 1,800-watt heating element, die-cast aluminum, and non-stick coated plates. The hot plates are removable and they are dishwasher safe. A recipe book is included with this T-fal grill.
People who have purchased the OptiGrill like it better than the George Foreman grill and the removable plates are a plus. The aluminum keeps food from burning.
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#4 Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill
The Zojirushi Japanese brand is best known for their line of water boilers and rice cookers. They also produce cooking and lifestyle products. Their grills are designed with safety being the main priority. The Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill is ideal for cooking burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, and vegetables indoors. It’s a countertop appliance that has 1300 watts and a 12-1/2 by 9-1/4 grill surface. You’ll enjoy the low-fat cooking and easy clean-up. For precise cooking temperature, it has a variable heat control, stylish handles and a dark-gray plastic base. We can even do indoor bbq grill with this one.
It stays cool during operation which makes it very safe. Another safety feature prevents the power source from heating up unless the dip tray is inserted. This prevents the grid from being removed during its operation. For easy clean-up, it disassembles and is dishwasher safe. The unit is large enough to cook family meals but does not take up a lot of counter space. The grill design channels excess oils and fats into the drip pan. This lets you cook healthy meals. The handles have a cool-touch and base allowing for easy transport. The heat ranges from 176 degrees to 410 degrees. An instruction manual is included.
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#5 Hamilton Beach 38546 3-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle
The Hamilton Beach 3-In-One Grill/Griddle prepares meals without all the heavy oils and fat associated with frying. Hamilton beach grills are known for their good support. Gourmet cooking is achievable with its triple-action versatility and unlimited meal choices. It includes almost three times the grilling options and two times the heating controls as a typical indoor grill. This 3-In-One can be used as a grill, as a griddle, or both at the same time. You can cook multiple foods at once, due to its two separate cooking areas with each having its own temperature control. It’s a unique one.
It’s a full-service appliance that is equipped with nonstick grids that keep the fat out by collecting and draining grease. You can achieve restaurant-quality food that every cook wants! It has a large 180 square inch cooking surface (2 separate cooking areas) and three ways to cook. The grid easily snaps in and out. As a full grill, you can grill steaks, boneless chicken, fish, burgers, and vegetables. It accommodates meats with varying thicknesses.
As a full griddle, you can prepare pancakes, French toast, or eggs. It can cook different types of food at the same time without combining flavors. After cooking, the drip tray removes easily and is dishwasher safe. As a full grill, you can grill steaks, boneless chicken, fish, burgers, and vegetables. It accommodates meats with varying thicknesses.
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#6 Hamilton Beach 25331 Super Sear Nonstick Indoor Electric Searing Grill
The Hamilton Beach Super Sear Indoor Grill, known as the Steak Lover’s Indoor Grill, provides restaurant-quality results. Your very own steakhouse at home! Some people love steak but worry about cooking one at home, for the fear of ruining it. With the Steak Lover’s Indoor Grill, it sears meat with a touch of the button. It locks in flavor and juices for perfectly grilled results and brings out the best flavor in your meat in under 10 minutes. It also includes illuminated electronic controls.
This grill can do what others can’t do, keeping meat tender and juicy without overcooking. It doesn’t matter if you like your steak medium-rare or well-done, it will prepare your meat to the perfect temperature. To sear meats, use the arrow buttons to select the desired cooking temperature; it will flash in the display. When it stops flashing, press the SEAR button and it will beep when the sear temperature is reached.
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#7 Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler Elite Electric Grill
Cuisinart is one of the most famous kitchen brands. Their tagline is “Turning the Art of Great Cooking into an American Lifestyle.” Their innovation provides users with an ultimate cooking experience. There are so many diverse functions in the Cuisinart Griddler Elite Grill. It is a life-saver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With its multiple cooking options, it is the next generation of kitchen appliances. It grills, griddles, and presses. Cleaning is simple with nonstick, removable plates. It is one of the most impressive electric indoor grills. It is quite versatile with a full 240 square inches of cooking surface that handles all of your big cooking needs. This is one of the best electric griddle available.
It has reversible plates and variable temperature settings, along with an adjustable top cover that ensures cooking is precise every time. The adjustable hinge has six pre-sets to accommodate varying thickness of foods. The sear function heats to 500 degrees for two minutes at a time. Grease drains into the drip tray for healthier cooking and easy clean-up. It comes with a recipe book.
#8 Smart Planet SIG1 Indoor Smokeless BBQ Grill
The Smart Planet Best Smokeless Grill allows you to grill indoors whenever you want. It has a non-stick surface that is easy to clean and fits most kitchen counters. It is portable and smokeless which makes it perfect for parties or big gatherings. Cooks meat and fish evenly on a non-stick surface. You can achieve the same barbecue grills line that you would get from a traditional grill. This grill also steams vegetables by simply adding water at the bottom of the pan.
Smokeless indoor grills are the best thing that has happened to the indoor grill industry.It steams quickly and locks in moisture and loads of flavor. You can add seasonings for even more flavor. This can be used on an electric or gas stove. A very healthy way to grill. Customers have stated that they feel this grill is more of a steamer than a grill. Also, the coating is starting to peel off which could get on your food.
Difference Between Indoor Electric Grills & Normal Grills
Who doesn’t love the grill marks on a piece of the meat but not everyone has the luxury to go outside and grill their meat due to space or neighborhood restrictions. In the dead of the winter season outside cooking is also not that desirable, but if we have an indoor electric grill, we can do it inside the home anytime we want, and it’s much easier to do.
Actually, it is so easy compared to outdoor grills that anyone can do it. The cleanup is easy as well and you get the similar taste and sometimes better taste than your regular outdoor grill.
As we all know, a grilled meat piece of chicken or fish is a better healthy alternative comparing with junk or fast food. Nutritionists also recommend grilled meat over less healthy alternatives like frying for our body.
Indoor electric grills are actually an easy and fast way to cook. For a normal outdoor grill, we have to deal with charcoal, wood, and outdoor elements. But with indoor grills, everything is ready-to-go almost like plug and play. If you are unsure whether or not that you will get the same outdoor flavor … worry not, the indoor grill passes that test too.
Once you try it you will find yourself using this method of cooking more and more. For instance, we can cook burgers on almost any cooking surface around but frying a burger in a pan on the stovetop or broiling it in the oven takes a lot more time, and it’s too messy. With indoor electric grills, it’s a lot easier and faster.
Things to Look For When Buying An Indoor Grill
When buying an indoor grill you first have to decide which style you prefer. As you already know, there are two types of indoor grill available. This is largely a personal preference that depends on how you plan to use your grill… so tackle this question first.
- Price: As with many things, the more you pay the more options you will have. If you want to use your indoor grill a lot then make sure you buy budget accordingly so you do not find yourself shopping for a new one too soon.
- Setup: If you are wanting for your experience to include a quick setup, make sure to check how much time it will need to set up prior to cooking.
- Size: It depends on how many people you want to accommodate.
- Safety: If you have children in the house and safety is your main priority then you should buy the close top grills.
- Smokeless: A smokeless style is a better choice for most.
- Easy to Clean: You want to buy something that is easy to clean. Look for non-stick surfaces with preferably removable grills.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Buying
Q: What is the cooking surface made from?
Ans: Look for non-stick surfaces that are BPA Free.
Q: How thick a steak or chop will fit?
Ans: If buying a closed top style be sure it accommodates the thickness you would like.
Q: Dishwasher safe?
Ans: Certainly a plus for those that would like to opt for this cleaning method.
Q: How many pancakes do you think could be cooked on this at a time?
Ans: A common question that makes life much easier when serving a large crowd.
Customers Rating
Customers rate indoor grills that heat up quickly as better purchase choices. They also see indoor grills as a huge convenience, because they require less grilling time than traditional charcoal grills. Choosing a top brand with good reviews such as these are advised.
Grills that offer more features make them easier to disassemble and clean. Non-stick surfaces and pull out grease trays are also convenient and easy to clean. Owners of indoor grills prefer adjustable temperature controls that are easy to use. Indoor grills also offer cooking flexibility that customers love. Stands that are detachable allow for users to put them in tight spaces if needed.
Conclusion
To wrap up here are some of the key features common to the selection of indoor grills reviewed above.
- At least 1000 watts. This ensures that each grill is efficient enough to brown food and grill all of your food properly.
- Large cooking surfaces which mean you will be able to cook more food at one time.
- Nonstick surfaces, so they are easy to clean. Using wooden or plastic utensils will help ensure the longevity of the grill.
- Temperature settings that help you control cook temperatures for different types of food. This ensures that your food grills perfectly every time.
Our top pick is the Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler. Its flexibility and overall value put it on top of the list. We hope our in-depth review on how to choose the indoor grill will help you choose the one according to your need.