Today’s electric grills make indoor grilling easier than ever. They’re convenient appliances that bring smoky outdoor barbecue flavors inside the kitchen. If you’re a city dweller, contend with unpleasant weather, or just want to grill all year long, electric grills provide the perfect solution when it comes to healthy, smoke-free cooking without the struggle of charcoal or the expense of propane.

Today’s electric grills are a far cry from the simple hot plates of yore. Modern models now come with high quality heating elements, non-stick surfaces and adjustable temperature controls. Not only is it perfect for cooking up a juicy steak, but you can easily toss in some fresh veggies to complete your meal. And they are much easier to clean than old-fashioned outdoor grills.

Why Choose an Indoor Grill in Your House?

There are a few different perks to indoor grilling versus cooking out. For one, you can grill any time of year, whatever the weather. Gray days and inclement weather shouldn’t put a halt to your barbecue plans not when you have a dependable countertop grill.

Safety is another major benefit. Electric grills offer a safer alternative to cooking with open fires, gas lines, and hot coals. This is ideal for any apartment condo or house which has strict fire regulations.

Health Benefits of Electric Cooking

Drip tray removes for easy, disposable clean up and the grill is dishwasher safe. Most models have slanted cooking surfaces that help drain out grease to drip trays. It helps keep the fat in your meal to a minimum.

The self-regulating cooking process also eliminates the detrimental compounds that smoking at extremely high temperatures could produce. You achieve yummy results without the health risks.

Space-Saving Kitchen Solutions

The majority of electric grills are small, countertop grills because there is no need for gas lines or grilling space. They can be installed without the need for dedicated outdoor space, like a roof or a backyard, or for special ventilation systems. Just pop them into any old electrical outlet and get to cooking.

Storage is simple too. And with many styles being lightweight, they can easily be tucked into cabinets in between cooking projects. That makes them ideal for small kitchens or cramped storage areas.

Best Electric Grills for Indoor Cooking 2020 (Top 5)

After researching and testing, we believe these are the 5 best indoor electric grills. Every model brings about some special features, and these are also variant according to your cooking needs and budget.

1. George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

This George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill is our pick for best overall for its multifunctionality and results. And this stand grill is removable and it perfectly fits for your counter top or use outdoors for your stand.

Key Features:

• 240 sq in cooking area
• Grilling surface with slope for draining of excess fat
• Plates are removable, Non-stick surface for easy clean up
• Temperature probe for precise cooking
• Dishwasher-safe components

The sloped design drains away the fat and grease, so you can enjoy a nutritious meal. With a 15+ serving capacity and 2400w, the large cooking surface is ideal for family dinners and parties.

Superior temperature regulation with 5 heat settings. The probe is included so you can cook to the perfect temperature every time. The plates are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.

Pros:

• Large cooking capacity
• Indoor/outdoor versatility
• Easy cleanup
• Consistent heating

Cons:

• Takes up significant counter space
• Higher price point
• Requires 15-amp outlet

2. Cuisinart Griddler Elite

The Cuisinart Griddler Elite boasts versatility as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle and half grill/half griddle. This multi tasking machine does the work for all other kitchen appliances.

Key Features:

• Dual non-stick cooking plates
• Six cooking functions
• Digital timer and temperature control
• 240 sq in cooking surface
• Reversible and removable plates

The grill plates are reversible with a grill surface on one side and a griddle surface on the other. This versatility enables you to grill meats while heating your side items at the same time.

Accurate temperature control from 200°F to 425°F with digital control. Timer can be set up separately to prevent over-cooking.

Pros:

• Multiple cooking functions
• Precise digital controls
• Large cooking surface
• Reversible plates

Cons:

• Complex operation for beginners
• Heavy and bulky
• Expensive replacement parts

3. Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill

Our favorite indoor grill from Hamilton Beach is 17% off.

Enjoy delicious grilled foods year-round with the Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill. With temperatures reaching up to 450°F, perfect grill marks and overall even cooking is provided in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Key Features:

• High-heat searing up to 450°F
• 118 sq in cooking surface
• Removable drip tray
• Cool-touch handles
• Dishwasher-safe grill plate

What sets this indoor grill apart is its high-temperature capability. It produces genuine grill marks and helps the juices stay in for that restaurant quality flavor.

It’s small, so it’s ideal for those with tiny kitchens or who live in studio apartments. It’s compact, and still fits four burger patties or two rib steaks.

Pros:

• High-temperature searing
• Compact and affordable
• Easy to clean
• Quick preheating

Cons:

• Smaller cooking surface
• Limited temperature control
• May create smoke when on the highest setting

4. T-fal OptiGrill+ XL

The T-fal OptiGrill+ XL has the tools needed to monitor grilling: pre-heating indicator, ready indicator, temperature control, and automatic cooking control. This smart grill does away with indoor grilling guesswork.

Key Features:

• Automatic sensor cooking technology
• Nine pre-programmed settings
• Color-coded indicator lights
• 150 square inches of cooking surface
• Non-stick aluminum plates

The sensor system detects the food thickness and cooks food under optimal conditions. The color-coded lights on the base display the doneness of the meat, from rare to well-done for perfect results every time.

Burgers, fish and vegetables are just three of the nine pre-set programs. The grill becomes accustomed to your cooking and brings you highly consistent results with very little effort on your part.

Pros:

• Intelligent cooking technology
• Foolproof operation
• Even heating
• Multiple food programs

Cons:

• Limited manual control
• Smaller capacity
• Steep learning curve for manual mode

5. Presto Cool-Touch Electric Indoor Grill

The Presto Cool-Touch Electric Indoor Grill is the classic low-cost, low-tech indoor grill, providing good performance and safety features with good value. The cool touch base on one side of the grill makes it easy to handle safely when moving from the kitchen to the table.

Key Features:

• Cool-touch exterior
• Tempered glass lid
• 160 square inches of cooking surface
• Slide-out drip tray
• Dishwasher-safe components

The tempered glass lid keeps in flavor and moisture for great results every time. The slide-out drip tray is removable and dishwasher safe.

Even though this is a budget grill, it boasts even heating and is more than adequate for temperature control. It’s a great choice for those who are new to this way of cooking, or just want a trusty option for indoor grilling.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Safe cool-touch design
• Easy cleanup
• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Basic temperature control
• Slower heating than premium models
• Limited advanced features

Comparison Chart: Electric Grills Features

Model	Cooking Surface	Max Temp	Special Features	Price
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor	240 sq in	400°F	Removable stand, probe	$150-200
Cuisinart Griddler Elite	240 sq in	425°F	6 functions, digital controls	$200-250
Hamilton Beach Searing	118 sq in	450°F	High-heat searing	$40-60
T-fal OptiGrill+ XL	150 sq in	Auto-adjust	Smart cooking technology	$120-150
Presto Cool-Touch	160 sq in	Variable	Cool-touch base, glass lid	$30-50

Shopping for an Electric Grill: What to Consider

Choosing the right electric grill for you will be based on what’s most important to you and how you plan to use it. Keep these essentials in mind so you can narrow down the best grill for you when you go shopping. For more kitchen appliance guides and reviews, check out DTDF Home and Kitchen.

Size and Cooking Capacity

Consider how many people you usually cook for. Grills with adequate surface space are a necessity for larger families, while singles and couples may consider smaller models.

Take the measure of your counter space (as well as any storage) available. Some grills are big, really big, and don’t easily fit in a cabinet. Opt for models with detachable parts for more convenient storage.

Temperature Control Options

Try to find grills that offer temperature controls you can customize. Digital controls provide the most precise settings in some models, while others feature dials for easily adjustable settings.

It’s important for proper searing and grill marks to reach high temperatures. If a model hits 400°F or more, it will work better than one that doesn’t get as hot.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Select grills with removable, dishwasher safe parts for easy cleaning. Non-stick surfaces minimize food sticking, ease cleaning, and reduce the need for cooking oils.

All grills should include drip trays to collect grease and stop any messy spills. Opt for models with simple-to-replace and removable drip systems.

Safety Features

Cool-touch handles and exteriors ensure safe use while cooking. This is particularly significant in family kitchens that include kids.

Similar to other appliances, you can set the timer on an electric grill, as it will automatically shut off after a certain amount of time, thereby adding to its safety. Some also feature overheat protection.

Best Practices for Indoor Grilling

Get the most out of your electric grill with good use and maintenance. These tricks get restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Preheating Your Grill

Preheating your electric grill for 5-10 minutes before you begin to cook ensures that you get a nice sear and accelerates the cooking process. This makes for an even cook and good marks along the meats.

Many grills offer indicator lights to let you know when they’re at the right temperature. Don’t skimp on this step — preheating is super important to getting great results.

Food Preparation Tips

Pat the meat dry with paper towels before grilling. Excess moisture can keep food from browning properly and lead to steaming rather than grilling.

Let meat stand at room temperature 15-20 minutes before cooking. This allows the food to be heated uniformly.

Only season food right before grilling to avoid drawing out moisture. Salt extracts juices if applied too early.

Cooking Techniques

Do not press down food with spatulas. This squeezes out juicy flavors and will cause flare-ups on certain types of grills.

Flip with tongs, not forks. Tines pierce the meat and let juices out.

On larger grills, you can use only a portion of the cooking surface, creating distinct heat zones. This means you can cook with direct or indirect heat.

Maintenance and Care

After every use, give your grill a good cleaning while it is still warm, but not hot. It keeps the food from sticking and clean up is a breeze.

Clean with mild soap and water. Do not use scouring pads, as these are not recommended for non-stick surfaces.

Keep your grill from getting rusty and greasy by storing it in a dry place. Disassemble any parts that come off easily and store separately if necessary.

Health Benefits of Grilling with an Electric Grill

Electric grills offer several health advantages over other cooking methods. For more information on healthy cooking techniques, visit the American Heart Association’s cooking guidelines. Understanding these benefits can help you make healthier meal decisions for your family.

Fat Reduction

Most electric grills have sloped surfaces so fat can drip away from food. This cuts down on the fat content of grilled items by a fair amount.

The draining process occurs naturally, so you don’t have to manually remove excess fat. This means healthier meals in less time.

Nutrient Preservation

Nutrients are retained when grilling compared to boiling or steaming. The method of rapid, high-heat cooking keeps the vitamins and minerals from being lost.

Grilled vegetables stay colorful, firm, and nutritious. This makes electric grilling the way to go for healthy side dishes.

Reduced Oil Usage

Also, there are many foods you can grill with nothing more than seasoning; no oil or butter is necessary. The natural fat in meats provides enough lubrication for non-stick surfaces to work properly.

When oil is called for, you use significantly less than with pan-frying or sautéing. This cuts calories but not taste!

Chemical-Free Cooking

While charcoal grilling can generate potentially harmful compounds, electric grilling does not. There is no danger of chemical lighter fluid tastes or smoke-borne toxins.

The controlled temperature heating prevents hot spots that can burn food. This cuts down on the creation of hazardous chemicals while the taste remains perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do electric grills compare to outdoor grills?

Electric grills do a great job cooking most things, although they might not give you quite the same smoky flavor as a charcoal grill. But they provide convenience, safety, and reliable results that many people prefer. However, with modern electric grills, you can get nice and even grill marks and seal in the flavors.

Can an outdoor electric grill be used indoors?

Some electric grills can be used both indoors and outdoors. Check your model’s specifications before you take it outdoors. You’ll have to have access to electrical outlets, and you’ll want to shield the grill from moisture. Models designed for indoor use probably do not contain weatherproof elements.

How much power does an electric grill use?

The average power consumption of a countertop electric grill is 1000-1800 watts. This is comparable to a hair dryer or microwave. You’ll get about 30-45 minutes of cooking time with the equivalent amount of electricity used by these appliances.

Do electric grills produce smoke?

Electric grills produce much less smoke than outdoor grills. There may be some smoking if food drippings hit very hot surfaces, but proper maintenance and cleanup keep this from becoming overwhelming. Make sure there is adequate ventilation when using any indoor grill.

Are electric grills good for cooking vegetables?

Electric grills are an excellent choice for cooking vegetables. The intense heat brings out the natural sugars of vegetables without overcooking or losing nutrients and texture. Consider using a grill basket for smaller pieces so they won’t fall through the grates.

How long do electric grills last?

High quality electric grills generally have an average lifespan of 3-5 years with frequent use. With regular cleaning and gentle handling, they can last longer. Higher-end models often have better durability and warranties than lower-end models.

Contact grills vs open grills: what’s the difference?

Contact grills cook food simultaneously from both sides, much like a panini press does. Open grills cook from one side only – meaning that you have to turn the food over yourself. Contact grills work faster but can compress the food, whereas open grills offer more control and versatility while cooking.

Are grills with non-stick coatings safe?

Non-stick coatings on today’s electric grills are typically safe if used as recommended. Be sure not to overheat (avoid temperatures over 500°F), and do not use metal utensils that can scratch the surface. Replace grills when the coating starts to peel or chip.

Conclusion: Select the Best Electric Grill for Your Kitchen

Indoor grilling took a big leap with the invention of the electric grill, which countertop appliance producers have embraced to bring the flavors of outdoor grilling inside your home. The five models we tested provide a range of options for different needs, budgets and cooking styles.

The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor model is our top recommendation for versatility and performance. It offers a sizable cooking surface and is versatile for families who want dual-use capabilities.

The Cuisinart Griddler Elite has the most cooking options and is best-suited for those who want one device for all their cooking needs. With accurate controls and reversible plates, you can cook to restaurant standards at home.

Those on a budget might want to try the Hamilton Beach Searing Grill, or the Presto Cool-Touch. Both perform well at reasonable price points, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune for good indoor grilling.

The T-fal OptiGrill+ XL has smart cooking technology to thank for its advanced features. If you want to eliminate guesswork and get consistent results no matter what, this smart grill “does all the work so you don’t have to” and “cooks a perfect meal every time.”

Keep in mind that the perfect electric grill for you depends on your needs, available space and the way you like to cook. Consider factors such as cooking capacity, temperature control ease, cleaning convenience, and safety features.

When used indoors, electric grills provide an ideal, healthy cooking option that will help you maintain a delicious culinary experience all year long. No matter which model you select, you can enjoy grilled flavor without losing the convenience and safety of indoor cooking. Electric grills are convenient and affordable solutions for year-round grilling.