5 Best New Grills of 2026

This game-changing indoor grill redefines countertop cooking with its Smart Cook System and dual 500°F heat zones—one of the few grills that consistently delivers char-grilled marks and deep flavor without smoke filling your kitchen. The integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer eliminates guesswork, guiding you to perfect doneness across steaks, chicken, and even delicate fish with nine precision levels per protein setting. For home chefs tired of dry air-fried meals or inconsistent results, this Ninja model bridges the gap between smart precision and bold, seared taste—all in a sleek, second-gen design that feels built for modern kitchens.

In real-world testing, the 1760-watt cyclonic grilling system shines when air crisping fries (achieving 75% less fat than deep frying) or grilling frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer in under 25 minutes. The 6-in-1 versatility truly pays off: roasting vegetables gets caramelized edges, dehydrating fruit takes just hours, and broiling salmon yields a crisp skin without flipping. However, the 4-quart crisper basket can feel cramped for larger families, and while the smoke control system works well, high-heat searing of fatty meats still produces some visible vapor—manageable, but not invisible.

Compared to basic air fryers or toaster ovens, the Ninja DG551 stands out by merging precision thermometry with aggressive grilling power, making it a top pick over simpler models like basic George Foreman grills. It’s ideal for health-conscious cooks who refuse to sacrifice flavor, small households, or urban dwellers without outdoor space. While the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro offers more presets and capacity, the Ninja wins on intuitive smart cooking and consistent char-grill performance in a more compact footprint.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro, a 30-quart powerhouse that replaces not just your air fryer, but your oven—thanks to its 2025 Ultra-Fast Convection System and 142 smart presets. The 1800W dual heating elements and precision fan deliver 35% crispier results than traditional frying, while the reversible ceramic grill plate locks in authentic char-grilled flavor and diamond sear marks that mimic outdoor cooking. For families or meal preppers, this isn’t just a grill—it’s a fully programmable kitchen command center with memory slots, customizable heat zones, and a smart digital thermometer that auto-stops cooking at perfect doneness.

Real-world use proves its 2X more even cooking claim: baking two 13-inch pizzas simultaneously yields golden crusts on both racks, and air frying 2 lbs of fries stays consistent from batch to batch. The 50–500°F range and adjustable top/bottom heat ratio let you fine-tune everything from slow-roasted ribs to broiled scallops. However, the sheer number of presets can feel overwhelming at first, and the pull-out crumb tray doesn’t fully prevent grease buildup on the heating elements during heavy grilling. Still, its PFAS-free, stainless steel construction ensures durability and peace of mind.

When stacked against the Ninja DG551, the Bravo XL Pro offers larger capacity and more cooking flexibility, making it better for big families or entertainers. It’s the clear upgrade from basic toaster ovens and competes closely with wall ovens—though it demands more counter space. Ideal for cooks who want precision, volume, and restaurant-quality results, it edges out the Ninja in customization and evenness, trading some simplicity for pro-level control and power.

For outdoor enthusiasts who want maximum versatility in one rugged unit, the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC is a flavor powerhouse that combines gas convenience, charcoal depth, and true smoking capability—a rare trifecta in its class. With 34,000 BTUs from dual stainless steel burners and a 1020 sq. in. cooking surface, it handles everything from weeknight burgers to weekend brisket with ease. The offset smoker chamber isn’t an afterthought: it delivers rich, slow-smoked flavor, while the height-adjustable charcoal pan gives you precise control over searing, smoking, or slow-roasting—no other grill in this lineup offers that level of flame-to-smoke flexibility.

On the patio, this grill excels in multi-tasking mode: sear steaks on the gas side, smoke ribs in the offset chamber, and simmer sauce on the 10,000 BTU side burner—all at once. The 333 sq. in. charcoal zone gets hot enough for serious charring, and the side ash door makes cleanup far easier than most offset smokers. That said, mastering the charcoal heat balance takes practice, and the grill’s bulkier footprint demands serious outdoor space. It’s not for apartment dwellers, but for backyard warriors, it’s a game-changer.

Compared to indoor models like the Ninja or Nuwave, this Grills House unit wins on authentic smoky flavor and sheer cooking real estate, though it lacks smart tech or convenience features. It’s the best overall outdoor performer, especially when stacked against single-fuel grills. While pricier than basic gas models, it delivers professional-grade versatility and flavor depth that no indoor grill can match—making it the ultimate choice for serious outdoor cooks who want gas speed and charcoal soul in one rugged package.

The George Foreman Fully Submersible Grill is a cleanup revolution—the first grill you can literally wash like a dish, thanks to its removable control panel and fully dishwasher-safe body. With 3X tougher nonstick plates, it effortlessly releases burgers, paninis, and salmon without oil, while the 30% faster preheat gets you grilling in under 5 minutes—perfect for rushed weeknights. The adjustable hinge accommodates thick cuts up to 3/4″, ensuring even contact and consistent browning, a major upgrade from older flat-contact grills. For anyone who’s dreaded scrubbing stuck-on food, this model is a low-effort, high-reward solution.

In daily use, it delivers solid, no-frills performance: family-sized meals for four cook evenly, and the vertical storage design saves 35% counter space, a boon for small kitchens or dorms. The nonstick coating holds up well over time, though you must avoid aerosol sprays to preserve its integrity. It doesn’t offer temperature control or sear marks, and the lack of a drip tray means grease can pool if not angled properly. But for basic indoor grilling, it’s reliable, compact, and incredibly easy to maintain.

Against the Ninja or Nuwave, it’s clearly less powerful and versatile—but that’s not the point. It’s the best easy-clean option for minimalists, students, or anyone prioritizing hassle-free maintenance over gourmet results. While the GEORGE FOREMAN® Contact Submersible™ Grill (B0BGPVHWD8) offers more servings and temp control, this model wins on cleanability and simplicity, making it the top pick for budget-conscious buyers who value convenience above all.

This upgraded George Foreman Contact Submersible™ Grill brings serious value with adjustable temperature control—a rare feature at this price—letting you fine-tune heat for everything from delicate fish to thick chicken breasts. The 5-serving size handles larger meals than most compact grills, and the 3X more durable nonstick coating resists scratches and wear, standing up to frequent dishwasher cycles after removing the control panel. With 30% faster preheat times, it’s built for speed and simplicity, making it a top-tier budget pick that doesn’t sacrifice core functionality.

Real-world testing shows it grills evenly across the full plate, thanks to consistent pressure and heat distribution. The variable temp dial is a game-changer: lower settings prevent overcooking veggies, while high heat sears burgers effectively. Like its sibling model, it lacks deep sear marks or smoke flavor, and the grease management isn’t perfect—you’ll want to use a bowl underneath. But for a sub-$75 grill, it delivers remarkable consistency and versatility, especially for singles, couples, or small families.

Compared to the B09XBQHZQQ model, this one offers more control and capacity, making it the best budget-friendly option in the George Foreman lineup. While it can’t match the Ninja or Nuwave in performance, it outperforms cheaper grills in precision and durability. Ideal for first-time buyers or secondary kitchens, it strikes a rare balance: affordable, washable, and actually adjustable—a smart step up from basic contact grills without breaking the bank.