9 Best Indoor Grills for 2026

This game-changing indoor grill redefines countertop cooking with its 6-in-1 versatility and 500°F cyclonic grilling technology, making it a powerhouse for home chefs who crave restaurant-quality sear marks and smoke-controlled grilling without stepping outside. The Smart GrillControl settings—Low, Medium, High, Max—take the guesswork out of perfect doneness, while the up to 75% less fat claim holds strong when air frying frozen fries or chicken wings. If you’re tired of juggling multiple appliances, this Ninja model consolidates your air fryer, broiler, and dehydrator into one sleek unit, solving clutter and counter space issues with flair.

In real-world testing, the cycloic air system delivers impressively even cooking, whether you’re roasting a whole chicken or dehydrating apple slices for snacks. The 4-qt crisper basket handles family-sized portions with ease, and the 6-qt cooking pot adds extra capacity for larger meals. It transforms frozen steaks to char-grilled perfection in under 25 minutes, a standout for busy weeknights. However, while the smoke control system works well, heavy grease splatter from fatty meats can still trigger minor smoke—best used near a vent. The intuitive digital display makes navigating functions seamless, though the grill grate takes longer to preheat than the air fry basket.

Compared to the Chefman Smokeless Grill, the Ninja EG201 is in a different league—more power, more functions, and smarter tech—but it’s also bulkier and pricier. It’s ideal for cooks who want one appliance to do it all, from air frying to dehydrating, and who value consistent results over minimalism. While the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B wins on affordability, the Ninja justifies its cost with superior performance and multi-functionality, offering broader cooking flexibility and better heat control than basic electric grills.

The Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill is a budget-savvy hero for apartment dwellers and small kitchens, delivering real grilled flavor with minimal smoke—thanks to its ingenious water tray system that cools dripping grease on contact. With a 1120-watt heating element and adjustable temperature knob that ranges from warm to sear, it handles everything from slow-cooked veggies to sizzling steaks, making it a surprisingly capable performer for its price. The extra-large nonstick surface means you can cook burgers, chicken, and peppers all at once, solving the common pain point of limited cooking space in compact grills.

During testing, the water tray proved essential—without it, smoke levels spike, but filled to the max line, it keeps the kitchen air clear and the cooking experience genuinely smokeless. The nonstick coating works exceptionally well, allowing even sticky marinated meats to release effortlessly. It heats up quickly and maintains consistent heat across most of the surface, though edges run slightly cooler, leading to uneven searing when overloaded. While it lacks digital controls or presets, the manual knob offers enough precision for basic grilling tasks, and the cool-touch handles add safety during family meals.

When stacked against the Ninja EG201, it’s clearly less powerful and limited to basic grilling, but it excels as a no-frills, affordable entry point into indoor BBQing. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or college students who want grilled meals without splurging. While the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B offers a similar price and lid, the Chefman stands out with better temperature control and easier water tray access, making it a smarter budget buy with reliable smoke reduction.

The Elite Gourmet EMG-980B is a compact powerhouse that brings backyard BBQ vibes indoors without hogging counter space—ideal for dorms, small apartments, or anyone who wants quick, healthy grilling without the smoke alarm scare. Its 14-inch nonstick grilling surface and tempered glass lid trap heat efficiently, while the 1300W circular heating element ensures fast, even heating across most of the plate—perfect for cooking steaks, salmon, and veggies simultaneously. The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze, addressing the #1 frustration with indoor grills: post-meal scrubbing.

In practice, this grill heats up in under 5 minutes and maintains solid searing temps up to 450°F, though it struggles slightly with thick cuts of meat that require prolonged high heat. The adjustable thermostat offers five settings, but the mid-range temps are more reliable than the max sear, which can fluctuate. The glass lid is a standout, letting you monitor cooking without lifting and losing heat—though it does collect condensation. While it produces less smoke than open grills, fatty foods still generate some, so proper water tray use is critical.

Compared to the Chefman RJ23-SG, it offers a larger cooking surface and included lid, giving it a functional edge for covered grilling. It’s not as powerful as the Ninja models, but for its ultra-affordable price and compact design, it’s a fantastic value for small households. While the George Foreman 4-Serving Grill is more portable, the Elite Gourmet wins with better temperature control and lid inclusion, making it a more versatile compact option for those who grill more than just sandwiches.

The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4N is a sandwich and panini obsessive’s dream, engineered for crisp, golden press marks and perfect melt-through cheese every time—thanks to its dual temperature controls and 5-in-1 flexibility that shifts from full griddle to half grill/half griddle with ease. Whether you’re churning out breakfast pancakes, bacon, and eggs or stacking thick panini with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, this grill handles it all with consistent heat distribution and excellent contact pressure. It solves the frustration of undercooked centers and flimsy presses found in cheaper models.

Real-world use confirms its superior build and precision, especially in griddle mode, where the 200°F to 425°F range allows for delicate egg cooking and high-heat searing. The nonstick plates release food effortlessly, and the removable drip tray catches grease like a champ, minimizing mess. However, the grill plates don’t reach 500°F like the Ninja, so you won’t get deep char marks on steaks—this is a press-first, sear-second appliance. It’s also heavier and less portable, but that adds to its stability during aggressive sandwich pressing.

Next to the Ninja GR101, the Cuisinart lacks interchangeable plates and air frying, but it dominates in panini performance with better pressure and heat control. It’s the go-to for family breakfasts, gourmet grilled cheeses, and pressed sandwiches, outperforming basic presses like the George Foreman in versatility and temperature precision. While the Hamilton Beach 25360 offers better searing, the Cuisinart wins for sandwich lovers who want restaurant-style results at home, balancing functionality, durability, and ease of use better than most.

The Ninja GR101 Sizzle is a versatility king with interchangeable grill and griddle plates, letting you switch from sizzling fajitas to fluffy pancakes in minutes—perfect for families that crave variety without appliance clutter. Its 500°F max heat delivers authentic char-grilled marks, while the edge-to-edge heating eliminates cold spots, solving the common flaw of uneven cooking on budget griddles. The perforated mesh lid controls splatter and smoke, and the ability to cook hood-up or hood-down adds pro-level flexibility for searing or melting cheese.

In testing, the 14-inch plates comfortably fit six burgers or a full breakfast spread, and the nonstick coating resists sticking even with sugary marinades. The grease catches work well, though heavy dripping can overflow during bacon sessions—best monitored. The removable plates are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a non-issue, and the quick preheat gets you grilling in under 6 minutes. It handles steak, salmon, and veggies with confidence, though the lid doesn’t seal tightly, reducing steam retention compared to full ovens.

Against the Cuisinart Griddler, the Ninja GR101 offers higher heat and better searing, but lacks dual temp controls. Compared to the Hamilton Beach 25360, it’s more versatile with plate swapping, though the Hamilton wins on searing consistency. It’s ideal for families of 4–6 who want daily meal variety and easy transitions between grill and griddle. While the Ninja GX101 Pro XL is larger, the GR101 strikes a sweet spot between size, power, and affordability, offering better plate flexibility than most mid-range grills.

The Hamilton Beach 25360 is a searing specialist, engineered to lock in juices and flavor with its 450°F high-heat capability, making it a top pick for steak lovers who want restaurant-style crusts without firing up the backyard grill. Its 118 sq. in. PFAS-free nonstick grate provides plenty of room for 6 servings, and the adjustable temperature control allows precise tuning from 200°F for delicate fish to 450°F for thick ribeyes. The extra-large drip tray is a standout, capturing nearly all grease and simplifying cleanup—a major win for messy cooks.

In real use, this grill preheats quickly and maintains stable heat, delivering consistent grill marks and juicy interiors on steaks and burgers. The lid locks in heat, enhancing flavor development, and the power and preheat lights provide clear visual feedback—no guessing when it’s ready. However, while the nonstick surface works well, it’s not as durable as ceramic coatings, and metal utensils can scratch it over time. It lacks multi-function modes, so it’s strictly a grill-first appliance, not an air fryer or dehydrator.

Versus the Ninja EG201, it doesn’t offer air frying, but it excels in pure grilling performance with more focused searing power. Compared to the George Foreman, it offers larger capacity and better heat control, making it a superior choice for serious grillers. It’s best for cooks who prioritize sear quality over versatility and want a reliable, no-nonsense electric grill. While the Cuisinart Griddler offers more modes, the Hamilton Beach delivers better raw grilling performance at a competitive price, making it a hidden gem for steak enthusiasts.

The George Foreman 4-Serving Grill is a compact legend, updated with 3x more durable George Tough nonstick coating and 35% faster preheating, making it a reliable go-to for quick, healthy meals in tight spaces. Its 60-square-inch sloped grill efficiently drains fat away from food, delivering on the brand’s promise of leaner, juicier results without oil—perfect for grilled chicken breasts, fish fillets, and veggie kebabs. The removable plates pop out effortlessly for dishwasher cleaning, solving the biggest pain point of stuck-on residue in small kitchens.

In practice, it heats up in under 5 minutes and cooks four servings evenly, though thicker cuts need manual flipping since it’s not a full contact press. The nonstick surface lives up to its claim, releasing even marinated meats without scraping. However, the lack of temperature control limits flexibility—no low-and-slow or high-sear options—so it’s best for simple, fast grilling. The compact footprint is ideal for dorms or RVs, but it can’t handle large family meals or pancakes.

Compared to the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B, it’s smaller and less versatile, but more portable and faster to heat. Against the Cuisinart Griddler, it lacks multi-function modes, but wins on simplicity and price. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or health-focused cooks who want quick, low-fat meals without complexity. While the Chefman RJ23-SG offers better temp control, the George Foreman remains a trusted, no-fuss option for small-batch grilling, offering better fat drainage and faster prep than most compact models.

The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL is the undisputed king of indoor grilling, combining 6-in-1 functionality with a game-changing Smart Thermometer that takes the guesswork out of perfect doneness—rare, medium, well-done, it’s all精准 with a single button. Its 500°F cyclonic grilling tech delivers deep char marks and smoky flavor, while the Smart Cook System adjusts time and temperature automatically, solving the #1 grilling fear: undercooked or dried-out meat. With a larger grill grate (9″ x 12″) and 1760 watts of power, it outguns most rivals in speed and capacity.

In real testing, the thermometer is transformative—insert it into a thick pork chop, select “Medium,” and walk away; the grill shuts off at the perfect internal temp. The air crisp function rivals standalone air fryers, producing golden, crispy wings with 75% less fat. The smoke control system works impressively well, even with fatty ribs, and the dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated parts clean up effortlessly. However, the footprint is large, and the learning curve for the digital interface might frustrate tech-averse users.

Stacked against the Ninja EG201, it’s the upgraded, smarter sibling—same functions, but better precision and larger capacity. Compared to the Cuisinart Griddler, it’s more advanced, more powerful, and far more versatile. It’s ideal for serious home cooks who want restaurant results without risk. While the Ninja GX101 Pro XL offers bigger plates, the DG551 wins with smart doneness control, making it the best overall indoor grill for precision, power, and performance.

The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL GX101 is a family-sized beast, designed for crowd-feeding with its 20-inch interchangeable grill and griddle plates—capable of cooking 10+ burgers or a full breakfast for 8–10 people in one go. Its ProTemp IQ system delivers precise 250°F–500°F control, ensuring perfect pancakes, crispy bacon, and evenly seared steaks, while edge-to-edge heating outperforms even commercial griddles like the Blackstone 36″ in heat consistency. The detachable ventilated lid controls splatter and grease, making cleanup far easier than open-top models.

In real-world use, this grill handles high-volume cooking with ease, maintaining steady heat even when overloaded. The ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free plates resist sticking and clean up with a quick wipe or dishwasher run. The removable grease catch is a game-changer for messy cooks, and the lid-up/lid-down flexibility lets you sear aggressively or melt cheese gently. However, its sheer size demands counter real estate, and the digital interface can be slow to respond during rapid adjustments.

Compared to the Ninja GR101, it’s 40% larger and more powerful, making it a clear upgrade for big families. Against the Hamilton Beach 25360, it offers far more versatility with plate swapping and better heat management. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, meal prepping, or entertaining. While the Ninja DG551 wins on smart tech, the GX101 dominates in capacity and flexibility, making it the best choice for large households who cook in bulk.