6 Best Grills Under $1000 of 2026

This isn’t just another countertop grill—it’s a culinary command center that redefines indoor cooking with Cyclonic Grilling Technology and Smart Cook intelligence. The 1760-watt powerhouse delivers 500°F heat on both the grill grate and circulating air, achieving char-grilled sear marks and deep flavor infusion without stepping outside. With six functions—Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate—it tackles everything from crispy wings to slow-dehydrated jerky, all while the integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer eliminates guesswork for perfect doneness across proteins.

In real-world testing, the Ninja DG551 shines brightest when multitasking: air frying fries at 400°F while grilling salmon to flaky perfection at 375°F, all in under 20 minutes. The 4-quart crisper basket handles a family-sized batch of veggies with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, and the smoke control system—a blend of cool-air zones, splatter shields, and temperature-regulated grilling—keeps kitchen air clear even during high-heat searing. It struggles slightly with oversized items (like whole chickens), where the cooking pot limits vertical space, but for everyday meals, it’s consistently precise and impressively fast, transforming frozen foods into char-grilled dishes in under 25 minutes.

Compared to the Chefman smokeless grill, the Ninja DG551 is in a different league—not just a grill, but a full oven replacement for small kitchens or meal preppers. Where the Chefman offers simplicity, the Ninja delivers automated precision and versatility, making it ideal for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without the cleanup. It’s bulkier than basic models, but for those seeking smart tech, consistent performance, and multi-functionality, it outclasses competitors in both features and execution—offering far more capability than even the Ninja GR101 griddle, despite a modest bump in price.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—the Chefman RJ23-SG is a no-frills grilling workhorse that punches far above its weight class with real temperature control and true smoke reduction. At just under $40, it delivers an extra-large non-stick cooking surface and a fully adjustable knob that ranges from warm (ideal for delicate fish) to sear (perfect for burgers), giving users precise command over their cook without digital clutter. The secret sauce? A removable water tray that instantly cools dripping grease, preventing smoke and sticking—making it a kitchen-safe solution for apartment dwellers or anyone tired of setting off smoke alarms.

During testing, the 1120-watt grill proved surprisingly capable for weekday dinners: searing chicken breasts evenly, charring bell peppers, and grilling veggie skewers without flare-ups. The dual-zone heating (hotter near the center, cooler at edges) allows for simultaneous cooking of different foods, though attention is needed to avoid overcooking smaller items. While it lacks preset programs or a lid thermometer, the manual control encourages skill-building, and the cool-touch handles plus auto shut-off add peace of mind. It can’t match the Ninja’s air frying or roasting, but for pure grilling simplicity, it’s remarkably effective—especially when space or budget is tight.

When stacked against the Ninja DG551, the Chefman isn’t trying to compete—it’s solving a different problem. It’s not smart, it doesn’t air fry, but it grills reliably, cleans easily, and won’t break the bank. For students, singles, or anyone who wants fast, hot, smokeless grilling without complexity, this is the ultimate entry-level electric grill. It doesn’t offer the Ninja’s breadth, but for straightforward, flavorful results at a fraction of the cost, it stands tall—especially when you value ease of use and cleanup over high-tech extras.

Step into the sizzle with the Ninja GR101, an edge-to-edge griddling dynamo built for families who demand even heat and flavor versatility without the smoke. Unlike combo units that compromise performance, this 14-inch dual-plate system delivers true high-heat searing at 500°F and features interchangeable grill and griddle plates—swap from rib-eye char to fluffy pancakes in minutes. The perforated mesh lid traps heat like a mini oven, while high walls and grease catches keep counters clean, making it a kitchen warrior for breakfast hashes, fajitas, or smash burgers.

Real-world use reveals why this grill excels: cooking six burgers at once with zero hot spots, thanks to advanced heating elements that maintain consistent temperature across the entire surface. The hood-up mode gives a direct blast for crust formation, while hood-down cooking melts cheese evenly and speeds up thicker cuts. It handles everything from salmon fillets to grilled pineapple, though fatty meats can overwhelm the grease tray during prolonged use. It doesn’t air fry or dehydrate like the DG551, but for dedicated grill-and-griddle performance, it outshines all-in-one models with better thermal consistency and larger usable space.

Compared to the Chefman, the GR101 is a premium upgrade—more power, better build, and dual-plate flexibility—ideal for families or weekend brunch enthusiasts. Against the DG551, it trades smart tech for focused, high-performance cooking with fewer parts to store. It’s not portable or multifunctional, but if your priority is restaurant-style sear marks and pancake-perfect flat-top results, this is the specialist’s choice. It delivers more grilling authority than the Chefman and better dedicated performance than the DG551’s combo plate, making it the top pick for those who value precision and capacity over automation.

When authentic charcoal flavor meets backpack-ready portability, the Gas One 14-inch grill becomes an outdoor essential for campers, tailgaters, and minimalist BBQ lovers. At just $19, this compact smoker-style grill packs a 150-square-inch cooking surface, a 3-point locking lid for heat retention, and a dual venting system that maintains steady airflow—crucial for consistent charcoal burn and smoke infusion. Its cast-iron construction holds heat remarkably well, delivering deep sear marks and smoky aroma you just can’t replicate indoors.

In field tests—from lakeside campsites to balcony patios—the grill proved surprisingly efficient, cooking four burgers and veggies evenly in under 15 minutes with minimal charcoal. The locking lid doubles as a safety feature, preventing ash spill during transport, while the integrated ash catcher keeps cleanup simple. It’s not for high-volume cooking, and wind can disrupt temperature control, but with proper vent adjustment, it maintains optimal grilling temps even in breezy conditions. It won’t replace a full-sized smoker, but for on-the-go charcoal grilling, it’s unbeatable in its price range.

Compared to electric models like the Ninja or Chefman, this isn’t about convenience—it’s about flavor authenticity and freedom. It demands more effort (lighting charcoal, managing airflow), but rewards with real BBQ character. It’s the only true outdoor option in this lineup, making it ideal for adventurers or urbanites with limited outdoor space. While the Ninja DG551 offers automation, this delivers the soul of grilling—charcoal kiss, smoky depth, and portable performance—at a price that’s less than a tank of propane, outperforming bulkier grills in mobility and charm.

These aren’t just accessories—they’re statement pieces with bling-loaded bravado, where 18K gold-plated brass meets hand-set cubic zirconia in a poker-heart fusion design that screams stage-ready confidence. The TOPGRILLZ Poker Heart set is engineered for impact: the A+ grade stones catch light like stage lasers, while the adjustable molding bars allow a semi-custom fit across upper or lower teeth. Designed for concerts, cosplay, or hip-hop fashion, they transform a smile into a bold accessory, blending streetwear edge with theatrical flair.

In real use, the grills deliver on visual drama but require patience to mold—softening in hot water and shaping over several tries for optimal fit. The brass base feels solid, though prolonged wear can cause minor gum pressure, making them better suited for short-term wear than all-night raves. They’re not meant for eating (removal required), but for photo ops, performances, or themed parties, they’re unmatched in sparkle and style. The included tweezers and instructions make application straightforward, and the durable plating resists tarnish with proper care.

Compared to basic alloy grills like the Longita model, the TOPGRILLZ stand out with superior materials and stone quality, offering a more luxurious, stage-proven look. While both serve the cosplay and hip-hop markets, this set leans into premium aesthetics and craftsmanship, making it ideal for performers or influencers who need camera-ready shine. It doesn’t function like a cooking grill (obviously), but as wearable art, it outshines competitors with bolder design and better finish—a high-impact fashion tool that costs less than a concert ticket but delivers star power.

Don’t underestimate the Longita Gold Grillz—at under $10, they’re a budget-savvy gateway into hip-hop’s iconic dental fashion, offering hollow-out heart detailing and a silicone-cushioned fit that balances comfort with streetwise flair. Made from lightweight alloy with a gold finish, these grills are designed for cosplay, Halloween, or quick photo shoots, where instant attitude matters more than long-term wear. The embedded silicone padding helps them grip teeth better than rigid metal-only models, reducing slippage during speech or movement.

In practice, they’re easy to shape using hot water and deliver a flashy, uniform shine under lights—perfect for social media content or themed parties. However, the one-size fit can feel loose on smaller teeth, and the gold plating is thinner than premium models, showing wear faster with repeated use. They’re not meant for chewing or extended wear, but for impromptu performances or costume accents, they offer solid value and visual punch without the investment.

Against the TOPGRILLZ, the Longita model trades stone embellishment and gold thickness for lower cost and simpler design, making it ideal for first-timers or disposable use. It lacks the bling factor of cubic zirconia, but for those testing the waters of dental fashion or needing multiple sets for a group, it’s a practical, no-risk entry point. It won’t replace stage-grade grills, but for fun, flair, and festival vibes, it delivers hip-hop spirit on a dime—a cost-effective costume essential that outperforms its price.