7 Best Grill Makers of 2026

This game-changing electric grill delivers family-sized grilling with surprising efficiency. The standout George Tough nonstick coating isn’t just marketing hype—it’s engineered to withstand metal utensils and years of use without flaking, making it a long-term kitchen warrior for busy households. With 35% faster preheating than prior models, you’re not left waiting long before searing burgers or grilling chicken, solving the all-too-common frustration of slow-starting indoor grills. Its 60-square-inch cooking surface smartly balances space and footprint, ideal for families who need four full servings without dominating the countertop.

In real-world use, this grill handles everything from juicy pork chops to sautéed vegetables with consistent results, thanks to its angled drip tray that actively channels grease away from food, reducing flare-ups and enhancing flavor. The removable plates are a revelation—after a hearty cookout, simply pop them out and toss in the dishwasher, eliminating the dreaded scrubbing session. While it doesn’t reach the searing highs of stovetop grills, it maintains a steady 400°F range, sufficient for most proteins. However, it struggles slightly with delicate fish like salmon, which can stick if not watched closely—despite the nonstick claims.

Compared to the Ninja GR101, this George Foreman model trades versatility and max heat for simplicity and durability, making it a better fit for families prioritizing low-maintenance, everyday grilling over gourmet searing. It lacks interchangeable plates or extreme heat, but wins on ease of use and cleanup—perfect for parents juggling dinner prep with kids. For those seeking a no-fuss, family-focused workhorse, this grill offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality, especially when weighed against the higher-priced, more complex Ninja alternative.

The Ninja GR101 is a powerhouse that redefines what an indoor grill can do, combining professional-level heat with kitchen-friendly convenience. Its 500°F max temperature delivers authentic sear marks and caramelization—something most indoor grills fail to achieve—making it a flavor-sealing beast for steaks, burgers, and salmon. The interchangeable grill and griddle plates transform it from a weekend BBQ machine to a weekday pancake station in seconds, solving the clutter problem of owning multiple appliances. For home chefs craving edge-to-edge even cooking, the advanced heating system eliminates cold spots, ensuring every bite is perfectly cooked.

In testing, the Ninja excelled in high-heat scenarios: ribeyes developed a crisp crust in under 6 minutes, and fajita veggies charred beautifully with smoky depth, all while producing noticeably less smoke than conventional models, thanks to its perforated mesh lid and grease management system. The 14-inch surface comfortably fits six burgers or a family-sized batch of pancakes, making it ideal for weekend brunches or weeknight dinners. However, the grill’s size demands counter real estate, and the hood must be manually adjusted—it’s not automatic, which can interrupt flow during fast-paced cooking.

When stacked against the Cuisinart Griddler, the Ninja offers higher peak heat and better smoke control, but lacks the digital timer and LCD interface that make the Cuisinart easier for precision cooking. It’s the best overall pick for those who want maximum versatility with pro-level results, especially when compared to single-function units. For serious home cooks who value searing power and dual-plate flexibility, the Ninja delivers a performance edge that justifies its premium build and price tag.

If smoke-free indoor grilling is your top priority, the Chefman RJ23-SG is a breath of fresh air—literally. Its water-based smoke reduction system is the real deal: by placing a water tray beneath the cooking surface, it instantly cools dripping grease, preventing smoke and odors from filling your apartment. This makes it a lifesaver for small spaces, dorms, or high-rises where ventilation is limited. With an adjustable temperature knob ranging from warm to sear, it offers precise control for everything from delicate fish to thick-cut steaks, giving users full command over their cooking zone.

During real-world use, this grill shines when cooking burgers, chicken breasts, and zucchini slices—all came out evenly browned with minimal sticking, thanks to the nonstick surface and proper preheating. The extra-large cooking area allows for batch cooking, ideal for meal prepping or feeding two to three people. However, it takes longer to preheat than the Ninja or George Foreman models, and the water tray requires monitoring—if it dries out, smoke can return. Also, while it’s “smokeless” under optimal conditions, heavy fat drips can still cause minor puffs if the water level isn’t maintained.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 25460AG, the Chefman offers far more versatility—it’s not just a sandwich press but a full indoor grill—though it lacks the floating lid design that makes paninis flawless. It’s the best smokeless option for urban dwellers or renters, outperforming most budget grills in air quality. For those who grill year-round indoors and hate ventilator hoods roaring, this model strikes an excellent balance between performance, safety, and clean air, even if it asks for a bit more attention during use.

The Hamilton Beach 25460AG is a floating lid maestro, engineered to deliver flawlessly pressed paninis every time. Its café-style floating hinge automatically adjusts to sandwich thickness, applying even pressure whether you’re squishing a triple-decker club or a thin grilled cheese—eliminating the frustration of uneven browning or squished fillings. With 1400 watts of power, it heats quickly and maintains consistent contact, while the nonstick 8” x 10” grids ensure no food sticks, even without oil. The green ready light is a small but brilliant touch, removing guesswork from preheating.

In daily use, this press excels at sandwiches, quesadillas, and open-faced bruschettas—especially when the lid is locked open for flat grilling. It browns bread to a crisp perfection and melts cheese evenly, all without requiring flips. However, its small cooking surface limits it to two standard sandwiches at once, making it less ideal for families. It also lacks temperature control—just on/off operation—so delicate items like fish can overcook if not watched closely. While it can handle light grilling, it’s clearly optimized for pressed foods, not full BBQ-style cooking.

Against the Chefman RJ02-180, this model offers superior pressure control and sturdier build, though it’s slightly larger. It’s the best floating lid design for panini purists who want consistent, restaurant-quality results without complexity. For sandwich lovers who value precision pressing and durability, this Hamilton Beach model outshines simpler, budget options—offering a more robust experience than compact presses, even if it sacrifices some versatility.

The Cuisinart GR-5NAS is a versatility titan, packing five cooking functions into one sleek stainless steel body: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. Its digital LCD display gives precise control over temperature (175°F to 450°F) and timing, making it a precision tool for everything from slow-cooked salmon to seared steaks. The reversible, removable plates are a dream—grill one side, flip for griddle the next—and they’re dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup after complex meals. For home chefs who hate clutter, this is a space-saving powerhouse.

In testing, the Griddler handled diverse tasks with ease: eggs slid smoothly on the griddle side, while chicken breasts developed deep grill marks on the ridged plate. The sear function boosts heat for that final crust, enhancing flavor without guesswork. However, the setup time is longer than simpler models—flipping and reinstalling plates takes effort—and the unit runs hot, requiring careful placement on heat-sensitive countertops. It also lacks the ultra-high 500°F heat of the Ninja, so char-searing isn’t quite as dramatic.

Versus the Ninja GR101, the Cuisinart wins on cooking flexibility and digital control, but falls short on max heat and smoke management. It’s the best for versatile cooking—ideal for hosts, meal preppers, or dual-function lovers who want grill and griddle in one. For those who value precision and multifunctionality over brute searing power, this Griddler offers unmatched adaptability, especially when compared to single-mode grills that can’t switch roles mid-recipe.

The Chefman RJ02-180 is a compact legend, built for tight spaces without sacrificing function. Its 180-degree lay-flat design transforms it from a panini press to a full open grill in seconds—perfect for searing mini burgers, reheating pizza, or grilling veggies on a dorm room countertop. The floating hinge accommodates thick sandwiches effortlessly, while the nonstick coated plates release food cleanly, no spray needed. At just 1000 watts, it’s energy-efficient and safe for shared outlets, making it a go-to for students, travelers, or minimalists.

Real-world testing shows it performs well for quick meals: grilled cheese comes out golden and crisp, and breakfast sandwiches heat evenly. The removable drip tray catches grease, and both it and the plates are dishwasher-safe, easing cleanup in small sinks. However, the cooking surface is narrow—only 5.5” wide—limiting it to two small sandwiches or a few sliders. It also lacks temperature adjustment, so achieving a deep sear is tough, and delicate proteins like fish can dry out if overcooked.

When compared to the Elite Gourmet ESM2207XSS, this Chefman model offers more functionality and a lay-flat design, despite a similar price point. It’s the best compact design for those who need multi-use capability in a tiny footprint. For apartment dwellers or office kitchens where space is at a premium, this press delivers unexpected versatility in a minimalist shell, outperforming basic sandwich makers that can’t grill openly.

The Elite Gourmet ESM2207XSS is the budget king, delivering reliable performance for under $20—perfect for first-time buyers or occasional users. Its 750-watt heating system may be modest, but it’s sufficient for grilled cheese, tuna melts, or French toast, heating up in under 5 minutes. The stainless steel housing feels sturdier than expected at this price, and the indicator lights—power and ready—make operation foolproof, ideal for teens or college students. With upright storage, it tucks neatly into tiny kitchens or dorm cabinets.

In practice, it handles basic sandwiches well, browning bread evenly and sealing edges tightly. Cleanup is a breeze—just wipe the nonstick plates with a damp cloth. However, the cooking surface is small, fitting only two slices, and lacks a floating hinge, so thicker sandwiches don’t press evenly. It also has no temperature dial, limiting control, and the unit can feel flimsy when opening and closing. While it can’t grill meats or veggies effectively, it’s not designed to.

Against the Chefman RJ02-180, it’s less versatile—no lay-flat option—but wins on price and simplicity. It’s the best budget-friendly pick for those who want basic panini function without extras. For anyone needing a no-frills, affordable starter press, this Elite Gourmet model offers solid value, especially when compared to pricier units that overdeliver for simple needs.