9 Best Grills for Home 2026

This game-changing indoor grill redefines convenience with its dishwasher-safe design and rapid 30% faster preheat—a true win for busy households. The Advanced George Tough Nonstick Coating, proven to be 3X more durable than standard versions, stands up to repeated use without flaking, making it a long-term kitchen ally. For families tired of scrubbing stubborn residue, this model delivers a no-fuss cleanup experience that few competitors match—just pop the main body (minus the control panel) into the dishwasher and walk away.

In real-world testing, the 5-serving capacity handles weekday meals like grilled chicken breasts, burgers, and veggies with ease, though it struggles slightly with thicker cuts like bone-in pork chops due to its clamshell design compressing food. The adjustable temperature dial offers decent control, but lacks precise heat zones, leading to occasional overcooking if not monitored. While it performs well on flat surfaces, grill marks are subtle and searing power is moderate—best suited for health-conscious cooks prioritizing lean cooking over charred flavor.

Compared to the Cuisinart Griddler or Ninja Foodi, this George Foreman model trades versatility and high heat for unmatched cleanup simplicity and reliability. It’s ideal for small families or singles who want consistent, low-maintenance grilling without complex features. While it can’t match the 500°F sear of the Ninja GR101, it outshines others in effortless maintenance and straightforward operation—perfect for those who value cleaning speed over culinary precision.

The Cuisinart Griddler is a culinary multitasker that transforms from panini press to full griddle in seconds, making it a powerhouse for breakfast lovers and sandwich enthusiasts. Its dual temperature controls—one for grill/panini mode (warm to sear) and another for griddle mode (200°F to 425°F)—deliver exceptional precision, ensuring pancakes don’t burn and steaks get a proper sear. For anyone craving café-quality paninis or weekend brunches at home, this 5-in-1 versatility is a kitchen revelation.

During testing, the grill excelled in dual-zone cooking: searing burgers on one side while warming buns on the other, or grilling salmon alongside asparagus. The nonstick plates released food effortlessly, and the removable drip tray captured grease cleanly—both dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup. However, the fixed hinge limits thickness for towering sandwiches, and the grill plates don’t lock tightly, causing slight wobble during pressing. While it heats evenly, it doesn’t reach the blistering 500°F of the Ninja GR101, so char marks are mild rather than dramatic.

Against the Ninja Foodi AG301, the Cuisinart lacks air frying or dehydrating, but it outperforms in griddle consistency and panini pressing. It’s the best pick for sandwich lovers and breakfast cooks who want professional-level control without extra functions. Compared to the George Foreman, it offers far greater flexibility and better searing, though it demands more counter space—ideal for those who prioritize cooking range over compact simplicity.

The Ninja Foodi AG301 is a countertop powerhouse that brings outdoor grill intensity indoors with its 500°F cyclonic grilling technology, delivering deep char marks and smoky flavor without the backyard. Its 5-in-1 functionality—grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate—makes it a true all-in-one appliance, eliminating the need for multiple gadgets. For health-focused cooks, the up to 75% less fat claim holds up in real use, especially when air frying frozen fries or chicken wings to crispy perfection.

In practical use, the smoke control system works impressively well—minimal smoke even when searing fatty meats—though a kitchen fan is still recommended for heavy grilling. The 4-qt crisper basket and 6-qt pot handle family-sized portions, and the grill grate browns steaks beautifully, rivaling outdoor results. However, it’s not silent: the fan noise is noticeable, and the unit runs hot, requiring ample ventilation. The learning curve is steeper than basic grills, especially when mastering dehydrate or roast settings.

Compared to the Cuisinart Griddler, the AG301 dominates in versatility and sear power, but it’s overkill for those who only want paninis or sandwiches. It’s ideal for meal-preppers, health-conscious families, and small-batch roasters who want maximum functionality in one appliance. While it costs more than single-purpose models, its performance-to-feature ratio surpasses even the Ninja GR101—offering broader cooking modes in a slightly bulkier footprint.

The Chefman Smokeless Grill is a budget-savvy hero that delivers real grilled flavor with minimal smoke, thanks to its clever water tray system that cools grease on contact. With 1120 watts of power and a warm-to-sear dial, it handles everything from delicate fish to juicy burgers, making it a stellar entry-level option for apartment dwellers or first-time indoor grillers. The nonstick surface lives up to its promise—food slides off cleanly, and cleanup is genuinely effortless.

In real kitchens, the smoke reduction works well only when the water tray is filled to spec—underfilling leads to noticeable smoke, while overfilling risks splashing. The extra-large cooking surface allows for simultaneous grilling of multiple items, though heat distribution has slight variance at the edges. It heats quickly but doesn’t sustain high sear temps like pricier models, so char marks are faint. The cool-touch handles and auto shut-off add safety, making it a trustworthy pick for families with kids.

Against the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B, it offers similar performance at nearly the same price, but the Chefman edges ahead with better safety features and consistent smoke control. It’s perfect for budget-focused users who want reliable, low-fuss grilling without splurging. While it can’t match the 500°F firepower of Ninja models, it delivers solid value—offering more features than its price suggests, especially for occasional grillers.

The Ninja GR101 is the undisputed champion of indoor grilling, combining 500°F max heat, edge-to-edge even cooking, and interchangeable grill and griddle plates into one versatile, high-performance system. Its perforated mesh lid actively controls smoke and splatter, while the hood-up or hood-down feature allows for intense searing or gentle melting—ideal for perfecting cheeseburgers or fajitas. For anyone craving restaurant-quality results at home, this grill delivers bold char marks and juicy interiors every time.

In testing, the 14-inch surface comfortably fit six burgers or pancakes, and the high walls and grease catches prevented messes effectively. The flat-top griddle plate excelled at pancakes and eggs, while the grill plate produced deep, restaurant-style sear lines on steaks and salmon. The removable plates are dishwasher-safe, and the detachable lid makes cleaning hassle-free. It heats rapidly and maintains temperature well, though it emits moderate smoke when grilling fatty meats—a trade-off for its high heat.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 25360, the GR101 offers superior heat, better evenness, and dual-plate flexibility, justifying its higher cost. Against the Cuisinart Griddler, it wins on sear power and smoke control, though it lacks griddle/grill split mode. It’s the best overall pick for families and serious home cooks who want maximum flavor and minimal cleanup—outperforming rivals in heat, versatility, and build quality while offering better value than the pricier Foodi AG301.

The Hamilton Beach 25360 is a workhorse for large families, boasting an 118 sq. in. cooking surface that easily feeds 4–6 people—perfect for weekend cookouts or meal prep. Its 450°F searing heat locks in juices effectively, delivering tender, flavorful results on steaks, pork chops, and fish fillets. The PFAS-free nonstick grate is a standout, offering safe, eco-conscious cooking without sacrificing release performance, and the extra-large drip tray keeps counters clean by capturing every drop.

In real use, the adjustable 200°F–450°F range allows flexibility for delicate shrimp or hearty burgers, and the even heat distribution prevents hot spots. The removable plate, lid, and tray are all dishwasher-safe, making post-meal cleanup a breeze. However, it lacks a viewing window, so checking doneness means lifting the lid and losing heat. While it sears well, it doesn’t quite reach the 500°F intensity of the Ninja GR101, so char marks are lighter.

Compared to the GR101, it’s more affordable and larger, but less powerful and less feature-rich. It’s ideal for big families prioritizing capacity and ease of use over elite searing or smoke control. Against the Elite Gourmet, it offers better build and heat consistency, though both serve similar roles. For those who cook for crowds regularly, it delivers solid performance and reliability—offering more space than most at a mid-range price point.

The Elite Gourmet EMG-980B is a budget marvel that punches above its price with a 14-inch nonstick grilling surface, tempered glass lid, and 5 adjustable heat settings up to 450°F. It’s designed for families who want big meals without big bills, and it delivers—handling steaks, ribs, salmon, and veggies simultaneously with reliable evenness. The removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the cool-touch base adds safety during family cooking sessions.

In testing, the circular heating element heats quickly and evenly, though the edges run slightly cooler than the center. The glass lid lets you monitor food without lifting, preserving heat, and the nonstick coating holds up well over repeated use. However, the smokeless claim is conditional—it reduces smoke but doesn’t eliminate it, especially with fatty meats. The build feels lightweight, and the knob lacks precision, making fine temp control tricky.

Against the Chefman RJ23-SG, it offers similar capacity and price, but the glass lid gives it an edge for visibility. It’s perfect for budget-conscious households who want a large, functional grill without extras. While it can’t match the 500°F sear of Ninja models, it offers exceptional value under $35—delivering more cooking space and features than most in its class, making it a smart pick for occasional grillers.

The Gas One Portable Charcoal Grill is a compact outdoor gem that brings authentic charcoal flavor to patios, campsites, and tailgates. Its 14-inch cooking surface (150 sq. in.) offers surprisingly even heat distribution, thanks to a dual ventilation system that maintains airflow and consistent temps. The 3-point locking lid is a game-changer—trapping heat like a smoker while ensuring safe, spill-proof transport, making it ideal for mobile grilling.

In real-world use, it lights quickly and maintains heat well, producing rich, smoky flavor unmatched by electric models. The ash catcher keeps the area clean, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry. However, it’s not for indoor use and requires charcoal and cleanup after each session. It lacks precise temp control, and cooking time is longer than electric grills—best for those who value flavor over speed.

Compared to indoor electric grills, it can’t match convenience, but it dominates in taste and portability. It’s the best pick for outdoor enthusiasts who want real BBQ flavor on the go. While it doesn’t offer the versatility of Ninja or Cuisinart models, it delivers unmatched authenticity—perfect for campers, boaters, and small-space grillers who prioritize portability and traditional taste over high-tech features.

The Hamilton Beach with Viewing Window is a sleek upgrade over its sibling model, offering all the same 450°F searing power and 118 sq. in. capacity, but with a game-changing tempered glass window that lets you monitor food without lifting the lid. This small addition preserves heat and moisture, resulting in juicier meats and more consistent doneness—a critical edge for perfectionists. The PFAS-free nonstick grate and extra-large drip tray ensure safe, mess-free cooking, while the removable lid and plate make cleanup a breeze.

In testing, the viewing window proved invaluable when grilling chicken or fish, eliminating guesswork. The adjustable 200°F–450°F range handled everything from delicate shrimp to thick pork chops, and the even heating prevented burning. However, like its twin, it doesn’t reach 500°F, so char marks are subtle. The preheat light confirms readiness, but the grill lacks interchangeable plates, limiting versatility.

Compared to the Ninja GR101, it’s less powerful and less flexible, but the viewing window gives it a unique advantage for precision cooking. It’s ideal for families who want reliable searing with better monitoring. While it costs slightly more than the base Hamilton model, the added visibility justifies the bump—offering better control than most in its class, especially for those who hate overcooked meals.