8 Best Home Grills of 2026

If you crave searing-hot precision and want to bring the sizzle of summer barbecues into your kitchen any day of the year, the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill delivers with impressive thermal authority. Boasting a 450°F max temperature and an expansive 118 sq. in. cooking surface, this grill locks in juices like a professional-grade sear machine while maintaining consistent heat across the entire plate. The PFAS-free nonstick grate ensures even delicate fish fillets release cleanly, solving a common frustration for home cooks tired of ruined meals and stubborn residue.

In real-world use, this grill shines when handling thick-cut steaks or juicy pork chops—foods that demand high, steady heat to caramelize the exterior without overcooking the interior. The adjustable thermostat allows fine-tuned control from gentle warming at 200°F to aggressive searing at 450°F, making it versatile for shrimp, veggies, or even grilled pineapple. While the viewing window is a thoughtful touch for monitoring doneness without lifting the lid, the lack of a true smoke control system means some indoor grilling odor may linger—especially with fatty meats. Still, the extra-large drip tray captures most grease, minimizing mess and simplifying cleanup.

Compared to compact options like the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B, the Hamilton Beach model offers more cooking real estate and superior heat retention, though it’s less space-efficient. It’s ideal for households that prioritize flavor-sealing power over portability or multi-functionality. While it doesn’t air fry or dehydrate like the Ninja Foodi models, it outperforms them in pure grilling focus—especially for users who want reliable, high-heat searing without propane or charcoal hassle.

The Elite Gourmet EMG-980B is a space-savvy powerhouse that brings serious grilling fun to small kitchens, dorms, or apartments where counter space is at a premium. With a 14-inch nonstick grilling surface and 1300W of adjustable heat up to 450°F, it handles family-sized meals with surprising ease—think six burgers, a slab of ribs, and grilled veggies all at once. Its removable thermostat knob and tempered glass lid create a mini oven-like environment, helping trap heat and flavor while letting you monitor progress without losing steam.

During testing, the grill heated up quickly and maintained stable temperatures for consistent cooking, whether searing chicken breasts or char-marking zucchini. The circular heating element promotes even heat distribution, reducing hot spots that plague cheaper models. However, when pushed with fatty meats like bacon or sausages, the drip management system can become overwhelmed, leading to minor smoke if the tray isn’t monitored. Still, for its size and price, the smokeless performance is commendable, especially when used near a vent or open window.

When stacked against the Ninja GR101, it lacks interchangeable plates and dual cooking zones, but wins hands-down on affordability and footprint. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or anyone who wants a no-fuss indoor grill that doesn’t sacrifice surface area. While it doesn’t offer air frying or dehydrating like the Ninja Foodi XL, it delivers exceptional value for those who want straightforward, mess-free grilling with minimal cleanup.

For families that demand maximum versatility and smart cooking intelligence, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 isn’t just a grill—it’s a culinary command center. With 6-in-1 functionality (grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate) and a dual-sensor Smart Thermometer, it eliminates guesswork and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The 500°F cyclonic grilling tech produces authentic char marks and smoky flavor, while the 4 qt crisper basket achieves golden crunch with up to 75% less fat than deep frying—ideal for health-conscious households.

Real-world testing confirms its dominance in multitasking: you can grill four steaks on the grate while air frying fries in the basket, all in one appliance. The smoke control system, including a splatter shield and cool-air zone, keeps indoor grilling surprisingly clean—even when cooking fatty ribs or sausages. However, its footprint is substantial, and preheating takes longer than simpler models. Still, the XL capacity (up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs) makes it a powerhouse for weekend meals or meal prepping.

Compared to the Cuisinart Griddler or Elite Gourmet models, the Ninja FG551 offers far more functions but at a steeper cost and size. It’s the clear choice for large families or meal-prep enthusiasts who want one appliance to replace five. While the Chefman or Hamilton Beach grills may heat up faster for quick searing, this model delivers unmatched all-in-one performance, blending precision, power, and convenience in a way no basic grill can match.

With 1500W of raw power and a 2-in-1 design, this budget-friendly indoor grill punches above its weight, offering serious cooking flexibility without breaking the bank. The inclusion of both a grill mesh and flat griddle plate means you can sear burgers and melt cheese on one side while cooking pancakes or eggs on the other—perfect for weekend brunches or Korean-style BBQ nights. The adjustable temperature control delivers consistent heat, and the three mini cheese pans add a fun, interactive touch for fondue-style meals with friends.

In practice, it heats up quickly and maintains temperature well, thanks to its high wattage. The nonstick, removable plates are a dream to clean—simply pop them in the dishwasher and you’re done. While it markets smokeless grilling, results depend on ventilation; lean meats like chicken or shrimp produce minimal smoke, but fatty cuts can trigger slight odors. Still, for under $60, the cooking performance is impressive, especially for users who want multi-plate functionality on a tight budget.

Against the Ninja GR101 or Cuisinart Griddler, it lacks premium build and precise heat zoning, but it delivers remarkable bang for the buck. It’s ideal for students, young professionals, or small households who want affordable, flexible grilling without investing in high-end models. While it doesn’t have a smart thermometer or air frying, it outperforms similarly priced grills in cooking variety and ease of use, making it the top pick for budget-conscious food lovers.

The Ninja GR101 is the ultimate hybrid warrior for home cooks who refuse to choose between a grill and a griddle. With interchangeable 14-inch plates—one ribbed grill, one flat griddle—it effortlessly switches from sizzling fajitas to fluffy pancakes in minutes. Reaching up to 500°F, it delivers professional-grade sear marks and edge-to-edge heating, eliminating cold spots that ruin consistency. The perforated mesh lid helps control smoke and splatter, while the hood-up/hood-down flexibility lets you blast heat or melt cheese with precision.

In real use, the even heating and family-sized capacity (six burgers or pancakes) make it ideal for weekend breakfasts or weeknight dinners. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe plates wipe clean with ease, and the grease-catching walls keep counters tidy. However, the lid doesn’t lock during cooking, which can be annoying when flipping meats. Also, while it’s labeled low-smoke, fatty meats still produce some odor, especially without proper ventilation.

Compared to the Cuisinart Griddler, the GR101 offers better heat distribution and higher max temperature, though it lacks dual temperature zones. It’s perfect for families of 4–6 who want dual cooking styles in one appliance. While the Ninja Foodi XL offers more functions, this model wins on simplicity and griddle performance, making it the best grill-and-griddle combo for everyday versatility.

The Cuisinart GR-4NNAS is a sandwich savant and panini perfectionist, engineered for those who live for crispy, golden-brown pressed sandwiches and perfectly grilled cheese. Its 5-in-1 versatility—contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle—gives it surprising range, letting you cook bacon on one side and eggs on the other, or sear steaks while making pancakes. The dual temperature controls offer fine-tuned precision: “warm” to “sear” on the grill side, and 200°F to 425°F on the griddle, ensuring every dish hits its ideal mark.

In testing, it excelled at panini pressing, delivering deep sear marks and melty interiors with ease. The removable drip tray and nonstick plates make cleanup a breeze, and the 3-year warranty speaks to its durability. However, the heating is slower than high-wattage models, and it struggles to maintain searing temps when overloaded. Also, while it can grill meats, it doesn’t reach the 500°F+ temps needed for true char-grilling like the Ninja models.

Next to the Ninja GR101, it offers more cooking modes but less raw power and surface heat. It’s best for sandwich lovers, breakfast cooks, or small households who prioritize precision pressing over high-heat searing. While the Hamilton Beach grill sears hotter, this one delivers superior sandwich craftsmanship, making it the best panini press in the lineup.

The Ninja DG551 is the undisputed king of smart indoor grilling, blending second-generation refinement with 6-in-1 mastery to deliver the most complete countertop cooking experience available. With 1760 watts of power, 500°F cyclonic air, and a Smart Thermometer with 9 doneness levels, it takes the guesswork out of cooking—whether you’re grilling salmon to medium-rare or air frying wings to crispy perfection. The smoke control system keeps kitchens clean, while the ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts ensure cleanup is as easy as cooking.

Real-world performance confirms its dominance: it transforms frozen steaks into char-grilled meals in under 25 minutes, and the crisper basket delivers golden fries with 75% less fat. The wide temperature range supports everything from slow roasting to fast broiling, and the dual cooking zones let you grill and air fry simultaneously. While it’s large and takes up serious counter space, the cooking precision and consistency are unmatched.

Compared to the older FG551 model, it offers the same powerful features in a sleeker, updated design. Against the Cuisinart or Elite Gourmet grills, it’s in a different league—more intelligent, more powerful, more versatile. It’s the best overall indoor grill for tech-savvy cooks who want restaurant results at home, blending innovation, performance, and ease into one dominant appliance.

The Chefman RJ23-SG is a stealthy smoke slayer, engineered for apartment dwellers and urban cooks who want flavor without the fumes. Its water tray system is the secret weapon: by filling it between the min/max lines, falling grease hits cool water instead of a hot surface, dramatically reducing smoke and odor—a game-changer for indoor grilling. With 1120 watts and a warm-to-sear knob, it handles everything from delicate fish to thick-cut steaks, while the extra-large nonstick surface lets you cook multiple items at once.

In testing, it delivered consistent, even heat across the plate, and the removable water tray and grill top made cleanup effortless—both are dishwasher-safe. The cool-touch handles and auto shut-off add peace of mind, especially for novice users. However, the lower wattage means slower preheating compared to 1500W models, and it can struggle to maintain sear temps with large quantities of food. Still, for smoke-sensitive environments, it outperforms nearly every other model.

Against the Elite Gourmet or Hamilton Beach grills, it trades raw power for superior smoke control. It’s ideal for renters, small kitchens, or health-focused cooks who prioritize clean air and safety. While it lacks air frying or interchangeable plates, it stands as the best smokeless performer, offering quiet, clean grilling where others fall short.