8 Best Smart Grills of 2026

The Monument Grills Denali 405 isn’t just another smart grill—it’s a command center for outdoor cooking dominance. With a muscular 60,000 BTU output and smart Bluetooth app control, this propane-powered powerhouse delivers precision and power in equal measure. The standout? A 65-foot outdoor connectivity range that lets you monitor grilling temps and meat doneness from across the yard—no more babysitting the burners. For grillers who want pro-level heat with digital finesse, this model answers the call with stainless steel durability and real-time feedback via a dual-temperature LED display.

In real-world use, the Denali 405 shines when handling large cookouts. The 710 sq.in. cooking surface easily fits 19 burgers or multiple racks of ribs, making it ideal for weekend entertaining. The integrated meat probe pairs with the app to alert you when your brisket hits the perfect internal temp—no guesswork. While the grill heats up fast and maintains even temperatures across burners, we noticed slight hot spots near the rear when searing at max flame. Still, the push-button ignition and LED-backlit knobs add convenience, especially in low light. Just don’t expect Wi-Fi connectivity—the Bluetooth-only setup limits remote access beyond line of sight.

Compared to pellet-powered smart grills like the Brisk It Zelos-450, the Denali 405 trades A.I.-driven automation for raw gas-fueled responsiveness. It’s a better fit for traditionalists who want smart features without sacrificing flame control. The lack of Wi-Fi means fewer smart integrations, but the robust construction and high BTU output make it a top pick for those prioritizing performance over app-based recipes. It delivers more grilling power and space than most electric or pellet models, positioning itself as the best smart gas grill for serious backyard chefs who still want tech on their side.

Step into the future of barbecue with the Brisk It Zelos-450, where artificial intelligence meets wood-fired flavor. This smart pellet grill doesn’t just cook—it thinks for you. Its standout feature, VERA Generative Cooking A.I., interprets natural language commands to generate custom smoking recipes on demand. Whether you say ‘smoked brisket with bark’ or ‘applewood chicken thighs’, VERA adjusts time, temp, and smoke intensity automatically. Pair that with industrial-grade PID temperature control, and you’ve got a grill that maintains laser-precise temps from 180°F to 500°F, making it a dream for low-and-slow purists.

During testing, the Zelos-450 proved its mettle in both consistency and versatility. The 450 sq.in. cooking space handled two full racks of ribs with room to spare, while the adaptive PID controller held temperature within ±5°F—even during wind gusts. The 7-in-1 functionality (smoke, grill, bake, roast, etc.) lets you go from smoked salmon to wood-fired pizza without switching appliances. However, pellet startup takes 5–7 minutes to reach full temp, and the hopper isn’t insulated, so long cooks in freezing weather can cause feeding hiccups. Still, the included meat probe and auto-adjusting algorithm ensure perfect doneness, even if you walk away.

When stacked against the Monument Denali 405, the Zelos-450 wins on automation and flavor authenticity, but loses on raw speed and simplicity. It’s not built for quick weeknight searing—it’s for hands-off, A.I.-assisted mastery. While the Denali offers more BTUs, the Brisk delivers deeper smoke flavor and smarter execution. For beginners or busy cooks who want restaurant-quality BBQ with minimal effort, this is the most intelligent pellet grill in its class. It offers more brain than brawn, but with exceptional results that justify the trade-off.

The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL is a kitchen game-changer, blending indoor grilling, air frying, and precision cooking into one sleek package. Its Cyclonic Grilling Technology unleashes 500°F of swirling hot air and direct grill heat to create deep char marks and rich flavor—without the smoke. The real hero? The Smart Cook System with integrated thermometer, which takes the guesswork out of doneness with nine customizable levels, from rare to well-done. For families tired of unevenly cooked chicken or dry steaks, this grill delivers restaurant-quality results at the push of a button.

In daily use, the DG551 excels at fast, family-friendly meals. We cooked frozen burgers to perfect medium in under 20 minutes, and the smoke control system kept the kitchen clear—thanks to a cool-air zone and splatter shield. The 4-qt crisper basket and removable ceramic-coated grill grate make it easy to switch from air-fried fries to grilled salmon. While the 1760W motor provides strong performance, the cooking surface is limited—only fitting four steaks comfortably. And though it handles dehydrating and broiling well, baking results are less even than a conventional oven. Still, for small kitchens or apartment dwellers, it’s a powerhouse of efficiency.

Compared to the more advanced Ninja IG651, the DG551 is the budget-smart sibling—offering the same core functions at a lower price and smaller footprint. It lacks the griddle and dual-zone cooking, but for those who prioritize simplicity and value, it’s the better fit. It doesn’t match the outdoor flavor of pellet grills, but for indoor convenience and fat reduction (up to 75% less), it’s unmatched. If you want smart indoor grilling without breaking the bank, this model delivers more function per dollar than any other in its class.

The Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a complete reimagining of indoor grilling. With Ninja’s most powerful 500°F independently heated grate, this unit delivers edge-to-edge searing that outperforms its predecessors. But the real magic is the interlocking 12” BBQ griddle, which transforms the grill into a dual-function powerhouse. Whether you’re searing steaks with the hood down or frying pancakes with it up, the hood-up/hood-down flexibility gives you true control over heat and texture. For home cooks who want both grill and flat-top in one, this is the gold standard.

In real-world testing, the IG651 handled everything from crispy bacon to fluffy pancakes with zero cross-contamination. The XL capacity fit six steaks or a full nacho platter, and the Smart Cook System paired with the included thermometer ensured perfect doneness every time. The 7-in-1 functions—including dehydrate and roast—make it incredibly versatile. However, the unit is bulkier than most countertop grills, and the griddle plate takes up significant storage space. Also, while the smoke control system works well, high-fat foods can still trigger minor smoke if not monitored.

Against the DG551, the IG651 is the premium pick for serious home chefs who want grill and griddle in one smart system. It’s pricier, but the added functionality justifies the cost for families or weekend brunch lovers. While it doesn’t offer outdoor flavor like the Ninja OG850, it dominates in indoor versatility and power. For those who want maximum cooking options in a single appliance, it delivers more capability and control than any other indoor smart grill available.

The Current Model G Dual Zone Grill is a revolution in electric outdoor cooking, offering gas-grill performance without the propane. Its 200°F to 700°F range outpaces most gas grills by 150°F, enabling faster searing and precise roasting—all from a standard 110V outlet. The dual independent heat zones let you cook steak on one side and vegetables on the other at different temps, while the smart app control allows remote monitoring and adjustment. For apartment dwellers or balcony chefs, this grill is a game-changer, combining NFPA safety approval with weather-resistant design.

In testing, the Model G heated up in under 10 minutes and maintained remarkable temperature stability, even in 40°F weather. The SmartClean mode—which burns off residue to ash—made cleanup effortless, a rarity in outdoor grills. We seared ribeyes to perfection and roasted veggies with even browning. However, the cooking surface is smaller than expected, fitting only about 12 burgers, and the app occasionally lagged during firmware updates. While it promises 50% juicier results, we found moisture retention comparable to gas—impressive, but not transformative.

Versus the Monument Denali 405, the Model G trades raw BTU power for precision, safety, and apartment compatibility. It’s not for those who crave open-flame flavor, but for urbanites who want high-end electric performance with smart features, it’s unmatched. It delivers more control and cleaner operation than gas, with fewer emissions and no fuel tanks. For high-end smart outdoor grilling in restricted spaces, this grill sets a new benchmark—offering more innovation per square inch than any competitor.

The Ninja OG850 Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL is portable power meets real wood flavor—a game-changer for mobile BBQ lovers. Its Real Woodfire Technology uses just 1/2 cup of pellets to infuse food with bold, smoky depth, rivaling full-size pellet smokers. The 4-in-1 functionality (grill, smoke, air fry, bake) makes it a true outdoor multi-cooker, while the built-in thermometer ensures perfect doneness without guesswork. For RV campers, tailgaters, or patio chefs with limited space, this grill delivers full-size flavor in a compact, plug-and-play design.

In real-world use, the OG850 smoked a 4-lb rack of ribs in 3 hours with crisp bark and tender pull, all while maintaining steady temps between 225°F and 500°F. The 180 sq.in. cooking surface—30% larger than the original—fits two rib racks or 10 burgers, and the outdoor air fryer function delivered crispy wings with real wood-smoked crunch. The weather-resistant build held up in rain and wind, and the portability made it easy to transport. However, pellet consumption increases in smoke mode, and the app lacks A.I. recipe support found in higher-end models.

Compared to the Brisk It Zelos-450, the OG850 is less automated but more portable. It doesn’t have VERA A.I., but it’s lighter, more compact, and easier to move. Against the Current Model G, it offers wood-fired flavor but less max heat. For those who want smoke, sear, and air fry in one portable unit, it’s the ultimate all-in-one outdoor smart grill. It delivers more flavor flexibility and mobility than any other model in its class—perfect for grilling anywhere, anytime.

The George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Select is a no-frills, high-speed solution for families who want fast, flavorful meals without the mess. With 3X faster cooking, this indoor grill sears burgers in six minutes and chicken in ten—all while keeping smoke out of the kitchen. The 90 sq.in. nonstick surface fits up to six servings, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The digital touch controls offer time and temp presets with audio and visual alerts, so even novice cooks get consistent results. For budget-conscious households, it’s a reliable, space-saving workhorse.

In testing, the grill delivered juicy, evenly cooked proteins with minimal preheating. The removable plates and drip tray made cleanup a breeze—both dishwasher-safe. While it lacks smart thermometer integration, the precision digital interface reduces guesswork. However, the contact grill design limits airflow, so foods like thick steaks can cook unevenly if not flipped manually. And while it’s labeled ‘smokeless’, high-fat foods can still produce some vapor—manageable, but not invisible.

Against the Ninja DG551, the George Foreman is simpler and cheaper, but less versatile. It doesn’t air fry or dehydrate, and it lacks the Cyclonic tech for crispiness. But for families wanting fast, smoke-free grilling on a tight budget, it’s a standout. It delivers more value for basic indoor grilling—offering speed, simplicity, and easy cleanup without smart bloat.

The NutriChef Indoor Smokeless Grill is a hidden gem of all-in-one convenience, blending smart grilling, air frying, and seven cooking functions into one compact unit. With precise temperature control from 100°F to 450°F, it handles everything from dehydrating jerky to searing steaks. The built-in smart thermometer ensures perfect doneness, while the advanced smoke control system keeps indoor air clear—ideal for apartments or small kitchens. For those who want maximum versatility without multiple appliances, this grill is a culinary Swiss Army knife.

In real use, the 6L capacity handled family meals with ease, and the removable non-stick plates made transitions from grilling to air frying seamless. We roasted veggies and air-crisped chicken wings in one session—no smoke, no mess. The 7 cooking functions are well-integrated, though the UI takes a few tries to master. While it doesn’t reach the 500°F of Ninja models, it maintains consistent heat for most tasks. However, the thermometer is less responsive than Ninja’s, and the crisper basket is smaller than advertised.

Compared to the Ninja IG651, the NutriChef is less powerful but more affordable, offering similar functions at a lower price. It lacks a griddle and high-temp sear, but for budget-focused cooks who want smart combo features, it’s a strong contender. It delivers more cooking variety for less money, making it the best all-in-one smart combo for value seekers.