If you want the best electric grills in 2026, you’re probably tired of the same problems, weak heat, uneven cooking, too much smoke, and cleanup that feels like a chore. The right electric grill fixes most of that fast, especially if you cook on a balcony, patio, or inside your kitchen.
Disclosure: As an independent reviewer, we may receive an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This helps support our research and testing team at OASTHAR. Learn more about our testing process.
This guide focuses on seven picks that make sense for real life. Some are built for small spaces, others are better for weeknights, and one is the best all-around option if you want one appliance that can do a lot.
Below, you’ll get quick recommendations, how we test, full reviews, a comparison table, and a simple buying guide so you can choose with confidence.
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Best electric grills at a glance
- Best Overall: Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor
- Best for Indoors: GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker
- Best Smokeless Indoor: Ninja Sizzle
- Best Compact: Weber Lumin
- Best Griddle Combo: Breville The Smart
- Best Portable: Weber Q 1400
- Best Budget: Hamilton Beach
Learn more about how we test electric grills
In our assessment, you get better recommendations when you combine hands-on expectations with wide research. During testing, we found that electric grills often win on convenience, but only the best models stay hot, cook evenly, and stay easy to clean over time.
Heat performance and searing
You can’t judge an electric grill by wattage alone. You check how quickly it heats, how well it holds heat after you add cold food, and whether it can brown meat without steaming it. High heat matters for burgers and steaks, but steady mid-heat matters just as much for chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Evenness across the surface
Electric grills can run hot in the center and weak on the edges. So you look for “edge-to-edge” style heating, or designs that keep temperatures stable across the plates or grates. In practice, this affects everything, from how evenly your salmon cooks to whether your pancakes brown the same on both sides.
Smoke control and grease handling
Indoor electric grilling lives or dies by smoke control. You pay attention to lid design, grease channels, drip trays, and how well grease moves away from the heat source. Better grease handling usually means less smoke, less smell, and fewer flare-up style moments, even without an open flame.
Cleaning and daily usability
You don’t want a grill you dread using. So you check whether plates or grates remove easily, whether parts are dishwasher-safe, and whether grease trays slide out without spilling. Small touches matter too, like indicator lights and viewing windows, because they reduce guesswork and keep heat locked in.
Build quality and space fit
Electric grills come in two main styles, compact indoor countertop units and outdoor-friendly electric barbecues. You look at the body materials, how sturdy the lid feels, and how well the design fits real spaces. If you’re in an apartment, portability and storage can matter more than maximum cooking area.
Price and customer reviews
To choose the best electric grills, you start with heavy research across major retailers and brand sites, then narrow down the shortlist. After that, you analyze hundreds of real customer reviews to compare long-term experience against the marketing claims. This keeps the list grounded in what people actually live with, not just what looks good on paper.
Star Rating: 4.9/5
This is the “do-it-all” pick, because it’s not just a grill. Its superpower is giving you outdoor-style grill marks indoors, while also covering air frying and other common weeknight jobs. If you want one appliance that earns counter space, this is the strongest case in the lineup.
You get high heat up to 500°F, plus cyclonic grilling (hot air moving around the food). In real use, that matters because it helps browning happen faster, and it helps foods cook more evenly than basic contact grills. It also supports multiple cooking modes, so you’re not buying a single-use gadget.
The smartest part is the included thermometer setup. Instead of guessing doneness by time, you can cook to temperature, which makes chicken and steak less stressful. Cleanup stays reasonable too, since the main parts are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, and a splatter shield helps keep smoke under control. For a deeper third-party take, see this TechRadar Ninja Foodi Health Grill and Air Fryer review.
Max temp: 500°F | Cooking modes: grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate | Thermometer: smart probe included | Cleaning: dishwasher-safe parts | From frozen: under 25 minutes (claimed)
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong sear for indoors
- Multiple cooking modes
- Smart thermometer control
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Reasons to Avoid:
- Takes counter space
- More parts to store
Who it fits best: You’ll like this if you cook often and want one machine to cover grilling plus fast crispy sides. It’s also a great match if you want steakhouse-style results without standing outside.
Star Rating: 4.8/5
This is the pick when you care more about smoke flavor than grill marks. Its superpower is using real wood pellets on a countertop, while aiming to keep your kitchen from turning into a haze. If you’ve tried “smoked” settings on other appliances and felt underwhelmed, this is the more serious option.
The design uses active smoke filtration, pulling smoke in, filtering it, then pushing out cleaner air. That’s the feature that makes indoor smoking feel realistic instead of risky. You also get a separate heat source for the pellets and another for cooking, which helps with steady temps and cleaner smoke output.
Control is a big part of the appeal. You get five smoke levels, preset food modes (including brisket, ribs, pork butt, wings, chicken breast, and salmon), plus keep warm and custom. Three adjustable racks give you room for larger cuts, and the included meat probe lets the unit cook to temperature instead of guessing. If you want a detailed outside review, check this Engadget GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker review.
Fuel: wood pellets | Smoke control: active filtration | Smoke levels: 5 | Racks: 3 adjustable (dishwasher-safe) | Smart features: Wi-Fi, meat probe
Reasons to Buy:
- Real smoke flavor indoors
- Active smoke filtration
- Presets plus custom control
- Meat-probe cooking
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not a “fast dinner” tool
- Takes time to learn
Who it fits best: This fits you if weekend BBQ is your thing but weather, space, or local rules make outdoor smoking hard. It also works well if you want repeatable results for bigger cuts without babysitting a fire.
Star Rating: 4.6/5
This is the everyday indoor grill that keeps things simple. Its superpower is high heat in a compact body, plus interchangeable plates, so you can switch between grill and griddle without buying two appliances. It’s made for weeknight cooking, not special occasions.
You get two plates, a grill plate for burgers, steak, and salmon, and a flat griddle for eggs, pancakes, and vegetables. It reaches 500°F, which is a strong number for indoor grilling, and it’s designed for even heating across the surface, so you’re not chasing hot spots.
Smoke control matters indoors, and this one uses a perforated lid to help reduce smoke and splatter. You can cook with the hood up when you’re flipping often, or close it when you want to trap heat (melting cheese is the obvious win). Grease flows into a front trap, and the plates and lid are dishwasher-safe, which makes it easy to use more than once a week. You can also cross-check details on the official listing, the Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill and Griddle product page.
Max temp: 500°F | Plates: grill, griddle | Heating: edge-to-edge (claimed) | Grease system: front trap | Cleaning: dishwasher-safe parts
Reasons to Buy:
- Low-smoke lid design
- Grill and griddle plates
- Even heat across surface
- Fast dishwasher cleanup
Reasons to Avoid:
- Smaller cooking area
- Indoor-only style cooking
Who it fits best: If you want quick burgers, salmon, breakfast, and vegetables without dragging out pans, this fits. It’s also a good match for apartment kitchens where smoke control matters.
Star Rating: 4.5/5
This is the small-space outdoor-style electric grill that still takes searing seriously. Its superpower is heat, it can reach over 600°F, which is the number that helps you get real browning and bold grill marks on steaks and burgers.
It’s also more flexible than most compact electric grills. Beyond grilling, it supports modes for searing, smoking, steaming, boiling, and keeping food warm. That range matters if you don’t want a one-trick box on your balcony. Control stays simple with a single knob that’s clearly marked, so you can switch modes without guessing.
One of the practical touches is the ability to grill from frozen using a steam system. The idea is simple, steam helps thaw while the grill heats, then you switch to sear for finishing. Add the low lid, and flatter foods like fish and steaks cook more evenly. Cleanup is straightforward too, grease drains into a front tray that slides out easily. If you want a detailed third-party test, this Reviewed Weber Lumin Electric Grill review is a useful read.
Max temp: over 600°F | Cooking modes: sear, smoke, steam, boil, warm | Controls: single knob | Frozen cooking: steam-thaw system | Grease tray: front access
Reasons to Buy:
- Very high heat searing
- Multiple cooking modes
- Compact for balconies
- Easy-access grease tray
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not built for big parties
- Needs outdoor outlet access
Who it fits best: This works when space is tight but you still want “real grill” results. It also fits you if you want one compact grill to handle quick weeknight sears and slower smoke-style cooks.
Star Rating: 4.3/5
This is the indoor pick for people who want control and versatility, without stepping outside. Its superpower is flexibility: you can use it closed like a panini press, or open it flat into a full BBQ mode so you get more surface for mixed meals.
Heat is a big reason this style works. The heating elements are built into the plates, not just sitting below them, which helps keep temperature steady. It can reach about 450°F, so you can move from gentle cooking to a strong sear. That shows up in the results, burgers brown better, and sandwiches come out less soggy.
Breville also leans into usability. You get an LCD screen that shows when plates are hot and counts down cook time. There are simple dials for temperature and a timer, plus a BBQ mode switch when you want to cook flat. The plates are non-stick, PFOA-free, removable, and dishwasher-safe, and grease drains into a removable tray. It’s a heavier stainless steel-style build that feels premium, and it comes with a one-year replacement warranty. If you want a deeper feature rundown, this Breville Smart Grill review walks through the core strengths and trade-offs.
Max temp: about 450°F | Modes: press, open-flat BBQ | Controls: LCD, temp dial, timer | Plates: removable, dishwasher-safe | Warranty: 1-year replacement
Reasons to Buy:
- Grill and griddle in one
- Stable heat through plates
- Clear LCD guidance
- Dishwasher-safe plates
Reasons to Avoid:
- Heavy to move often
- Needs storage space
Who it fits best: If you like cooking full meals indoors, steaks plus veggies, breakfast plus bacon, or pressed sandwiches, this fits your style. It also suits you if you prefer visible timers and clear settings instead of guessing.
Star Rating: 4.1/5
This is the grab-and-go outdoor electric grill choice. Its superpower is portability without feeling flimsy, and it’s a strong answer for apartments or condos where open flames aren’t allowed. You also get a simple setup, since it comes fully assembled.
It runs a 1,560 W heating element and provides about 189 square inches of cooking space. That’s enough for a few steaks, burgers, or hot dogs without turning dinner into a relay race. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat well and help with grill marks, while the cast aluminum lid and body keep it sturdy but still manageable to move.
Temperature control stays flexible with an infinite control knob instead of fixed presets. A grease tray underneath catches drips, which helps keep smoke lower and makes cleanup easier. When it’s time to clean, the grates lift out without much struggle. If you want an expert-style take focused on grilling performance, this Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill review from AmazingRibs is a solid reference.
Power: 1,560 W | Cooking area: 189 sq in | Grates: porcelain-enameled cast iron | Body: cast aluminum | Controls: infinite knob
Reasons to Buy:
- Easy to move and store
- Strong heat-holding grates
- Good grill marks
- Simple grease tray setup
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not the largest cooking area
- Outdoor outlet required
Who it fits best: This makes sense if you want a true outdoor-style electric grill for a small patio or balcony. It’s also a good fit if you want something you can move easily, then put away without hassle.
Star Rating: 3.9/5
This is the low-cost pick that still tries to deliver real searing. Its superpower is value: you can get grilled food without paying premium prices or building an outdoor setup around gas or charcoal.
It can sear up to 450°F, which is a big deal at the budget end. You also get an adjustable temperature dial from 200 to 450°F, so you can cook fish gently, then crank heat for burgers. The cooking surface is about 118 square inches, and it’s sized for a family meal more than a crowd.
Cleaning is a key part of why budget grills succeed or fail. Here, the grill plate is non-stick, PFAS-free, and fully removable, and it’s dishwasher-safe. The lid also comes off for easier washing, and a viewing window lets you check food without lifting the lid and dumping heat. You also get power and preheat lights, plus an extra-large drip tray that slides out to catch grease. For a broader look at Hamilton Beach’s searing-grill approach, this CNET look at a Hamilton Beach searing indoor grill gives helpful context.
Max temp: 450°F | Temp range: 200 to 450°F | Cooking area: 118 sq in | Plate: removable, dishwasher-safe | Lid: removable with viewing window
Reasons to Buy:
- Low cost for a sear
- Dishwasher-safe main parts
- Viewing window on lid
- Simple temp dial
Reasons to Avoid:
- Smaller cooking surface
- Less “premium” build feel
Who it fits best: If you’re watching your budget and still want burgers, pork chops, or fish with better browning than a pan, this is a practical start. It also fits you if easy cleaning matters more than extra features.
All recommended products in comparison
This table highlights the differences that usually decide a purchase.
| Product | Max heat (as stated) | Best use case | Cleaning approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill | 500°F | Best overall indoor grilling plus air frying | Non-stick parts, dishwasher-safe, splatter shield |
| GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker | Not stated (smoker-focused) | Real smoke flavor indoors | Dishwasher-safe racks, smoke filtration system |
| Ninja Sizzle Grill & Griddle | 500°F | Low-smoke everyday indoor meals | Dishwasher-safe plates and lid, front grease trap |
| Weber Lumin Electric Grill | 600°F+ | Compact outdoor searing, multi-mode cooking | Front grease tray |
| Breville The Smart Grill | About 450°F | Grill plus griddle style cooking on a counter | Dishwasher-safe removable plates, drip tray |
| Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill | Not stated (power: 1,560 W) | Portable balcony and patio grilling | Lift-out grates, grease tray |
| Hamilton Beach Electric Grill | 450°F | Budget grilling with solid heat | Dishwasher-safe plate and lid, slide-out drip tray |
Takeaway: If you want one appliance to cover the most meals, the Ninja Foodi leads. If you want true smoke flavor inside, the GE smoker is in its own lane.
What to look for in an electric grill
Indoor vs outdoor placement
First, decide where you’ll cook most. Indoor grills focus on smoke control and grease capture. Outdoor electric grills focus on heat output and durable bodies, but you’ll need an outlet where you plan to cook. If you’re in an apartment, check building rules too, because some places restrict open flames but allow electric grills.
Maximum heat and temperature control
High heat helps with searing, but control matters just as much. A wide temperature range gives you more than one style of cooking. For example, lower temps are better for fish and vegetables, while higher temps help burgers brown fast. Also, look for simple controls you’ll actually use, like an infinite dial or clearly marked modes.
Cooking surface size
A compact grill can still be “enough,” but you should match it to your normal meal. If you cook for one or two, a small surface is fine. If you cook for a family, you’ll want more room so you’re not cooking in batches. When brands list square inches, treat it as a guide, because usable space can vary with plate shape and lid clearance.
Smoke control and grease design
Smoke is mostly a grease problem indoors. Better grills route grease away from the heat and into a tray that’s easy to remove. Lid design also matters. A perforated lid can reduce splatter, while a viewing window lets you avoid lifting the lid and losing heat.
If you plan to grill indoors often, prioritize grease capture and dishwasher-safe parts. Those two features decide whether you’ll stick with it.
Cleaning and part removal
Check whether the plates or grates come out easily. Dishwasher-safe parts can turn cleanup from a job into a quick reset. Also look at where the grease tray sits. Front-access trays are usually easier because you don’t need to lift the whole unit to remove them.
Special modes
Extra modes are only worth it if you’ll use them. A griddle plate is great if you cook breakfast or smash burgers. An air fry mode can replace a second appliance. A dedicated smoker is a different category, but it’s the right move if smoke flavor is your top goal.
Warranty and long-term support
Electric grills are heating appliances, so support matters. A clear warranty and easy-to-find replacement parts help, especially if you cook often. If the manufacturer offers model-specific help pages, that’s also a good sign. For example, you can see how Ninja handles support on its Ninja indoor grills support section.
Why Trust OASTHAR?
I’m Shashini Fernando, an associate editor who specializes in consumer tech and home appliances, including indoor cooking gear and smart kitchen devices. For this electric grill guide, you’re getting a list built from hands-on expectations and deep market research, plus analysis of hundreds of customer reviews from real users to narrow down the best picks people can buy in 2026.
Best Electric Grills FAQs
What is the best electric grill overall?
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill is the best overall pick because it combines strong high-heat grilling with extra cooking modes and an included smart thermometer.
Are electric grills good for apartments and condos?
Yes, electric grills are often a better fit for apartments because they don’t use open flames. Still, you should check your building rules and make sure you have safe access to an outlet.
Can an electric grill actually sear a steak?
Yes, but you need enough heat. Models that reach 500°F or more do a better job at browning. Outdoor-style electric grills that hit 600°F+ can sear even more aggressively.
What’s the difference between an indoor grill and an indoor smoker?
An indoor grill focuses on high-heat cooking and grill marks, while an indoor smoker focuses on smoke flavor over longer cook times. If smoke flavor is your top goal, a pellet-based indoor smoker makes more sense.
What makes an electric grill easier to clean?
Removable plates or grates, dishwasher-safe parts, and a grease tray that slides out easily do the most work. A good grease path also reduces smoke, which keeps the whole unit cleaner.
Final Verdict
If you want one appliance that covers the most meals with the least hassle, choose the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill. If smoke flavor is the point and you want it indoors, go with the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker. For simple, low-smoke indoor grilling with a griddle option, the Ninja Sizzle is the easy choice.
Need balcony power in a small footprint? The Weber Lumin is the compact heat monster. If your budget is tight but you still want real grilling heat and simple cleanup, the Hamilton Beach is the practical starting line.
Pick the grill you’ll use weekly, not the one with the longest feature list. That’s how you end up with better meals and fewer regrets.
