rabbit.reviews

The Best Indoor Grills

Updated April 2026·Experts: seriouseats, Epicurious, Good Housekeeping · Community: steak

Best Overall Indoor Grill

If you want one indoor grill that just works without fuss, this is it. Every expert who tested it picked it first, and the simplicity is the point, no gimmicks, just great results.

What holds up

  • Gets hotter than competing indoor grills, reaches high enough to char zucchini and leave real grill marks
  • Nonstick coating on both top and bottom of grate prevents fat from sticking during cleanup
  • Large ~160 sq inch open-grate cooking surface with separate drip tray for grease management
  • Minimal smoke production due to dense hole pattern that whisks fat away from heating element quickly
  • Simple dial controls, no manual-scouring required

What to know

  • Only the drip tray is dishwasher-safe; grill grate requires hand washing
  • No lid, so it lacks the enclosed cooking environment of some competitors
  • Relatively large footprint at 18 x 12.25 inches, takes up significant counter space
Expert verdict
Maybe I was expecting some of the more high-tech grills to outperform it, but, ultimately, simplicity won out.
Serious EatsView source
Expert verdict
Of the five grills tested, it got the hottest by far. It left distinguishable grill marks on the chicken and even lightly charred the zucchini, despite having a max temperature of 41˚F, as per the owner's manual.
EpicuriousView source
Best Multitasker

If counter space is precious and you want one machine that replaces your air fryer AND your indoor grill, the Ninja Foodi is the obvious answer. Reddit users love it, and Good Housekeeping's lab confirmed it delivers.

What holds up

  • 500°F max grill temperature, among the highest of any indoor grill tested
  • Built-in probe thermometer ensures meat is never overcooked or unsafe
  • Lid creates oven-like environment for fast, even cooking without squishing food
  • Large enough to cook for a family of four
  • Air fryer, roast, broil, bake, and dehydrate functions eliminate need for multiple appliances

What to know

  • Large and heavy at 22.4 pounds, not easy to store
  • Can get smoky when cooking high-fat foods like burgers and hot dogs
  • Expensive compared to single-function indoor grills
Expert verdict
A medium-well flank steak cooked quickly, in about 10 minutes, but felt it was best suited to fast-cooking foods like hamburgers and hot dogs because it can get smoky.
Good HousekeepingView source
Expert verdict
Ninja consistently performs well in our Lab tests, nabbing the top spot for the best air fryer, and the intuitive design and control panel are equally impressive.
Good HousekeepingView source
From the community
Ninja foodi grill, can do everything from a steak to a whole roast duck in there, and also works as an air fryer.
r/steakView source
Best Budget Indoor Grill

For under $90, the Hamilton Beach punches well above its weight. Serious Eats tested it head-to-head against grills twice the price and still recommended it, that's the kind of value that matters.

What holds up

  • Lid with viewing window lets you monitor food without releasing smoke
  • Adjustable temperature control for versatile cooking
  • Dense hole pattern in grate whisks fat away quickly to minimize smoke
  • Compact at 16.75 x 12.25 inches, easier to store than larger models
  • Affordable price point without sacrificing core performance

What to know

  • Grate bottom is uncoated, making cleanup harder than the Zojirushi
  • Took nearly twice as long to cook food as the Zojirushi in Epicurious testing
  • No visible grill marks in some tests, more like pan-searing than grilling
Expert verdict
I also liked the affordable Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill, which comes at a fair price without sacrificing quality.
Serious EatsView source
Expert verdict
Lid includes viewing window so you can keep an eye on cooking. Adjustable temperature.
Good HousekeepingView source
Best Versatile Indoor Grill

The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE is the indoor grill for people who actually cook a variety of things. If you want grill marks on Monday and pancakes on Sunday, this is the only machine you need.

What holds up

  • Five cooking configurations including grill, griddle, and panini press modes
  • Digital temperature control from 175°F to 450°F in 25-degree increments
  • Dishwasher-safe grill plates for easy cleanup
  • Sear function heats to 450°F for two-minute increments
  • Waffle plates available as an add-on for even more versatility

What to know

  • Top plate can drip when cooking greasy foods, recommend foil under back legs
  • Heavier than simpler single-function grills at 11.6 pounds
  • More complex to operate than basic dial-controlled models
Expert verdict
Our experts found the digital controls easy to use and appreciated being able to set a specific temperature for more precise cooking, unlike other models.
Good HousekeepingView source
Expert verdict
It also converts to a griddle (we cooked eight pancakes at once!), you can buy waffle plates for an addition cooking capability or you can press paninis between the two plates.
Good HousekeepingView source
From the community
I have the Cuisinart Griddler which is pretty decent.
r/steakView source
Best Premium Indoor Grill

The Breville Smart Grill is the choice if you're cooking indoors regularly and want the closest thing to a professional setup. The tilted plate design is genuinely clever, it's the only indoor grill that actively manages grease rather than just collecting it.

What holds up

  • Tilted grill plate design channels grease away from heating element to minimize smoke
  • Premium build quality and materials justify the higher price point
  • Precise temperature control for consistent results
  • Enclosed cooking environment with lid for more even heat distribution
  • Serious Eats' top splurge recommendation after hands-on testing

What to know

  • Expensive at $350, nearly 4x the price of the Zojirushi
  • Heavy at 19 pounds, difficult to move and store
  • Grease drainage hole is a bit small, which can limit effectiveness
  • Smaller cooking footprint (14 x 14 inches) than the Zojirushi despite higher price
Expert verdict
The Best Splurge Smokeless Grill: Breville The Smart Grill at Amazon $350
Serious EatsView source
Expert verdict
Some, like the Breville, had a tilted grill plate that allowed the grease to drip away from the hot plate to prevent burning and smoking, but the hole was a bit small.
Serious EatsView source