Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Best Budget Indoor GrillNinja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer
Best MultitaskerPrice
$80-$101
$269-$300
Summary
Serious Eats' runner-up pick at a fraction of the price of premium models. The viewing window lid and adjustable temperature make it a solid everyday indoor grill for apartment dwellers.
Does the work of six appliances — grill, air fryer, roaster, broiler, baker, and dehydrator — in one unit. The 500°F grill plate and built-in probe thermometer make it the most capable indoor grill for families.
Pros
- 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
- 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
Cons
- 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
- 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
Our take
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.
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.
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