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Did you know that you can grill at any time of year? With the best indoor grill, there are no restrictions. An indoor grill is an incredible electric device that can transform home-cooked meals into professional-level cuisine.
The days of limiting yourself to Summer grilling are over. Burgers, fish, vegetables– you name it, you grill it. Some of our favorite brands have come out with easy-to-use, versatile indoor grills which have become a one-stop for food that we love.
Don’t know where to start when it comes to this highly recommended, multifunctional device? Don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the best indoor grills for you, starting with our top pick.
Our Top Pick
Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill has received nearly 2,000 rave reviews and five-star ratings…and for a great reason. It is the epitome of a multifunctional device, offering a grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. The Surround Searing feature uses 500F air circulation, with signature Cyclonic Grilling Technology perfectly chars and grills every side of your meal. This device is perfect for quick meals (no need to defrost) and offers everything you need for an affordable price.
Other Great Picks
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Quality, convenience, and delicious meals are what you’ll get with the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill. With 118 inches of grilling space, you can make a meal for the whole family. This device has become a must-have, with a removable handy large drip tray and 450-degree adjustable temperature dial. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.
Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler Deluxe
Cuisinart is a household name, producing some of the best kitchen appliances on the market. Their GR-150 Griddler Deluxe is a beautifully designed, stainless steel, electric grill that operates as a full grill, full griddle, half grill, half griddle, contact grill, and panini press. Cuisinart’s six cooking options give you the freedom you deserve when cooking your favorite meal.
T-fal OptiGrill Electric Indoor Grill
The T-fal OptiGrill Electric Indoor Grill is the first indoor grill that adapts its grilling cycles to the thickness of your food. Perfect for thick cuts of meat, this handy device has its own six cooking programs– burger, poultry, sandwich, sausage, red meat, and fish. It’s like it does the job for you, which can be backed by its high reviews. Unfortunately, you’ll have to do the cleaning yourself, but the removable nonstick plates, food release, and dishwasher safe trays make it easy.
George Foreman Rapid Grill and Panini Press
George Foreman is the original name in indoor cooking, with one of the first, most popular devices on the market. This 5-serving indoor grill and panini press offers 80 square inches of grilling surface and it’s extremely easy to use. Attached is a removable drip tray, which has the ability to drain up to 42% of the fat, so you can rest assured that your family is enjoying an even healthier version of their beloved meal.
Delonghi Perfecto Indoor Grill
The Delonghi Perfecto Indoor Grill gives full visual access to your meats with tempered glass lid, so you there’s no need to intermittently open the grill. Plus, the detachable thermostat allows you to keep an eye on your food, so to speak. Its simple design is perfect for anyone who loves to BBQ as the grill effectively imitates the classic outdoor tool.
George Foreman 15-Serving Electric Grill
The versatile George Foreman 15-Serving Electric Grill can be used both indoors or outdoors, with a fully electric system. If you want to take your new favorite grill out for tailgating, this is a terrific option. High-quality grilling with the signature George Tough Nonstick Coating allows for easy grilling and even easier cleanup. Want to bring your grill from the patio to the countertop? This staff recommended, versatile grill also has a removable stand.
Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill
You can have the best of both the grill and griddle worlds with the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Grill. Two separate sides of the double cooking zones with individual heat controls allow you to cook multiple components at once, and can be used to heat and cook virtually any meal. Does one person want pancakes while one wants steak? This Hamilton Beach product is for you.
Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill
The Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill will give you beautiful results for an affordable price. It mimics a traditional grill but with a simple, safe, indoor design. If you love to have more control over your meat, fish, or veggies and enjoy the process of grilling, this is the perfect tool for you.
Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill
The Philips Smoke-less Indoor Grill features advanced infrared technology and special reflectors to guide heat for the perfect grilled meal. The nonstick aluminum grid assures a smoke-less kitchen and its drip tray helps to limit the fat in your food. With only a high and warm setting and an automatic 446F initial heat once turned on, this product from Philips makes cooking to the perfect temperature a cinch.
What Is An Indoor Grill?
An indoor grill is a terrific household appliance that mimics a traditional outdoor gas or charcoal grill, but with the convenience of an electric system. These appliances have a heating element and grill-like cooking surface that gives the classic grill marks to your favorite foods. The main two types of indoor grills are open grills, in which food is cooked from the bottom, and folding contact grills, which cooks from both the lid and the bottom.
Because an indoor grill uses electricity and does not use charcoal or gas to heat, they are safe for indoor use and can be placed on a countertop when being used. Unlike outdoor grills, indoor grills can be used at any time of year. They are portable, convenient, and affordable.
How Do I Use An Indoor Grill?
A benefit of using an indoor grill is how easy they are to work with but be sure to always start by reading the instructions and manual since all models vary. Start by placing your grill on a sturdy countertop, making sure the unit is properly put together and the drip tray is in place, then plug in your grill into an electric outlet. If your grill offers temperature control, turn the device ON and turn to the desired temperature or setting.
Let the grill preheat for approximately 10 minutes or when the light indicator turns on. Carefully lift the lid, place food onto the grill plate, and close lid. If your device has a set timer, cook until it indicates that your food is through, otherwise cook until you’ve reached your desired temperature. Do not leave your indoor grill unattended while in use and use only plastic or wooden utensils on nonstick surfaces.
What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Grills?
The main difference between indoor and outdoor grills is the heating source. While outdoor grills require gas, propane, or charcoal in order to create a flame for heat, indoor grills require only electricity. Indoor grills are portable and can be placed on a kitchen countertop, while outdoor grills must remain outdoors for safety purposes.
Indoor grills are easier to use in that they work with a flip of a switch and often offer various cooking settings, as well as easy temperature adjustment, while outdoor grills do not. An indoor contact grill will typically cook your food faster with the use of both top and bottom heat. Cleaning is also simpler for an indoor grill with its signature nonstick coating and cooking surfaces.
What Are The Benefits Of Using An Indoor Grill?
There are many benefits to using indoor grills and the top one may be convenience. These are very versatile, convenient appliances that allow you to cook whatever you may on an outdoor grill, but inside and with direct temperature controls. If you’re new to grilling, an indoor grill is a perfect tool for you.
Indoor grills cook food very quickly and require little maintenance for cooking food evenly, especially folding contact grills. Many types of meat, especially beef or pork, have a high-fat content and indoor grills assist in limiting the fat by draining as you cook into a drip pan. You can avoid the mess while making quality, delicious meals.
What Can I Cook On An Indoor Grill?
An indoor grill is designed to cook everything you’d cook on a traditional grill, and more. Grill chicken, burgers, steak, fish, and vegetables using the grill setting on your device. Since many indoor grills are multifunctional, they also offer griddle settings and panini press settings so you can easily make eggs, pancakes, bacon, or heated sandwiches.
Flatbreads, small pizzas, and quesadillas are also not out of the question. As long as your indoor grill is set at the appropriate temperature and your food does not require liquid to cook, you have the freedom to use your indoor grill for an array of meals. These are wonderful cooking tools for families and quick weeknight meals.
Are Indoor Grills Easy To Clean?
A real benefit to using an indoor grill is how easy it is to clean. Most indoor grills come with removable, dishwasher safe plates that allow you to remove the plates and wash separately after cooking is complete. Nonstick grilling surfaces leave little crumb and mess and can be wiped down or put in the dishwasher if your device is dishwasher safe.
After you use your indoor grill, empty the drip tray and you’re set for the next delicious meal. Always read the manual for cleaning instructions so you do not harm your new cooking device. All grills are different but one thing is the same– cleanup is a breeze.
Do Indoor Grills Work Well?
Indoor grills are wonderful tools and if you choose one of the products listed above, you’ll know that you’re getting a quality product that will work great. While you may not get the classic smoke from a charcoal grill, you’ll still get a wonderful meal faster and more efficiently. Indoor grills are great for those looking for an easy-to-use appliance that offers great results.
Most indoor grills have specific temperature settings based on time or the food you are cooking, so if you’re new to grilling, this is a huge plus. Multifunctional devices also work well for cooking things you could not cook on a grill such as sandwiches and pancakes. In order to give your new grill a long life, make sure to clean after each use and use it properly.
Are Indoor Grills Healthier?
Indoor grills have a great advantage when it comes to cooking healthier meals in comparison to an outdoor grill. Most of these electric grills feature fat draining, so excess fat falls directly into the drip tray. Because the surfaces of an indoor grill are nonstick, they also require much less oil or butter in order to cook.
This makes for an all-around healthier meal with less harmful fats. Grilling meat on an outdoor grill can also produce two harmful carcinogens– heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Because the fat of your food is not hitting direct flame, indoor grills limit the production of carcinogens.
What Is A Drip Tray?
A drip tray is a removable plastic tray that has a designated position at the base of your indoor grill. This is used to catch grease and fat drippings while you cook. They are reusable and should be emptied after each use.
What Should I Consider When Buying?
When shopping for any new product, there are always a few things to look at before purchasing. With an indoor grill, you should consider the amount of food you’d like to cook and the number of people to feed. If you’re a family and want to cook a full meal in one step, look for an indoor grill that serves 6 or more.
If you’re new to grilling or want the most convenience out of your product, look for a grill that has a temperature indicator (usually a light or beep). If you’re planning on using your grill often, it’s a good idea to get an indoor grill that has removable, dishwasher safe plates. And of course, shop within your budget– you can get a quality indoor grill for an affordable price.
Are Indoor Grills Expensive?
Models of indoor grills vary in price, as they vary in size, features, and brand name. Quality indoor grills are priced between $50 and $200, with many smaller models on the lesser side.
You do not need to break the bank to get a well-made, reliable indoor grill. Additional features are optional and if you take care of your indoor grill, follow the given instructions, your grill will serve you for years to come.
The Best Indoor Grills
There you have it – our picks for the best indoor grills. These handy devices offer a fast, easy, and convenient way to grill your favorite foods.
Whether you’re new to grilling, want the flexibility of grilling any time of the year, or are in the market for an exciting, new multi-functional tool, an indoor grill is a wonderful option.
Love cooking appliances? Make sure to take a look at our other picks in the home and kitchen category.