Whether you’re short on outdoor cooking space or you’re dealing with some serious outdoor elements, there is a time and place for a reliable, indoor grill that can produce similar results to what you’d get outside. These grills are designed to be smokeless so you don’t need to worry about the local fire station knocking at your door. Not only are they approved for indoor use, but they’re usually easily transportable, meaning you can bring them out to a patio or on outdoor adventures or trips.
- 1 What to Consider When Choosing the Best Smokeless Indoor Grill
- 2 What Exactly Does Smokeless Mean
- 3 Pros And Cons Of Smokeless Indoor Grills
- 4 The Advantages of Owning the Best Smokeless Indoor Grill
- 5 Tips for Using the Best Smokeless Indoor Grills
- 6 How do smokeless grills work?
- 7 How do you clean a smokeless grill?
- 8 How is grilling on a smokeless grill different from a standard outdoor grill?
- 9 Are smokeless indoor grills completely smokeless?
- 10 Can I use a smokeless indoor grill outdoors?
- 11 Can smokeless indoor grills get hot enough to grill burgers?
- 12 How many hours can I keep my smokeless indoor grill on?
- 13 What is a smokeless indoor grill?
- 14 Are smokeless indoor grills healthy to use?
- 15 Can I cook different types of food on a smokeless indoor grill?
- 16 What is the cost range of a smokeless indoor grill?
- 17 Is a smokeless grill worth it?
Maybe you’re lucky enough to spend summer outside flipping burgers on the grill. But not everyone has a backyard or deck for an outdoor grill. And what if you want to grill in the off-season? Our pros have a solution: an indoor grill. These appliances are small enough to fit on your countertop and work great for burgers, chicken, vegetables and more. Best of all, food will look (and taste!) like you grilled it outside.
Grilling outdoors with a charcoal or a gas grill is an excellent way to prepare a meal, but cooking outside isn’t always possible. Inclement weather can sideline an outdoor grill. And those who live in an apartment or a condo might not have the option to cook outdoors. In these cases, fortunately, smokeless indoor grills make it possible to grill inside right in the kitchen.
These electric smokeless grills are suitable for indoor use because they use an electric heating element that can heat a cooking surface to temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit without creating exhaust fumes or smoke. Some of them require the user to add water to built-in reservoirs in order to make them smokeless. Others have fans or unique patented systems that drive the smoke downward.Unlike their larger cousins, indoor grills are small enough to sit on countertops and store in cabinets. Such countertop grills range from budget-priced single temperature models for one or two people to grills with smart cooking features that can create a meal for six or more.
10 Best Smokeless Indoor Grills for 2023：Our Top Picks
- BEST OVERALL:George Foreman 9-Serving Basic Plate Electric Grill
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
- UPGRADE PICK:George Foreman GFO240S Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
- BEST SMALL:PowerXL Smokeless Grill with Tempered Glass Lid
- BEST LARGE:Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
- Best Design:Techwood Indoor Grill Smokeless Grill
- Most Versatile:Power XL Smokeless Electric Indoor Removable Grill
- BEST SMART GRILL:GoWISE GW88000 2-in-1 Smokeless Indoor Grill
- Best for Fast Cooking:Panini Press by Cuisinart
- Best for Big Groups:George Foreman
With so many options, selecting the best indoor electric grill can be daunting. We tested the following models with an array of food items, ranging from proteins including steak and fish to vegetables such as brussels sprouts and asparagus, to see how they fared. We included common items, condiments, and sauces suited to a variety of diets, from vegan to gluten- and dairy-free to flexitarian, to see if they would produce smoke. And we explored every feature of the smokeless indoor grills, pressing sandwiches in folding grills and air-frying potatoes or roasting poultry under lids where warranted.
We will define what indoor smokeless grills are, how they work, and which ones are the top choices based on our research, consumer feedback, and reviews . Below are the best smokeless indoor grills and our own opinions and test results on each.
#1.George Foreman 9-Serving Basic Plate Electric Grill
Pros
- Most affordable grill on our list
- Easy to clean
- Stores upright for small spaces
Cons
- Small cooking surface
The bottom plate on this model has higher edges that help to make a tight seal for fast cooking and drainage holes built right in to help with smoky smells and cleanup. It’s also great for anyone with limited counter or storage space, as it can be stored upright when not in use.
#2.Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Pros
- The Foodi Smart Cook System allows you to set the type of meat you are grilling, the doneness levels, and that’s it. The grill does the work for you. This is a “smart indoor smokeless electric machine.”
- Dual cooking surfaces, top and bottom heat reflectors ensure food cooks evenly.
- Includes a meat probe that monitors the meat’s internal temperature to achieve the right doneness level during the grilling process.
- Enough heat output to grill steaks.
- Ceramic coating helps with cleaning.
- Includes a cleaning brush.
- 6 in 1 – Advanced control panel with multiple cooking functions and protein settings – Half Grill, Half Air Fryer, Half panini press, griddle, you get the point!
- Even heat distribution, cooks food evenly.( two smokeless contact plates )
Cons
- It would be nice if it had a glass lid as found in other indoor grills. But remember, this smokeless grill is pretty much autonomous. Also, in place of a tempered glass lid, you get a second heating contact for even grilling.
You can use the Ninja Foodi 6 in 1 to grill, as a panini press, or for air frying. This grill has four pre-programmed settings for cooking different kinds of meat and nine temperature settings for cooking to different levels of doneness. The Ninja Foodi does most of the cooking for you, making it easy to use and almost autonomous. This grill can get as hot as 500 degrees Fahrenheit with its many heat settings.
The Foodi Smart XL 6 grilling is great at maintaining a strong and steady temperature during the cooking process and can also be used as an electric indoor searing grill, as well as to achieve nice grill marks on steaks.
#3.George Foreman GFO240S Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Pros
- Large enough to cook for a crowd
- Easy-to-clean grill plate
- Can also be used outdoors
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Grill plate isn’t removable
- Will need dedicated storage space
This has the iconic sloped nonstick surface that funnels the fat off meat, with five heat settings. The domed lid helps to circulate the heat to promote even cooking, while keeping steam away from your food. It does come with a removable stand for use outside, though our testing team did find it to be a little unstable.
We noted impeccable, uniform grill marks when making toast from white bread and assessed even heating after grilling fresh zucchini, chicken breasts, and a flank steak. At most, it produced small whiffs of smoke with the steak. Though our testers did observe the grill plate getting up to 600 degrees, it might be best to keep it below 500 degrees when cooking inside.
The bubbly design will remind you of an outdoor grill, but our testers noticed it didn’t have a common George Foreman feature: a lid hook for storage when it’s time to flip the burgers. Clean up was easy though. The grease drip tray can be placed in the dishwasher and the grill plate is easy to wipe down since it’s not removable.
#4.PowerXL Smokeless Grill with Tempered Glass Lid
Pros
- Clear tempered-glass lid keeps odors in and allows cooks to monitor food
- Grease management system slides out to make cleanup easier
- Interchangeable griddle and grills plates are easy to clean and add versatility
Cons
- Pricey compared to other indoor grills
- Requires the addition of water to become smokeless
- Short cord limits flexibility of placement; an extension cord might be necessary in some kitchens
While the PowerXL Smokeless Grill doesn’t duplicate the feel of an outdoor grill, it comes close, making it a worthy choice for those looking for an indoor grill experience that mimics their backyard barbecue. The grill consists of a cooking grate that is recessed into a rectangular body. This design helps the grill generate ample heat for searing a brown char on meat while also creating space for heat circulation when covered.
We found this helpful when cooking food like fish because it traps the aromas, allowing the user to open it only once or twice near a window or oven fan. It also has its own fan, keeping the whole appliance from overheating.
A drip tray that slides out from the bottom made post-barbecue cleanup relatively easy. With its 108 square inches of cooking surface, the grill is large enough to cook three steaks or a half dozen burgers while remaining small enough to store in a kitchen cabinet. Two cooking surfaces—a griddle and grill grate—add versatility, making the PowerXL both a traditional and a flat-top grill ideal for families or hosts who like to throw parties.
#5.Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Pros
- Lid includes viewing window so you can keep an eye on cooking
- Lightweight
- Dishwasher-safe grill plate and drip tray
Cons
- Users complain that the cord is very short
While our pros have not yet tested this model, a similar discontinued Hamilton Beach indoor grill was previously a top pick, and the brand’s products have performed well across tests by being straightforward to use and easy to clean. We like this grill for small kitchens because, at just over 8 pounds, it’s easy to store away or move around to create space as needed. The grill plate and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
#6.Techwood Indoor Grill Smokeless Grill
Pros
- Clear Lid – easy to keep and eye on the food.
- Easy to Clean – removable and dishwasher-safe drip tray.
- Simple to use digital control.
- Removable grill grate and grease pan.
- Smokeless – has a built in extractor fan.
- This indoor electric grill is very affordable.
Cons
- Basic grill – no automation
- No dual contact heating.
It features a drip tray to collect fat and grease, which is removable and dishwasher safe.This grill’s wattage is 1500 watts and features a digital temperature control and a built-in smoke fan extractor. So this grill falls more in the true “smokeless” category of the Ninja and the XL but at a fraction of the price.
#7.Power XL Smokeless Electric Indoor Removable Grill
Pros
- Impressive fan completely eliminates smoke and steam
- Both grill and griddle
- Lid seals well
Cons
- A lot to clean
- Somewhat uneven cooking
- No timer
While you might not use the lid for grilling steaks, it is definitely desirable when you’re trying to melt cheese on a burger or keep food warm after it’s been cooked. The well-designed water tray eliminates any dangerous flare-ups while taking in any smoke odor. This way, your food will stay moist and juicy while it cooks.
This grill includes both a grill plate and griddle plate, so you can use it for sear marks on your steak or for a crispy fried egg in the morning. Both of these plates are nonstick ceramic coated, making them just as easy to use as they are to clean.This way, the smoke didn’t have a chance to escape. When the tester fired up the grill to cook a steak, there wasn’t even a wisp of visible smoke, which is great news for you and your smoke detector.
#8.GoWISE GW88000 2-in-1 Smokeless Indoor Grill
Pros
- Interchangeable grill/griddle allow preparation of a variety of foods
- Comes with recipe book that inspires meal ideas for new and adventurous cooks
- Heats to 482 degrees Fahrenheit to give food an authentic barbeque taste
Cons
- Handles on grill/griddle aren’t cool-touch; requires extra care, especially around children
- Heat control knob doesn’t display temperature
- Fan is louder than expected, which is inconvenient when entertaining
The two interchangeable griddle and grill plates allow a variety of foods to be prepared, including pancakes, eggs, steak, and burgers. It’s also great for fare that requires browning on the outside and quick heating in the middle like quesadillas or grilled cheese. We liked that the griddle is equally useful for a variety of sauteed and stir-fried dishes ranging from rice to proteins and/or veggies that get stuffed into pita bread. We also found it convenient to keep one plate ready to go with raw ingredients while other items were already being cooked. That said, we had to be careful about removing one cooking plate and replacing it with the other as their small metal handles do get hot.
To keep the air clean and the grill “smokeless,” we added water to the bottom of the drip tray, which is cooled by a rather loud built-in fan during cooking. The fat and grease from the cooking surface above drop into the cooled liquid, neutralizing any smoke. The grill, griddle, and drip tray are removable and dishwasher-safe, while its slim profile makes it easy to store when not in use.
#9.Panini Press by Cuisinart
Pros
- Nonstick dishwasher-safe cooking plates
- Opens flat for griddling and grilling
- Compact size
Cons
- Bottom plate heats more than top
- Hidden drip tray easy to forget when cleaning
The reversible plates offer five major functions including a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle, which gives you the option to whip up anything from burgers to sandwiches to eggs to bacon to pancakes. Simply adjust the dial to opt for “griddle” for flat-lay cooking or “grill/panini” for closed-top cooking. Once you’ve selected the cooking surface, you can adjust the left and right dials to control the temperature easily.
One feature that our tester noted as a huge plus was that it’s super nonstick, too. When burned-on cheese dribbled onto the grates during testing, it slid off easily, making cleanup a dream. The removable plates are easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher. While the grill is cooking, grease is being drained into a convenient drip tray that’s similarly removable and simple to clean. In fact, this tray is hidden, which makes for a more appealing look, as well.
#10.George Foreman
Pros
- Adjustable 1-inch hinge accommodates cooking thicker steaks or veggies
- Adjustable grilling angle, hinged legs, and nonstick coating allow for easy grease runoff
- Space-saving design is great for couples and convenient to leave on the counter
Cons
- Small cooking surface won’t be enough to cook for a family or a group of friends
- No temperature control makes it hard to be consistent when cooking
- No presets or timers means all measurements must be external
This classic countertop electric grill can hold two burger patties, and it heats up quickly, offering a quick, easy, and affordable way to cut fat and avoid char. It cooks most foods in 10 minutes or less.And while it’s sleeker and slimmer, it’s now also three times as tough. The nonstick coating on the grill plates is also free of PFOA.
The grill is equipped with a cool-touch handle at the front. An indicator light on the top of the grill enables users to see when the grill is on or off. It weighs only a bit more than 3 pounds and has just enough cooking space to prepare a meal for one or two people. We experimented with setting the legs on an angle to let grease slide out, or set it flat to make it into a panini press. We also adjusted the hinge to account for thicker steaks, burgers, fish, and chops.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Smokeless Indoor Grill
Choosing the right size of grill with the right features at a price that stays under budget is crucial. Read on to learn more about the various sizes, options, and cooking features indoor grills offer.
Smokeless Operation
Outdoor grills create smoke in part because of the fuel they burn, but also because they burn drippings that create smoke and char. For an indoor-use rating, a grill can’t produce the smoke that outdoor gas, charcoal, or wood-burning grills create. Smokeless indoor grills use electricity, which does not create fumes.
Whereas outdoor grills have open grates that allow the drippings to fall into the firebox, smokeless indoor grills have closed grates and direct drippings to a grease management system that prevents the grease from burning and creating smoke. Instead, they direct the grease to a removable tray.
Size and Cooking Surface
Smokeless indoor grills are much smaller than outdoor grills, so the user can easily store them in a cabinet when not in use. Indoor grills range in size from 40 square inches to as much as 135 square inches, which is considerably smaller than the 400 to 500 square inches the average outdoor grill offers. Unlike gas and charcoal grills, electric smokeless grills are limited by the 1,800 watts a standard 120-volt outlet can supply, which is only enough to evenly heat a surface area of around 100 square inches.
The cooking surface affects the overall size of the grill, which is important to consider when determining where the grill will live when it’s not in use, as well as how much valuable counter space it will occupy when in use. Most indoor countertop grills measure about 20 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
Temperature Control and Range
Electric smokeless grills vary in the types of temperature controls they have. Lower-end models may only have one of two temperature options, while higher-end models can have many. Smokeless indoor grills with a broad range of temperature options have knobs or digital controls that allow the user to set the grill surface to a specific temperature.
Smokeless indoor grills can cook at a wide range of temperatures ranging from as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lid
Similar to outdoor grills, most smokeless indoor grills feature lids. Lid styles include tempered-glass models that are similar to those found on kitchen pots and pans. Glass lids allow the chef to monitor the food without removing the lid. Some smokeless indoor grills use the same clamshell design that is standard on outdoor gas grills.
With their concave shape, these electric smokeless grills better circulate heat evenly throughout the grill chamber. This lid style also allows the user to open the lid more easily to turn the food. Press-style grills do not use lids. Instead, the “lid” side of the grill consists of a second burner that presses down on the top of the food, grilling both sides of the food at the same time.
Cleanup
Smokeless indoor grills are designed to be easy to clean after the grilling is over. They have removable trays that catch the drippings, and most electric smokeless grills have components that break down into individual pieces, making it easier to clean when the grilling is over. The cooking grates or plates detach from the grill body, so they can be cleaned in the sink or even placed in the dishwasher.
Additional Features
Smokeless indoor grills range from affordably priced single-temperature models to expensive high-end models that are loaded with extras that make them more versatile. These additional features include interchangeable griddle and grate cooking plates and “smart” settings that can automatically grill food to a preset temperature. Some high-end models function as more than just a grill, with air-frying, roasting, baking, and even dehydrating functions.
What Exactly Does Smokeless Mean
Many consumers mistake electric cooking gadgets such as skillets for smokeless grills. There are some similarities between smokeless indoor grills and electric skillets, but the main differences are the power of the heating element, the way grease is collected, and the fact that high-end models have built-in grease and food smoke extraction systems.
So, by definition and true meaning of the word “smokeless”, the grill must have a built-in smoke extractor, so it is better suited for indoor use at home. However, an electric grill can fall under the “smokeless indoor” category, meaning that it does not burn any combustible fuel like charcoal or pellets.
Some indoor grills in the “smokeless” category use heating elements and contact plates to cook the food.
Indoor smokeless grills are also commonly referred to as “contact grills.” The reason for this is that an electric resistance heats the grill plates, and when the food comes into contact with the plates, heat is transferred to the food, thereby cooking it. Most indoor grills cook by direct contact.Technology plays a big part in these indoor grills. For those wanting to grill food easily, you will be happy to see all the automation systems and pre-programmed cooking style modes eliminate all the guesswork and monitoring. Set it, and forget it.
Pros And Cons Of Smokeless Indoor Grills
As with every cooking and electric appliance, there are always pros and cons. The following is a list of a few pros and cons every buyer should be aware of.
Pros
- Best way to cook indoors
- Easy to use – their electronics and cooking modes on this indoor grills do all the work for you.
- Affordable
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Taste – yeap, you guessed it! Since you are not burning charcoal or wood, there isn’t a taste of authentic barbecue flavor. But we will tell you about ways to fix that.
- Limits on what you can grill – Most smokeless grills are small and meant to cook small cuts of meat like grilled chicken breasts and pork chops but don’t think you can roast a pork shoulder.
- Not the well suited for grilling outdoors or be exposed to the elements.
The Advantages of Owning the Best Smokeless Indoor Grill
Those living in an apartment with no means of grilling outdoors or looking for a way to continue grilling when the weather outside is frightful will find plenty of reasons to own a smokeless indoor grill. First and foremost, it allows a cook to grill inside while still taking advantage of all that a full kitchen has to offer. Electric smokeless grills might not have the max temperatures offered by charcoal and gas models, but they allow for more precise temperature control and cooking food to temperature easier. Smokeless indoor grills, with their grease-management systems, ability to break down into separate parts, and significantly smaller size, are easier to clean and maintain.
- Precise temperature controls
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Grill in the comfort of a full indoor kitchen
Tips for Using the Best Smokeless Indoor Grills
There are a few tips to keep in mind when using a smokeless indoor grill. As with outdoor grills, give the grill some time to preheat. Most electric smokeless grills take about 10 minutes to reach their full temperature. This is especially important for searing burgers or steaks. Help reduce smoke by properly preparing your meat, fish, or vegetables. If the item is marinated, remove excess marinade and small particles of herbs or garlic, all of which will burn at lower temperatures, creating smoke.
Ventilate the kitchen and turn on your range’s fan to circulate air. When grilling, resist the urge to fiddle with the items. Leave steaks, chops, burgers, fish, and plant-based proteins alone for the recommended time on each side to ensure you get those perfect grill marks. It’s much easier to remove charred food when the grill is hot versus when it’s cold. Make cleanup easier by scraping the grill grates with a brush while the grill is still hot.
Finally, don’t forget to read the directions and follow them to ensure you’re using your electric smokeless grill properly. Many of them require you to fill a well with water that traps the smoke before you begin.
- Preheat the grill before cooking
- Remove sugary marinades that can burn at low temperatures
- Ventilate kitchen
- Give food time to cook before turning
How we test indoor grills
Our analysts evaluate the grill in action with boneless, skinless chicken breast as well as burgers, noting how many patties will fit on a grill to help determine what size group each grill can feed.
In addition, our experts rate how easy the grill is to set up, whether it has a drip tray and how successfully it prevents messes, how the temperature control works, how helpful the user manual is and how easy the grill is to clean.To determine how evenly each indoor grill cooks, our analysts completely cover the cooking grate with sliced white bread. The slices are assessed for even browning as well as even grill marks. Our pros also note how long it takes to achieve dark-golden grill marks on each slice.
FAQs
How do smokeless grills work?
Smokeless grills are any indoor appliance that mimic the cooking process of an outdoor grill, yet do not let off enough smoke to trigger your smoke alarm. Instead of direct, open flames, these appliances use a number of different electric heat sources that are completely safe for indoor use. By using temperature-controlled grill grates, water-filled drip pans, splatter shields, lids, and cool air zones, these grills are designed cleverly so that they can be used in confined areas.[1]How Do Smokeless Grills Work?
How do you clean a smokeless grill?
Before cleaning your electric grill, it’s important to ensure that the grill is unplugged, powered off, and completely cooled down. From there, you should take off any grates or attachments that can be washed separately. Check the user manual to see if the parts are dishwasher safe. If not, you should wash them in warm, soapy water. Wipe any surface that comes into contact with food as well as the exterior of the grill. Let it air dry before plugging it back in for usage.[2]How to Clean the Indoor Power Smokeless Grill
How is grilling on a smokeless grill different from a standard outdoor grill?
A standard outdoor grill (whether it’s charcoal or gas) involves live, open fire, whereas an indoor grill does not. Both indoor and outdoor grills can use surfaces such as griddles or grill grates, but an indoor grill does not have open flames or heavy smoke because this is not safe for contained use. Foods cook similarly on an indoor grill as an outdoor grill, however you’ll miss the heavy char and smoky flavor of an outdoor grill when using a smokeless grill.
Are smokeless indoor grills completely smokeless?
While smokeless indoor grills will produce far less smoke than a charcoal or even gas grill, they will produce some exhaust fumes. Just as cooking at high temperatures on a range with a frying pan will produce smoke, so too will an indoor grill. Indoor grills will produce the most smoke when they are being used to sear meat.
Can I use a smokeless indoor grill outdoors?
Yes. It is safe to use a smokeless indoor grill outdoors but only in dry weather. Since indoor grills use electricity for power, they can short out or even create an electrocution hazard if exposed to water. Use your electric smokeless grill outside in good weather, then bring it back inside immediately afterward to store.
Can smokeless indoor grills get hot enough to grill burgers?
Yes. In fact, some smokeless indoor grills can reach a temperature of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is plenty of heat to grill a burger.
How many hours can I keep my smokeless indoor grill on?
There are no limitations for how long you can keep a smokeless indoor grill on; however, it’s not a good idea to heat the grill for long periods with no food on it. Doing so can damage the grates or the griddle.
What is a smokeless indoor grill?
A smokeless indoor grill is a type of indoor electric grill that uses technology to reduce the amount of smoke produced during cooking.
Are smokeless indoor grills healthy to use?
Smokeless indoor grills can be a healthy cooking option as they allow you to cook with little or no oil, preserving the nutrients and flavor of your food.[3]Can Indoor Grills Be Non-Toxic?
Can I cook different types of food on a smokeless indoor grill?
Yes, you can cook a variety of foods on a smokeless indoor grill, including meat, fish, vegetables, and more.[4]6 Easy and Savory Smokeless Indoor Grill Recipes
What is the cost range of a smokeless indoor grill?
The cost of a smokeless indoor grill can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the brand, size, and features.
Is a smokeless grill worth it?
If you love grilling and you want to do it all over the year, an indoor grill is worth your investment. Smokeless indoor grills are sold at affordable prices and offer a lot of conveniences while grilling. Also, they feature a compact design, making them portable and occupy less space in your kitchen.[5]Is a smokeless grill worth it?
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