Indoor grills make it possible to cook burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, sandwiches, and other grilled foods without relying on outdoor space or good weather. The best model depends on whether you want open-grill cooking, contact grilling, griddle capability, air frying, smoke management, or a combination of several cooking functions.
This guide compares current indoor grills by cooking surface, heat control, smoke management, versatility, cleaning, counter space, and everyday value.
Best Indoor Grills at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Cooking Style | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Thermometer (DG551) | Best Overall | Open grill + air fryer | Built-in thermometer and multi-function cooking |
| Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) | Best Simple Indoor Grill | Open grill + griddle | 500°F heat and interchangeable plates |
| Cuisinart Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode (GR-6SNAS) | Best Versatile Contact Grill | Contact grill + griddle | Multiple cooking positions and smoke-less mode |
| Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Grill & Griddle (GX101) | Best Large Grill/Griddle Combo | Open grill + griddle | Extra-large cooking surface |
| Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer (EG201) | Best Compact Multi-Function Pick | Open grill + air fryer | Compact multi-function design |
| Hamilton Beach Searing Grill (25361) | Best Traditional Indoor Grill | Covered open grill | Simple searing-focused design |
Our Top Indoor Grill Picks
Ninja Foodi XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Thermometer (DG551)
The Ninja Foodi XL DG551 is a multi-function countertop grill that combines high-heat grilling with air frying and several additional cooking modes. Its built-in thermometer helps users monitor doneness without repeatedly opening the unit.
- 6 cooking functions
- Up to 500°F grilling heat
- Built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer
- XL grill grate for larger batches
- Air fry capability
- Designed for indoor countertop use
It offers more flexibility than a basic indoor grill and can replace several countertop cooking functions for households that actually use the extra modes.
It is larger and more complex than a simple grill. Buyers who only want straightforward grilling may not need the extra cooking functions.
Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101)
The Ninja Sizzle GR101 focuses on simple open-surface cooking. It includes interchangeable grill and griddle plates and reaches high temperatures for indoor searing.
- 14 x 9-inch cooking surface
- Interchangeable grill and griddle plates
- Up to 500°F
- Low-smoke design
- Suitable for approximately 4–6 servings
It is easier to understand than larger multi-function machines and works well for users who mainly want grilling and griddling without a long list of extra modes.
It does not provide the air-frying versatility of the DG551 and still requires enough open counter space for the wide cooking surface.
Cuisinart Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode (GR-6SNAS)
The Cuisinart GR-6SNAS combines contact grilling and flat griddle cooking in a hinged design. It can be used closed for pressing foods or opened flat for a larger cooking surface.
- Multiple grill and griddle configurations
- Smoke-less cooking mode
- Independent temperature control
- 175°F to 450°F temperature range
- Opens flat for larger cooking area
It is a practical choice for households that want one machine for panini-style contact grilling, flat griddle cooking, burgers, vegetables, and other countertop meals.
Its contact-grill format feels different from an open barbecue-style grill, so buyers who want a more traditional grill surface may prefer the Ninja Sizzle models.
Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Indoor Grill & Griddle (GX101)
The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL GX101 expands on the Sizzle concept with a larger cooking surface. It is aimed at households that want the simplicity of an open grill and griddle but need more room for larger batches.
- Extra-large cooking surface
- Grill and griddle functionality
- Larger cooking area than the GR101
- Designed for indoor countertop use
- Suitable for batch cooking and larger households
The larger surface is useful when cooking for more people without moving to a bulky outdoor grill.
The main advantage is size, which also means it requires more counter and storage space than compact indoor grills.
Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill & Air Fryer (EG201)
The Ninja Foodi EG201 combines indoor grilling and air frying in a more compact format than the larger XL models. It is a practical option for smaller households that still want more than one cooking function.
- Indoor grilling
- Air frying
- Multi-function countertop design
- Smaller footprint than larger XL models
- Good fit for smaller households
It offers useful multi-function cooking without requiring the full footprint of the larger DG551.
The smaller size means less cooking capacity, so it may not be the best choice for large families or batch cooking.
Hamilton Beach Searing Grill (25361)
The Hamilton Beach 25361 is a more traditional covered indoor grill that focuses on straightforward searing rather than multi-function cooking. The removable grill plate and drip tray help simplify cleanup.
- Covered indoor grill design
- Searing-focused cooking
- Removable grill plate
- Removable drip tray
- Simple controls
It suits buyers who want a simpler grill without paying for air frying, smart thermometers, or multiple cooking programs.
It is an older, more traditional design and lacks the versatility and advanced controls found on newer multi-function models.
How We Chose the Best Indoor Grills
We compared indoor grills based on cooking surface, heat control, smoke management, versatility, cleaning, machine size, removable parts, and how well each design matches a specific household need.
We also separated different styles of indoor grilling. An open grill, contact grill, grill-and-griddle combo, and grill-air-fryer combination all serve slightly different users.
How to Choose an Indoor Grill
Choose the Cooking Style
Open grills feel closer to traditional grilling because food sits on a heated grate or plate. Contact grills cook from both sides and are useful for sandwiches, burgers, and pressed foods. Grill-and-griddle combinations add a flat cooking surface for breakfast foods and other meals.
Consider Smoke Management
Indoor grills are not literally smoke-free. Grease, marinades, and high-fat foods can still produce smoke. Models marketed as smokeless or low-smoke usually rely on plate design, grease management, airflow, or controlled heating to reduce visible smoke.
If smoke reduction is your priority, see our Best Smokeless Indoor Grills guide.
Check Cooking Surface Size
A small cooking plate may be enough for one or two people, while larger households benefit from wider surfaces that can handle multiple burgers, chicken pieces, or vegetables at once.
Look at Temperature Control
Higher maximum temperatures can help with browning and searing, while adjustable controls make it easier to cook different foods without relying on one fixed heat setting.
Decide Whether You Need Extra Functions
Some indoor grills add air frying, roasting, baking, or dehydration. These functions are valuable if they replace other appliances you already use, but they also increase size and complexity.
Check Cleaning Requirements
Removable grill plates, griddle plates, grease trays, and dishwasher-safe parts can make ownership much easier. Non-removable cooking surfaces may require more careful wiping and maintenance.
See our How to Clean an Indoor Grill guide for a practical maintenance overview.
Measure Counter and Storage Space
Indoor grills can be wide, deep, and heavy. Check not only whether the unit fits on the counter, but also where you will store it if it is not used every day.
Indoor Grill vs Outdoor Grill
Indoor grills prioritize convenience, year-round use, and smaller spaces. Outdoor grills generally provide larger cooking surfaces, stronger ventilation, and a more traditional grilling environment.
If you are deciding between the two, read our Indoor Grill vs Outdoor Grill comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are indoor grills really smokeless?
No indoor grill can guarantee zero smoke in every situation. Low-smoke or smokeless designs are intended to reduce visible smoke, but cooking fat, marinades, food type, and temperature still affect smoke production.
Can an indoor grill replace an outdoor grill?
It can replace some everyday grilling tasks, especially for apartments, small kitchens, or bad-weather cooking. It does not fully replicate the size, airflow, fuel choices, or outdoor cooking environment of a traditional gas or charcoal grill.
What foods can you cook on an indoor grill?
Depending on the model, indoor grills can cook burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, fish, sandwiches, breakfast foods, and other foods that are compatible with the grill or griddle surface.
Are indoor grills good for apartments?
They can be practical for apartments because they use electricity and do not require an outdoor fuel source. However, users should still consider ventilation, smoke, local building rules, and available counter space.
How do you clean an indoor grill?
Allow it to cool, remove and wash approved removable plates and grease trays, wipe the body with a damp cloth, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Do not immerse the electrical base in water.
Final Thoughts
The best indoor grill depends on whether you value maximum versatility, simple grilling, a large cooking surface, smoke management, or compact size.
The Ninja Foodi XL DG551 is the strongest all-around choice for multi-function cooking, while the Ninja Sizzle GR101 is better for simple grill-and-griddle use. The Cuisinart GR-6SNAS stands out for contact-grill flexibility, and larger households may prefer the expanded surface of the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL.