Electric Grills: Top Smokeless Options for Indoor & Outdoor Cooking

Electric grills have come a long way in recent years, offering a convenient and smokeless alternative to traditional gas and charcoal grills. Whether you’re looking for an indoor option for year-round grilling or a portable outdoor electric grill for your patio or balcony, there are now excellent choices available to suit every need and budget. We’ve tested and reviewed the top electric grills on the market to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best options for 2025. From powerful outdoor models to compact indoor grills perfect for apartments, we’ll cover the key features to look for and our top recommendations to help you find the perfect electric grill for your cooking style.

How to Choose the Best Electric Grill

When shopping for an electric grill, consider the following factors to ensure you select the best option for your needs:

1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Determine whether you need a grill for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. Some models are versatile enough for both settings.
2. Cooking Surface Area: Consider how many people you typically cook for and choose a grill with an appropriate cooking surface area.
3. Power and Temperature Range: Look for grills with higher wattage for faster heating and higher maximum temperatures, especially if you want to achieve a good sear on meats.
4. Portability: If you plan to move your grill around or take it on trips, consider the weight and design features like foldable legs or carrying handles.
5. Ease of Cleaning: Nonstick surfaces and removable parts make cleaning much easier. Some grills even have dishwasher-safe components.
6. Additional Features: Look for extras like temperature controls, lid windows, warming racks, or side tables that might enhance your grilling experience.
7. Build Quality and Durability: Especially for outdoor grills, look for sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials.
8. Price and Warranty: Consider your budget and the warranty offered. Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more for a longer warranty and better build quality.

The Best Electric Grills for 2025

George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill – Best Overall

The George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill takes our top spot for its versatility and generous cooking capacity. This circular grill offers 240 square inches of nonstick cooking surface, enough to cook for a crowd of up to 15 people. The removable stand allows you to easily transition between outdoor patio use and indoor countertop grilling.

Highlights

• Large 240 square inch cooking surface
• Removable stand for indoor/outdoor versatility
• George Tough nonstick coating for easy cleaning
• Adjustable temperature control
• Apartment approved
• Fat-removing slope

Specifications

• Dimensions: 22.2 x 20.5 x 13 inches
• Weight: 21 pounds
• Power: 1600 watts
• Temperature Range: Up to 400°F

With its powerful 1600-watt heating element, this George Foreman grill heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures for even cooking. The sloped grilling surface helps drain away excess fat, making it a healthier option for grilling meats. The nonstick coating ensures easy food release and quick cleanup.

Customer Reviews

1. “Perfect for apartment living! I use it on my balcony and love how easy it is to clean.”
2. “Great for large family gatherings. We can cook for everyone at once.”
3. “Heats up fast and cooks evenly. The adjustable temp control is very handy.”

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Weber Q1400 Electric Grill – Best Outdoor Electric Grill

For those seeking a high-quality outdoor electric grill, the Weber Q1400 Electric Grill delivers exceptional performance in a compact package. This sturdy grill features porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that provide excellent heat retention and distribution for perfect sear marks.

Highlights

• Powerful 1560-watt heating element
• Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
• Cast aluminum lid and body for durability
• Infinite control burner valve settings
• 6-foot grounded cord
• Fully assembled out of box

Specifications

• Dimensions: 23.5 x 27 x 20.5 inches
• Weight: 29.5 pounds
• Cooking Area: 189 square inches
• Cord Length: 6 feet

The Weber Q1400 heats up quickly and can reach high temperatures, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality sear marks on your steaks and burgers. Its compact size makes it perfect for small patios, balconies, or even tailgating.

Customer Reviews

1. “Amazed at how well this electric grill performs. Gets hot enough for a great sear.”
2. “Built like a tank. Should last for years with proper care.”
3. “Perfect for my condo balcony where gas grills aren’t allowed.”

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Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill – Best for Small Spaces

The Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill is an excellent option for those with limited outdoor space. This grill uses Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared technology to provide even heating and prevent flare-ups, resulting in juicier food with less charring.

Highlights

• TRU-Infrared cooking technology for even heat
• 320 square inches of total cooking space
• Porcelain-coated steel grates for easy cleaning
• Adjustable temperature control knob
• Electric powered – no propane needed

Specifications

• Dimensions: 24.4 x 25.2 x 38.2 inches
• Weight: 40 pounds
• Power: 1750 watts
• Temperature Range: Up to 450°F

The Patio Bistro’s compact design is perfect for small decks or patios, while still offering enough cooking space for a family meal. The infrared technology ensures even heat distribution and reduces flare-ups for safer, more consistent cooking.

Customer Reviews

1. “Love the infrared technology. Food comes out juicy and evenly cooked.”
2. “Perfect size for my small balcony. Easy to assemble and use.”
3. “Heats up quickly and maintains temperature well. Great for steaks and burgers.”

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Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill – Best Portable

The Cuisinart CEG-980 Outdoor Electric Grill is our top pick for portability. This compact grill is perfect for camping trips, tailgating, or any outdoor adventure where you want to bring the grilling experience with you.

Highlights

• Lightweight and portable design
• 145 square inch grilling surface
• Telescoping VersaStand for easy setup and storage
• Powerful 1500-watt heating element
• Cooks 8 burgers, 8 steaks, or 6-10 chicken breasts
• Plugs into standard electric outlet

Specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 11.8 x 17.6 inches (with stand)
• Weight: 17 pounds
• Cooking Area: 145 square inches
• Voltage: 120V/60Hz

The Cuisinart CEG-980 features a telescoping VersaStand, which allows you to set it up as a freestanding grill or use it as a tabletop model. Despite its compact size, it still offers 145 square inches of grilling space, enough for about 8 burgers at once.

Customer Reviews

1. “Perfect for camping trips. Easy to transport and set up.”
2. “Surprised by how well it cooks for its size. Great for small gatherings.”
3. “Love the versatility of the stand. Works great on a table or on its own.”

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Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill – Best Indoor

For year-round grilling indoors, the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill is our top choice. This compact indoor grill is designed to achieve high searing temperatures while minimizing smoke, making it perfect for apartment dwellers or those who want to grill regardless of the weather.

Highlights

• High searing temperature of 450°F
• PFAS-free removable nonstick grill plate
• Adjustable temperature control
• Viewing window in the lid
• Precise cooking with adjustable temperature
• Convenient power & preheat lights

Specifications

• Dimensions: 12.4 x 16.7 x 6.8 inches
• Weight: 8.14 pounds
• Cooking Area: 118 square inches (serves 6)
• Power: 1200 watts

The Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill features a unique design that helps reduce smoke by catching grease in a removable tray. The adjustable temperature control allows you to set the perfect heat for whatever you’re grilling, while the lid with a viewing window lets you monitor your food without letting heat escape.

Customer Reviews

1. “Great for indoor grilling. Minimal smoke and easy to clean.”
2. “Love the searing capability. Gets nice grill marks on steaks.”
3. “Perfect size for cooking for two. Heats up quickly and evenly.”

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Techwood 15-Serving Electric Grill – Best Value

The Techwood 15-Serving Electric Grill offers great value for those who want a versatile indoor/outdoor electric grill without breaking the bank. This grill provides ample cooking space and a range of features typically found on more expensive models.

Highlights

• Large 240 square inch cooking surface
• Double layer design with warming rack
• Removable stand for indoor/outdoor use
• Sensitive temperature regulator
• Fast heating with 1600 watts of power
• No charcoal, no propane, no flare-ups

Specifications

• Dimensions: 19.6 x 16.9 x 31.8 inches (with stand)
• Weight: 16.65 pounds
• Temperature Range: Up to 450°F
• Power: 1600 watts

The Techwood grill features a double-layer design with a warming rack, allowing you to keep food warm while continuing to grill. The removable stand makes it easy to transition from outdoor to indoor use, and the nonstick grill plate ensures easy cleaning.

Customer Reviews

1. “Great value. Performs well both indoors and outdoors.”
2. “Love the large cooking surface. Perfect for family barbecues.”
3. “Heats up quickly and maintains temperature well. Easy to clean too.”

See at Amazon

Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Indoor Electric Grill – Best Budget

If you’re looking for an affordable indoor grilling solution, the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Indoor Electric Grill is our top budget pick. This compact grill is perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms, offering a surprisingly good grilling experience at a very accessible price point.

Highlights

• Compact design ideal for small spaces
• Nonstick grilling surface
• Adjustable temperature control
• Cool-touch base and handles for safety
• Dishwasher safe removable grilling plate
• Tempered glass lid

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 4 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Cooking Area: 14 inch circular grilling surface (serves 6)
• Power: 1300 watts

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Elite Gourmet grill offers features like adjustable temperature control and a nonstick grilling surface. The circular design allows for even heat distribution, while the cool-touch base and handles ensure safe handling.

Customer Reviews

1. “Great little grill. Perfect for my studio apartment.”
2. “Surprised by how well it cooks. Gets hot enough for nice grill marks.”
3. “Easy to clean and store. Good for quick meals for one or two people.”

See at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can electric grills produce the same flavor as gas or charcoal grills?

While electric grills can’t replicate the exact smoky flavor of charcoal grills, many modern electric grills can produce excellent results with good char and sear marks. Some models even allow for the use of wood chips to add a smoky flavor.

Are electric grills safe to use indoors?

Many electric grills are designed for safe indoor use, but always check the manufacturer’s specifications. Indoor-safe models typically have features to minimize smoke and grease splatter.

How do I clean and maintain my electric grill?

Most electric grills have removable, nonstick grates that can be washed with soap and water. Always unplug the grill and let it cool before cleaning. For thorough cleaning, refer to your grill’s user manual, as some parts may be dishwasher safe.

Can I use my electric grill in the rain?

While many outdoor electric grills are weather-resistant, it’s generally not recommended to use them in the rain due to the electrical components. Always store your grill in a dry place when not in use.

How long do electric grills typically last?

With proper care and maintenance, a good quality electric grill can last 5-10 years or more. Higher-end models with better build quality tend to have longer lifespans.

Do electric grills use a lot of electricity?

Most electric grills use between 1000-1800 watts of power, which is comparable to other kitchen appliances like toaster ovens. While they do use electricity, they are generally more energy-efficient than gas or charcoal grills.

Conclusion

Electric grills have come a long way, offering convenient, smokeless grilling options for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re looking for a powerful outdoor model like the Weber Q1400, a versatile indoor/outdoor option like the George Foreman 15-Serving Grill, or a budget-friendly indoor grill like the Elite Gourmet EMG-980B, there’s an electric grill to suit every need and budget. By considering factors like cooking space, power, portability, and specific features, you can find the perfect electric grill to enjoy delicious grilled meals year-round, regardless of your living situation or outdoor space constraints. Happy grilling!

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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