See the November 2021 review of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro.
As leaves fall and temperatures dip, many people put their outdoor grills away. While we believe grilling can be enjoyed year-round, we know not everyone wants to trudge through snow to cook. If you still want that grilled flavor without the outdoor hassle, electric indoor grills are an excellent solution: mostly smokeless, convenient, and easy to clean. These are not the small panini-press units—modern indoor grills deliver true grilling results and save you from braving winter weather.
We tested nine popular indoor grills and assembled our recommendations for the best countertop grilling experiences. Keep in mind that indoor grills cook differently than a standard frying pan and won’t fully replace an outdoor grill, but they do bring grill-style results and convenience to your kitchen.
Best Electric Grill for Red Meat
Grilling a steak on an indoor grill is easier than many expect. With the popularity of salamander-style and top-down cookers, hitting the right internal temperature and achieving a strong Maillard sear is straightforward. You don’t need a dedicated steakhouse appliance to get great results—one versatile option stood out in our testing.
The Ninja Foodi Grill uses a top-down heating system that reduces flare-ups and shortens cook time, delivering reliably cooked steaks with attractive sear marks. Its stainless steel exterior feels durable and the nonstick cooking surface makes cleanup simpler. For cooks who want a quick, dependable way to make a delicious steak indoors, this unit performed exceptionally well.
Winner: Ninja Foodi Grill
Best Multi-Purpose Indoor Grill
If you want an indoor cooker that does more than grill, the Ninja Foodi again proved to be the best all-around performer. Beyond searing and grilling, it offers additional cooking modes such as air fry, dehydrate, and bake. That versatility means you can cook a steak and then bake cornbread in the same appliance—no oven required. For kitchens that need one flexible countertop cooker, this model delivers consistently strong results across tasks.
Winner: Ninja Foodi Grill
Best Value Indoor Grill
Indoor grills range widely in price. For shoppers wanting solid performance without a high price tag, the Tayama Electric Indoor Grill offers excellent value. It provides the same features as several comparable models at a lower cost, making it a sensible entry-level choice. In our tests it cooked reliably for casual indoor grilling and is a good pick if you want to try indoor grilling without a large investment.
Winner: Tayama Electric Indoor Grill
Indoor Grill with the Most Power
When you need high heat for a strong sear or faster cooking, the Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill stood out for power. It reached high temperatures quickly, producing pronounced sear marks on proteins and vegetables similar to what you’d expect from a hot outdoor grill. Fast heat-up time and robust searing performance make this a great choice for cooks who prioritize intense, high-heat results. It’s also designed with user-friendly cleanup in mind.
Winner: Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill
Easiest Indoor Grill Cleanup
No one enjoys heavy scrubbing after dinner, so dishwasher-safe components are a major plus for indoor grills. The Elite Cuisine Indoor Electric Grill earned top marks for cleanup because its cooking grate and drip pan are both dishwasher safe. In real use, this model delivered on its promise of easy cleanup—just remove the parts you can and run them through your dishwasher for a low-effort finish.
Winner: Elite Cuisine Indoor Electric Grill
Best Overall Grill
Our best overall pick is the Ninja Foodi. It combines versatility, strong performance, and easy maintenance. The top-down heating element minimizes flare-ups while providing even cooking, and its multiple cooking modes—grill, air fry, bake, dehydrate—make it a true multi-purpose countertop appliance. No other indoor grill we tested matched its combination of features and consistent results.
Close contenders include the Tenergy Redigrill, which heats evenly thanks to its infrared element and produced consistent internal temperatures in our tests, and the Zojirushi, which offers powerful searing and good value. For most home cooks who want one reliable indoor grill, the Ninja Foodi is the top choice.
Winner: Ninja Foodi Grill
Once you select an indoor grill that fits your needs, it’s time to get cooking. Indoor grills make it easy to keep enjoying grilled flavors through cold months without the inconvenience of outdoor grilling. Fire up your countertop grill and keep the meals coming all year round.