There are many different methods for grilling, depending on the fuel source you choose.
Most pitmasters and many backyard amateurs insist on cooking with a charcoal grill, claiming that no other method can rival this.
Now, while cooking with charcoal undeniably delivers that authentic smoky BBQ flavor and aroma, it’s not the easiest way of cooking.
The best electric grills, by contrast, might not impart that smokiness, but they couldn’t be easier to use, and the end results may surprise you.
Electric grills come rated for indoor or outdoor use. Dedicated indoor smokeless grills are the best bet if you plan to exclusively grill out in the kitchen.
For a much more flexible approach to grilling, though, most of the electric grills we review today are suitable for use out in the yard or up on the kitchen counter.
If you’re new to shopping for electric grills, we understand it might seem initially confusing to compare the various models. To make things easier for you, we summarize the most important points to consider on the buying trail.
Size: The first thing you need to think about is the overall dimensions and the weight of each grill. We break this data down in the features tab of each product for you. Ensure you have enough room on the kitchen counter or out on the patio before proceeding
Total cooking surface area: Linked to the overall footprint is the cooking surface area at your disposal. This is typically expressed in terms of square inches. Again, we curate this information for you in the features tab of each electric grill so you can compare the models like-for-like. Think about how many people you normally cook for and make certain any grills on your shortlist are large enough to accommodate
Heat output: Most electric grills will cook to temperatures of at least 350F, with many cooking at up to 450F. Some grills comes with temperature settings baked in to further streamline operation. You’ll find most grills in this class will not cope so well if you want to cook low and slow
Ease of use: Although you’ll find the vast bulk of electric grills are easy to use, some are especially user-friendly and suitable for beginners. We draw your attention to these models throughout our reviews
Ease of cleaning: Look for cooking plates that are non-stick and removable, ideally also dishwasher-safe. The same applies to the drip tray. Avoid any models with a reputation for problems when it comes to cleaning or maintenance
With those pointers in mind, explore our curated list of the top 10 electric grills to see if any deserves a place in your kitchen or out on your patio.
Our Grill Team spent over 22 hours testing and reviewing different electric grill setups in order to find the best options out there.
I. The 10 Best Electric Grills
1. Our #1 Pick: Weber Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 189 square inches
- Weight: 29.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 27 x 20.5 inches
Weber has a deep bench of grills, including a handful of electric models. How does this dinky unit shape up, then?
The first thing that strikes you is the elegant good looks of this grill. Made from aluminum and finished in a deep gray, this unit will make a great addition to the patio or deck.
Once you fire this electric grill up, you’ll appreciate the infinite control burner settings, giving you total freedom when you’re cooking out.
While electric grills may fail to deliver that authentic BBQ smokiness, what you get in return is an enviable ease of use. Even given the beginner-friendly standards of most electric grills, the Weber is a delight to use for first-timers.
Completely assembled right out the box, you can get grilling without breaking out the toolbox.
The lengthy 6-foot cord gives you ample scope with positioning. This cord is grounded.
Most user reviews of this model are pretty positive, but we found a handful of complaints concerning how long this grill takes to get up to speed. If you’re always crunched for time and disinclined to wait around, we review several grills today that let you get up and running quicker.
Overall, the Weber is our favorite in today’s showcase of the best electric grills.
Things We Like
-Infinite control burner settings-Cooked grates treated with porcelain enamel-Cast aluminum housing
Things We Dislike-Not the quickest cooking results
2. Runner-Up: George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 240 square inches
- Weight: 8.68 pounds
- Dimensions: 19.69 x 11.02 x 20.47 inches
Since boxing legend George Foreman put his name to a line of indoor and outdoor grills, over 100 million satisfied customers have raved about the results you can get with these electric grills.
As with all grills in this class, this model is best avoided if you are a BBQ purist and believe there’s no substitute for charcoal. Objectively, we feel the same way. We also, however, consider the fact that cooking with charcoal absolutely isn’t for everyone.
All that counts when you’re cooking out is using the optimum method for you. If that happens to be an electric grill, use it with pride and disregard the opinions of purists.
This grill is rated safe for use both indoors and outdoors. A striking design feature is the detachable stand, allowing you to move seamlessly from the patio to the countertop.
Although convenient and allowing the grill to serve double duty, the stand is responsible for introducing stability issues when you’re using it. Several consumers report the setup feeling rather wobbly and insubstantial.
If you plan to leave this grill outside, you can opt for an alternative iteration bundled with a weatherproof cover.
Use the integrated temperature probe and 5 settings punched in to cook out seamlessly, even if you’re a complete beginner.
The cooking surface is completely non-stick, so all you need to do is remove any food residue and then slide the plate out for easy hand washing.
This electric grill is one of the most versatile and powerful in this class and well worth popping on your shortlist.
Things We Like
-Safe for indoor and outdoor use-Easy to tweak temperature-Removable stand
Things We Dislike
-Some issues with stability
3. Cuisinart Electric Griddler
Features
- Total cooking area: 200 square inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 16 x 13.75 inches
Cuisinart make some highly effective grills in a variety of styles. This griddler comes with a removable and reversible cooking plate. This allows you to use the smooth side as a conventional grill surface, while also flipping it over if you want the ridges of the griddle surface seared into your meats.
This surface is also non-stick and super-simple to wash once removed. All you’ll need to do is scrape off any food residue then wash it in some warm soapy water.
Considering the compact footprint of this countertop grill, you’ll be surprised at the spacious cooking area of 200 square inches. While this won’t be enough to host a large cookout with, you’ll have ample space for food for the whole family.
This electric griddler offers the following features:
- Full griddle
- Full grill
- Half griddle/half grill
- Contact grill
- Panini press
Controlling the temperature is as simple as twisting an ergonomic dial. The LED displays the temperature at a glance.
There is a scraping tool thrown in that will help you to keep your grill tip-top.
For one of the most versatile electric grills and griddles from an industry specialist, you can’t beat this countertop Cuisinart.
Things We Like
-Intuitive digital controls-Multiple cooking functions-Removable, reversible grates
Things We Dislike-Very small cooking area
4. Weber Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 280 square inches
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Dimensions: 25.1 x 31.5 x 26 inches
Next up comes another entry from the inimitable Weber, so how does this model stand and fall?
Firstly, the 1600-watt heating element ensures you have more than enough firepower in reserve, whatever you throw on the grill.
Although the overall dimensions are quite compact, this is a heavy cast aluminum grill weighing over 40 pounds. As such, you get a strong and stable grill that’s a pleasure to cook with, and no hassle at all to get up and running.
Indeed, this grill comes pre-assembled, so fire it up and you’ll be away once it’s preheated. As with all electric grills, this takes some time. This is a cooking method with just as many drawbacks as benefits, so be aware of them all and decide how the equation stacks up for you.
The cooking grates are made from cast iron. They are treated with a porcelain enamel for consistent cooking and minimal food splatter.
The drip pan is removable to streamline cleanup and complete a winning package from a brand you can trust. Cooking with electric grills doesn’t appeal to everyone, but for converts of convenience, Weber grills are unbeatable.
Things We Like
-Robust brand heritage-Powerful heating element-Cast-iron cooking grates
Things We Dislike-Spare parts unavailable
5. Char-Broil Infrared Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 320 square inches
- Weight: 44.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 26 x 24.2 x 38.5 inches
Char-Broil specialize in Tru-infrared electric grills, offering you the chance to grill with far fewer flareups than you get using alternative cooking methods.
Choose from one of three colorways, including this vibrant red grill to make a striking visual statement on the deck or the patio.
Tru-infrared technology delivers several core benefits, the first of which is the reduced likelihood of flare-ups. Additionally, you’ll get consistent results every time and juicier, tenderer results on your plate.
This grill is super-simple to clean, too, one of the key drawbacks of cooking with charcoal. The porcelain treatment on the grate inhibits food from splattering all over. Wipe this down with some warm soapy water and enjoy rust-free operation for years to come.
Whether you want to cook food using indirect heat or to keep your food warm before serving, the warming rack included can be removed when it’s not required for your added convenience.
There is a simple control knob built in so you can quickly and easily manipulate the temperature while you’re grilling.
The only serious drawback with this hard-hitting infrared grill is the long preheating time. If you don’t mind waiting a while before you start grilling, this is one of the best electric grills you’ll find.
Things We Like
-Fewer flareups with Tru-infrared-Porcelain-coated non-stick grates-Removable warming rack
Things We Dislike
-Takes a long time to heat up
6. Kenyon Floridian Portable Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 155 square inches
- Weight: 32.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 9 inches
While the Kenyon Floridian electric grill is one of the more expensive in its class, you can currently pick this model up at a very steep discount. Act quickly and you might grab yourself the bargain of the season.
If you can weather the stiff price tag, this electric grill is built to last and it performs admirably.
The rugged stainless steel housing won’t rust out and is suitable for use indoors or outdoors.
Although the heating element is rated at just 1300 watts, this delivers stunning power. The grill will heat up to a scorching 600F in 10 minutes flat, letting you start grilling without the tedious wait time.
Both the grate and lid are safe to slip in the dishwasher for hands-free cleanup. This is one of the primary advantages of cooking with electric grills, and Kenyon delivers fully when it comes to ease of use.
The Kenyon Floridian might not be the cheapest electric grill you can find, but if you’re looking for build quality and grilling performance and you have a more fluid budget, you won’t find a better electric grill.
Things We Like
-Sleek aesthetics-Hits 600F in just 10 minutes-Ideal for indoor or outdoor use
Things We Dislike
-Pretty pricey although heavily discounted
7. Breville Smart Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 260 square inches
- Weight: 18.96 pounds
- Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 5 inches
Breville’s iconic Smart Grill is a bestseller the world over with good reason.
By the standards of most countertop electric grills, the 260-square inch cooking surface area is spacious, giving you the scope to cook for all the family and guests.
The range of temperatures is pretty limited at just 310F to 450F. While you should find it cooks hot enough, you don’t get the ability to cook low and slow using the Breville. If this is something you frequently enjoy, consider one of the other grills on our shortlist.
The cooking plates remove and are also dishwasher-friendly.
Flip the lid of this grill back and enjoy grilling flat in BBQ mode.
The drip tray built in should see all the grease and fat directed inside rather than soaking into your food as it cooks. You can remove this for ease of cleaning.
The powerful 1800-watt motor gives you exceptional power in reserve and the ability to cook at up to 450F.
While the vast bulk of user reviews for this electric grill are positive, we found some isolated blowback related to the cold spots encountered when grilling. Do your due diligence here. In all other respects, you’re getting a powerful and adaptable electric grill from one of the most reputable names in this vertical.
Things We Like
-Dishwasher-friendly cooking plates-Cook from 310F through 450F-Multiple adjustable height settings
Things We Dislike-Some cold spots reported
8. Power XL Smokeless Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: Not specified
- Weight: 15.47 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 15.4 x 8.1 inches
The Power XL line of grills provides you with a winning combination of cooking capacity and compact dimensions.
Unlike all other brands, there is no specified cooking surface area in square inches on the specs for this model. Instead, Power claim that you’ll have room for 3 racks of ribs or 8 big burgers on this grill. If that sounds like it fits your needs, what do you get for your money?
As with all the best electric grills, you get a cooking plate that’s both non-stick and safe to pop in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.
LED temperature control allows you to adjust this grill up to a maximum of 450F. This should be sufficient for you to impart that trademark sear on your steaks.
One of the key selling points on this grill is also one of the drawbacks. The extraction fan baked in allows you to cook confidently indoors without smoking out your kitchen. That said, several disgruntled users have complained about lifespan and volatility issues with this fan.
The removable drip tray ensures your food is not bathing in fat and grease as you grill it up and improves the end results on your plate.
Things We Like
-Enough room for 3 racks of ribs-Ceramic surface is non-stick-Control temperature digitally to 450F
Things We Dislike
-Some gripes about fan’s lifespan
9. Hamilton Beach Electric Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: 118
- Weight: 8.14 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 16.73 6.81 inches
Hamilton Beach excel at producing highly efficient and durable kitchen appliances that are priced very keenly. This electric grill is a fine example of what this brand does so well.
The transparent viewing window is a nice touch and allows you to monitor your cookout without breaching the cooking environment and creating issues with temperature.
Power and preheat lights are a welcome extra, and you’ll find it super-simple to tweak the temperature of this grill up to 450F, where it maxes out.
The expansive drip tray will collect all the fat and grease so it’s not smeared over the cooking plate or your food.
Although the 118-square inch cooking surface area is not the largest, you should still be able to cook for 4 to 6 people without resorting to multiple batches of food.
The cooking plates are removable so you won’t need to contort yourself to clean them. Either pop them in the dishwasher or soak them in some warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly and replace then wipe down the exterior of your grill once it’s cooled down, and that’s all the maintenance and upkeep required.
For a user-friendly experience and great grilling results, this is one of the best electric grills you’ll encounter, and it’s also one of the cheapest.
Things We Like
-Outstanding overall value-Viewing window-Removable and non-stick plates
Things We Dislike
-Build quality issues reported
10. Power XL Smokeless Grill
Features
- Total cooking area: Not disclosed
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 5 inches
Last but by no means least in our showcase of the best electric grills comes another iteration of the Power XL grill.
Another smokeless model ideal for use indoors without triggering the smoke alarm, this grill offers you the luxury of a twin cooking surface. On one side, you’ll get a traditional smooth grill plate, while the other side is ridged so you can griddle as well as grill.
This family-size grill means you can cook for larger gatherings without making endless small batches of food.
The temperature control is seamless and pretty consistent, so you’ll be able to cook accurately without the hassle or the mess of cooking with charcoal.
Despite offering you a sprawling cooking surface area, this grill is ultra-compact and makes a great option for tailgating, camping, fishing, or RV trips.
Things We Like
-Dual cooking surface-Mess-free drip tray-Compact and portable
Things We Dislike
-Customer service is weak
II. FAQs
1) Can I use any electric grill indoors?
Absolutely not! Not unless you want to risk setting off the smoke alarm, that is. You can find plenty of electric grills that are safe to use inside, though. These are typically marketed as smokeless electric grills. Read our roundup of the best models in this class right here. You can also find plenty of grills rated safe for use both indoors and outdoors. Make sure you buy the right model safe for use indoors if that’s how you plan to grill out.
2) Is an electric grill better than a gas grill?
There is no such thing as any one grill that’s better than another. What works for you may well not work for us, and vice-versa. If you want to cook indoors, the smoke kicked up by gas grills renders them unsuitable. If you’re grilling out in the yard, though, this is a non-issue. With gas grills, you’ll also need to factor in either a supply of natural gas, or alternatively tanks of liquid propane. With electric grills, the running costs are negligible.
3) Should I clean the heating element on an electric grill?
Yes. Wait first for the grill to cool down completely. When it is completely cool to the touch, you can use solution of baking soda and vinegar to work away any food residue. An electric grill that starts smoking is usually indicative of food debris that needs cleaning.
4) How should I clean the cooking plates on my electric grill?
All the best electric grills come with removable cooking plates. When the grates are treated with porcelain enamel, this helps to minimize the amount of food that gets caught on in the first place. Many cooking plates are safe to place in the dishwasher. We flag these models if you’re shopping with convenience uppermost in mind. If not, simply wash your cooking grates down using some hot soapy water. Dry them naturally and replace for pretty seamless maintenance. Once every few months, give your grill a deep clean.
5) Is it easy to get an electric grill started?
Yes, this is one of the key selling points. Almost all of the best models in this class come with one-touch ignition for seamless start-up first time, every time.
6) Is it possible to get a decent portable electric grill?
It certainly is, and we review some of them today. Bear in mind that you’ll need access to a power outlet and avoid using extension cords if at all possible. Many of the models we review today are small enough to pop in your car if you want great grilled food on the go.
7) Can I only cook meat on an electric grill?
No. Meat may be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re grilling out, but fish also works very well on the cooking grate. Grilling veggies also yields some fantastic results if you’re looking to jazz up your burgers with some sweetly grilled peppers.
8) How do the more expensive electric grills stand out?
Lifespan is one of the main areas where you’ll benefit if you pay more for an electric grill. As with all products, the more you pay, the longer the product is likely to last.
III. Conclusion
We would like to take this chance to welcome you formally to Hempen Hill BBQ. While we’re a young venture, we have very big plans, and we’d like you to be a part of them. We love to hear from our readers, so feel free to comment on any of the articles below.
Choosing the right grill hinges on spending a little time on your research so you end up using the cooking method that most suits. If that happens to be the best electric grill, don’t let any charcoal purists put you off.
Bookmark our blog and pop back very soon as we have an onslaught of great content coming your way. We’re here to cater for all levels of experience, and we’re very beginner-friendly. At the same time, we also welcome all experienced pitmasters on board.