During the decade I’ve been on a carnivore diet, I can confidently say I’ve used a grill at least once a week. I’ve used everything from gas and charcoal to pellet grills. But, when I moved to the city, I had a new challenge — finding a grill that could be used indoors.
My main criterion was to find an indoor smokeless grill that would produce the same results as an outdoor one.
I tested several brands and rated the smokeless grills based on cooking surfaces, performance, and size.
Here’s my selection of the seven best smokeless grills you can try.
The Best Smokeless Grills
- Best Overall Smokeless Grill: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
- Cheapest Smokeless Grill: George Foreman GR340FB
- Best Grill for Complete Smoke Absence: Power XL Smokeless Grill
- Best Smokeless Grill for Steaming: Elite Gourmet EMG-980B
- Most Versatile Smokeless Grill: Panini Press by Cuisinart 5-in-1
- Best Lightweight Smokeless Grill: George Foreman GR340FB
- Smokeless Grill With Widest Temperature Range: Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1
- Easiest-to-Maintain Smokeless Grill: Panini Press by Cuisinart 5-in-1
- Smokeless BBQ With Largest Cooking Surface: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
7 Best Smokeless Grills
1 - Hamilton Beach (Best Overall & With Largest Cooking Surface)
Hamilton Beach smokeless indoor grill is a great choice if you cook for a larger family or a big crowd. This grill has 120 square inches of cooking space, so you can cook for about six people at once.
It has an extra-large drip tray and a removable grill plate, which are dishwasher safe, so the cleanup is easy. There is power and preheat lights that let you know when the smokeless grill is ready for use.
I liked that it gets hot up to 450 degrees, so I could lightly sear my meat. The lid contains the smoke and keeps the heat in, so you don’t have to worry about your home smelling after cooking.
The lid has a concave shape that circulates the hot air, and a handle covers the entire length of the grill, making it easy to open and close when getting the food.
Finally, I liked that it has a viewing window, so you can check on the food without opening the indoor grill and letting out the heat.
- The lid prevents smoke and keeps oil and grease in
- Large cooking surface
- Viewing window on the lid for checking on food
- Short cord requires using the smokeless grill next to the power outlet
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 12.4 x 16.7 x 6.8 in
- Weight : 8 lbs
- Wattage : 1200
- Material : stainless steel
- Cooking space : 118 sq in
- Temperature Range : 330°F - 450°F
2 - Panini Press by Cuisinart 5-in-1 (Most Versatile & Easiest-to-Maintain)
Cuisinart 5-in-1 is an extremely versatile indoor grill. It functions as a contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, and half grill/half griddle. I used it to cook everything from eggs, bacon, Philly steak sandwich, pork chops, and waffles.
It’s great if you’re a grilling newbie. Just adjust the dial to select griddle for flat-lay cooking or choose grill/panini for closed-top cooking.
You can adjust the temperature separately for both the top and bottom plates by using the dials on the front.
The cleanup is easy as well, thanks to the removable, non-stick grill plates. Even burned food slid off easily.
You can wash the plates by hand or in the dishwasher. There’s also a removable drip tray that catches the grease during cooking.
Finally, the stainless steel build makes this indoor grill look attractive and extremely durable.
- Non-stick removable grill plates
- Hidden drip tray to catch grease
- Five cooking options make it extremely versatile
- Low wattage means it’s not very powerful
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 11 x 13 x 7 in
- Weight : 8 lbs
- Wattage : 350
- Material : stainless steel
- Cooking space : 99 sq in
- Temperature : Fixed
3 - Power XL Smokeless Grill (For No-Smoke-at-All)
Power XL smokeless grill has an impressive fan that completely removes smoke and steam. A tight-sealing tempered glass lid traps all the smoke, so you don’t have to worry about smoke in your house.
Moreover, the lid comes in handy for keeping the food warm or melting cheese.
The water tray eliminates flare-ups and takes in the smoke, so my food was always moist and juicy.
Power XL comes with a grill plate and a griddle plate, so you can use it to have sear marks or cook a fried egg for breakfast.
Overall, this is one of the best smokeless indoor grills you can get, but keep in mind it doesn’t have dual contact heat cooking plates, so you have to turn the food when grilling.
- The ribbed design keeps your food free of oil build-up
- Fan and lid completely eliminate smoke
- Large size
- A low griddle makes it difficult to flip food close to the edges
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 21 x 15.4 x 8.1 in
- Weight : 15 lbs
- Wattage : 1200
- Material : plastic
- Cooking space : 13.5 x 8 in
- Temperature Range : up to 450° F
4 - George Foreman GR340FB (Cheapest & Best Lightweight)
George Foreman GR340FB is a classic indoor electric grill. According to the manufacturer, this electric grill can fit food for four people, but I found it only fits two burger patties.
I liked that it heats up fast and cooks food in about ten minutes. It has a cool-touch handle at the front and an indicator light on top that lets you know if the grill is on or off.
This is one of the smallest and most lightweight smokeless grills you can get — it weighs only 4 pounds. You can carry it with you and store it anywhere.
You can use George Foreman as a panini press by setting it flat or placing it on an angle, so the grease slides out. Finally, I liked that the hinges are adjustable, so you can fit thicker cuts.
Overall, this is a great indoor grill for cooking for up to four people without any smoke.
- Compact and lightweight
- Adjustable hinges for fitting larger foods
- Has durable, improved grill grates coating
- Small cooking capacity
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 9.2 x 5.2 x 13.47 in
- Weight : 4.6 lbs
- Wattage : 1200
- Material : plastic
- Cooking space : 78 sq in
- Cooking time : 4 - 10 minutes
5 - Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 (Best Temperature Range)
If you want a smokeless grill with plenty of features, you’ll love Ninja AG301. It can reach a temperature of 500 degrees, which is perfect for searing food.
Moreover, this indoor grill is extremely versatile — you can use it as a grill, griddle, air-fryer, roaster, oven, and dehydrator. I used it for everything from toast bread to searing meat.
You’ll get a grill grate, four crisper baskets, and a 6-quart cooking pot when buying this smokeless grill. All of these are ceramic-coated and non-stick for easy cleaning. However, I noticed the surfaces scratch easily.
Ninja indoor grill has a fan that constantly runs. It’s noisy, but it does the job. It speeds up the cooking and makes the electric grill work like a convection oven. There’s minimal smoke and steam.
- Control panel for ease of use
- Powerful heating
- Comes with a cleaning brush
- The noisy fan runs constantly
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 14.9 x 14.9 x 11 in
- Weight : 14.5 lbs
- Wattage : 1760
- Material : stainless steel
- Cooking space : 100 sq in
- Cooking time : 25 minutes
6 - Elite Gourmet EMG-980B (Best for Steaming)
Elite Gourmet indoor grill has five temperature settings: 195, 250, 355, and 445 degrees, which is useful when cooking different foods.
The cooking surface has grill ridges, which contribute to good char and grill marks on the food. The lid also comes in handy for steaming, and it helps the food cook faster.
This is one of the rare indoor grills that have a detachable power cord. It may seem like a small thing, but it comes in handy when storing the indoor grill.
This electric grill has a tempered glass lid that’s vented for pressure control. It fits very well into the circumferences of the grill, which means there aren’t any hot oil splatters.
The grill is made of aluminum, which makes it durable, and it has cool-touch handles, a base, and a heat-proof knob on the lid. This makes use completely safe, and you don’t have to worry about burns.
- Five temperature settings
- Detachable power cord
- Cool-touch handle and base prevent burns
- Grill grates aren’t dishwasher safe
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 17.2 x 17 x 4.1 in
- Weight : 6 lbs
- Wattage : 1300
- Material : aluminum
- Cooking space : 14 in
- Cooking Time : 15 - 35 minutes
- Temperature Range : 195 - 445℉
7 - Indoor Smokeless Grill Techwood 1500W
The final indoor grill is Techwood 1500W. This smokeless grill has advanced airflow technology that removes any smoke from the grill. There’s a hidden fan that functions as an exhaust fan to vent out the smoke.
The LED digital temperature control located on the front makes it easy to use. I could cook food at different temperatures, up to 450 degrees.
The built-in overload protection system automatically shuts off the grill when it reaches the internal temperature threshold. Most importantly, I found the temperature consistent throughout the cooking process, which isn’t the case with many indoor grills.
The grill grate is non-stick, and a drip tray collects excessive liquid and fat, which reduces spatters. Both the plate and drip tray are dishwasher-safe.
- Airflow technology removes smoke
- LED digital temperature display
- Overheat protection
- Not enough cooking space for large families
Quick Facts:
- Dimensions : 21.1 x 15 x 8.15 in
- Weight : 17 lbs
- Wattage : 1500
- Material : stainless steel
- Cooking space : 135 sq in
- Cooking time : up to 120 minutes
- Temperature Range : 212℉ - 482℉.
Best Smokeless Indoor Grills Buyer’s Guide
Here’s everything to keep in mind when choosing the best smokeless indoor electric grill for you.
1. Temperature Range
Outdoor grills can reach a temperature of 750 degrees upwards. But smokeless indoor grills are much smaller, and most only reach 450 degrees (Ninja AG301 is the only indoor grill on this list that can go up to 500 degrees). The higher the temperature, the better the sear.
Moreover, indoor grills have different temperature controls. Lower-end indoor grills only have one or two temperature options, while higher-end models have more temperatures available.
Smokeless indoor grills with more temperature options usually have knobs (such as Cuisinart 5-in-1) or digital control (such as Techwood 1500W).
Also, some indoor grills have a system that monitors the food using a meat probe, plus preset cooking modes. Others have a more basic system with only a timer and temperature settings.
If you plan to toast sandwiches on your indoor grill or use the griddle to make breakfast, you don’t need a model that reaches a high temperature. But, if you want to sear and char your food, you need an electric grill that can reach at least 450 degrees.
2. Wattage
Most US wall outlets can handle a maximum of 1800 watts. This is also the maximum power of standard indoor grills, which limits the surface you can heat.
The indoor grill’s power comes from the wattage. A small grill can reach about 800 watts, which isn’t the best for thick cuts. But, a larger indoor grill has more wattage, which means it heats and cooks the food faster.
Keep in mind the more wattage, the higher the smokeless indoor grill price.
3. Smokeless Operation
Outdoor grills have open grates, so the drippings fall into the firebox, which results in smoke. Indoor smokeless grills heat directly and have closed grates and a grease system that ensures the grease doesn’t burn and create smoke [1]. Usually, the grease goes to a removable drip tray.
Also, some smokeless indoor grills, such as Techwood 1500W, have a cooling airflow system that keeps the grease off the heating elements.
“Most smokeless grills have air-flow technology which removes hot smoky air and replaces it with clean filtered air.”
- WNEP YouTube channel
Overall, indoor grills aren’t completely smokeless. Even the best smokeless indoor grill can have wisps of smoke and some charred bits, but make sure to at least get an indoor grill with a drip tray for collecting grease.
4. Size and Cooking Surface
Most indoor grills range from 40 square inches to about 135 square inches. This is because they are limited by the wattage and the electric outlet.
The cooking surface affects the smokeless electric grill size. They are much smaller than outdoor grills and can easily be stored in a cabinet when not in use.
When shopping for a smokeless indoor grill, keep in mind how many people you cook for and how much storage space you have.
Also, if you plan to carry the grill with you, it’s best to go for a compact and lightweight one (George Foreman is one of the smallest smokeless indoor grills you can get).
5. Lid
Most smokeless electric grills have a lid. Lids are usually made from tempered glass, similar to the lids on pots and pans. Glass lids have another advantage — you can monitor the food without removing the lid and letting out the heat.
Also, some grills have a lid with a concave shape, which lets the air circulate evenly throughout the grill, such as the Hamilton Beach grill.
Moreover, some lids come off and are dishwasher-safe, while others are integrated into the grill, and you have to wipe them down.
Overall, the lid is an added defense against grease splatter and smoke and keeps the mess in the kitchen to a minimum.
6. Open vs. Contact Grill
A contact grill is a smokeless electric grill with a heated top grill plate or a griddle that lowers onto the food and cooks it from above as well as below. An example is a panini press.
An advantage of a contact grill is that it cooks the food faster. However, top grates tend to be heavy, so it presses down on the food a lot. Also, two surfaces mean double the cleaning.
An open grill has a bigger cooking area compared to a contact grill. This grill is like a standard outdoor grill. The grill plate cooks the food on one side only, and you have to turn the food halfway through the cooking.
Note: Some open grills have a lid you can attach to contain heat and smoke.
7. Maintenance
Best indoor smokeless grills are easy to clean and maintain. These grills have removable trays that catch the grease, and removable cooking grates or plates, so you can wash them in the sink or the dishwasher.
Overall, make sure to get an indoor electric grill with a drip tray and dishwasher-safe components so there’s less work for you.
8. Extra Features
Here are some more features of an electric smokeless grill you may consider:
- Temperature indicator lights — These are handy for letting you know the grill is heated and you can start cooking food.
- Interchangeable grates — If you want to make waffles and pancakes, get a grill that functions as both a griddle and a grill.
- Non-slip feet — These ensure the electric grills are in place and there’s no accident when a hot grill slides on the table.
- Portability — Most electric grills are compact and portable, so you take them on trips or carry them from your kitchen to the balcony, patio, and more. Also, handles make carrying the grill easier.
- Temperature probe — This checks the food temperature during cooking and lets you know the food is done.
- Auto-shut off — This function ensures the electric smokeless grill turns off when you’re done cooking. The grill can’t get too hot and cause a fire.
FAQs
What is the Highest Rated Smokeless Grill?
The highest-rated smokeless grill is the Cuisinart 5-in-1. It has the best price-to-value ratio and offers excellent cooking versatility.
Do Indoor Smokeless Grills Really Work?
Yes, indoor smokeless grills really work. These grills use infrared heat and not direct, open flames to cook food. This creates less smoke.
What’s the Best Indoor Smokeless Grill for You?
The leading brands in the industry have clearly gone above and beyond to create smokeless grills that can provide amazing results. Still, my vote for the best indoor grill goes to Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill.
This grill is a perfect choice if you cook for a larger family, as it has one of the biggest cooking capacities found in indoor grills.
It reaches an impressive 450 degrees, so you can even sear your meat. I prefer it because it's very easy to use thanks to removable, dishwasher-safe parts and the power and preheat lights, which let you know when to use the grill.
Hamilton Beach (Best Overall & With Largest Cooking Surface)
Our #1 Recommendation
- The lid prevents smoke and keeps oil and grease in
- Large cooking surface
- Viewing window on the lid for checking on food
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
References:
- https://www.charbroil.com/how-tos/what-is-indirect-and-direct-grilling
