Best Indoor Grills for Healthy Cooking | Buyer’s Guide

Cooking healthy meals at home has never been more important. With busy lifestyles, limited time, and the rising cost of eating out, more families and individuals are turning to the best indoor grills as a convenient, versatile, and health-conscious cooking solution. Indoor grills combine the convenience of electric cooking with the nutritional benefits of grilling. Unlike frying, grilling requires little to no oil, allowing excess fat to drip away and preserving the natural flavor of your food.

But why specifically indoor grills for healthy cooking? The answer lies in both functionality and design. Unlike traditional stovetop pans or outdoor charcoal grills, indoor grills are compact, smokeless (or low-smoke), and engineered to make low-fat meals simple. Whether you’re living in a small apartment with no balcony or a family home where outdoor barbecuing isn’t always practical, an indoor grill lets you enjoy that delicious grilled flavor all year long.

Benefits of Indoor Grills for Health-Conscious Cooks

  1. Reduced Oil Consumption – Many models feature nonstick grilling plates, allowing you to use little to no oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Fat Drainage Systems – Excess grease and oil drip into a tray, leaving behind leaner proteins, such as chicken, fish, or beef.
  3. Even Cooking – Built-in temperature control and heating technology ensure food is cooked evenly, reducing the need for extra oils or butter.
  4. Preservation of Nutrients – Grilling locks in vitamins and minerals in vegetables and lean proteins, keeping meals nutrient-dense.
  5. Versatility – Beyond grilling steaks or burgers, indoor grills can cook vegetables, seafood, paninis, kebabs, and even breakfast foods like eggs or pancakes (on combo grill/griddle models).

The Lifestyle Advantage

Indoor grills are not just about eating healthy—they’re about living efficiently. Imagine coming home from work and serving up a perfectly grilled salmon fillet with asparagus in under 15 minutes, or preparing an entire week’s worth of chicken breast, portioned and ready for your meal prep plan.

Unlike outdoor grills, indoor versions heat quickly, require less cleanup, and don’t depend on good weather. Plus, most modern units are smokeless, so you won’t fill your kitchen with haze.

Key Features to Look For in the Best Indoor Grill

Before diving into product reviews, here are a few things you’ll want to look for when choosing an indoor grill:

  • Cooking Surface Size – Small for singles/couples, large for families.
  • Temperature Control – Adjustable heat ensures versatility (searing vs slow cooking).
  • Smokeless Technology – Fans or infrared tech reduce smoke indoors.
  • Ease of Cleaning – Dishwasher-safe plates and drip trays save time.
  • Multi-Functionality – Some models double as panini presses, air fryers, or griddles.

Indoor grills are more than just appliances; they’re an investment in health, convenience, and long-term savings. Now let’s explore the top options available in 2025 to help you choose the perfect one for your kitchen.

🏆 Top 20 Best Indoor Grills for Healthy Cooking

Below are 20 carefully selected indoor grills available on Amazon. For now, here are the first 7 detailed reviews.

  1. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill

Our pick

1 Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing-min

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The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill is one of the most popular budget-friendly indoor grills. Designed with a searing capability of up to 450°F, it locks in juices and flavor while allowing fats to drain away into a drip tray. The viewing window in the lid is a handy feature that allows you to monitor cooking without lifting the cover.

➡️ Features:

  • Adjustable temperature dial (200–450°F)
  • Windowed lid to check food as it cooks
  • Dishwasher-safe plates and drip tray
  • Large grilling surface for family meals

✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable and beginner-friendly
✔ Window lets you monitor food without losing heat
✔ Heats quickly with reliable temperature control
✔ Easy to clean

❌ Cons:
✘ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
✘ Produces light smoke at the highest heat
✘ Nonstick coating can wear over time
✘ Lacks multifunction features compared to premium models

  1. Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill

Our pick

2 Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill-min

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If you want versatility, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL is hard to beat. This grill is more than just a grill—it’s an air fryer, roaster, dehydrator, and oven substitute. The XL size makes it perfect for families, as it can grill up to six steaks at once. A built-in smart thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meat every time.

➡️ Features:

  • 6-in-1 cooking functions
  • Smart cook system with built-in thermometer
  • Extra-large cooking capacity
  • Smoke control system for indoor use

✅ Pros:
✔ Multifunctional (grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate)
✔ Large cooking area for families
✔ Built-in temperature probe prevents overcooking
✔ Reduces oil use with air frying

❌ Cons:
✘ Higher price point
✘ Large footprint—takes counter space
✘ Slightly heavy to move around
✘ More complex than basic grills (learning curve)

  1. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler

Our pick

3 Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler-min

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A long-time favorite, the Cuisinart Griddler is both a grill and a griddle. It opens flat for dual cooking or can be used as a contact grill for paninis. It’s perfect for those who want a multipurpose machine for sandwiches, breakfast, and classic grilled foods.

➡️ Features:

  • 5 cooking options: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle
  • Removable and reversible plates
  • Adjustable temperature controls
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

✅ Pros:
✔ Extremely versatile
✔ Easy to switch plates from grill to griddle
✔ Compact size fits most kitchens
✔ Affordable price

❌ Cons:
✘ Smaller grilling area compared to XL models
✘ Produces some smoke at higher temperatures
✘ Plates must be carefully handled to avoid scratching
✘ Not as powerful as premium grills for thick steaks

  1. Breville Smart Grill

Our pick

4 Breville Smart Grill-min

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Breville is known for premium kitchen appliances, and their Smart Grill doesn’t disappoint. This high-end indoor grill doubles as a barbecue-style grill and flat griddle, featuring Element IQ technology for precise heating. The removable plates are dishwasher safe, and the adjustable height feature makes it perfect for paninis or thick cuts of meat.

➡️ Features:

  • 1800 watts with Element IQ heating
  • Adjustable height control
  • Removable, dishwasher-safe plates
  • Converts from a contact grill to an open BBQ

✅ Pros:
✔ Professional-quality results
✔ Excellent searing and heat control
✔ Convertible design for larger cooking surface
✔ Premium build quality

❌ Cons:
✘ Expensive compared to others
✘ Heavy appliance
✘ Requires storage space
✘ May be overkill for casual users

  1. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill

Our pick

5 George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill-min

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George Foreman grills are practically synonymous with healthy indoor cooking. This compact model is perfect for singles or couples. The signature sloped design helps drain fat away from food, and removable nonstick plates make cleanup a breeze.

➡️ Features:

  • Sloped design for fat drainage
  • Removable nonstick plates
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Dishwasher-safe drip tray

✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable entry-level option
✔ Lightweight and easy to store
✔ Signature fat-reducing slope
✔ Quick cooking for small meals

❌ Cons:
✘ Small capacity (not ideal for families)
✘ No temperature control (on basic models)
✘ Less durable than premium brands
✘ Limited cooking versatility

  1. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface 

Our pick

6 Philips Smoke-less Indoor BBQ Grill-min

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Chefman offers one of the most innovative indoor grills, utilizing infrared technology to minimize smoke. This grill quickly heats up to 446°F and cooks food evenly with minimal oil. It’s compact but still provides enough surface for family meals.

➡️ Features:

  • Infrared heat for even cooking
  • Virtually smokeless operation
  • Nonstick cooking surface
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

✅ Pros:
✔ One of the best low-smoke grills
✔ High heat for authentic grilling flavor
✔ Easy to clean nonstick surface
✔ Stylish, modern design

❌ Cons:
✘ Pricier than basic grills
✘ Cooking surface smaller than XL grills
✘ Doesn’t double as a griddle/press
✘ Heavy base unit

  1. Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill

Our pick

7 Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill-min

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Zojirushi is highly regarded for its quality, and its electric grill is a simple yet efficient option. With its wide grilling surface and adjustable temperature, it’s excellent for cooking a variety of foods, from fish to vegetables. The drip tray and nonstick surface make cleanup easy.

➡️ Features:

  • Large grilling area
  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Nonstick surface
  • Cool-touch handles for safety

✅ Pros:
✔ Wide cooking surface for family meals
✔ Reliable temperature control
✔ Easy to clean with removable parts
✔ Slim design for storage

❌ Cons:
✘ No lid—cannot trap heat like contact grills
✘ Not suitable for paninis or sandwiches
✘ Limited multifunctionality
✘ Slower to preheat than premium grills

  1. T-fal OptiGrill XL Indoor Electric Grill

Our pick

8 T-fal OptiGrill XL Indoor Electric Grill-min

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The T-fal OptiGrill XL is a smart indoor grill that utilizes automatic cooking programs and sensors to adjust cooking time and temperature based on the type of food. It even detects the thickness of your meat and adjusts accordingly. Perfect for those who want precision without needing to babysit the cooking process.

➡️ Features:

  • 9 automatic cooking programs
  • Cooking sensor for food thickness
  • Removable nonstick plates
  • Dishwasher-safe drip tray

✅ Pros:
✔ Intelligent cooking programs
✔ Consistently even results
✔ Great for beginners who want precision
✔ Large surface area for families

❌ Cons:
✘ Expensive compared to basic models
✘ Takes time to learn all the functions
✘ Bulky design
✘ Cannot fully eliminate smoke at the highest temps

  1. Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Griddle

Our pick

9 Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Griddle-min

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This versatile appliance from Black+Decker combines a grill, griddle, and waffle maker into one compact unit. It’s ideal for small kitchens or people who want one appliance to do it all. The reversible plates switch easily between functions.

➡️ Features:

  • 3-in-1 design: grill, griddle, waffle maker
  • Reversible nonstick plates
  • Adjustable temperature controls
  • Compact design

✅ Pros:
✔ Multi-functional for varied meals
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Great for small apartments
✔ Plates are dishwasher safe

❌ Cons:
✘ Smaller grilling surface
✘ Not built for high-heat searing
✘ Takes longer to cook thick meats
✘ The plastic exterior feels less durable

  1. DeLonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill

Our pick

10 Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill-min

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The Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill is designed with a removable nonstick cooking plate and an embedded heating element for consistent heat distribution. The tempered glass lid helps retain flavor and moisture while keeping smoke levels low.

➡️ Features:

  • Embedded heating element for even cooking
  • Tempered glass lid
  • Large nonstick cooking surface
  • Adjustable thermostat

✅ Pros:
✔ Even heating across the surface
✔ Glass lid retains moisture and reduces smoke
✔ Large cooking area
✔ Easy to clean

❌ Cons:
✘ Lacks multifunction features
✘ Bulky lid takes up storage space
✘ Slower preheat time
✘ Handles can get warm during use

  1. Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler Deluxe

Our pick

11 Cuisinart GR-150 Griddler Deluxe-min

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The Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe is an upgrade from the basic 5-in-1 model, offering six cooking options and dual-zone temperature control. This means you can grill a steak on one side while cooking vegetables on the other.

➡️ Features:

  • Six cooking options (contact grill, panini, full grill, full griddle, half/half, top melt)
  • Dual-zone temperature control
  • Removable, reversible plates
  • Large grilling surface

✅ Pros:
✔ Cook two types of food at once
✔ Excellent versatility
✔ Dishwasher-safe plates
✔ Great build quality

❌ Cons:
✘ Pricier than the basic Griddler
✘ Heavy and bulky
✘ Plates scratch if not handled carefully
✘ Learning curve for settings

  1. PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro

Our pick

12 PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro-min

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As the name suggests, the PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro is designed to replicate the experience of outdoor grilling indoors. It uses a built-in smoke-extracting fan to keep your kitchen smoke-free. Its large surface makes it great for grilling steaks, burgers, or even fish.

➡️ Features:

  • Smoke-extraction technology
  • Nonstick grilling surface
  • Large cooking area
  • Dishwasher-safe drip tray

✅ Pros:
✔ Excellent smokeless performance
✔ Large cooking area for family meals
✔ Easy cleanup
✔ Affordable compared to premium models

❌ Cons:
✘ The fan adds noise during cooking
✘ Large footprint on the counter
✘ A nonstick surface can wear with time
✘ Slower preheating

  1. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill

Our pick

13 Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill-min

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The Chefman Electric Smokeless Grill is a budget-friendly option that delivers impressive performance. With a water tray that helps reduce smoke, it’s great for small kitchens or apartments.

➡️ Features:

  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Nonstick grill surface
  • Built-in water tray for smoke reduction
  • Compact design

✅ Pros:
✔ Very affordable
✔ Great for small spaces
✔ Simple and easy to use
✔ Dishwasher-safe drip tray

❌ Cons:
✘ Smaller cooking area
✘ Not as powerful as premium models
✘ Requires water in the tray for best results
✘ Nonstick surface less durable over years

  1. Kenyon Frontier All Seasons Portable Grill

Our pick

14 Kenyon Frontier All Seasons Portable Grill-min

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The Kenyon Frontier is a premium indoor/outdoor electric grill that delivers high-performance grilling in a portable format. It’s marine-grade stainless steel, making it extremely durable. Perfect for those who want an indoor grill that feels like the real outdoor experience.

➡️ Features:

  • Marine-grade stainless steel build
  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • Smokeless electric design
  • Portable, lightweight build

✅ Pros:
✔ Premium, long-lasting construction
✔ Great for both indoors and outdoors
✔ Portable and lightweight
✔ Realistic grilling flavor

❌ Cons:
✘ Very expensive
✘ Smaller cooking surface compared to XL grills
✘ Requires outlet access outdoors
✘ Limited advanced features

  1. George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill

Our pick

15 George Foreman 15-Serving IndoorOutdoor Grill-min

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George Foreman continues its legacy of healthy cooking with this extra-large indoor/outdoor grill. Designed with a domed lid and nonstick cooking surface, it can serve up to 15 people at once. Perfect for families or small gatherings, it offers versatility whether used in the kitchen or on a balcony.

➡️ Features:

  • Serves up to 15 portions
  • Removable stand for indoor/outdoor use
  • Nonstick coating
  • Signature fat-draining slope

✅ Pros:
✔ Ideal for large families or parties
✔ Works both indoors and outdoors
✔ Reduces up to 42% of fat with slope design
✔ Affordable for the size

❌ Cons:
✘ Bulky design requires storage space
✘ Slower preheating than compact models
✘ The domed lid takes up room in the cabinets
✘ Limited portability despite “outdoor” design

  1. Cuisinart GR-300WS Elite Griddler

Our pick

16 Cuisinart GR-300WS Elite Griddler-min

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The Cuisinart Griddler Elite is a professional-grade 6-in-1 indoor grill with dual-zone heating, sear functions, and a sleek stainless steel body. It’s ideal for serious home cooks who want maximum versatility in one appliance.

➡️ Features:

  • 6 cooking options
  • Dual-zone temperature control
  • Sear function up to 500°F
  • Reversible plates for grilling and griddling

✅ Pros:
✔ Excellent heat control
✔ Large surface for multiple foods
✔ Dishwasher-safe plates
✔ Premium stainless steel design

❌ Cons:
✘ Expensive investment
✘ Heavier and less portable
✘ Requires counter space
✘ More complex than simpler models

  1. Weber Q1400 Electric Grill

Our pick

17 Weber Q1400 Electric Grill, Gray-min

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Weber is synonymous with grilling, and the Q1400 is their electric indoor/outdoor option. Compact yet powerful, it’s perfect for those who want outdoor flavor in an apartment-friendly format. Its cast-iron grates provide authentic grill marks and even heating.

➡️ Features:

  • Cast-iron grates with porcelain coating
  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • Compact and durable design
  • 1560-watt heating element

✅ Pros:
✔ Authentic outdoor grill feel
✔ Compact and portable
✔ Durable build quality
✔ Great heat retention

❌ Cons:
✘ Pricier for its size
✘ Smaller cooking surface
✘ Requires cleaning effort for grates
✘ Limited features compared to multi-use grills

  1. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

Our pick

18 Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer-min

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The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 is a compact version of their XL grill, but with all the same functions: grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. It’s perfect for smaller kitchens without sacrificing versatility.

➡️ Features:

  • 5 cooking functions
  • Built-in smoke control system
  • Compact size
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

✅ Pros:
✔ Multifunctional in one small unit
✔ Great for apartments
✔ Easy to clean
✔ Smokeless operation

❌ Cons:
✘ Smaller cooking area
✘ Still pricey for its size
✘ Heavy for a compact appliance
✘ Requires a learning curve for functions

  1. GreenPan Electric Indoor Stainless Steel 6-in-1 Contact Grill

Our pick

19 greenpan electric indoor stainless steel-min

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Greenpan offers something unique: a grill plus rotisserie in one. With infrared heating technology, it delivers smokeless cooking and adds variety to dishes like chicken, kebabs, or even shawarma at home.

➡️ Features:

  • Grill and rotisserie functions
  • Infrared heating technology
  • Large capacity
  • Smokeless cooking system

✅ Pros:
✔ Unique rotisserie feature
✔ Great for diverse meals
✔ Infrared ensures even heating
✔ Large enough for families

❌ Cons:
✘ More expensive than basic grills
✘ Bulkier than standard models
✘ Cleaning the rotisserie takes time
✘ Requires counter space

  1. Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Recipe Book

Our pick

20 Gourmia Smokeless Indoor Grill & Air Fryer-min

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The Gourmia indoor grill combines modern style with practical functionality. It offers a large nonstick grilling surface, temperature controls, and an efficient drip tray to keep cooking lean and healthy.

➡️ Features:

  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Smokeless technology
  • Large nonstick cooking surface
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable mid-range grill
✔ Sleek modern design
✔ Smokeless for apartment use
✔ Easy cleanup

❌ Cons:
✘ Limited advanced features
✘ Nonstick may wear with time
✘ Smaller than family XL grills
✘ No multi-function options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🙋1. Why Choose an Indoor Grill for Healthy Cooking?

📝! Indoor grills are healthier because they allow fats to drain away from meat, require little to no added oil, and preserve the nutrients in vegetables and lean proteins. Unlike frying pans, they don’t need heavy oils to prevent sticking. For people living in apartments or places without access to outdoor grills, they offer year-round grilling with less smoke and hassle.

🙋2. Are smokeless indoor grills really smokeless?

📝! Most smokeless indoor grills utilize water trays, fans, or infrared technology to minimize smoke, rather than eliminate it. At lower and medium temperatures, they produce very little smoke. However, cooking very fatty meats at high heat can still generate some smoke, though much less than stovetop pans.

🙋3. Can I cook frozen foods on indoor grills?

📝! Yes, many indoor grills can handle frozen foods, especially models with powerful heating elements, such as those from Ninja or Philips. However, for the best results, it’s advisable to thaw food first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen may extend cooking times and result in less crispy dishes.

🙋4. How do I clean an indoor grill?

📝! Most modern indoor grills come with removable, dishwasher-safe plates and drip trays. Remove these after cooking and washing. For grills without removable plates, wiping down with a damp cloth or sponge after cooling is recommended. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent damage to nonstick coatings.

🙋5. What size indoor grill should I buy?

📝! The right size depends on your household. Singles or couples may prefer compact models, such as the George Foreman or Ninja 5-in-1. Families should look for XL versions, such as the Ninja Foodi XL or the George Foreman 15-serving grill. Always consider your counter space as well, since larger grills take up significant room.

Conclusion – Best Indoor Grills:

Indoor grills are one of the best investments for anyone serious about healthy cooking. They make it possible to enjoy grilled flavors indoors without relying on heavy oils, and many models include features such as fat-draining slopes, smokeless technology, and multifunctional cooking capabilities.

From affordable, compact models like the George Foreman 4-serving grill to versatile all-in-ones like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL, there’s an option for every budget, kitchen size, and cooking style. If you’re a health-conscious home chef, an indoor grill is more than just an appliance—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

👉 Choose the grill that best matches your household’s needs and cooking habits, and enjoy flavorful, low-fat meals all year long!

Author

  • Eugenie Freddie

    Eugine Freddie is a food writer and editor at Improve Kitchen with a decade of experience specializing in kitchen gadgets and dining. She is always on the lookout to try new healthy recipes and kitchen gadgets.

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