Top 10 Indoor Grills in 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The best indoor grill in 2027 is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (FG551) at $259, a multi-function machine that hits a true 500°F for restaurant-grade sear marks while doubling as a 4-quart air fryer with a leave-in smart thermometer. The best value pick is the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill (25361) at $64, which delivers honest 450°F searing heat and dishwasher-safe plates for roughly a quarter of the price of the premium machines.

This list is for apartment dwellers who want grilled food year-round, families cooking six-plus burgers at once, and anyone tired of a smoke-filled kitchen. Below are ten real, currently-shipping models ranked from best overall to dependable budget workhorse, with honest notes on where each one wins and where it falls short.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted the things that actually change the eating experience, not spec-sheet bragging rights. We pulled hands-on testing notes and measured-temperature data from Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, CNET, and The Spruce Eats, then cross-checked wattage, cooking-area, and price claims against manufacturer spec sheets from Ninja, Cuisinart, George Foreman, PowerXL, and Breville.

• Searing & even heat — 25%
• Cooking area & versatility (grill/griddle/air-fry) — 20%
• Smoke reduction — 15%
• Temperature range & control — 15%
• Cleanup (removable plates) — 15%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

No grill is genuinely 100% smokeless, so we scored smoke reduction on how much real-world haze each model produced with fatty cuts under normal kitchen ventilation, not on marketing claims.

1. Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 (FG551) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Price: $259 | Best for: Families who want one appliance to grill, air-fry, and roast

This is the most capable indoor grill you can buy, and it earns the top spot by being genuinely good at six jobs instead of mediocre at one. The cyclonic grilling technology drives a true 500°F across the grill grate, producing the kind of deep char and crosshatch marks most contact grills cannot touch, and the rushing air doubles as smoke control so a marbled ribeye does not fog the kitchen.

You get a 4-quart air-fry basket, plus roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate modes, and the leave-in Foodi Smart Thermometer with nine doneness levels takes the guesswork out of a thick steak. The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all removable and dishwasher-safe, and the XL capacity grills roughly 50% more food than the original Foodi Grill.

Pros:

• True 500°F searing with the best char marks of any model tested
• Six functions in one footprint — grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate
• Leave-in smart thermometer nails doneness without a guess
• Strong smoke control from the high-velocity air system

Cons:

• Bulky countertop footprint and a tall lid that needs clearance
• Removable parts are many, so full cleanup takes a few minutes

Verdict: The most versatile, best-searing indoor grill in 2027 — worth the premium if you will use the air fryer too.

2. Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101)

Price: $129 | Best for: Cooks who want both grill grates and a flat griddle

The Ninja Sizzle is the open-grill counterpart to the Foodi, trading the lid-and-basket bulk for a wide 14-inch cooking surface with interchangeable grill and griddle plates. It reaches 500°F for searing strip steaks and fajita veggies, and the perforated mesh lid plus grease-catching high walls keep smoke and splatter down without an active fan.

The flat griddle plate is the standout, turning the same machine into a pancake-and-smash-burger station that fits about half a dozen burgers for a family of four to six. Both nonstick plates and the mesh lid are removable and dishwasher-safe, which makes weeknight cleanup painless.

Pros:

• Swappable grill and griddle plates for true two-in-one cooking
• Large 14-inch open surface feeds four to six people
• 500°F sear heat with low passive smoke
• Dishwasher-safe plates and mesh lid

Cons:

• No air-fry or enclosed roasting like the Foodi
• Open design throws slightly more smoke than fan-driven grills

Verdict: The best pick if you value a real flat griddle as much as grill grates.

3. Breville the Smart Grill (BGR820XL)

Price: $329 | Best for: Enthusiasts who want precision and a flat-open BBQ surface

The Breville Smart Grill is the premium contact grill, built around 1800 watts of heating elements embedded directly into the plates with Element IQ sensing that recovers temperature fast when cold food hits the surface. It opens flat to a 260 square-inch grill-and-griddle BBQ, has six adjustable height settings plus a plate-tilt drain, and offers dedicated Low, Panini, and Sear modes with an LCD display.

For thick steaks and even cooking, this is the most controlled contact grill on the list. The removable plates are dishwasher-safe, and the integrated drip tray pulls grease away cleanly.

Pros:

• 1800W with Element IQ for fast, stable temperature recovery
• Opens flat to 260 sq in for a full grill-griddle BBQ
• Plate-tilt drain routes grease away from food
• Removable dishwasher-safe plates and a clear LCD

Cons:

• The most expensive model here
• No active smoke-reduction fan, so ventilation still matters

Verdict: The precision contact grill — buy it if even cooking and control matter more than air-fry tricks.

4. Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 (GR-4NP1)

Price: $99 | Best for: Small kitchens wanting a panini press and grill in one

The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4NP1 is the versatile workhorse, with a floating hinge and reversible plates that reconfigure into a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or half-and-half. With more than 32,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is one of the most trusted multi-function options at this price.

The reversible nonstick plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, and the dual independent temperature dials let you run grill and griddle at different heats. It is not a 500°F searing beast, but for paninis, melts, and weeknight chicken it punches well above its cost.

Pros:

• Five configurations from one compact body
• Reversible dishwasher-safe plates for grill and griddle
• Dual temperature controls for each surface
• Proven reliability across tens of thousands of reviews

Cons:

• Lower peak heat than the Ninja or Breville
• Plastic housing feels less premium than the price-class leaders

Verdict: The best small-kitchen all-rounder — a panini press, grill, and griddle for under a hundred dollars.

5. PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro

Price: $119 | Best for: Apartment cooks prioritizing the least smoke

The PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro is the model to beat on smoke control, using a fan-driven turbo system that actively pulls rising smoke down and away from the cooking surface — the closest to truly smokeless of the open grills tested. It runs at 1500 watts, reaches roughly 450°F, and ships with both a grill plate and a griddle plate under a tempered-glass lid so you can watch food without lifting it.

The nonstick plates and drip tray are removable and dishwasher-safe. Peak heat is a step below the 500°F leaders, so sear marks are slightly softer, but for a smoke-sensitive apartment it is the standout.

Pros:

• Active fan smoke extraction — the least kitchen haze on test
• Grill and griddle plates plus a tempered-glass viewing lid
• 1500W with simple, even heating
• Removable dishwasher-safe plates and tray

Cons:

• Tops out near 450°F, so char is gentler than 500°F rivals
• The fan adds a noticeable hum while cooking

Verdict: The best choice when keeping your apartment smoke-free is the top priority.

6. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill & Panini Press (GRP1060B) 💎 BEST VALUE

Price: $59 | Best for: Budget buyers who want fast, no-fuss contact grilling

The George Foreman GRP1060B is the value champion of the contact-grill world and a genuine bargain. It heats up about 35% faster than older Foreman models, offers a 60 square-inch angled surface that drains grease into a catch tray, and its George Tough PFAS-free nonstick plates pop out for dishwasher-safe cleanup.

The sloped design and panini-press hinge make it equally good for burgers, chicken, and pressed sandwiches. It will not sear like a 500°F open grill, but for fast, fat-draining everyday cooking at this price, nothing beats it on cost.

Pros:

• Under $60 with removable dishwasher-safe plates
• Sloped fat-draining surface trims grease automatically
• Heats 35% faster than older models
• Panini-press hinge handles sandwiches and thick cuts

Cons:

• Contact-only design leaves no real grill flavor or char
• Small footprint limits batch size for big families

Verdict: The smartest dollar-for-dollar buy in 2027 — fast, lean, and dead simple.

7. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill (25361)

Price: $64 | Best for: Value seekers who still want real searing heat

The Hamilton Beach Searing Grill earns its spot by delivering true searing performance for the price, hitting a maximum 450°F with a 118 square-inch lidded surface that serves about six. The floating hinge accommodates thicker foods, the lid traps heat for faster cooking, and the nonstick plates and drip tray are removable and dishwasher-safe.

Reviewers consistently flag it as the best overall value under $100, praising even cooking on chicken and a compact build that suits small kitchens. It lacks active smoke control, so a range hood helps with fatty cuts.

Pros:

• 450°F searing heat uncommon at this price
• Lidded 118 sq in surface that serves six
• Removable dishwasher-safe plates and tray
• Compact, value-leading footprint

Cons:

• No fan, so fatty meats still need ventilation
• Single temperature zone, no griddle option

Verdict: A near-tie with the Foreman for value — pick this for hotter searing and a closed lid.

8. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill

Price: $49 | Best for: First-time buyers on the tightest budget

The Chefman Smokeless Grill is the entry-level pick that does one thing surprisingly well: real grilling for under $50. Its standout is the cool-water tray that sits beneath the grate and was the most effective passive smoke-reduction method tested — droplets of fat fall into water instead of scorching on a hot pan.

It offers adjustable temperature control up to around 450°F, and the nonstick grate, water tray, and base are removable and dishwasher-safe. It is a single-purpose open grill with no griddle or air-fry, but for an apartment cook testing the waters, it is hard to argue with the price.

Pros:

• Water-tray smoke control that genuinely works
• Under $50 — the lowest entry price here
• Removable dishwasher-safe grate and tray
• Simple adjustable temperature dial

Cons:

• Small single-zone surface limits batch cooking
• Build quality feels light next to pricier rivals

Verdict: The best truly cheap entry point if water-tray smoke control is what you are after.

9. Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe (GR-150)

Price: $169 | Best for: Cooks wanting dual-zone control on a bigger surface

The Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe GR-150 scales up the Griddler concept with a larger reversible cooking area and six independent functions — contact grill, panini press, top melt, full grill, full griddle, and half-and-half. Its headline feature is dual-zone temperature control, letting you grill at high heat on one side while holding griddle items at a lower temp, each adjustable from about 175°F to 425°F.

The reversible nonstick plates and drip tray are removable and dishwasher-safe, and the brushed-stainless body feels a step up from the standard Griddler. It is a refined multi-function machine rather than a high-sear specialist.

Pros:

• Independent dual-zone temperature for two foods at once
• Six configurations including a top-melt mode
• Larger surface than the standard Griddler
• Removable dishwasher-safe plates

Cons:

• Peak heat around 425°F limits aggressive searing
• Costs more than the simpler GR-4NP1 for similar core uses

Verdict: Step up to this when you want two temperature zones and a roomier multi-function surface.

10. George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

Price: $139 | Best for: Big batches and entertaining a crowd

When you need to feed a crowd, the George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill brings a massive 240 square-inch round surface that handles up to fifteen servings at once — the largest capacity on this list. The domed lid traps heat for roasting whole chickens or stacks of burgers, the design detaches from its stand to move indoors or out to the patio, and the nonstick plate and drip pan are removable for easy cleaning.

It is built for volume rather than precision searing, and there is no smoke fan, but for parties and meal-prep batches nothing else here keeps up.

Pros:

• Huge 240 sq in surface serves up to fifteen
• Indoor and outdoor use on a removable stand
• Domed lid roasts large cuts and whole birds
• Removable nonstick plate and drip pan

Cons:

• No active smoke control, best used with strong ventilation
• Bulky to store and overkill for one or two people

Verdict: The capacity king — buy it only if feeding a crowd is a regular event.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying an Indoor Grill

• Searing heat: A true 500°F (Ninja, Breville) gives real char and crosshatch marks; 450°F models still sear well but with softer browning.
• Smoke reduction reality: No indoor grill is genuinely smokeless. Active fans (PowerXL) and cool-water trays (Chefman) cut the most haze; passive mesh lids help less. Always run a range hood with fatty cuts.
• Cooking area: Match surface size to your household — 60 sq in feeds two to four, 118–260 sq in feeds a family, 240 sq in handles a crowd.
• Multi-function value: Air-fry, roast, and panini modes only matter if you will actually use them; otherwise you are paying for idle features.
• Temperature control: Dual-zone dials (Cuisinart Deluxe) and embedded-element sensing (Breville) hold heat far more evenly than a single basic dial.
• Removable plates cleanup: Insist on plates and trays that pop out and go in the dishwasher; fixed surfaces are the number-one regret in long-term reviews.
• Footprint: Tall lidded units like the Ninja Foodi need overhead clearance and dedicated counter space.

What matters less than marketing implies: "smokeless" claims (every model still smokes somewhat with fatty meat), sky-high wattage numbers (heat distribution beats raw watts), and preset cooking programs (a good thermometer and a temperature dial cover almost everything).

FAQ

Are indoor grills actually smokeless? No. Every electric indoor grill still produces some smoke, especially with marbled or fatty cuts. Fan-driven models like the PowerXL and water-tray designs like the Chefman reduce it the most, but you should still cook under a range hood for greasy foods.

What temperature do I need to get real grill marks? Aim for 450°F minimum and ideally 500°F. The Ninja Foodi XL, Ninja Sizzle, and Breville Smart Grill all reach 500°F and deliver the deepest sear; 450°F models like Hamilton Beach and PowerXL still brown well but more gently.

Contact grill or open grill — which is better? Contact grills (George Foreman, Cuisinart, Breville) cook both sides at once and drain fat, which is fast and lean but adds no smoky flavor. Open grills (Ninja Sizzle, PowerXL, Chefman) give more authentic char and crosshatch marks at the cost of slower cooking and a bit more smoke.

Are removable plates worth it? Absolutely. Dishwasher-safe removable plates are the single biggest factor in long-term satisfaction. Fixed-plate grills are far harder to clean and are the most common complaint in owner reviews.

Which indoor grill is best for a small apartment? The PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro for its active smoke extraction, or the Chefman for the lowest price with a water tray. If you want a multi-tasker, the Cuisinart Griddler GR-4NP1 has the smallest footprint among the versatile picks.

Is the Ninja Foodi worth the premium over a George Foreman? If you will use the air fryer, roast, and bake modes and want true 500°F searing, yes. If you only need fast, lean contact grilling, the George Foreman GRP1060B does that for a quarter of the price.

Bottom Line

For most buyers in 2027 the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 (FG551) at $259 is the best overall indoor grill — a true 500°F searing machine that also air-fries, roasts, and bakes, with a leave-in thermometer that removes the guesswork. If you want grilled food without the spend, the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill at $64 is the best value, delivering 450°F searing heat and dishwasher-safe plates for a fraction of the cost, with the George Foreman GRP1060B at $59 right alongside it for lean contact grilling.

Use the decision tree above to route your choice by smoke sensitivity, versatility, capacity, and budget.

Sources

• Wirecutter — The Best Indoor Grills
• Serious Eats — The Best Indoor Grills, Tested
• Good Housekeeping — Best Indoor Grills
• CNET — Best Indoor Grill
• The Spruce Eats — The Best Indoor Grills
• Food Network — Best Smokeless Indoor Grills
• Ninja Kitchen — Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 (FG551) spec sheet
• Ninja Kitchen — Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) spec sheet
• Cuisinart — Griddler GR-4NP1 spec sheet
• Breville — the Smart Grill BGR820 spec sheet
• PowerXL — Smokeless Grill Pro product page
• George Foreman — 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill & Panini Press (GRP1060B)

*Indoor grill review — indoor grill reviews, rating, best indoor grill 2027, and a review of the top smokeless and multi-function picks for buyers.*