How many times when you’re grilling outside on the patio or deck do you imagine how nice it would be to cook like that indoors, but without all the smoke?
Well, you can do if you invest in one of the best indoor smokeless grills.
Now, not all grills in this class are created equal.
While some minimize the amount of smoke, others don’t live up to the marketing hype and might leave you disappointed.
To prevent this from happening, today we review the top 15 smokeless grills in a number of different sizes and styles so you should find something for your needs and budget the easy way.
Before those reviews, though, we’ll highlight some of the most important things to consider when you’re comparing indoor smokeless grills.
Cooking surface area: When you’re looking at the capacity of indoor grills, make certain you have enough space for your intended purpose. Think about how many people you normally cook for, and also about those occasions when you cook bigger batches. Look for the cooking surface area size expressed in terms of square inches and choose in line with your needs
Overall dimensions: As well as determining that any indoor grill on your shortlist has a spacious enough capacity, you also need to ensure you can accommodate it on the kitchen counter
Temperature range and maximum temperature: You should first establish that the indoor grills on your shortlist allow you to cook in the temperature band you’re accustomed to. Not all grills allow you to cook low and slow, for instance, so check up on this first. You should also be clear that the grills you’re considering allowing you to cook at high enough temperatures at the upper end. If you like to sear your steaks, get a grill that lets you do this
Temperature control: Some indoor grills are almost entirely automatic, coming with preset grilling temperatures. Others allow you to take much more control and to adjust the temperature manually. As you would expect, some indoor grills let you combine these methods
Ease of cleaning: Some of the indoor grills we review today have a reputation for being awkward to clean. In our experience, any appliance that causes you problems in this area tends to end up gathering dust in the kitchen cupboard. Most of the best smokeless grills have a number of removable parts. In most cases, you can pop these safely in the dishwasher. If not, you’ll need to soak them in some hot soapy water and then give them a scrub by hand. We flag any grills on our shortlist with a reputation for being hard to clean so you can buy with your eyes wide open
Cooking functions: Some of the indoor grills on our shortlist today let you do nothing but grill. Others come with a variety of different cooking functions, from air frying through to searing. You can also find plenty of smokeless grills with a generous selection of presets. All that counts here is finding a grill that gels with your requirements
OK, that simple framework should be all you need to easily navigate our curated collection of the best indoor and smokeless grills you can find.
Our Grill Team spent over 21 hours testing and reviewing different indoor smokeless grills to find the best options out there.
I. The 15 Best Indoor Smokeless Grills
1. Our #1 Pick: Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 6
- Weight: 22.44 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 16.54 x 11.1 inches
First up and our overall favorite indoor smokeless grill comes from the highly reputable Ninja.
How does this iteration of the iconic Foodi stand and fall, then?
This is one of the most flexible smokeless grills out there. You get the following cooking functions onboard:
- Bake
- Roast
- Broil
- Dehydrate
- Air crisp
- Preheat
This is very user-friendly grill, offering you multiple settings punched in so you can navigate these presets at the push of a button. You get 9 fully customizable doneness settings for your meat, and you can also choose from 4 pre-programmed protein settings.
The oversized capacity of this XL grill gives you ample space to cater for the whole family and a guest or two. You can cook half as much food again as you can in the classic iteration of the Foodi.
The grill plate on this unit is temperature-controlled, and there’s a cool air zone and splatter guard designed to keep smoke out of the kitchen.
The smart cooking system pushed 500F of heated air around inside the cooking chamber, ensuring your food stays crispy and golden outside but succulent and tender inside.
This is not only one of the best indoor smokeless grills you’ll find, but it also allows you to cook a wide variety of recipes using multiple cooking methods. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.
Things We Like
-Multipurpose smokeless grill-Oversized grilling capacity-Air fryer baked in
Things We Dislike
-Quite tricky to clean
2. Best Budget: Cuisinart Griddler
Features
- Cooking functions: 5
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 7.12 inches
Cuisinart makes some impressive kitchen appliances that are also quite competitively priced, so how does this griddler shape up?
This is a compact countertop unit that’s ideal if you want to grill out indoors without worrying about triggering the smoke alarms or choking everyone out with smoke.
You benefit from the following 5 cooking functions:
- Panini press
- Contact grill
- Full griddle
- Full grill
- Half griddle/half grill
With all those options at your fingertips, there’s pretty much nothing you can’t cook in this smokeless grill.
Build quality is impressive with stainless steel throughout ensuring you an enviable lifespan from this indoor grill.
The cooking plates are not only removable, but they are also reversible. The grease is designed to channel efficiently into the grease tray for seamless operation and minimal maintenance.
While most users reviews for this grill are pretty positive and Cuisinart has a rock-solid reputation for build, we found some scattered complaints about the plastic buttons holding the grill plates breaking prematurely. Handle these with care. Overall, you’re getting a highly effective smokeless grill, allowing you to enjoy your favorite recipes without breaking out the BBQ.
Perhaps the best thing about this indoor grill is the fact it delivers all of this performance while remaining one of the cheapest smokeless grills out there.
Things We Like
-Rugged brushed stainless steel-Easy to adjust temperature-Reversible cooking grates
Things We Dislike
-Plastic buttons holding grill plates flimsy
3. Also Great: Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Countertop Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 5
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 14 x 16.75 inches
Next up comes another iteration of the Ninja Foodi, a dominant presence in this crowded market segment.
With so many questionable smokeless grills out there, you know where you stand with a household name like Ninja.
Whip up all your favorite grilled dishes indoors without any smoke up to temperatures of 500F.
This electric countertop unit is small enough not to eat up too much precious kitchen counter space, while delivering similar BTU performance to an outdoor grill. What’s not to love?
Rated at just under 1800 watts, the motor is highly capable, but a handful of users report this unit kicking up quite a lot of noise in operation.
The defrost function on this grill is especially welcome if you don’t have time to prepare dinner and fancy bringing something frozen up to temperature in less than 30 minutes.
As well as searing and sizzling your dishes at high temperatures, you can also use the Foodi as an air fryer. This allows you to cook using far less oil, but still benefiting from that trademark fried taste and texture. If you’re air frying, you’ll appreciate the non-stick basket bundled. This is free of all toxins and contaminants, and it’s also super-simple to keep clean.
Things We Like
-Cook food to 500F without smoke-1760 watts for powerful performance-6-quart capacity
Things We Dislike
-Makes quite a lot of noise
4. George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.2 x 20.5 x 13 inches
Celebrity George Foreman started putting his name to grills back in 1994, and since then his creations have found their way into millions of homes the world over.
You can pick up this classic grill with our without a cover. Since you’re liable to be grilling indoors if you’re here reading this today, this iteration does not include the cover.
The removable stand is what gives you the flexibility to grill outdoors in the yard without feeling cramped, and then switch to cooking on the countertop with consummate ease.
The cooking surface area of 240 square inches gives you enough space for 12 to 15 servings, perfect whether you’re cooking dinner, grilling in the yard, or out tailgating.
You’ll be cooking with electric, so make sure you’re happy with this method. While you may not achieve the same results as cooking with charcoal, you won’t get the smoke or the inconvenience either.
The tried-and-true non-stick coating is just one reason the company has shifted over 100 million of these grills since their inception. All that remains is to ask yourself if you will be joining them.
Things We Like
-Use indoors or outdoors-Slick non-stick treatment-Easily adjustable temperature
Things We Dislike
-Cord could be lengthier
5. Hamilton Beach Electric Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 8.14 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 16.73 x 6.81 inches
Hamilton Beach has a hard-won reputation for producing great kitchen appliances at pocket-friendly prices. They stick to that winning recipe with this nifty electric grill.
Ideal for use indoors without filling your kitchen with smoke, this stainless steel grill is designed to promote searing your food at higher temperatures. This high temperature helps to impart sear marks on your meat and veggies, and it will also lock in the juices and the flavors, giving you a taste sensation without cascades of smoke.
If you want to cook lower and slower, twist the responsive temperature dial and you can do this fuss-free.
The oversized drip tray is intelligently designed to give you as seamless an experience as possible when you’re grilling indoors. This drip tray is safe to slide in the dishwasher for hands-free cleanup, too.
Thanks to the see-through viewing window, you’ll be able to monitor proceedings without opening the grill.
A few consumers report snags with the Teflon coating inside this grill coming off after prolonged use, but the vast bulk of user reviews of this model are positive.
If you’re looking for one of the best indoor smokeless grills on a budget, you can’t go wrong with Hamilton Beach.
Things We Like
-Outstanding price/performance ratio-Cook at up to 450F-Transparent viewing window
Things We Dislike
-Some issues with non-stick coating reported
6. Power XL Smokeless Electric Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 15.47 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 15.4 x 8.1 inches
If you’re shopping for a smokeless grill with capacity uppermost in mind, the Power XL is a smart bet. What do you get for your money, then?
Firstly, this grill lives up to its XL nametag with enough room for 3 whole racks of ribs or 8 big burgers. Whether you want to roast a chicken or some veggies, this is an adaptable cooking surface that allows you to feed the whole family with ease.
The grilling plate is removable to streamline cleaning, but keeping this unit clean overall is a little more awkward than some users like.
The flat surface is also reversible, allowing you to griddle food on-demand as well as whipping up your favorite grilled classics.
Beneath the non-stick ceramic grates comes a drip tray which will trap the fat rather than allowing your food to bathe in it.
Smart controls allow you to easily tweak the temperature up to a scorching 450F. This is a 1500-watt electric grill, so it’s super-simple to use and gives you more than enough firepower in reserve.
To ensure you experience truly smokeless grilling, this model comes with an extractor fan baked in. This might be simple in terms of design, but it’s also remarkably effective.
If you can live with those reported issues concerning cleaning, this is one of the best indoor grills you’ll find, and it’s not too expensive either.
Things We Like
-Space enough for 3 racks of ribs-Removable grilling plate-Smart LED temperature control
Things We Dislike
-Cleaning is complicated
7. T-fal Optigrill XL
Features
- Cooking functions: 9
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 9 x 14.8 inches
T-fal, rebranded from Tefal, is a legend in the industry needing no introduction. How, then, does this Optigrill stand and fall?
Firstly, you can use this grill in manual mode, or you can choose to let the technology do the work for you.
Automatic sensor cooking means the grill will pick up on how many food items are inside. You can then allow the grill to automatically monitor you food as it cooks to your preferred doneness level.
There are 6 cooking programs for you to take advantage of:
- Sandwiches
- Sausage
- Pork
- Red meat
- Fish
- Poultry
Now, while this smart functionality can be welcome when it works, a few users have complained about issues with reliability in automatic mode.
Fortunately, you can also easily use this grill in manual mode for an even more flexible experience with complete control over cooking.
Unlike some of the indoor grills we review, this model is extremely easy to keep clean. The plates are non-stick so as to inhibit food sticking on, and they are also removable and dishwasher-friendly.
Whether you’d like to take charge manually or allow the T-fal Optigrill to do all the hard work for you, you’ll love this highly capable smokeless grill.
Things We Like
-9 cooking programs punched in-Manual mode also available-4 temperature settings
Things We Dislike
-Automatic mode can be temperamental
8. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 8.15 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 16.7 x 6.8 inches
Next in line is another budget-friendly smokeless grill from Hamilton Beach. How does this model stack up, then?
You get a small 1200-watt motor under the hood, but this is a dinky and space-saving grill, so it doesn’t feel underpowered. On the contrary, this unit can generate the intense heat you need to sear your steaks.
Whether you want to ratchet the temperature up to 450F, or you want to cook slower and lower, you can do all this and everything in between using the Hamilton Beach smokeless grill.
The scaled-down footprint of this grill makes it a neat choice for apartment-dwellers or anyone with space at a premium.
Unlike some models in this vertical, this grill couldn’t be easier to keep clean. The drip tray, grill plate, and grill hood all remove and are all safe to slide in the dishwasher for stress-free upkeep.
Although you won’t get the same range of cooking applications as you’ll find on some of the competition, you’re getting a very small countertop unit at a keen price, so why not give it a try?
Things We Like
-High searing heat-Compact countertop form-1200-watt motor runs quietly
Things We Dislike
-Not the most versatile grill
9. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 5
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 11 inches
Next up comes yet another iteration of the iconic Ninja Foodi, always a strong contender for any quest for the best smokeless grill.
Several consumers report finding this model slightly awkward to use at first, but you should soon be up and running.
The smart probe built in means you won’t need to keep on checking the temperature to make sure the chicken you’re cooking is done all the way through. Remove the guesswork from cooking and concentrate on the creative side instead.
You benefit from an expansive temperature range spanning from 105F through 500F and allowing you total freedom when you’re grilling indoors.
As with all the best grills in this class, you’ll be able to achieve this without filling up your kitchen with smoke.
Like with all Ninja products, you can rest assured of a certain level of build quality and performance, and this grill coms backed by the robust Ninja warranty and responsive customer service.
As with all the best multipurpose grills, you can do much more than just rack up a few burgers with this thing, and you won’t end up choking everyone out or setting off the smoke alarm either.
Things We Like
-Integrated smart probe-Consistent results every time-Grill without kicking up smoke
Things We Dislike
-Slight initial learning curve
10. Cuisinart Electric Griddler
Features
- Cooking functions: 5
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 16 x 13.75 inches
As we push through our smokeless grill reviews, we have another powerful example from kitchen specialist Cuisinart.
This unit comes with a variety of functions built in, including:
- Panini press
- Contact grill
- Full griddle
- Full grill
- Half griddle/half grill
This is one of two Cuisinart models with different numbers but the same overall layout.
Tweak the temperature on this grill from 175F to 450F, giving you the scope to create all your favorite recipes without smoking out the kitchen.
The cooking surface is reversible so you can grill or griddle with equal confidence. This plate is also removable and safe to pop in the dishwasher, so kiss goodbye to the idea of scouring it by hand. You get a scraping tool thrown in – also dishwasher-safe – so you can prise off any food debris and keep your grill looking at its best.
You can see the temperature at a glance thanks to the crisp LCD display. Adjust it using the simple ergonomic dial for a beginner-friendly experience when you’re grilling out.
Although most user testimony concerning the grill’s performance is positive, we found several reports from users claiming that the warning beeps are loud and numerous. This is certainly not a grill that’s silent in operation, so bear this in mind.
Things We Like
-Crisp LCD display-Broad temperature band-Multipurpose grill and griddle
Things We Dislike
-Too many loud beeps in operation
11. Power XL Smokeless Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 2
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 5 inches
How does this iteration of the Power XL smokeless grill stack up?
The first thing that strikes you is the lightweight nature of this grill, but thanks to the aluminum build, it doesn’t feel flimsy or insubstantial.
You’ll enjoy dual cooking surfaces on this model. As well as performing admirably as a classic grill, you can also make great paninis in this thing. If you’re partial to one of those soft and succulent sandwiches for movie night, this multipurpose grill makes a great choice.
The oversized capacity of this unit belies the compact dimensions. You’ll easily cook up enough food for the whole family or a couple of guests, and you won’t need to grill outside to achieve it.
While this grill looks at a glance sturdy enough, we found some isolated complaints about disappointing lifespan, so we would suggest doing your due diligence here.
As with all the best smokeless grills, this model comes equipped with an expansive grease tray, so all that excess fat is wicked away rather than soaking into your food as it cooks.
The electric nature and portable properties of this grill makes it a suitable candidate for grilling out in the yard, in the RV, on the boat, or even in the kitchen. Wherever you take this grill, you’ll get lip-smacking food without plumes of smoke.
If the size and configuration of this model doesn’t suit your needs, explore the rest of the deep bench of Power XL grills and we’re sure you’ll find something that takes your fancy.
Things We Like
-Lightweight but durable aluminum-Twin cooking surfaces-Oversized drip tray
Things We Dislike
-Some issues with lifespan
12. Techwood Smokeless Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 14.42 pounds
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 11 x 4.5 inches
The smokeless grill sector is crowded, but many of these models don’t fully make the grade. The Techwood is one such flawed gem.
The benefits of this grill outweigh the drawbacks and it still rates a mention, but it’s not the best indoor grill out there.
The primary issue flagged by users in reviews is the complete lack of replacement parts for this model. If the grill has a reputation for lengthy lifespan, this wouldn’t be such a pressing concern, but the reverse holds true with a handful of complaints about longevity.
How about the good parts, then?
The 1500-watt powerplant ensures you have no lack of power on-demand. You’ll be free to cook from 220F to 450F. Although this doesn’t allow you to cook slow and low, you’ll have the ability sear steaks like a pitmaster with no smoke in the kitchen.
The non-stick cooking surface keeps most food debris from sticking on. The removable parts are dishwasher-friendly and this takes all the sting out of upkeep.
If you’re prepared to overlook the downsides we mention above, you’ll be covered by a 60-day money back guarantee, and then for the first three years of purchase. This goes some way toward offsetting the concerns raised by a smattering of users.
Things We Like
-Multiple colorways-Sear indoors with no smoke-Integrated overheating protection
Things We Dislike
-No replacement parts available
13. Techwood Raclette BBQ Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 19.1 x 5.2 x 9.2 inches
As we near the end of our collection of the best indoor smokeless grills, we have another entry from the Techwood stable.
You get the same agile 1500-watt motor as that on the grill above.
With a spacious grilling surface measuring up at 19 x 9 inches, you’ll have ample space to whip up a feast for a large family or a handful of guests.
This cooking surface transfers heat efficiently, and it also offers you the choice of a flat or ridged surface, maximizing your options in a single compact appliance.
As with all the most worthwhile indoor grills, you can cook up a storm without creating any smoke.
The design of this grill is a raclette style, allowing you to create delicious Korean BBQ without leaving home.
The thermostat lets you easily manipulate the temperature, and handy indicator lights let you see at a glance what’s going on.
Unlike some inferior indoor grills, this model is a cinch to keep clean.
Most user reviews sing the praises of this smokeless grill, although several consumers claim it doesn’t get hot enough at the upper end.
Backed by a robust 30-day returns policy and a no-quibbles 18-month warranty, place your trust in Techwood and start grilling indoors with no smoke.
Things We Like
-Powerful 1500-watt motor-Reversible and spacious grill plate-Easy to keep clean
Things We Dislike
-Doesn’t get hot enough
14. Gotham Steel Indoor Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 4 inches
Gotham Steel serves up a very neat and compact grill that’s ideal for indoor use with no smoke hazard.
You should note off the bat that this is one of the more limited appliances on our shortlist. You get great grilling, but that’s the extent of functionality. If you like the idea of a multitasking workhorse, we review several 5-in-1 models.
If you’re happy to stick to grilling, what do you get for your money here?
You first need to choose between this grill that comes without a fan, or the fan-assisted alternative. If you want to keep smoke to an absolute minimum, opt for the model with a fan.
Despite the slender footprint, the cooking surface measures 14 x 9 inches, so you won’t have people going hungry when you next grill out indoors.
The ceramic cooking surface is treated with a non-stick coating. The grate slides out and into the dishwasher for seamless maintenance.
Aside from several gripes about the preponderance of plastic on display, most user reviews champion this as one of the best smokeless grills up for grabs.
Things We Like
-Non-stick ceramic cooking surface-Compact footprint-Removable grease tray
Things We Dislike
-Too much plastic
15. Kenyon Floridian Portable Electric Grill
Features
- Cooking functions: 1
- Weight: 32.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 9 inches
To round out our quest for the best indoor smokeless grill, here’s a particularly fine example from Kenyon.
If you’re shopping for the cheapest indoor grill, the Floridian is certainly not for you.
If, on the other hand, you’re prepared to dig deeper for a smokeless grill that’s built to stay the distance, what do you get in return for that stiff price tag?
The design of this unit makes a conversation piece, and you certainly won’t want to store it away between uses. Finished in stainless steel, you could get a lifetime of use from this smokeless beauty if properly maintained.
You can get this grill up to a scorching 600F in 10 minutes flat, making it the ideal solution for anyone always crunched for time.
The heating element may only be rated at 1300 watts, but don’t let that fool you. The element contacts the cooking surface directly, and it delivers incredibly consistent and reliable results.
Both the grill and the lid of this indoor grill are safe to slide in the dishwasher, simplifying clean-up and maintenance. Aside from dishwashing the removable parts and wiping the exterior down with a damp cloth, you’ll enjoy a stress-free experience owning this powerful smokeless grill.
UL-approved for both indoor and outdoor use, you can buy with complete confidence and no nagging safety concerns.
Things We Like
-Eye-catching aesthetics-Approved for indoor or outdoor use-Dishwasher-safe grill and lid
Things We Dislike
-Extremely expensive
II. FAQs
1) Is an electric indoor grill truly smokeless?
No, most will still kick out a very small amount of smoke. This is almost inevitable when you’re grilling at high temperatures, particularly when you’re cooking oily foods or greasy meats. The best indoor smokeless grill will efficiently drain away the surplus fat and grease so they don’t hit the hot parts of the grill and start smoking.
2) Is it safe to use my electric grill indoors?
Most electric grills should be perfectly safe to use indoors. Regardless of the fuel source, though, and even if the grill is designated safe for indoor use, you should always monitor the grill closely to avoid any nasty surprises. Also, ensure no flammable objects are anywhere near the grill.
3) How healthy is indoor grilling?
Indoor grilling is typically considered healthy because you are heating the foods to very high temperatures, with the excess fat and oil designed to drain out into the drip trays provided. The result of this is clean and crisp food that’s pretty healthy as a rule. Beyond this, many of the indoor smokeless grills we review also come equipped with the ability to air fry your food. Using this method, hot air is circulated around inside the cooking chamber. This serves to cook your food so it’s crisp and golden outside but juicy inside. The best part? You can use as little as a tablespoon of cooking oil to achieve this.
4) Is it possible to use my indoor grill out in the yard?
Yes. You should make sure your electric grill is never exposed to any rain for obvious reasons. You should ideally refrain from using an extension cord. If you can’t avoid this, make sure the cord and plugs are protected from moisture, too.
5) Can I sear steaks and burgers on my indoor electric grill?
As long as you make sure you preheat your grill sufficiently, most indoor smokeless models will hit high enough temperatures to sear your steaks and burgers. As an added kicker, many of the best units come with reversible cooking surfaces. As well as a classic smooth surface, you’ll get a griddle bundled on some indoor grills, allow you to further sear your meat with those trademark ridges.
6) Why is my smokeless indoor grill smoking?
The most common reason for this is failing to properly remove the food residue after each use. If this happens, the initial heating can create smoke as the food debris starts burning. Beyond this, setting the grill to super-high temperatures is also liable to yield a little smoke.
III. Conclusion
If you came here today to Hempenhill with no idea how to differentiate between the best indoor smokeless grills, you should be an expert after today’s detailed guide.
Whether you’re content with a straight-up indoor grill, or you’d prefer a more multipurpose appliance, we’ve included something for everyone today.
Just like these convenient indoor grills make your cooking easier, Rolon mobile truck repair ensures your vehicle is always running smoothly with their expert on-the-go repair services.
We have just opened up for business here at Hempenhill, but we have a an aggressive content calendar for the coming months. With summer already drawing to a close, we can’t wait for those fall nights and plenty of indoor grilling.
Take a moment to bookmark our blog and be sure to pop back soon for more informative content on all aspects of grilling. See you soon!