Electric grills sometimes get criticized for not heating evenly or failing to deliver the satisfying char and sear of gas and charcoal grills. But the best electric grills rise above these shortcomings by using smarter designs, more consistent heating elements and high-quality materials, making them a great option for anyone who can’t (or simply doesn’t want to) deal with flames, propane tanks or messy charcoal cleanup. At the top of the class is the Weber Q 1400, our pick for the best electric grill overall, thanks to its robust build quality, impressive temperature control and spacious cooking area.
The best electric grills reach high temperatures quickly and deliver real grilling flavor, without … More charcoal, propane or messy cleanup.
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According to grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, author and founder of Grilling Montana, sticking with well-known appliance brands is a smart move when choosing an electric grill. “Better-engineered grills typically come from manufacturers of common household appliances,” Sidoriak says. “These grills will typically cook hotter, make better use of the available cooking space, and be safer to use. Unless you have a reason to go with an obscure brand, it’s a safe bet that an established brand will perform better than one you’re unfamiliar with.” Beyond our top pick, trusted models like the Ninja WoodFire Pro Connect Premium XL stand out for advanced features, while the compact Weber Lumin offers full grilling power without taking up your countertop or patio space. Ahead, you’ll find the top electric grills suited to different needs, cooking spaces and grilling styles. And if you’re expanding your outdoor cooking setup, we’ve also reviewed essential grilling tools, the best flat-top grills and the best smokers to round out your arsenal.
Amazon
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Dimensions: 14.5 x 27 x 16.5 inches (lid closed) | Cooking area: 189 square inches | Power: 1,560 watts | Weight: 29 pounds
Best for:
Reliable heat retention and consistent grilling resultsSmall patios, balconies or urban livingEasy setup right out of the box
Skip if:
You’re grilling for large gatheringsYou prefer open-flame cooking or high-heat searing
The Weber Q 1400 earned our top spot because it delivers the closest experience to traditional grilling you can get from an electric model, minus the propane tanks or charcoal ash. It heats up fast and maintains steady cooking temperatures, largely thanks to its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and a sturdy cast aluminum body. Those materials ensure the grill retains heat evenly across the entire cooking area, giving food the kind of consistent sear that’s typically harder to achieve without flames.
Its 189-square-inch cooking surface comfortably handles meals for two to four people, but the entire grill is still compact enough for apartment balconies or anyone with limited outdoor space. The removable catch pan below the grill collects drippings and grease so it’s easy to clean up, while the simple dial-based heat control is intuitive enough for even first-time grillers. The grill also arrives fully assembled; you can unpack it, plug it into a standard outlet and start cooking immediately. Just keep in mind that if you’re frequently cooking for larger groups or planning ambitious grilling projects like full racks of ribs, you’ll likely want a model with more space—or one that produces flames.
Amazon
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Dimensions: 6.8 x 16.7 x 12.4 inches | Cooking area: 118 square inches | Power: 1,200 watts | Weight: 8.1 pounds
Best for:
Indoor grilling year-roundEasy cleaning with dishwasher-safe partsQuick meals for one or two
Skip if:
You regularly grill for larger groupsYou need a bigger cooking surface for large cuts of meat
For just $100, the Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill offers heat and control you’d typically only find on much pricier models. Unlike basic countertop grills, it can hit a full 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can get an actual sear on steaks or burgers without having to step outside. The clear viewing window built into the lid lets you check on dinner without lifting it up, making it a truly smokeless option for those with a sensitive kitchen smoke alarm. And the removable grill plate is dishwasher safe, with an extra-large drip tray beneath it to catch grease and drippings—two details that grilling expert Christie Vanover highlighted as major bonuses for easier cleanup on electric grills.
With about 118 square inches of cooking space, this model is best for quick weeknight dinners or casual meals for one or two people rather than big gatherings; if you regularly grill for a crowd, it might be worth getting something larger or more powerful. But considering it’s the lowest-priced grill on this list, the Hamilton Beach packs in more power and useful features than most others in this category.
Dimensions: 15.8 x 20 x 22.3 inches | Cooking area: 180 square inches | Power: 1,760 watts | Weight: 39 pounds
Best for:
Authentic smoky grilling flavorLarge cuts of meat and multi-protein cookingSmart features like app controls and built-in thermometers
Skip if:
You prefer simpler grilling with fewer featuresYou don’t need smoking or air frying functions
If you’re serious about grilling and getting that authentic BBQ flavor matters more to you than the simplicity of basic electric models, the Ninja WoodFire Pro Connect Premium XL delivers a true upgrade. Sidoriak specifically recommended this model because it isn’t just an electric grill—it’s also a smoker, air fryer, roaster, broiler, dehydrator and outdoor oven, all packed into one machine. And its large cooking area can hold bigger cuts of meat like a full 10-pound brisket, two whole chickens or up to ten burgers at once. Two built-in thermometers track each food separately, so you can easily cook steaks rare on one side and chicken fully cooked on the other without guessing.
The real star here, though, is Ninja’s Woodfire technology. While the grill runs on electricity, it uses actual wood pellets to infuse food with authentic smoky barbecue flavor, without needing charcoal or open flames. The Ninja Pro Connect app sends alerts straight to your phone, so you’ll get notified exactly when the grill is preheated, when it’s time to flip your burgers, or when your brisket reaches the ideal temperature. Customers also like the app’s cooking charts and tips, which can help if you’re grilling something more ambitious like ribs or pulled pork for the first time. Plus, it’s built to stay outdoors year-round, so you don’t have to worry about packing it up and storing it somewhere inside.
Amazon
Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill
Dimensions: 11 x 23 x 16.5 inches (lid closed) | Cooking area: 180 square inches | Power: 1,560 watts | Weight: 26 pounds
Best for:
High-heat searing in small spacesVersatile cooking options (steam, smoke, boil)Quick thaw-and-grill convenience
Skip if:
You regularly cook large items like whole brisketsYou prefer a simpler grill without extra modes
The Weber Lumin is as powerful as it gets for its size. According to Sidoriak, most electric grills max out at around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why they struggle to produce the kind of deep sear marks and grilled flavor you’d expect from gas models. But, despite taking up less space than most countertop microwaves, the Lumin easily hits temperatures above 600 degrees. That means you can get the look and flavor usually only found when using much larger setups, rather than settling for something that just tastes like it came from a hot pan.
Beyond high heat (and despite its smaller size), this model has cooking modes rarely seen on smaller electric grills. You can steam vegetables, boil water or smoke meats right on the grill surface, and it even heats up fast enough that you can thaw frozen food directly on the grate as it preheats. The built-in warming function also keeps finished food hot until you’re ready to serve. The cooking area itself is substantial at 180 square inches—just a few inches smaller than our top overall pick—but the Lumin takes up even less space. It’s roomy enough for several burgers or steaks at once without crowding your countertop or balcony.
Amazon
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle ComboShop At Amazon
Dimensions: 7 x 17.4 x 15.7 inches | Cooking area: 108 square inches (grill); 144 square inches (griddle) | Power: 1,760 watts | Weight: 27.5 pounds
Best for:
Indoor grilling, griddling and air fryingPrecise temperature controlsMultiple cooking modes
Skip if:
You need a larger outdoor-style grill or smokerYou prefer fewer features and simpler controls
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro is a grill-griddle combo that actually does multiple things well. It doesn’t have the wood-smoked flavor you get with the Ninja WoodFire Pro Connect Premium XL, but it also costs less than half the price—and unlike that model, it’s designed specifically for indoor use. The grill grate itself reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, evenly heated from edge to edge, so your steaks and burgers get an authentic sear without hot or cold spots. Then you have the separate 12-inch flat-top griddle, which fits right onto the same base. That griddle is perfect for pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, stir-fried vegetables or anything else you couldn’t easily cook on a traditional grill grate.
You also get more control over how you use heat. With the hood down, the grill circulates air for quicker cooking, crispier food, or melting toppings. With it open, you get direct high-heat grilling from below, similar to outdoor setups without the smoke. The Smart Cook thermometer is another bonus, especially if you like precise control: You pick how done you want your food and the thermometer tells you exactly when to pull it off, so you don’t have to keep checking. There’s also an air fryer basket, in case you want to make fries or wings without dealing with oil.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The home and kitchen team at Forbes Vetted continually researches and reviews cooking products, grilling equipment and household appliances to help readers make informed buying decisions, including guides to the best smokers, flat-top grills and essential grilling tools.
This article was written by Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan, who has over a decade of experience covering kitchen gear, including grilling products and outdoor appliances. It was edited and overseen by deputy home and kitchen editor Rebekah Lowin, who specializes in home and lifestyle reviews.
We consulted grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, founder of Grilling Montana, and award-winning competitive pitmaster Christie Vanover, founder of Girls Can Grill. They shared extensive insights into electric grill design, temperature capabilities, safety considerations and specific features that matter most in real-world cooking scenarios.
We regularly review and update this article to ensure accuracy and relevance. This version was last updated in July 2025.
How We Chose The Best Electric Grills
To select the best electric grills, we conducted thorough research, incorporated expert recommendations, carefully analyzed product specifications and evaluated customer reviews.
We prioritized grills from established, trusted brands like Weber, Ninja and Hamilton Beach.
We highlighted grills that experts Sidoriak and Vanover specifically recommended or identified as examples of standout electric grill technology, such as models that reach unusually high temperatures or offer multiple cooking modes.
We spoke with our grilling experts to identify key features like cooking surface area, high-temperature searing capability, ease of cleaning, smoke control and important safety considerations, especially when grilling indoors or in small spaces.
We selected models to suit various types of grilling, cooking spaces and lifestyles, from compact balcony-friendly grills to multifunctional grill-smoker-air fryer combos and indoor grill-griddle units.
We placed significant emphasis on customer feedback, choosing only electric grills with average ratings of at least four stars or higher.
What To Look For In The Best Electric Grills
Shopping for electric grills can get confusing quickly, especially since many people assume they’re just a weak alternative to gas or charcoal models. But, according to our grilling experts, the best electric grills can deliver serious heat, versatility and excellent flavor—as long as you know what to look for. Here are the main points to keep in mind as you shop.
Temperature And Searing Power
Electric grills typically top out around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, explains Sidoriak, due to the limitations of standard electrical outlets. That’s why grills like the Weber Lumin, which hits over 600 degrees, are particularly impressive. The extra heat lets you achieve genuine sear marks on steaks or burgers, something you’d usually only get with gas or charcoal. Vanover adds that you should think about what you’ll grill most often: higher-temperature grills are ideal for burgers and steaks, while models designed with lower-temperature ranges work best for foods you want to cook slowly, like ribs or pork shoulders.
Cooking Area And Footprint
Grill size matters, especially with electric models, which often have smaller cooking areas than traditional grills. Vanover says to consider how much food you’ll realistically cook at once. “Many electric grills are smaller and won’t fit brisket, ribs and pork butt all together,” she explains. But size doesn’t always mean sacrificing power or convenience. The Weber Q 1400, our top overall pick, provides a substantial cooking surface (189 square inches) despite its compact design, making it ideal for smaller outdoor areas or apartment balconies.
Sidoriak also suggests paying attention to practical details. “Make sure the grill isn’t too tall to fit comfortably on your countertop, and check that it’s easy to move or store,” he advises. Electric grills tend to be portable and lighter, but you still want something sturdy enough for regular use.
Versatility And Extra Features
Some electric grills go way beyond basic grilling. Sidoriak says interchangeable grill and griddle plates often perform surprisingly well since electric grills usually run right around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the sweet spot for griddle cooking. Our favorite grill-griddle combo, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro, is a perfect example of this versatility. It lets you grill steaks on one night, then flip pancakes or fry eggs on the griddle plate the next morning without buying separate appliances.
There are also more advanced multipurpose options, like the Ninja WoodFire Pro Connect Premium XL, which smokes, roasts, air fries, grills and even dehydrates food. But Sidoriak cautions against paying for an overly complicated model if you don’t need to: “In my experience, the difference between modes like broil, bake and roast is minimal, so don’t get swayed by too many similar-sounding features.”
Easy Cleanup
Nobody likes cleaning up after grilling, but it’s even trickier with electric models. Vanover points out that indoor grills usually have nonstick grill plates, but you have to clean them right away or cooked-on food becomes tough to remove. Sidoriak recommends grills with dishwasher-safe removable plates, drip pans and grease trays, since these features make cleanup much faster and less frustrating. Our best value pick, the Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill, is a good example with its dishwasher-safe grill plate and extra-large drip tray.
Smoke Control
Indoor grilling often raises concerns about smoke. Sidoriak explains most smoke actually comes from residual grease and drippings from previous cookouts rather than from fresh food itself, so keeping the grill clean is key. Vanover emphasizes choosing grills specifically engineered for indoor use, since they usually incorporate better smoke-control features. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro includes a specialized smoke control system and a splatter shield to help minimize indoor smoke, making it suitable for apartment kitchens or spaces with sensitive smoke detectors.
Safety Features
Safety is crucial with electric grills, especially around your smaller family members. Vanover suggests plugging indoor grills near a backsplash rather than on islands, to prevent accidental cord pulls. “Just like you’d keep a hot pan out of reach, keep your electric grill safely away from kids or pets,” she advises. Sidoriak adds that you should carefully check the manufacturer’s guidelines for placement: “Some grills need extra space around them for airflow, meaning you can’t place them directly against a wall or under a cabinet.” The compact footprint and sturdy design of smaller models like the Weber Lumin can help minimize these concerns, especially in tight spaces.