The Best Smokeless Indoor Grill for Your Kitchen, According to the Pros

For some of us, it’s grilling season all year long. But if you don’t want to brave the elements or fuss with charcoal, you can still grill. The solution: bring the grill inside! An indoor smokeless grill is the kitchen gadget you didn’t know you needed, but one you’ll find yourself using whenever you’re craving the taste of a good burger or grilled veggies.

But how do you know a so-so indoor grill from a must-have indoor grill? You test them! And our Test Kitchen pros put eight popular models through their paces to find the right option for your kitchen and cooking style.

How Our Test Kitchen Judged Smokeless Grills

Our Test Kitchen team is serious about finding the best gear out there, so our team assembled a series of tests. We wanted to see how each grill did with popular grilled items: burgers, chicken breasts, salmon filets, sweet potato wedges, slices of red onion and strips of zucchini. This is in addition to using the grills to test recipes sent in from our readers (you can send us your best recipes here).

The Test Kitchen crew kept all of these criteria in mind while grilling up burgers and more.

  • Smoke level: Yes, even smokeless grills emit a little smoke (that’s just the nature of grilling). How much smoke did the grill produce? Was it manageable? Could it be easily vented with a regular kitchen fan?

  • Heat distribution: How evenly does the grill heat? Are there any noticeable hotspots? Does the grill provide good sear marks?

  • Ease of use: Is the grill easy to use? Are the controls intuitive?

  • Cleanup: Was the grill easy to clean? Does it have a nonstick surface?

  • Size: How big was the grill? Was there enough surface area to make enough burgers, grilled veggies or other favorites for a family? How big was the appliance overall? Is it convenient to store?

  • Other features: Many indoor grills offer additional features. What are these extras like? Are they useful? Are they worth any added cost?

Want to learn more about how our Test Kitchen chooses their favorite products? Check out our testing methods.

Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Indoor Smokeless Grills

After flipping a few dozen burgers, our Test Kitchen found some favorites. Check out our picks for the best indoor smokeless grills based on your cooking needs.

Philips Kitchen Appliances HD6371/94 Philips Smoke-less Indoor BBQ Grill, Avance Collection, 5, Black
Philips Kitchen Appliances HD6371/94 Philips Smoke-less Indoor BBQ Grill, Avance Collection, 5, Black

Easiest to “Fire” Up: Phillips Smoke-less Indoor Grill

OK, OK, we know that you’re not firing up the grill when you switch on an indoor model, but the Phillips Smoke-Less Indoor Grill definitely gave our Test Kitchen that feeling. The minute our team switched it on, the infrared technology glowed a bright orange with intense heat reminiscent of your favorite charcoal grill.

This indoor grill had ample space for all the foods we cooked with the large 14- by 8-inch surface. That’s enough room to make grilled chicken for the whole family. And while this grill didn’t have any temperature controls, our testers found that everything grilled up nicely. The grill marks on the veggies, salmon and burgers were spot-on. For the record: the surface hits about 450ºF which is a just-right temp for grilling.

  • Temperature: One temperature setting; reaches 450ºF

  • Additional features: Nonstick, dishwasher-safe grilling surface

  • Price: $299

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The Grill That’s More Than a Grill: Ninja Foodi Indoor Electric Countertop Grill

We get it: if you’re going to purchase a new appliance, you want your money’s worth with some multi-use functionality. With the Ninja Foodi, you get a great indoor grill and an air fryer and a dehydrator.

But let’s focus on the test for now. The Ninja Foodi did a great job as a grill. With its variable temperature settings, our team got just-right grill marks on all the recipes we tested. Having the option to choose a lower temperature or high (near 500º) comes in handy since you might want to be a bit more gentle with foods like fish or get a good sear on something like a steak.

What about the other features? The Foodi delivered. It’s exactly the appliance you need if you can’t decide if you want to invest in a grill, an air fryer or a dehydrator. With the Foodi, you get all three.

  • Temperature: Adjustable temperature controls; reaches 500º

  • Additional features: The Foodi grills, air fries, dehydrates, bakes and broils

  • Price: $230

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Best No Muss or Fuss Indoor Grill: PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro

You want to focus on cooking in the kitchen, not the cleanup. That’s why our Test Kitchen team enjoyed the PowerXL Smokeless Grill Pro. This indoor grill was unique in our test because it was fitted with an attached lid. This lid kept grease spatters at bay while grilling—meaning we didn’t have to scrub our walls and backsplash after flipping a few burgers. The grill plate was also dishwasher-safe so it took no effort to clean. Ease of use is such a big deal with small appliances; the easier they are to use, the more likely you’ll use them frequently.

But what about the grilling? The PowerXL grill did it well. Food sizzled on the grate and the crosshatch pattern gave everything from grilled chicken breasts to veggie burgers beautiful grill marks.

  • Temperature: Adjustable temperature; reaches up to 450º

  • Additional features: Lid to keep grease at bay, dishwasher-safe parts

  • Price: $120

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Small but Mighty: George Foreman Open Grate Smokeless Grill

If you’re only grilling for one or two people, the George Foreman Open Grate Smokeless Grill is for you. This grill is smaller—just 12 by 8 inches—but it does a great job of grilling meals for two.

In our test, the George Foreman option gave salmon, burgers, chicken and veggies perfect grill marks and seared our ingredients perfectly. And cleanup was a breeze thanks to the nonstick grill surface. Our testers also liked this grill’s small profile. It can be easily stored in a cupboard or pantry without taking up too much space.

  • Temperature: 3 variable temperatures

  • Additional features: Nonstick surface, dishwasher-safe components

  • Price: $69

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What to Make with an Indoor Grill

You can use an indoor smokeless grill to make any of your favorite grilled recipes. That’s the joy of it! You get that fresh-from-the-grill flavor even if it’s snowing, pouring rain or just too darn hot to stand over the coals.

So instead of grabbing your charcoal starter and braving the elements, just flip a switch and get grilling right in the kitchen.

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Santa Maria Roast Beef
Santa Maria Roast Beef

Santa Maria Roast Beef

Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Grilled Steak Tacos
Grilled Steak Tacos

Grilled Steak Tacos

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart
Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

California Burger Wraps
California Burger Wraps

California Burger Wraps

Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs
Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs

Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Bruschetta
Grilled Bruschetta

Grilled Bruschetta

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs
Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs

Cajun Grilled Shrimp
Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers

Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers
Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

Grilled Lobster Tails
Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Grilled Pattypans
Grilled Pattypans

Grilled Pattypans

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole

Grilled Veggie Pizza
Grilled Veggie Pizza

Grilled Veggie Pizza

Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp

Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp

Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter

Easy Grilled Squash
Easy Grilled Squash

Easy Grilled Squash

Steak Sandwich Kabobs
Steak Sandwich Kabobs

Steak Sandwich Kabobs

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes

Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Tacos on a Stick
Tacos on a Stick

Tacos on a Stick

Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad
Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad

Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad

Beef Suya
Beef Suya

Beef Suya

Grilled Vegetable Platter
Grilled Vegetable Platter

Grilled Vegetable Platter

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter
Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter

Cola Burgers
Cola Burgers

Cola Burgers

Grilled Honey Balsamic-Glazed Fruit
Grilled Honey Balsamic-Glazed Fruit

Grilled Honey Balsamic-Glazed Fruit

Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
Barbecued Chicken Pizzas

Barbecued Chicken Pizzas

Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip

Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

Hawaiian Beef Sliders
Hawaiian Beef Sliders

Hawaiian Beef Sliders

Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto
Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Grilled Figgy Pies
Grilled Figgy Pies

Grilled Figgy Pies

Key West Flank Steak
Key West Flank Steak

Key West Flank Steak

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

Cola Hot Wings
Cola Hot Wings

Cola Hot Wings

Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce

Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce

California Burger Bowls
California Burger Bowls

California Burger Bowls

Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas

Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

Tarragon Asparagus
Tarragon Asparagus

Tarragon Asparagus

Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers
Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers

Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers

Honey Chipotle Ribs
Honey Chipotle Ribs

Honey Chipotle Ribs

Stuffed Grilled Zucchini
Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Herbed Butternut Squash
Herbed Butternut Squash

Herbed Butternut Squash

Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad

Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad

Sweet Sriracha Wings
Sweet Sriracha Wings

Sweet Sriracha Wings

Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Beef ‘n’ Pork Burgers
Beef ‘n’ Pork Burgers

Beef 'n' Pork Burgers

Honey-Mustard Brats
Honey-Mustard Brats

Honey-Mustard Brats

Bruschetta from the Grill
Bruschetta from the Grill

Bruschetta from the Grill

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole

Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde

Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde

Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa
Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa

Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa

Grilled Sweet Onions
Grilled Sweet Onions

Grilled Sweet Onions

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Swiss Ham Kabobs
Swiss Ham Kabobs

Swiss Ham Kabobs

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw

Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw

Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos
Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos

Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos

Dr Pepper Drumsticks
Dr Pepper Drumsticks

Dr Pepper Drumsticks

Grilled Cabbage
Grilled Cabbage

Grilled Cabbage

Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad
Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad
Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad

Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers
Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers

Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Appetizer Pizzas
Appetizer Pizzas

Appetizer Pizzas

Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

Banana Butter Pecan Kabobs
Banana Butter Pecan Kabobs

Banana Butter Pecan Kabobs

Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops
Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops

Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops

Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing
Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing

Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

Grilled Pistachio-Lemon Pesto Shrimp
Grilled Pistachio-Lemon Pesto Shrimp

Grilled Pistachio-Lemon Pesto Shrimp

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon

Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
Grilled Apple Tossed Salad

Grilled Apple Tossed Salad

Chili-Cheese Burgers
Chili-Cheese Burgers

Chili-Cheese Burgers

Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad
Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad

Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad

Dilly Barbecued Turkey
Dilly Barbecued Turkey

Dilly Barbecued Turkey

Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil
Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil

Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil

Bratwurst Supper
Bratwurst Supper

Bratwurst Supper

Grilled Cajun Green Beans
Grilled Cajun Green Beans

Grilled Cajun Green Beans

Fruit 'n' Cake Kabobs
Fruit 'n' Cake Kabobs

Fruit 'n' Cake Kabobs

Burger Americana
Burger Americana

Burger Americana

Grilled Salmon Packets
Grilled Salmon Packets

Grilled Salmon Packets

Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette

Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette

Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds
Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds

Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds

The post The Best Smokeless Indoor Grill for Your Kitchen, According to the Pros appeared first on Taste of Home.

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