7 Best Electric Grills of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Tested by Taylor Murray

Everyone loves cooking on a grill, whether it's the high-heat char or the ease of little-to-no cleanup afterwards. Electric grills can offer many of the same benefits without stocking propane or tending a charcoal fire. Most plug into a standard outlet, heat up with the turn of a dial or push of a button, and offer simple temperature control. Outdoor models can also be a practical option for patios, balconies and other small spaces where open-flame grilling may not be permitted.

There's plenty of variety within the category, too. Full-size models offer enough cooking space to handle a cookout, while compact tabletop grills are easier to store and transport. Some newer electric grills go even further with griddle plates, air-frying functions, built-in thermometers and smoke injection. We tested a range of styles to find the electric grills for all types of scenarios, whether you want an indoor countertop model for grilling chicken skewers in a snowstorm, a portable option for hot dogs at a tailgate or a full-size grill that can churn out all your backyard cookout favorites.

How We Tested

We started by researching top-rated electric grills across a range of styles, sizes and price points, from compact indoor models to full-size outdoor grills. After unboxing each one, we reviewed the manufacturer's instructions and specifications, assessed the materials and overall construction, and familiarized ourselves with the controls, cooking surface, and any included accessories or specialty features.

Assembly and Setup Test: We assembled each grill according to the manufacturer's directions, noting how long the process took, whether additional tools were required and how clear the instructions were. We also considered how easy the grill was to move, position, plug in and prepare for cooking.

Steak Test: To see how well each grill handled high-heat cooking, we grilled steaks and evaluated the sear quality, depth of browning and grill marks. We also noted whether the grill retained heat once the food was added and how evenly the steaks cooked across the cooking surface.

Burger Test: We cooked multiple burgers at once to evaluate capacity, heat distribution and everyday grilling performance. We looked for even browning and consistent cooking between patties, while also paying attention to flare-free grease management and how effectively excess fat drained away.

Salmon Test: Salmon gave us a chance to see how each grill handled a more delicate protein. We evaluated sticking, browning and evenness, as well as how easily the fish could be turned and removed from the grill without breaking apart.

Temperature Control Test: We timed how long each grill took to preheat and monitored the cooking surface to see how closely its actual temperature matched the selected setting. We also checked different areas of the grates for hot and cool spots and noted how consistently the grill held its temperature during cooking.

Overall Performance Test: Throughout testing, we considered how intuitive each grill was to operate and how well its features worked in real-world use. We also looked at cooking capacity, heat recovery, smoke production, grease management, portability and whether any accessories added true versatility.

Once testing had finished, we cleaned each grill according to the manufacturer's instructions. We noted whether grates, plates and drip trays were removable or dishwasher-safe, how easily grease and cooked-on food came off, and whether any parts or tight spaces made cleanup more cumbersome.

What to Consider When Buying an Electric Grill

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Not every electric grill is safe to use indoors. Some models are specifically designed for countertop use, while others are outdoor-only appliances despite having no open flame. If you live in an apartment or condo, check both the manufacturer's instructions and your building's rules before buying; an electric grill may be permitted where propane or charcoal is not, but that isn't always the case.

Size and Cooking Area: Think about both how much food you typically cook and where the grill will live. A compact indoor model with around 100 square inches of cooking space may be plenty for a few burgers or chicken breasts, while a full-size outdoor grill can handle a crowd but requires considerably more patio space. Also consider storage: folding shelves, removable stands, locking lids and slim profiles can make a big difference when space is limited.

Heating Power: Wattage can give you a general idea of an electric grill's power, but maximum temperature and heat retention ultimately matter more. Higher temperatures are especially useful for steaks and burgers, where strong heat helps create browning, grill marks and a flavorful crust. Look for a grill that not only gets hot enough but can recover quickly after you open the lid or add cold food.

Features: Extra features can make an electric grill more versatile, but only if you'll actually use them. Depending on the model, you might find interchangeable grill and griddle plates, pellet-smoking functions, air-fryer modes, built-in temperature probes, smart-app controls, removable stands, folding legs or warming racks. Nonstick cooking surfaces can also make delicate foods and cleanup easier, though they generally require gentler utensils and cleaning than bare metal or cast-iron grates.

Electrical Requirements: Check the outlet requirements before committing to a larger outdoor model. Most electric grills run on standard 120-volt power, but some high-powered models require a dedicated 15- or 20-amp GFCI circuit and may not perform properly if other appliances are running on the same circuit. Cord length also matters outdoors, particularly if the nearest outlet is several feet from your grilling area.

Care and Maintenance: Removable cooking plates and grease trays generally make cleanup much easier, especially if they are dishwasher-safe. Cast iron and other traditional grill grates may require more scrubbing or seasoning, while nonstick plates usually wipe clean easily but can be damaged by metal utensils or abrasive cleaners. For outdoor models, also consider whether the grill is weather-resistant, whether it needs to be stored indoors, and whether a protective cover is included or sold separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric grills as good as gas grills?

They can be, depending on what you value most. Electric grills are easier to start, require no propane or charcoal, and often provide more precise temperature control. The tradeoff is that even powerful electric models typically produce less of the smoky, fire-kissed character associated with gas or charcoal grilling. The best electric grills can still deliver excellent browning, grill marks and a flavorful crust.

How do you clean an electric grill?

Always unplug the grill and allow it to cool before cleaning. Remove the cooking grates, plates, drip tray and other washable components according to the manufacturer's instructions, then clean them with warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they're dishwasher-safe. Wipe the grill body and heating area with a damp cloth rather than immersing any electrical components in water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on nonstick or ceramic-coated surfaces.

Do electric grills get hot enough to sear steaks?

Some do. Higher-powered outdoor electric grills can reach 500°F, 600°F or even 700°F, which is plenty of heat for browning and searing steak. Smaller indoor grills may top out closer to 400°F to 450°F, so they can still produce grill marks and browning but may not develop the same deeply seared crust as a high-heat outdoor grill.

Can you leave an electric grill outside?

That depends on the model. Some outdoor electric grills are designed with weather-resistant components, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should be left exposed to rain and moisture indefinitely. Follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations, unplug the grill when it isn't being used and use a fitted cover if the grill will remain outdoors. Indoor electric grills should always be stored inside.

What size electric grill should I buy?

Start with how many people you normally cook for and how much storage or patio space you have. Around 100 to 150 square inches of cooking space is generally sufficient for a small household and may fit roughly four to six burgers, while larger outdoor models with 250 to 350 square inches or more are better suited to cookouts and bigger families. Keep in mind that a larger cooking surface usually means a heavier appliance and a larger footprint.

Do electric grills produce smoke?

Yes, although usually less smoke than charcoal or gas grills. Fat and juices can still hit hot surfaces and create smoke, especially when cooking fatty foods at high temperatures. Indoor models are generally designed to minimize smoke through grease-management systems and covered heating elements, while some outdoor electric grills intentionally use wood pellets to add smoke flavor. An electric grill labeled for outdoor use should never be brought indoors simply because it doesn't use an open flame.

Other Electric Grills We Tested

Not all the grills we tested performed well enough to be worth recommending. The All-Clad AutoSense XL Electric Indoor Grill cooked extremely quickly and offered useful automatic programs and doneness alerts, but it was bulky for a countertop appliance and tricky to operate at times.

Stand-up grills like the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill seemed to be very versatile and user-friendly, but performed poorly and left us with uneven searing.

In some cases, the winner barely edged out a competitor, as was the case with the Breville Press and Sear. Both contact grills performed well, and the winner was chosen based on very minor details, like a slightly easier-to-use interface.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

Taylor Murray is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Nutrition. She worked as a professional chef for over 10 years before moving into recipe and product testing and development. She has tested several hundred products for Food Network and other brands over the last six years, covering everything from soft-serve ice cream makers to carbon steel pans to food dehydrators.

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Food Network Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are tested in real home kitchens that reflect real-world use cases. Our testers follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing the best products, our testers evaluate all of the testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. The products covered on FoodNetwork.com are chosen completely independently by our editors without any outside influence. Our editors do not accept products in exchange for a positive review or promised coverage.