Best Small Electric Grills for 2022
Updated: Mar. 07, 2023Perfect for apartment or condo dwellers, small electric grills are a clean, safe alternative to gas and charcoal grills.
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When (and How) to Choose a Small Electric Grill
Small electric grills are ideal for condo or apartment living where the use of gas or charcoal grills is restricted. There’s no flame so no danger of flare-ups. Portability is another plus, especially for camping or boating. All you need is a power source, and you’ve got a safe alternative to gas or charcoal.
If you prize easy clean-up, nonstick grates are a must. And for authentic grilled flavor, look for a grill capable of searing at high temperature (450 F or more) to lock in juices and flavor.
Here are six electric grills we recommend.
Best Gas Grill Alternative
Like its gas counterpart, the Weber Q2400 Electric Grill offers a nicely-sized 280-sq.-in. cooking area on porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates for even heat distribution. It also features so-called infinite control burner valve settings, which allow you to dial in your desired cooking temperature. It will heat up to 550 F, hot enough to sear burgers, steaks and chops, or even grill bone-in chicken that tastes like it came off a gas grill. Designed for outdoor use only, this unit features a six-foot-long grounded cord.
Best Budget Electric Grill
The Elite Cuisine Electric Grill packs a lot of features into a small, lightweight unit. You get 125-sq.-in. of cooking surface, enough for six burgers, plus an adjustable thermostat control and ready indicator light. The nonstick grill plate and drip pan are removable. With the temperature control knob removed, the entire unit is immersible for easy cleaning. And it weighs just four pounds, so you can cook anywhere your extension cord can reach!
Best for a Small Outdoor Space
Ideal for a small balcony, deck or patio, the Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Grill has plenty of features you want in a grill. TRU-Infrared cooking technology provides even heat while preventing flare-ups, so you get the most flavorful, super-juicy food. You also get a whopping 320-sq.-in. of cooking surface —260-sq.-in. for grilling over direct heat, plus 80-sq.-in. on the removable warming/indirect heat rack. The lid-mounted gauge and heat control knob make it easy to monitor and adjust temperature, upping your chances for a perfect cook every time.
Best Electric Grill Splurge
With a stainless steel, rust-free housing that’s made to last, the Kenyan Floridian All-Seasons Portable Electric Grill is a beautiful long-term addition to any patio. It heats up to 600 F in 10 minutes, and it’s a snap to clean — just put the lid and nonstick cooking grate in the dishwasher. Another bonus: The pan under the heating element can be filled with water, beer or juice to mitigate smoke, so you can cook outdoors and indoors.
Best Party-Friendly Electric Grill
With 240-sq.-in. of cooking surface, you can entertain a small crowd on this George Foreman 15-Serving Electric Grill, indoors or out. The vented, domed lid helps create a circular flow of hot air to ensure even cooking of foods, including a whole chicken or roast. The patio stand is removable, giving you the option to cook on a tabletop or kitchen counter. It’s like getting two grills in one! When the party’s over, clean-up couldn’t be easier — just put the removable, nonstick grates and drip catcher in the dishwasher.
Best All-Around Indoor Electric Grill
If indoor grilling is your only option, the Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill won’t disappoint. With its big 118-sq.-in. grilling surface, you can easily cook for four to six people. The glass window in the lid allows you to monitor your food as it cooks, while the adjustable temperature control lets you preheat up to 450 F for searing meats. And talk about easy clean-up — the grill hood, nonstick plate and extra-large drip tray are all removable and dishwasher-safe.
