An electric grill solves the American problem of wanting grilled food without depending on the weather or having outdoor space. The best ones achieve genuine char and sear rather than just steaming food. They work indoors, require no charcoal or gas and are infinitely easier to clean.
Here is what distinguishes a good electric grill from a disappointing one, and which models to choose in 2026.
Types of Electric Grill
Contact grills (George Foreman style)
Two heated grill plates clamp around the food from both sides simultaneously. The food cooks faster because it is heated top and bottom at once, and fat drains away through the ridged plates.
Pros: Fast cooking (burgers in 4-5 minutes), fat reduction, compact storage, very easy to clean
Cons: Flattens food, cannot do thick steaks or bone-in chicken properly, less authentic grill char
Best for: Burgers, chicken breasts, paninis, sandwiches, quick weeknight grilling
Open grills (flat or ridged plate)
An electric griddle or open grill that works like a conventional grill or griddle plate. Food sits on a flat or ridged surface heated from below.
Pros: Better for thick cuts, more authentic cooking, can cook larger pieces, more surface area
Cons: Cooks one side at a time (need to flip), larger footprint, slower than contact grills
Best for: Steaks, thick burgers, grilled vegetables, cooking for groups
Electric BBQ grills (outdoor)
Full-size or compact electric BBQ units designed for balconies, terraces and gardens where gas or charcoal BBQs may be prohibited (common in flats and apartments). Some reach temperatures high enough for genuine char.
Pros: Works on balconies where gas is prohibited, no charcoal handling, easy to regulate temperature
Cons: Generally lower maximum temperatures than gas or charcoal, some moisture retention reduces char
Best for: Balcony cooking, flats where gas BBQ is prohibited, low-maintenance outdoor grilling
Key Features to Look For
Temperature range: The highest cooking temperature determines sear quality. Look for 230C+ for contact grills and 250C+ for open grills. Some electric grills only reach 200C, which produces steamed rather than grilled food.
Removable plates: Essential for easy cleaning. Plates that lift out and go in the dishwasher make cleanup simple. Fixed plates must be cleaned in place, which is significantly harder.
Plate material: Cast iron retains heat well and produces better sear marks. Non-stick coatings (PFAS-free ceramic coatings are better for health) make food release and cleaning easier.
Fat drainage: A drip tray that collects fat keeps the grill cleaner between uses. Important for high-fat foods like burgers.
The Best Electric Grills in 2026
1. Tefal Optigrill XL – Best Contact Grill
The Tefal Optigrill XL is the most sophisticated contact grill available for home use. The auto-sensor system detects the thickness of what you are cooking and automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature. Six preset programmes (burger, sandwich, poultry, red meat, sausage, fish) plus a manual mode cover everything.
A colour-changing indicator light guides you from rare to well done for meat. The XL size (600 cm² cooking surface) handles four large burgers or a whole chicken breast simultaneously.
Price: Around $150-160
Cooking surface: 600 cm²
Programmes: 6 automatic + manual
Best for: Those who want guidance on cooking times, families, frequent grillers
What we like: Auto-sensor removes guesswork, large cooking surface, dishwasher-safe removable plates
Worth knowing: More expensive than basic contact grills; the auto modes work well but manual mode gives more control for experienced cooks
2. George Foreman Family Grill – Best Budget Contact Grill
The George Foreman grill is the original contact grill and still one of the most practical for everyday use. The angled plate design drains fat efficiently, the non-stick surface is easy to clean, and the 5-portion Family model is the right size for most US households.
No frills – no digital display, no auto modes – but reliably delivers quick, lower-fat grilled food.
Price: Around $50-60
Cooking surface: 5-portion (Family model)
Best for: Budget buyers, simple weeknight grilling, first contact grill
What we like: Affordable, widely available, effective fat drainage, simple to use
Worth knowing: Fixed non-removable plates make cleaning more involved than removable-plate models
3. Sage The Searing Grill – Best Open Grill for Steaks
Sage’s The Searing Grill is a different category from contact grills. The ridged cast iron plate reaches 300C – high enough to genuinely sear a steak and create proper grill marks. A glass lid captures heat for thicker cuts that need to cook through without burning the surface.
This is the closest an electric grill gets to a gas griddle pan result for thick-cut meats.
Price: Around $200-220
Max temperature: 300C
Plate: Cast iron, ridged
Best for: Steak lovers, those who want proper sear and grill marks
What we like: Highest temperature of any home electric grill, genuine sear quality, glass lid for versatility
Worth knowing: No fat drainage (open plate) – have drip protection underneath; heavier than contact grills
4. Tefal BG966 Easy Fry Grill and Steam 9 in 1 – Best Versatile Option
If you want a single appliance that grills, steams, pressure cooks and bakes, Tefal’s multi-function unit covers more cooking methods than any dedicated grill. The grill function performs well at 220C, and the steam function is genuinely useful for vegetables and fish.
Less effective for serious searing than a dedicated grill, but exceptional versatility for small kitchens.
Price: Around $170-170
Functions: 9 (grill, steam, pressure cook, slow cook, bake, fry, roast, sear, warm)
Best for: Small kitchens, those wanting maximum appliance consolidation
What we like: Replaces multiple appliances, genuinely useful functions, family-sized capacity
Worth knowing: Jack of all trades – the grill function is good, not best-in-class
5. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Electric BBQ Grill – Best Outdoor Electric BBQ
For balconies and terraces where gas is prohibited, the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared electric grill is the most capable outdoor option. The infrared heating element reaches temperatures close to gas BBQ levels and produces less moisture in cooking, which means better char and browning.
Takes about 10 minutes to reach cooking temperature. 240V plug-in operation – no gas connection needed.
Price: Around $190-220
Power: 1,650W
Best for: Balcony or terrace BBQ, blocks of flats, no-gas properties
What we like: Genuine BBQ performance, infrared technology, reasonable footprint for outdoor use
Worth knowing: Still not quite charcoal BBQ temperature at maximum; requires a weatherproof outdoor plug socket
Tips for Better Electric Grilling
Preheat fully: Always allow 5-10 minutes for the grill to reach maximum temperature before adding food. Adding cold food to a cold grill produces steamed rather than grilled results.
Pat food dry: Moisture is the enemy of sear. Pat meat and fish dry with kitchen paper before placing on the grill. This applies especially to fish fillets and chicken thighs.
Do not overload: Overcrowding drops the plate temperature. Leave space between items for the heat to recover.
Rest meat: Rest grilled meat for 3-5 minutes under foil before cutting. This allows juices to redistribute and significantly improves texture.
Oil the food, not the grill: Brush a small amount of oil on the food itself rather than the grill plate. This creates better contact and browning.
FAQ
Can you use an electric grill indoors?
Yes – contact grills and open grills designed for indoor use are safe to use on a kitchen worktop. Ensure adequate ventilation as grilling produces smoke, particularly at high temperatures. Do not use outdoor BBQ grills indoors.
Are electric grills healthy?
Contact grills with fat drainage (George Foreman, Tefal Optigrill) reduce fat content in cooked food by allowing fat to drain away from the meat. The cooking method itself is no more or less healthy than gas grilling; the fat drainage is the practical difference.
How do you clean a non-removable grill plate?
Allow the grill to cool to warm (not hot) but not fully cold. Use a slightly damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the surface while warm – the residual heat makes cleaning easier. For stuck residue, place a damp cloth over the plate, close the lid and heat for 1-2 minutes to steam-loosen the residue.
Final Verdict
For the most practical everyday contact grill: Tefal Optigrill XL if you want guidance and auto modes; George Foreman Family if you want simplicity at a lower cost. For proper steak searing: Sage The Searing Grill is in a different class. For outdoor balcony use: Char-Broil TRU-Infrared.
