They produce good browning and grill marks but not charcoal or wood-smoke flavor. Outdoor electrics with high grate temperatures get closest; electric smokers add real wood smoke from chips.
Hands-on reviews
Electric Grill Reviews: Every Indoor & Outdoor Model Tested
Electric grill reviews for indoor grills, balcony electric grills and an electric smoker, ranked by score. Find the best electric grill that really sears where gas and charcoal aren't allowed.
- 5
- models tested
- 4.3/5
- average score
- October 25, 2026
- last updated
Full ranking
Every electric grill we’ve tested, ranked by score
Electric grills suit balconies and kitchens where flame or charcoal is banned. We test outdoor models for searing and wind, indoor models for smoke and cleanup, and mark the indoor ones clearly so you compare like with like.
Outdoor models (3)
01Best overall4.4Ninja
Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL (OG951)
Best for balcony and small-patio cooks, including renters, who want smoked flavor with little effort.
- Burns a small scoop of real wood pellets for smoke flavor, with no fuel to refill mid-cook
- Two built-in probes and the ProConnect app send doneness alerts to your phone
Skip it if: Crowd cooks, deep-bark brisket fans, or anyone without an outdoor outlet.
XL grill grate · Electric with wood pellet smoke
Read review
02Best value4.3Weber
Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill
Best for balcony and condo cooks under an open-flame ban.
- Reached searing heat in about 10 minutes from cold and hit its 600°F top setting in every high-heat test
- Cast-iron grates left clear grill marks on burgers and chicken thighs
Skip it if: Anyone who can use propane, or who cooks for groups.
180 sq in grate · Electric · tested 3 weeks
Read review
034.2Masterbuilt
Masterbuilt 40" Digital Electric Smoker
Best for beginners and flame-restricted patios that want hands-off smoking.
- Held a 225°F setpoint within 8–10°F on every test cook, even in cold and wind
- Four chrome racks fit two pork shoulders and two racks of ribs at once
Skip it if: Bark chasers, or anyone without an outdoor outlet.
970 sq in across 4 racks · Electric · tested 3 weeks
Read review
Indoor countertop models (2) · same scale, ranked separately
014.3Ninja
Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101)
Best for apartment and condo cooks who can't grill outdoors.
- Reached 500°F in about 8 minutes from cold and built a real crust on steak in our testing
- Swappable grill and flat griddle plates cover grill-mark burgers one night and pancakes the next
Skip it if: Smoke-sensitive kitchens, big groups, live-fire flavor fans.
14 x 9 in grill plate and 14 x 9 in griddle plate · Electric · tested 2 weeks
Read review
024.2Ninja
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (FG551)
Best for apartment cooks who want indoor grilling, air frying and hands-off doneness.
- The built-in Smart Thermometer landed steaks within a few degrees of our instant-read at all five doneness levels we tested
- Reached top grill temperature in about 7 minutes from cold and left real sear marks on steak
Skip it if: Kitchens without ventilation, big batches, anyone who already owns a good air fryer.
9 x 12 in grill grate · Electric · tested 3 weeks
Read review
Buying advice
What matters when choosing an electric grill
Electric grills are the answer when gas and charcoal aren’t allowed, such as most apartment balconies.
- 01
Wattage and real grate temperature
Most electric grills run 1,500–1,800 W on a standard 120 V outlet. What matters is how hot the cooking surface actually gets and how fast it recovers after you add food.
- 02
Indoor vs outdoor rated
Indoor grills focus on smoke control and countertop size; outdoor electrics like the Weber Lumin are weatherproof and closer to a real grill experience.
- 03
Smokeless indoor grill claims
“Smokeless” really means reduced smoke. Indoors, look for a lid, a smoke-control fan or filtered design, and a grease tray that does not pool — otherwise the kitchen will smell like a diner.
- 04
Cleanup
Removable, dishwasher-safe plates and grease trays make the difference between using it weekly and leaving it in the cupboard.
Budget
What each price tier gets you
Countertop
Under $200
Indoor grill/griddle plates for 2–4 people.
1 tested · top scorer: Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101)
Multi-cooker
$200–$350
Grill + air fryer combos with probes and higher heat.
2 tested · top scorer: Masterbuilt 40" Digital Electric Smoker
Outdoor electric
$350+
Weatherproof balcony grills and electric smokers with real smoke flavor options.
2 tested · top scorer: Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL (OG951)
Who should skip an electric grill
If gas or charcoal is allowed where you live, a gas grill or charcoal grill cooks hotter and handles more food.
For smoke flavor without managing a fire, a pellet grill is the better choice if you have outdoor space and power.
Go deeper
Electric grill guides
The four guides that matter most if you own or are choosing an electric grill.
Best-of guide20 minBest Electric Grills for Apartments & BalconiesReal grilling where flames aren't allowed: a balcony grill that sears, two countertop picks and a set-and-forget electric smoker.Read the guide 
Best-of guide20 minBest Grills for Small PatiosSix hand-tested compact grills matched to your space, your building's rules and how many people you feed.Read the guide 
How-to10 minHow Long to Preheat a GrillPreheat times for gas, charcoal, pellet and electric grills, how to tell the grates are ready, target temperatures by food and fixes for a slow heat-up.Read the guide 
How-to10 minMeat Temperature ChartThis chart gives safe, done and pull temperatures for every common cut, plus where to put the thermometer and how long to rest meat.Read the guide
Quick answers
Electric Grill FAQ
01Do electric grills taste like real grills?
02Are electric grills allowed on apartment balconies?
Often yes — many fire codes that ban open-flame and propane grills on balconies permit electric ones. Always confirm with your building management.
03Do smokeless indoor grills really not smoke?
Not entirely. They reduce smoke with lower surface temperatures, fans, lids or grease trays that keep fat away from the heating element. Fatty foods still produce some smoke, so use a range hood or open window.
04Can I use an extension cord with an electric grill?
Most manufacturers advise against it, or require a short, heavy-gauge outdoor-rated cord. A thin cord can overheat and reduce grill performance.
05Can I use an electric grill on an apartment balcony?
Usually yes, as electric grills are the type most buildings allow. Check your lease and local fire code first, and use a GFCI outlet.
06Do electric grills use a lot of electricity?
No. A grill drawing around 1,500 W for half an hour uses under 1 kWh, a small cost per cook.
07How do I reduce smoke on an indoor grill?
Trim excess fat, pat food dry, keep the drip tray clean, preheat fully and turn on your range hood or open a window.
Keep browsing
Other grill types we’ve ranked
Not set on a type yet? Start with our best grills overall, or see every category winner side by side.
