These six contact grills make indoor searing simple and stress-free.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL delivers high-heat char with a smart probe.
Cuisinart Griddler flips between grill and griddle for flexible cooking.
Each model includes removable dishwasher-safe parts and accessories to suit different kitchens and styles.
| Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill |
| Smart Precision | Cooking Modes / Functions: 6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) | Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces: Removable ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot | Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating: Ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free surfaces | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 Indoor Grill (GR-4NNAS) |
| Versatile Performer | Cooking Modes / Functions: 5-in-1 (Contact grill, Panini press, Full grill, Full griddle, Half grill/half griddle) | Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces: Removable nonstick grill/griddle plates (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating: PFAS-free nonstick cooking surface | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ninja 14″ Electric Griddle & Indoor Grill (GR101) |
| Family-Sized Power | Cooking Modes / Functions: Grill and Griddle (interchangeable plates; hood up/down) | Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces: Interchangeable 14″ grill and griddle plates (removable) | Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating: Nonstick plates (14″ grill & griddle) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill with Viewing Window |
| High-Heat Sear | Cooking Modes / Functions: Adjustable grill (searing + variable temp for versatile cooking) | Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces: Removable nonstick grill plate and lid (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating: Nonstick grill plate, PFAS-free | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill & Panini Press |
| Easy Cleanup | Cooking Modes / Functions: Grill & Panini press (contact grill / panini functionality) | Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces: Removable grill plates (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating: Advanced George Tough nonstick coating | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill with Adjustable Temp |
| Low-Smoke Solution | Cooking Modes / Functions: Multi-zone grill (warm to sear; adjustable temp zones) | Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces: Removable grill top and non-stick water tray (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating: Non-stick cooking surface | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
If you want a single countertop appliance that grills with real char marks and also air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 is built for you. You’ll appreciate the sleek 2nd generation design that fits your counter and looks modern. It uses cyclonic grilling to pair 500°F hot air with a 500°F grate so you get real grill marks and fast cooking, even from frozen in under 25 minutes. The Smart Thermometer guides doneness with four protein settings and nine levels. You’ll also like less oil air frying, dishwasher-safe parts, and helpful accessories.
- Cooking Modes / Functions:6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate)
- Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces:Removable ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot
- Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating:Ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free surfaces
- Smoke / Splash Control:Smoke Control System (temp-control grate, splatter shield, cool-air zone)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts / Easy Cleanup:Removable parts (grate, basket, pot) are dishwasher-safe
- Capacity / Suitable Servings:4-qt crisper basket + 4-qt cooking pot (family-sized countertop grill)
- Additional Feature:Foodi Smart Thermometer
- Additional Feature:Cyclonic Grilling Technology
- Additional Feature:Includes 15-recipe book
Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 Indoor Grill (GR-4NNAS)
You’ll love the Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 if you want one compact machine that handles everything from morning pancakes to evening steaks. You’ll find stainless steel build that feels solid and looks good on the counter. You can switch between contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or half grill half griddle to match the meal. Dual temperature controls let you warm, sear, or set griddle heat from 200°F to 425°F so you cook reliably. Plates are PFAS free and dishwasher safe, with a removable drip tray and scraper tool for easy cleanup. It includes a limited three year warranty.
- Cooking Modes / Functions:5-in-1 (Contact grill, Panini press, Full grill, Full griddle, Half grill/half griddle)
- Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces:Removable nonstick grill/griddle plates (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating:PFAS-free nonstick cooking surface
- Smoke / Splash Control:(Implied) griddle/grill design reduces splatter; dual controls help manage smoke via temp
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts / Easy Cleanup:Removable plates are dishwasher-safe; includes cleaning/scraping tool
- Capacity / Suitable Servings:Designed for pancakes, sausages, steaks, panini — all-purpose (no exact qt; multi-use for small families)
- Additional Feature:Dual temperature controls
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel construction
- Additional Feature:3-year limited warranty
Ninja 14″ Electric Griddle & Indoor Grill (GR101)
Meet the Ninja 14″ Electric Griddle and Indoor Grill when you want high-heat searing and family-sized cooking without stepping outside. You get two 14″ nonstick plates so you can swap between grill and griddle. The hood lifts for concentrated 500°F blasts and closes to trap heat and melt cheese. Edge-to-edge heating gives even sear marks with no cold spots. A perforated mesh lid and high-wall plates cut smoke and catch grease for cleaner cooking. Plates and the lid detach and go in the dishwasher. It fits six burgers or pancakes, and includes a quick start guide with ten recipes.
- Cooking Modes / Functions:Grill and Griddle (interchangeable plates; hood up/down)
- Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces:Interchangeable 14″ grill and griddle plates (removable)
- Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating:Nonstick plates (14″ grill & griddle)
- Smoke / Splash Control:Low-smoke grill with perforated mesh lid to control smoke and splatter
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts / Easy Cleanup:Removable plates and detachable mesh lid are dishwasher-safe
- Capacity / Suitable Servings:14″ edge-to-edge surface — fits ~6 burgers; serves 4–6 people
- Additional Feature:500°F max heat
- Additional Feature:Hood up/down flexibility
- Additional Feature:Edge-to-edge even heating
Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill with Viewing Window
Home cooks who crave a true sear and easy cleanup will love the Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill with Viewing Window. You get a 118 sq. in. surface that fits meals for up to six, so you’ll cook family dinners without crowding. Heat climbs to 450°F so you can lock in juices and flavor, yet you’ll also dial settings from 200°F for gentle cooking. The removable PFAS-free nonstick plate and stainless steel lid both fit the top rack, and an extra-large drip tray slides out for cleaning. Simple power and preheat lights keep timing stress low and results consistent.
- Cooking Modes / Functions:Adjustable grill (searing + variable temp for versatile cooking)
- Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces:Removable nonstick grill plate and lid (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating:Nonstick grill plate, PFAS-free
- Smoke / Splash Control:Enclosed design with lid and temp control to limit smoke/splatter
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts / Easy Cleanup:Removable grill plate and lid are dishwasher-safe (top rack)
- Capacity / Suitable Servings:118 sq. in. surface — serves up to 6
- Additional Feature:Viewing window lid
- Additional Feature:450°F searing temp
- Additional Feature:Preheat/ready indicator lights
George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill & Panini Press
If you want a simple indoor grill that cuts cooking time and cleanup, the George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill & Panini Press is a solid choice. You’ll like the advanced George Tough nonstick coating because it’s three times more durable and stops food from sticking so you don’t need butter or oil. The improved heating elements preheat 35% faster, so you move quickly from plug-in to plate. A 60 square inch surface handles four servings, enough for a main and sides. Removable, dishwasher safe plates and a drip tray make cleanup painless and fast between uses.
- Cooking Modes / Functions:Grill & Panini press (contact grill / panini functionality)
- Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces:Removable grill plates (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating:Advanced George Tough nonstick coating
- Smoke / Splash Control:Closed-contact design reduces splatter and smoke (panini/contact operation)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts / Easy Cleanup:Removable plates are dishwasher-safe; drip tray removable
- Capacity / Suitable Servings:60 sq. in. surface — serves up to 4
- Additional Feature:George Tough coating
- Additional Feature:35% faster preheat
- Additional Feature:60 sq. in. surface
Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill with Adjustable Temp
You’ll love the Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill with Adjustable Temp if you want quick, reliable cooking without the mess, because it’s made for people who juggle busy days and still want tasty meals. You’ll get an extra-large surface so you can cook burgers, veggies, chicken, steak, and fish at once. You’ll set temperature from warm to sear and handle different heat zones for custom results. Fill the removable water tray to cut smoke and stop sticking as grease cools on contact. The nonstick parts disassemble and are dishwasher safe. Cool-touch handles, overheat shut-off, cETL approval, and a one-year warranty protect you.
- Cooking Modes / Functions:Multi-zone grill (warm to sear; adjustable temp zones)
- Removable / Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces:Removable grill top and non-stick water tray (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick / PFAS-Free Coating:Non-stick cooking surface
- Smoke / Splash Control:Water-tray smokeless design (fills reduce smoke; cools grease)
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts / Easy Cleanup:Removable grill top and non-stick water tray are dishwasher-safe
- Capacity / Suitable Servings:Extra-large cooking surface — cooks multiple foods simultaneously (suitable for families)
- Additional Feature:Water tray smoke control
- Additional Feature:cETL safety certified
- Additional Feature:Overheat auto shut-off
Factors to Consider When Choosing Contact Grills for Indoor
When you’re picking an indoor contact grill, think about the range of cooking functions and how precisely you can control the temperature because that affects what you can make and how consistent your results will be. Also consider smoke reduction features, the grill’s capacity and size to fit your kitchen, and whether the cooking surfaces are made from durable materials that hold up over time. These factors work together to make grilling easy, reliable, and enjoyable every time you use the appliance.
Cooking Functions Variety
Because a contact grill can do more than just press sandwiches, picking one with a wide set of cooking functions will help you cook more meals without cluttering your counter. You’ll want a unit that grills, griddles, presses paninis, broils, roasts, air-fries, or dehydrates. That variety lets you sear steaks, toast buns, crisp vegetables, or make chips with one machine. Look for removable interchangeable plates and a reversible or float hinge so you can handle thin fish and thick cuts without trouble. Built-in smart controls and preset programs will guide you to steady results, and accessories like crisper baskets, pots, and racks add new techniques. Together these features turn one appliance into a small, confident kitchen workhorse you’ll reach for daily.
Temperature Range Control
Dialing in temperature matters more than most people think when you want a contact grill that really earns its place on your counter. You’ll want a wide range, roughly 200°F to 500°F, so you can slow-cook tender dishes and sear steaks for a crisp crust. Precise controls with small increments or digital settings take the guesswork out of timing and help you hit the doneness you expect. Fast preheat and steady heat keep meals on schedule and stop the grill from dipping when you add food. Look for models with dual zones so you can grill veggies and meat at different temps at once. Built-in thermostats or probes add safety and repeatable results so you feel confident every cook.
Smoke Reduction Features
You’ll often notice smoke is the biggest worry when you cook indoors, but the right contact grill can cut that stress way down. Choose grills with temperature-controlled grates and lids so you can sear quickly without vaporizing fat. Look for cool-air zones, built-in splatter shields, and water or grease trays that catch drips before they burn. Perforated or ventilated lids help push hot air and smoke away from food, which reduces condensation and flare-ups. Nonstick, easy-clean plates and removable drip trays stop charred grease buildup, and you’ll want to clean them after each use. Clear, adjustable temperature dials let you pick medium-high rather than max heat for fatty foods, further lowering smoke. These features work together to keep cooking calm and safe indoors.
Capacity And Size
When picking a contact grill, start by measuring your countertop and storage so the unit fits your kitchen without crowding it. Think about how many people you cook for and match the cooking surface to that need. Smaller 60 to 120 square inch plates work well for one to four servings. Larger 14 inch or bigger plates handle four to six people or several items at once. Also consider plate configuration and lid clearance together. Removable full-size plates let you swap grill and griddle surfaces and fit bigger foods. Adjustable hinges and taller lid clearance prevent squashing panini, burgers, or thick steaks. Finally, weigh storage and cleaning trade offs. Dishwasher safe, removable plates take up more space but make cleanup easier, while slim fixed plates save room but demand more elbow grease.
Surface Material Durability
Even if you love the look of a shiny nonstick plate, think about how tough that surface needs to be for regular use and long-term value. You should favor coatings rated for high heat and scratch resistance because searing and metal tools wear weak layers fast. Ceramic and hard-anodized aluminum stand up to abrasion and stains better than basic PTFE. Also check plate construction since thicker, heavier plates spread heat evenly and resist warping, which helps the finish last. Look for removable, replaceable plates so you can swap worn pieces and wash plates thoroughly. Finally review the manufacturer warranty and durability claims. Strong warranties and reinforced coatings give you confidence that the grill will hold up to regular home cooking.
Cleanup And Maintenance
Good cleaners make daily cooking feel easier, and you’ll want a contact grill that’s built for simple upkeep. Choose removable, dishwasher-safe plates and drip trays so you can skip long scrubs. Look for parts explicitly labeled dishwasher-safe to save time and avoid guessing. Nonstick coatings help food slide off, and when they’re PFAS PFOA free they feel safer, but don’t use metal utensils since scratches wear the coating faster. Pick grills with detachable lids, grates, or mesh covers so you can soak and wash every surface. Built-in grease channels, drip trays, or water trays collect fat and cut splatter, so empty them after each use to stop odors and smoking. Also check for included cleaning tools and clear care instructions to protect parts.
Safety And Certifications
Because you use a contact grill in your kitchen, safety and proper certifications should guide your choice so you can cook with confidence and calm. Look for UL, ETL, or CE marks so you know the electrical parts were tested to real standards. Also check for automatic shut-off or overheat protection to lower fire risk if you get distracted. Choose cool-touch handles and insulated exteriors so you can move the grill without fear of burns. Verify removable parts are labeled food-safe and free of BPA and PFAS, and pick nonstick coatings that are PTFE and PFOA free to avoid chemical worries at high heat. Finally, make sure the manual explains clearance, ventilation, grease control, and cleaning.
Included Accessories
When you shop for a contact grill, pay close attention to the accessories it comes with so you’re not surprised later, and so the grill actually fits your cooking style and kitchen space. Start by checking which removable plates and extras are included, like grill plates, griddle plates, crisper baskets, or a cooking pot, and match them to the foods you cook most. Also look for a food thermometer or probe if you want hands-off, precise doneness. Prefer dishwasher-safe parts with nonstick coatings that are PTFE PFOA and PFAS free to make cleanup easier and safer. Confirm plate dimensions, basket volume, or cooking surface area so portions and counters fit. Finally note bundled recipe books, cleaning tools, and drip trays that add immediate value.