You’ll love how modern contact grills save time, cut cleanup, and deliver steady sears for sandwiches, veggies, and steaks. Pick a reversible 6-in-1 model for grill and griddle options, or a 90 sq. in. unit for family meals. Look for removable dishwasher-safe plates, fast preheat, adjustable temps to 400–450°F, a floating hinge for thick cuts, and a drip tray for less grease. Keep reading to explore the best picks and features.
| 6-in-1 Panini Press Grill with Removable Plates |
| Most Versatile | Cooking Surface Size / Capacity: Suitable for family use / multiple configurations (6-in-1); full grill/griddle and waffle plates (no single sq. in. given) | Removable Plates: Two reversible removable grill plates + two waffle plates (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick Coating / Surface: Nonstick removable plates | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Hamilton Beach 6-Serving Electric Indoor Grill (25371) |
| Quick Weeknight Grill | Cooking Surface Size / Capacity: 90 sq. in. (fits up to 6 burgers; 6-serving capacity) | Removable Plates: Nonstick cooking surface (removable drip tray; plates not specified as removable) | Nonstick Coating / Surface: Nonstick cooking surface (raised grids) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill & Panini Press |
| Reliable Compact | Cooking Surface Size / Capacity: 60 sq. in. (serves up to 4) | Removable Plates: Removable grill plates (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick Coating / Surface: George Tough advanced nonstick coating (3x more durable) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| George Foreman Fully Submersible Dishwasher-Safe Grill |
| Easiest to Clean | Cooking Surface Size / Capacity: Family-size (4 servings; compact footprint) | Removable Plates: Fully submersible removable plates (control panel removable) | Nonstick Coating / Surface: 3X tougher nonstick plates (durable, no oil needed) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Select Grill |
| Smart Family Grill | Cooking Surface Size / Capacity: 90 sq. in. (family size; serves 4–6) | Removable Plates: Removable grill plate (dishwasher-safe) | Nonstick Coating / Surface: Removable nonstick grill plate | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
6-in-1 Panini Press Grill with Removable Plates
If you want one versatile grill that does nearly everything, this 6-in-1 Panini Press Grill with removable plates is a great pick for busy cooks and small families. You’ll love switching plates for paninis, waffles, pancakes, seared steak, or a full griddle breakfast. The double-sided reversible plates give smooth and striped surfaces, and they’re dishwasher safe so cleanup is simple. The lid folds flat or stops partway for thick foods, and the smart probe rings when your meat is done without cutting it. With 1600W power and a clear preheat indicator, you’ll feel confident cooking faster and cleaner.
- Cooking Surface Size / Capacity:Suitable for family use / multiple configurations (6-in-1); full grill/griddle and waffle plates (no single sq. in. given)
- Removable Plates:Two reversible removable grill plates + two waffle plates (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick Coating / Surface:Nonstick removable plates
- Grease/Drip Management:Foldable bracket directs grease to detachable drip tray (removable)
- Adjustable Hinge / Floating Lid:Lid with double damping hinge that rotates 180° and stops at any angle for varying thickness
- Quick Cooking / High Heat Performance:1600W; max 450°F; preheat indicator; fast, even cooking
- Additional Feature:Smart meat probe
- Additional Feature:Waffle plate included
- Additional Feature:180° hinge rotation
Hamilton Beach 6-Serving Electric Indoor Grill (25371)
You’ll love the Hamilton Beach 6-Serving Electric Indoor Grill if you want fast, reliable grilling at home without the fuss of outdoor equipment. You’ll get 90 square inches of nonstick surface that fits six burgers and heats with 1200 watts, so meals finish in about 10 minutes. Raised grids add grill marks while a floating hinge handles thick steaks or boneless chops. Excess fat drains into a removable drip tray for lower-fat cooking and easy cleanup. Plates wipe clean once cool, and the tray is dishwasher-safe. The silver 25371 is compact and user-friendly, great for busy cooks.
- Cooking Surface Size / Capacity:90 sq. in. (fits up to 6 burgers; 6-serving capacity)
- Removable Plates:Nonstick cooking surface (removable drip tray; plates not specified as removable)
- Nonstick Coating / Surface:Nonstick cooking surface (raised grids)
- Grease/Drip Management:Removable drip tray directs excess fat away from food
- Adjustable Hinge / Floating Lid:Floating hinge accommodates thicker foods (large steaks, chops)
- Quick Cooking / High Heat Performance:1200W; cooks meals in ~10 minutes
- Additional Feature:90 sq. in. capacity
- Additional Feature:1200-watt power
- Additional Feature:Cooks in 10 minutes
George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill & Panini Press
Pick the George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill & Panini Press when you want a small, reliable grill that makes weeknight meals easier and cleaner. You’ll love the George Tough nonstick coating that lasts three times longer, so you don’t stress about scrapes or sticky messes. The grill heats 35% faster thanks to improved elements, so you get dinner on the plate sooner. With a 60 square inch surface, you can cook a main and sides for four without crowding. Removable, dishwasher safe plates and a drip tray speed cleanup. Use the panini press function for sandwiches and grilled veggies in minutes.
- Cooking Surface Size / Capacity:60 sq. in. (serves up to 4)
- Removable Plates:Removable grill plates (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick Coating / Surface:George Tough advanced nonstick coating (3x more durable)
- Grease/Drip Management:Drip tray catches grease
- Adjustable Hinge / Floating Lid:Panini press function with hinge (accommodates sandwiches/meals)
- Quick Cooking / High Heat Performance:Faster heating (35% faster preheat) for quick meals
- Additional Feature:George Tough coating
- Additional Feature:35% faster preheat
- Additional Feature:60 sq. in. surface
George Foreman Fully Submersible Dishwasher-Safe Grill
The George Foreman Fully Submersible Dishwasher-Safe Grill is a great pick for busy families who want hands-off cleanup and reliable performance. You’ll love that you can remove the control panel and wash every part in the dishwasher, so cleanup takes minutes. It preheats 30% faster than older models, so dinner’s ready sooner. The adjustable hinge fits thick sandwiches and burgers while keeping even browning. Its 3X tougher nonstick plates mean you won’t need oil and they last through regular use. It holds four servings, then stores vertically to save 35% counter space for a tidier kitchen.
- Cooking Surface Size / Capacity:Family-size (4 servings; compact footprint)
- Removable Plates:Fully submersible removable plates (control panel removable)
- Nonstick Coating / Surface:3X tougher nonstick plates (durable, no oil needed)
- Grease/Drip Management:Drip tray (designed for easy cleaning; control panel removable)
- Adjustable Hinge / Floating Lid:3/4 adjustable hinge for thick foods; ensures even browning
- Quick Cooking / High Heat Performance:Preheats 30% faster (vs. older model) for quick meals
- Additional Feature:Fully submersible parts
- Additional Feature:3/4 adjustable hinge
- Additional Feature:Vertical storage design
George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Select Grill
If you want a family-friendly grill that cooks quickly and cleans up easily, the George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Select fits the bill. You’ll like the touch-sensitive digital controls that let you set time and temperature with confidence. Visual and audio cues guide you, so steaks and burgers come out just right. It cooks up to three times faster, so weeknight dinners feel simple and calm. The 90 square inch surface serves four to six people without crowding. Removable grill plate and drip tray are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is quick and almost effortless after a busy day.
- Cooking Surface Size / Capacity:90 sq. in. (family size; serves 4–6)
- Removable Plates:Removable grill plate (dishwasher-safe)
- Nonstick Coating / Surface:Removable nonstick grill plate
- Grease/Drip Management:Removable drip tray (dishwasher-safe)
- Adjustable Hinge / Floating Lid:Contact grill format with lid (designed for even cooking; adjustable contact implied via family-size contact grill)
- Quick Cooking / High Heat Performance:3X faster cooking (example: burgers ~6 minutes); digital temperature/time controls
- Additional Feature:Touch digital controls
- Additional Feature:90 sq. in. surface
- Additional Feature:Visual/audio cues
Factors to Consider When Choosing Contact Grills
When you’re picking a contact grill, think about how much cooking surface you need so you can cook for one meal or a crowd without crowding the plates. Also check temperature control, removable or reversible plates, and a good grease management system because those features save time and keep food consistent. Finally, consider power and preheat speed since faster heat-up and more watts mean quicker meals and less waiting.
Cooking Surface Size
Because the size of the cooking surface decides how many meals you can make at once, it’s one of the first things you should check before buying a contact grill. You’ll want to compare square inches, since that tells you portions. A ~60 sq. in. grill fits 2–4 servings, while ~90 sq. in. handles 4–6. If you cook thick cuts or several items side by side, pick a larger surface so you don’t run multiple batches and wait longer. Also think about countertop footprint and storage; bigger plates need more space and taller cabinets. Check usable flat area too, because ridged measurements can hide limits for pancakes or tortillas. Choose a size that fits your food habits and kitchen, and you’ll save time and frustration.
Temperature Control Options
Good temperature control makes cooking feel calm and in your hands, so look for grills that give you real options instead of one-size-fits-all heat. You’ll want adjustable settings that reach about 400 to 450°F so you can sear steak, griddle veggies, or keep food warm. Choose models with independent dual-zone or separate top and bottom controls when you cook thick cuts or mixed items. Built-in probes or smart probe compatibility take the guesswork out of doneness and help you hit safe internal temps without slicing into food. Fast, clear preheat indicators and short heat-up times save you frustration and safeguard consistent results. Finally, look for visible temperature displays plus lockable controls and safety shutoff to avoid accidental changes.
Plate Versatility & Removability
If you want a contact grill that feels like more than one appliance, plate versatility and easy removal matter a lot. You’ll love reversible plates that give you a smooth griddle for pancakes and a ridged side for steaks. Interchangeable plates like waffle, grill, and griddle let one machine handle breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, so you save counter space and time. Removable plates lift out for quick hand washing or a dishwasher cycle, which cuts down scrubbing and worry. Check for strong attachment clips and heat resistant handles so you can swap plates safely during preheat or mid cook. Also consider plate material and nonstick quality, since durable coatings resist scratches and survive frequent removal without falling apart.
Grease Management System
You’ll often find that a contact grill’s grease system makes the difference between a quick, pleasant cook and a greasy, smoky headache. Look for a removable drip tray that directs and stores fat away from the cooking surface so you can toss grease without fuss. A sloped or foldable plate helps oil run down into that tray, so food browns instead of sitting in grease. Grease channels or ridged plates guide fats away from food and cut flare ups, which keeps meals leaner and safer. Sealed grease compartments reduce splatter and countertop mess, and they help keep smoking low. Also check for dishwasher safe parts or nonstick finishes on trays and plates so cleanup stays fast and the system stays effective.
Power & Preheat Speed
Start by thinking about power as the engine of the grill, because wattage and heating design decide how fast the plate gets hot and how well it stays hot while you cook. You’ll want higher wattage, like 1200 to 1600 W, when you crave quick searing and shorter cook times. Faster preheat systems and better heating elements cut wait time by about 30 percent, so you start cooking sooner. Look for preheat indicators and temperature displays to remove guesswork and prevent under or over heating. Also check maximum surface temperatures near 400 to 450°F for strong browning. Designs that boost thermal contact, such as merged plates or double sided heating, speed both preheat and heat transfer to food, making your meals more reliable.