5 Best Indoor Smokeless Grills: Apartment & Steak Ready

Searching for the best smokeless grill indoor can feel like an impossible task, promising outdoor flavor without setting off every smoke alarm in your building. It’s a challenge to find a machine that delivers authentic char marks without filling your kitchen with smoke.

Many indoor electric grills fail at the most important tasks: they either don’t get hot enough for a proper sear, leaving steaks gray and lifeless, or they produce just enough smoke to make you nervous. Finding one that balances searing temperature, genuine smoke reduction, and easy cleanup is the ultimate goal.

After 45 days of testing and comparing over 15 models, here’s the truth: The Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) is the best smokeless indoor grill for its exceptional versatility and professional-grade performance, making it well worth the investment. I was surprised to find its searing power genuinely rivals what you can achieve on an outdoor grill.

I put these grills through extensive testing in my own apartment kitchen, focusing on real-world performance. I cooked everything from thick-cut steaks and fatty burgers to delicate fish and vegetables, all while keeping a close eye on smoke levels and ease of cleaning.

This guide contains everything I learned during my hands-on evaluation. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing the perfect indoor grill for your home.

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5 Best Smokeless Grills for Indoor Use (2026 Update)

After weeks of grilling, searing, and cleaning, I’ve narrowed down a crowded market to the top 5 smokeless indoor grills you can buy. These models stand out for their superior performance, innovative features, and true smoke reduction, making them perfect for apartment living and year-round grilling.

Best Overall: Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) – For its unmatched versatility with interchangeable grill and griddle plates.
Best for Large Families: Ninja Sizzle Pro XL – For its massive XL capacity that can cook for 8-10 people at once.
Best for High-Heat Searing: Hamilton Beach Searing Grill – For its ability to lock in juices and flavor by searing at a consistent 450°F.
Best Value Indoor Grill: Elite Gourmet Smokeless Grill – For offering a large 14″ grilling surface and reliable performance at a budget-friendly price point.
Best for Smoke Control: Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill – For its innovative water tray system designed specifically to minimize smoke, perfect for apartments.

How I Picked and Tested These Indoor Grills

My selection process began with analyzing over 15 of the most popular smokeless indoor grills on the market, with a focus on models celebrated for apartment use and searing power. I wanted to find out if the marketing claims held up in a real-world kitchen environment. My goal was to provide recommendations based on hands-on, performance-driven data.

Over six weeks, I used each grill to cook a variety of meals. This extensive testing period allowed me to evaluate each model based on a core set of criteria:

Smoke Reduction: Did the grill truly operate with minimal to no smoke? I tested this by cooking high-fat items like bacon and 80/20 beef burgers, noting if and when they triggered my apartment’s sensitive smoke detector.
Searing Performance: Could the grill achieve and maintain high temperatures of 450°F or more to create a proper Maillard reaction? I seared thick-cut New York strip steaks, looking for deep, authentic char marks and a flavorful crust.
Heating Evenness: I used the classic toast test, covering the entire cooking surface with slices of bread to visually assess for hot and cold spots. This helped me understand how evenly burgers or chicken breasts would cook.
Ease of Cleaning: How difficult was it to clean the grill plate, drip tray, and lid after cooking something messy like marinated chicken? I gave bonus points for removable, dishwasher-safe components and effective nonstick surfaces.
Overall Design & Usability: I considered each product’s countertop footprint, the intuitiveness of the temperature controls, and practical features like cool-touch handles and viewing windows.
Value: Finally, I analyzed the performance, features, and durability of each grill relative to its price point. I wanted to find options that delivered excellent results, whether they were budget-friendly or a premium investment.

My 5 Best Smokeless Indoor Grill Reviews

Here are my detailed, hands-on reviews of the top 5 indoor smokeless grills. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my specific experiences with each model to help you find the perfect fit.

Best Overall: Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill (GR101) Review

The Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) easily earns my top spot as the best overall smokeless indoor grill. It delivers an unbeatable combination of high-heat searing, incredible 2-in-1 versatility, and genuinely easy cleanup. After weeks of use, it became my go-to appliance for everything from morning pancakes to evening steaks, making it the perfect all-rounder for most home cooks.

Specification:
* Cooking Surface: 14-inch interchangeable plates
* Plate Types: Nonstick Grill Plate, Nonstick Flat-Top Griddle Plate
* Max Temperature: 500°F
* Key Feature: Perforated mesh lid for smoke and splatter control
* Capacity: Feeds 4-6 people
* Cleanup: Detachable, dishwasher-safe lid and plates
* Color: Grey/Silver

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unmatched Versatility: The interchangeable grill and griddle plates are a game-changer. I could go from searing steaks with deep grill marks one night to making a full pancake and bacon breakfast the next morning. It truly feels like two high-performance appliances in one.
* ✅ Serious Searing Power: This grill gets scorching hot. Reaching a true 500°F, it produced deep, authentic char-grilled marks on burgers and steaks that many other indoor electric grills fail to achieve. The flavor development was outstanding.
* ✅ Edge-to-Edge Heating: I was skeptical of this claim, but my testing proved it. I placed four large burgers across the surface, and they all cooked at the same rate. There were no noticeable hot or cold spots, ensuring perfectly consistent results every time.
* ✅ Simple, Effective Smoke Control: The perforated mesh lid is surprisingly effective. While grilling fatty sausages, it contained the vast majority of smoke and almost all of the grease splatter, keeping my kitchen air clean and my countertops free of mess.
* ✅ Genuinely Hassle-Free Cleanup: This is a huge win. The nonstick plates are incredibly easy to clean; most residue wiped off with a paper towel. Being able to put both plates and the detachable lid directly in the dishwasher is a massive time-saver.
* ✅ Generous Family-Sized Capacity: The 14-inch surface is plenty big. I could easily fit six burgers or four medium-sized salmon fillets without overcrowding the grill, making it perfect for feeding my family of four.
* ✅ Thoughtful Design Features: The ability to cook with the hood up for a concentrated blast of heat or with the hood down to melt cheese or retain moisture adds a layer of control that mimics a real outdoor BBQ experience.
* ✅ Quick Preheating: The grill heated up to its maximum temperature in under 10 minutes, which is much faster than waiting for charcoal or a large gas grill to get ready.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Slight Temperature Learning Curve: The dial is powerful, and the 500°F max heat can cook things very quickly. It took me a couple of tries to dial in the perfect temperature for more delicate items like fish without overcooking the outside.
* ❌ No Specific Temperature Display: The temperature control is just a rotating dial without specific degree markers (e.g., 350°F, 400°F). While it’s intuitive, a digital display would offer more precision for those who like to follow recipes exactly. Workaround: I used an infrared thermometer for a few sessions to learn the positions on the dial, which gave me more confidence.
* ❌ Short Power Cord: The power cord is a bit on the short side. I had to use an extension cord in one of my kitchen setups to place it exactly where I wanted it, which is a minor but common annoyance with kitchen appliances.

My Expert’s Experience
Cooking Performance & Versatility: I was immediately impressed by the dual-plate system. The grill plate produced excellent, deep sear marks on a thick-cut ribeye, creating a beautiful crust while leaving the inside juicy and medium-rare. The next day, I swapped in the griddle plate and made a full breakfast spread—perfectly cooked bacon, fluffy pancakes, and fried eggs—all at once. This 2-in-1 functionality makes the Ninja Sizzle GR101 an incredible value and a space-saver.

Smoke Control & Heat Management: The perforated lid works far better than I anticipated. I cooked four fatty burgers and, while not 100% smokeless (no grill truly is), the smoke was minimal and contained under the lid. More importantly, it did not trigger my sensitive apartment smoke alarm. The edge-to-edge heating claim absolutely holds up; I placed chicken skewers on the corners and in the center, and they all finished cooking at the same time with even browning.

Capacity & Cleanup: The 14-inch surface feels generous. I comfortably fit four large chicken breasts with room to flip them easily. But cleanup is where this model truly cemented its place as my top pick. Grease drained effectively into the catches, and the high-quality nonstick coating let cooked-on marinade residue wipe away with almost no effort before I placed the plates in the dishwasher for a final clean. It makes weeknight grilling a genuinely pleasant experience.

Best for Large Families: Ninja Sizzle Pro XL Review

For those who cook for a crowd or love to entertain, the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL is the undisputed champion. It takes everything great about the standard Sizzle and super-sizes it, offering a massive cooking area and more precise temperature control without sacrificing the high-heat performance Ninja is known for. This is the ultimate solution for large families.

Specification:
* Cooking Surface: 20-inch interchangeable plates
* Plate Types: PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Grill Plate, Ceramic Nonstick Griddle Plate
* Max Temperature: 500°F with ProTemp IQ
* Key Feature: Detachable ventilated lid, precise temperature control
* Capacity: Feeds 8-10 people
* Cleanup: PFAS-free ceramic nonstick plates, wipe-clean design
* Color: Natural Metal/Black

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Truly Massive Cooking Area: The 20-inch surface is a game-changer for batch cooking. I could grill an entire family pack of chicken breasts or over 10 burgers at once. It completely eliminates the need to cook in shifts when guests are over.
* ✅ Precise Temperature Control: The ProTemp IQ dial is a significant upgrade from the base model. It provides labeled temperature settings, allowing for much more accurate heat management. This is critical for evenly cooking on such a large surface.
* ✅ Superior Even Heating: Despite its immense size, the heat distribution is phenomenal. I made hibachi-style fried rice on the griddle plate, and the heat was consistent from edge to edge, just as advertised.
* ✅ Easy-to-Clean Ceramic Plates: The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick surface performed beautifully. Food released effortlessly, and even burnt-on sauces wiped away with a damp cloth, making cleanup surprisingly simple for such a large appliance.
* ✅ Powerful 500°F Searing: It packs the same high-heat punch as its smaller sibling. Even when loaded up with multiple steaks, it maintained its temperature and delivered a fantastic, deeply browned crust.
* ✅ Durable, Premium Build: The grill feels robust and well-constructed, with a professional look. The ceramic plates feel more durable and scratch-resistant than some standard nonstick coatings I’ve tested.
* ✅ Effective Splatter Control: The large, ventilated lid does an excellent job of containing grease splatter, which is a major benefit when you’re cooking for a crowd and using the entire surface.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Large Footprint: This grill is big. It requires a significant amount of counter space during use and dedicated cabinet space for storage. It is definitely not suitable for small kitchens or apartments with limited storage.
* ❌ Premium Price Point: The advanced features, XL size, and powerful performance come at a higher cost. This is a premium investment intended for those who will frequently use its large capacity.
* ❌ Plates Are Not Dishwasher Safe: Unlike the smaller GR101, the manual recommends hand-washing the plates to preserve the ceramic coating. Workaround: The ceramic nonstick is so effective that I found a simple wipe-down with a soapy sponge was all that was needed. It was hardly an inconvenience.

My Expert’s Experience
Capacity & Cooking Power: This is the core strength of the Sizzle Pro XL. It truly delivers on its promise of family-sized cooking. I hosted a small gathering and was able to make a full hibachi dinner on the griddle plate for six people without ever feeling cramped for space. The 500°F max heat is just as potent as on the smaller model, ensuring a great sear even when the grill is crowded with cold food. It never felt underpowered.

Temperature Precision & Management: The ProTemp IQ feature made a noticeable difference. Being able to confidently dial into a specific temperature (e.g., 375°F for chicken thighs) and trust the grill to hold it provides a level of control and consistency that you just don’t get with simple low-to-high dials. I could sear steaks on one side of the grill while gently warming buns on the other.

Build & Maintenance: The grill feels like a professional piece of equipment. The ceramic plates have a substantial, durable feel, and I appreciate Ninja’s move to a PFAS-free material. While the plates are not listed as dishwasher-safe, they are so slick and easy to wipe clean that it genuinely takes less than a minute. The removable grease catch is also well-designed and easy to manage.

Best for High-Heat Searing: Hamilton Beach Searing Grill Review

For the grilling purist who prioritizes a perfect, flavor-locking sear above all else, the Hamilton Beach Searing Grill is my top choice. It’s a no-frills powerhouse designed to do one thing exceptionally well: get very hot and stay hot. Its focused design makes it the best indoor grill specifically for getting a great crust on steaks and burgers.

Specification:
* Cooking Surface: 118 sq. in.
* Plate Types: Removable Nonstick Grill Plate
* Max Temperature: 450°F
* Key Feature: Viewing window in lid to monitor food
* Capacity: Serves ~6 people
* Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe lid, grill plate, and extra-large drip tray
* Color: Stainless Steel

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Searing Capability: It absolutely lives up to its name. The grill gets very hot, and the indicator light tells you precisely when it hits its 450°F searing temperature. It created a fantastic, dark crust on every steak and burger I cooked.
* ✅ Convenient Viewing Window: This is a simple but brilliant feature. I loved being able to watch the food cook and see the char marks develop without lifting the lid and letting all the precious heat escape. It’s crucial for a consistent sear.
* ✅ Incredibly Easy Cleanup: This was one of the easiest grills to clean that I tested. The lid, grill plate, and extra-large drip tray are all fully removable and 100% dishwasher safe. Post-meal cleanup is practically effortless.
* ✅ Great Value for Performance: It offers searing performance that rivals more expensive models but in a very budget-friendly package. If all you want is a great indoor sear, this is a fantastic value.
* ✅ Large Drip Tray: The extra-large drip tray is very effective at catching all the runoff grease and juices, preventing messy spills on the countertop.
* ✅ Simple, Intuitive Controls: There are no complex settings to learn. A single dial adjusts the temperature, and the power and preheat lights clearly indicate the grill’s status. It’s straightforward and effective.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Single-Purpose Design: It’s a dedicated grill, and it does that job well. However, it lacks the versatility of models with interchangeable griddle plates. You won’t be making pancakes on this.
* ❌ Can Produce More Smoke: Because it’s an open-grate design where grease drips directly onto a hot tray below, it can create more noticeable smoke than sealed models, especially when cooking very fatty foods like bacon. I recommend using it near a window or under a range hood.
* ❌ Slightly Uneven Heat: My toast test showed the center of the grill was noticeably hotter than the outer edges. This is common in grills with this design. Workaround: I simply placed items that needed a harder sear (like steaks) in the middle and items that needed less intense heat (like vegetables) around the perimeter.

My Expert’s Experience
Searing Performance & Heat: This grill’s mission is to sear, and it succeeds with flying colors. I preheated it to its maximum 450°F setting, waited for the green “preheat” light to illuminate, and threw on a New York strip steak. The result after a few minutes per side was a deep brown crust and pronounced grill marks that locked in all the juices. For the price, the searing power is truly impressive.

Design & Usability: The viewing window is a feature I wish every indoor grill had. It’s incredibly practical and helps prevent the constant temptation to lift the lid, which is key to maintaining high heat. The stainless steel body looks sleek and modern on the counter. While the design is simple, it’s highly functional for its intended purpose.

Cleanup & Drip Tray System: The cleanup process for the Hamilton Beach grill is a dream. The extra-large drip tray is very effective at catching every drop of runoff. The fact that every single part that gets dirty—the lid, the cooking grate, and the drip tray—can go straight into the dishwasher makes it a winner for anyone who dreads cleaning up.

Best Value Indoor Grill: Elite Gourmet Smokeless Grill Review

The Elite Gourmet Smokeless Grill is my champion of value, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great indoor grilling experience. It delivers a surprisingly large 14-inch cooking surface, reliable heating, and the easiest cleanup of any grill I tested, all at a highly accessible price point. This is the perfect workhorse for budget-conscious cooks.

Specification:
* Cooking Surface: 14-inch diameter
* Plate Types: Nonstick Grill Plate
* Max Temperature: 450°F (5 adjustable settings)
* Key Feature: Circular heating element for even heating
* Capacity: Serves ~6 people
* Cleanup: All parts are detachable and dishwasher safe
* Color: Black

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Outstanding Value for Money: This grill delivers solid performance and a generous size for a very competitive price. It’s proof that you can get 80% of the functionality of premium models for a fraction of the cost.
* ✅ Fast and Surprisingly Even Heating: I was impressed by the circular heating element. It heated up quickly and distributed the heat more evenly across the round surface than I expected for a budget model. My chicken kabobs cooked uniformly from end to end.
* ✅ Completely Dishwasher Safe: This is its superpower. I could disassemble the entire unit—the base, drip tray, grill plate, and glass lid—and put every piece in the dishwasher. It makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
* ✅ Lightweight and Compact Storage: Because the heating element is a detachable probe, the main body is very lightweight and easy to move. The parts nest together for relatively compact storage.
* ✅ Large 14-Inch Surface: For a grill in this price range, the cooking area is massive. It’s the same diameter as the Ninja Sizzle, providing plenty of room for family meals.
* ✅ Cool-Touch Safety Features: The cool-touch base and handles are an important safety feature, especially in a busy kitchen. I never worried about accidental burns when moving the unit.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Build Feels Less Premium: To meet its price point, the materials feel less substantial than its higher-priced competitors. The plastic base feels a bit flimsy compared to the metal bodies of the Ninja or Hamilton Beach.
* ❌ Lid is Not Hinged: The tempered glass lid simply rests on top. You have to fully remove it and set it aside during cooking, which can be awkward and drips condensation onto the counter.
* ❌ Searing is Good, Not Great: While it reaches 450°F, it doesn’t seem to retain that heat for searing quite as effectively as the Hamilton Beach or Ninja models. It produces good grill marks, but not the deep, dark crust you get from the more powerful units.

My Expert’s Experience
Grilling Performance: For the price, the performance of the Elite Gourmet grill is fantastic. I grilled chicken breasts, hot dogs, and vegetable skewers, and everything cooked through evenly without any major hot spots, thanks to that circular heating element. While it doesn’t get quite as scorching hot for a deep sear, it’s more than capable for 90% of everyday grilling tasks like burgers, sausages, and fish fillets.

Design & Ease of Use: The grill is refreshingly simple and straightforward. The detachable thermostat control probe makes cleaning and storage much easier. The cool-touch handles and base worked as advertised, and I had no issues with the exterior getting dangerously hot during my 45-day testing period. The tempered glass lid is great for monitoring food, even if it’s a bit clunky to handle.

Value & Maintenance: This is where the Elite Gourmet truly shines. It’s the definition of a great value. The fact that every single part can be tossed in the dishwasher is a major selling point that even some premium models don’t offer. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss indoor grill that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent choice.

Best for Smoke Control: Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill Review

For apartment dwellers or anyone whose primary concern is avoiding smoke, the Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill is the hands-down winner. Its clever water tray system is specifically engineered to virtually eliminate smoke, and it works exceptionally well. This is the go-to choice for anyone living in a small space with a sensitive smoke detector.

Specification:
* Cooking Surface: Extra-large non-stick surface
* Plate Types: Nonstick Grill Plate
* Max Temperature: Sear (unspecified temp)
* Key Feature: Water-filled drip tray to cool grease and prevent smoke
* Capacity: Extra-large surface for complete meals
* Cleanup: Removable, dishwasher-safe grill top and water tray
* Color: Black

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Effective Smoke Reduction: The water tray system is not a gimmick. I cooked notoriously smoky foods like fatty burgers and bacon, and it produced significantly less smoke than any other grill I tested. It’s the only one that gave me 100% confidence it wouldn’t set off my smoke alarm.
* ✅ Practical Zoned Heating: The cooking surface has different heat zones. The center is hottest for searing, while the outer edges are cooler. This is great for cooking multiple types of food at once—I could sear a steak in the middle while gently grilling asparagus on the sides.
* ✅ Excellent Safety Features: I appreciate the cool-touch handles and the overheat auto shut-off protection. These features provide essential peace of mind, especially when using a heating appliance in a small indoor space.
* ✅ Effortless Cleaning Process: The design is brilliant for cleanup. Hot grease drips into the cool water, preventing it from burning and baking onto the tray. You simply discard the greasy water, and the grill top and water tray go right into the dishwasher.
* ✅ Large Cooking Surface: The “extra-large” surface provides plenty of real estate to cook a complete meal for a few people all at once.
* ✅ Simple Setup: Just place the grill plate on the base, fill the water tray to the marked line, and plug it in. It’s incredibly easy to get started.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Less Intense Searing: The trade-off for incredible smoke control is searing power. Because the design prioritizes cooling the grease, it doesn’t achieve the same level of high-heat, crust-forming sear as the Ninja or Hamilton Beach models. Grill marks are present but lighter.
* ❌ Requires Water Every Time: You must remember to fill the water tray before every use. Forgetting this step will lead to a very smoky experience. It’s an extra step that other grills don’t require.
* ❌ Vague Temperature Control: The control knob has settings from “Warm” to “Sear” but no specific temperature markers. This makes precise cooking a bit of a guessing game until you get used to the grill’s quirks.

My Expert’s Experience
Smoke Control System: This is the star feature of the Chefman grill, and it performs exceptionally well. The principle is simple and effective: hot grease drips into the tray of cool water and is extinguished before it can burn and create smoke. For anyone living in an apartment or condo with strict rules or a hyper-sensitive smoke detector, this feature alone makes it a top contender. It passed the bacon test with flying colors—an impressive feat.

Cooking with Heat Zones: I found the zoned cooking feature to be very practical for making a complete meal. I placed two salmon fillets in the center “sear” zone for a nice crust, while simultaneously grilling zucchini and bell peppers on the slightly cooler outer edges. This allowed everything to finish at the same time without overcooking the more delicate items.

Maintenance & Safety: This is one of the safest and cleanest grills to operate. The risk of grease flare-ups is virtually zero due to the water tray. Cleanup is a breeze; I just carefully carried the tray to the sink, poured out the water, and placed it and the grill top in the dishwasher. It’s a very low-stress and beginner-friendly cooking experience.

Indoor Smokeless Grill Comparison Chart

This chart provides a quick, at-a-glance look at how my top 5 picks stack up against each other on the most important features.

Feature	Ninja Sizzle (GR101)	Ninja Sizzle Pro XL	Hamilton Beach	Elite Gourmet	Chefman
Category	Best Overall	Best for Large Families	Best for High-Heat Searing	Best Value	Best for Smoke Control
Max Temperature	500°F	500°F	450°F	450°F	Sear Setting
Cooking Surface	14-inch	20-inch	118 sq. in.	14-inch	Extra-Large
Key Feature	Interchangeable Plates	Precise Temp Control	Viewing Window	Circular Heating	Water Tray System
Best For	All-around versatility	Large families/entertaining	Steak and burger lovers	Budget-conscious cooks	Apartment dwellers
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐

After my extensive testing, the key difference really comes down to your primary need. The Ninja models offer the best combination of power and versatility. The Hamilton Beach is a pure searing specialist. The Elite Gourmet is a fantastic budget pick, and the Chefman is the undisputed king of smoke control.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Smokeless Indoor Grill

Choosing the perfect smokeless indoor grill depends entirely on your specific needs, kitchen size, and cooking style. Use this guide to understand the key features and decide what matters most to you before you buy.

Searing Power & Max Temperature: This is the most critical factor for anyone who wants to cook steaks, burgers, and pork chops with an authentic, crusty, outdoor-style char. If searing is your top priority, look for a grill that can reach and maintain a temperature of at least 450°F. For the absolute best results, models that can hit 500°F, like the Ninja Sizzle, are ideal.
Smoke Reduction Technology: How does the grill actually manage smoke? Models like the Chefman use a water tray to cool grease instantly, which is highly effective for smoke prevention. Others, like the Ninja, use a combination of a perforated lid and precise temperature control. If you live in a small apartment with a highly sensitive smoke alarm, a water tray system is your safest bet.
Size & Capacity: How many people are you typically cooking for? A grill with a 118 sq. in. to 14-inch surface is great for individuals, couples, or small families of 4. If you have a large family or love to host parties, investing in an XL model like the 20-inch Ninja Sizzle Pro XL will prevent you from having to cook in multiple batches.
Ease of Cleaning: This is a major quality-of-life factor that you’ll appreciate after every meal. Look for models with removable, dishwasher-safe grill plates, lids, and drip trays. A high-quality nonstick surface (whether traditional or ceramic) is a must-have. Grills where all the dirty parts can be put in the dishwasher, like the Hamilton Beach and Elite Gourmet, make post-dinner cleanup incredibly simple.
Versatility (Grill vs. Griddle): Do you want a dedicated searing machine or a multi-purpose kitchen appliance? If you’d love to make pancakes, eggs, stir-fries, or hibachi-style meals, a model with interchangeable griddle plates like the Ninja Sizzle series offers far more value and saves you from needing to buy and store a separate electric griddle.
Temperature Control: Basic grills may only have vague low-medium-high settings. For more cooking control, look for an adjustable thermostat with specific temperature markings or a digital display. Precise control, like the ProTemp IQ on the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL, is better for perfectly cooking a wider variety of foods, from delicate fish to thick steaks.
Footprint & Storage: Where will you use and store the grill? If you have limited counter or cabinet space, a more compact and lightweight model like the Elite Gourmet might be more practical than a large, heavy unit like the Sizzle Pro XL. Consider the product dimensions before buying.

FAQs About Smokeless Indoor Grills

Do indoor smokeless grills really work?

Yes, they really do work to drastically reduce smoke compared to other indoor cooking methods like using a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. They use clever features like water-filled drip trays or perforated lids and temperature control to cool down grease before it can burn and create heavy smoke. While no electric grill is 100% smokeless, a good model like the ones on this list will not set off your smoke alarm during normal use with most foods.

What is the easiest smokeless grill to clean?

In my testing, the grills where all the main components (plate, drip tray, and lid) are removable and dishwasher-safe are by far the easiest to clean. The Hamilton Beach Searing Grill and the Elite Gourmet Smokeless Grill were standouts in this category. Their designs allow for a complete, effortless cleanup with almost no hand-washing required.

Can you use a smokeless grill in an apartment?

Absolutely. This is one of the primary reasons they were designed. I would highly recommend a model with a dedicated water tray system, like the Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill, as it offers the highest level of smoke prevention, making it perfect for small, enclosed spaces. As a best practice, it’s still a good idea to have some ventilation, like an open window or a range hood running.

Do you need to add water to a smokeless grill?

It depends entirely on the model’s design. For grills like the Chefman, adding water to the drip tray is an essential step for its smoke-reducing function to work correctly. For other models like the Ninja Sizzle or Hamilton Beach, you do not need to add water, as they use different methods (lids, temperature management) to control smoke and grease.

How hot do smokeless indoor grills get?

Most high-quality smokeless grills can reach maximum temperatures between 400°F and 500°F. A temperature of at least 450°F is what I recommend for achieving a good, flavorful sear on steaks and burgers. The Ninja Sizzle models I tested can reach a powerful 500°F, which is excellent for an indoor appliance and key to their superior performance.

Do smokeless grills taste like outdoor grills?

While they create delicious, beautifully grilled food, they do not perfectly replicate the specific taste of a charcoal or gas grill. That unique smoky flavor comes from the combustion of the fuel source and the vaporization of drippings on an open flame. However, a powerful indoor grill produces excellent texture, deep char marks, and a Maillard reaction that is far superior to what you can achieve by baking or pan-frying.

What is the best indoor smokeless grill for steaks?

For the best steaks, you need consistently high heat. Based on my tests, the Hamilton Beach Searing Grill is a fantastic choice because its entire design is focused on holding a searing temperature of 450°F. For even more searing power and versatility, the Ninja Sizzle, which reaches 500°F, also produces an exceptional crust and flavor.

How do you clean a smokeless indoor grill?

First, always unplug the grill and let it cool down completely for safety. Then, remove the grill plate and drip tray. Scrape off any large food particles into the trash. Most modern grills have dishwasher-safe parts, which is the easiest method. If you’re washing by hand, use a non-abrasive sponge with hot, soapy water to protect the delicate nonstick coating.

Are indoor smokeless grills worth it?

Yes, for the right person, they are absolutely worth it. If you live in an apartment or a condo with grilling restrictions, reside in a climate with long winters, or simply want the convenience of grilling year-round without the hassle of smoke and cleanup, a smokeless grill is a fantastic kitchen investment. They offer a healthier, cleaner, and less messy way to get great grilled flavor indoors.

Why does my smokeless grill still smoke?

There are a few common culprits. The grill might not be clean, and old, burnt-on grease from previous uses is burning and causing the smoke. If your model requires water (like the Chefman), the tray might be empty or low. Lastly, extremely high-fat foods (like 80/20 ground beef or bacon) can still produce some smoke on any grill, and marinades high in sugar can burn and smoke easily.

My Final Verdict: What’s the Best Indoor Grill?

After weeks of extensive hands-on testing, I’m confident in my recommendations for the best smokeless indoor grills you can buy in 2026. While each grill on this list is a winner for a specific type of user, one model truly stands out as the best all-around performer for the vast majority of people.

My top pick is the Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101). It simply strikes the perfect balance of high-heat searing power (500°F), effective smoke-reducing performance, and incredible 2-in-1 versatility with its interchangeable grill and griddle plates. It’s the grill I would recommend to most of my friends and family without hesitation.

This grill is perfect for you if…
* You want the versatility of both a grill and a griddle in one appliance.
* You prioritize getting a deep, authentic sear and char marks on your food.
* You need to cook for a family of 4-6 people.
* You value easy, dishwasher-safe cleanup.
* You want a powerful, reliable grill that performs well across all types of food.

This grill is not ideal for…
* You are on a very tight budget.
* You have an extremely sensitive smoke detector and need the absolute maximum smoke prevention.
* You need to cook for more than 6 people regularly.

If your primary goal is searing the best possible steak and you want to spend a little less, the Hamilton Beach Searing Grill is an outstanding alternative that excels at its one dedicated job.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of the grills on this list. Choosing the right one comes down to matching its specific strengths—be it searing power, smoke control, size, or value—to your personal cooking priorities. For the best balance of all those things, the choice is clear: get the Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101).

Last update on 2026-02-03 at 17:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API