4 Best Indoor Grills for Apartment Living
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up the joys of grilling, but choosing the right indoor grill requires a careful eye for space, functionality, and style. Do you need a model with built-in smoke extraction, a large enough surface for family dinners, or simple, easy-to-clean parts? Understanding what features matter most can markedly impact your cooking experience—and whether your kitchen looks like a smokehouse or a modern culinary haven. So, why settle for less?
CUSIMAX Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill with Turbo Smoke Extractor
If you want an indoor grill that is easy to use and good for small spaces, the CUSIMAX Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill is a great choice. It is small, measuring about 19.7 inches by 13.19 inches by 19.7 inches. It is also light, weighing only about 14.8 pounds, so you can move or store it easily. This grill has a special Turbo Smoke Extractor that helps remove most of the smoke. This means less smoke in your kitchen and no more worries about alarms or bad smells.
The grill has removable plates that are coated with non-stick material. These plates catch excess oil and are safe to put in the dishwasher. The grill heats up quickly using double U-shaped heating tubes. You can adjust the temperature from 200℉ to 450℉, so you can cook a variety of foods evenly.
This grill is perfect for small families or quick meals. It is ideal for people living in apartments who want to cook indoors without making a lot of smoke. It is simple to clean and move around. However, it may not be best for large cuts of meat or foods that need high heat, like thick steaks or bone-in chicken. Some foods like fried eggs might slide on the slick surface, so you need to be careful when cooking these.
Best For: People in apartments or small homes who want a easy, smokeless, indoor grill to use all year round.
Pros:
- It is small and lightweight, so it is easy to store and carry.
- The Turbo Smoke Extractor keeps the air clean and fresh.
- The removable plates are easy to wash and keep clean.
Cons:
- The cooking area is small, so you might need to cook in batches.
- It is not great for thick or bone-in meats that need high heat.
- Easy foods like fried eggs might slip on the surface, so you need to be gentle.
Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill, Extra Large, Nonstick Table Top Grill
The Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill is a great choice for people who live in apartments. You can enjoy the flavor of grilled food without smoke or needing an outdoor space. It has a big 15 by 9-inch cooking area, perfect for cooking for your family or a small group of friends. The grill uses 1500 watts of power to heat evenly. It has special pyramid-shaped nonstick plates that leave nice grill marks on your food.
One cool feature is the water-filled drip tray. It helps reduce smoke when you cook greasy foods. The grill is light, weighing only 4.4 pounds. Its size is about 10 inches deep, 18.6 inches wide, and 3.2 inches tall. This makes it easy to move around and clean after you cook. The nonstick plates are dishwasher safe, so cleaning is simple.
This grill works well for anyone living in a small space who wants a stylish, smokeless way to grill indoors. It’s easy to use and easy to clean, making it a good tool for everyday cooking.
Pros:
- Large cooking area of 15 by 9 inches, good for family meals
- Smokeless cooking thanks to water tray and temperature control
- Nonstick plates are easy to clean, and parts are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Cannot get rid of all smoke with greasy foods at very high heat
- Has limited high-temperature settings for some recipes
- Slightly heavier than small portable grills, which might make it a bit tougher to move around
This grill is simple, effective, and perfect if you want tasty grilled food without a lot of fuss.
George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill and Panini Press
The George Foreman 4-Serving Electric Grill and Panini Press is a good choice for small spaces like apartments. It has a black ceramic body and a special nonstick coating called George Tough. This coating makes it easy to clean and you don’t need as much butter or oil when cooking. The grill has a 60-square inch sloped surface, which helps drain up to 42% of the fat from your food.
This compact grill measures only 12 inches by 12 inches by 6.5 inches. It is lightweight at just 9.9 pounds, making it easy to carry and store. The grill uses 1800 watts of power and heats up 35% faster than older models. It cooks food evenly, whether you’re making burgers, sandwiches, or vegetables.
It’s perfect for small families, couples, or anyone who needs a small, easy-to-clean grill for quick, healthy meals.
Pros:
- Heats up faster and cooks evenly.
- The removable plates can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
- Drains a lot of fat, which helps make healthier food.
Cons:
- Some people say the heat isn’t always even, so some parts brown faster than others.
- The power cord is longer, which can make it harder to find a spot to use.
- If you use a different voltage system outside the US, it might not work well.
Elite Gourmet Smokeless Electric Tabletop Grill
The Elite Gourmet EMG-980B is a smokeless electric grill made for indoor use. It is great for small spaces like apartments. The grill has a 14-inch nonstick surface. The surface is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. It can cook for up to six people at once. The circular heating element heats evenly. It cooks food quickly and well. The grill has five adjustable temperatures. It can reach up to 450°F. A tempered glass lid and grease tray help reduce smoke and splatter. These features make cleaning easy. The grill is compact. It measures 17.2 inches by 17 inches and weighs only 6 pounds. It is easy to move and store. It offers good cooking space without taking up much room.
This grill is ideal for small families, indoor cooks, and anyone who wants a smoke-free way to grill inside. It heats food fast and evenly. The water tray and glass lid help keep smoke down. The nonstick parts are dishwasher safe, so cleaning is simple.
However, the 14-inch surface might not be enough for large groups. Some heavier dishes could be hard to handle due to its size and weight. Also, the maximum temperature of 450°F may not be enough for some high-heat recipes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Indoor Grills for Apartment Living
When selecting an indoor grill for your apartment, size and portability are key—after all, nobody wants a bulky device that’s hard to move or store. You should also consider smoke emission levels, since a grill that kicks up clouds indoors isn’t just annoying but potentially hazardous, especially with building ventilation limits. Finally, look for quick heating speeds, easy cleanup, and safety features like automatic shut-off—because nobody needs to learn the hard way that grilling indoors requires some serious precautions.
Size and Portability
Choosing a grill that fits well on your counter is very important. In small kitchens or apartments, space is limited. A compact grill that is less than 18 inches wide takes up less room and fits easier.
Portability is about how easy it is to move the grill. Grills that weigh less than 10 pounds are light and simple to carry or store. Heavier grills need a sturdy spot since they are not easy to lift. Some grills have foldable parts or removable pieces, like plates or drip trays. These features make it easier to pack away or move the grill.
If you cook alone or with a partner, smaller grills with less than 15 inches of space work well. They save space and are easy to handle. But if you have a family or like to invite friends over, bigger grills with more than 15 inches of space are better.
Always check how much room you have in your kitchen. Measure your space before buying a grill. A large, bulky grill might look nice but can get in the way. Pick a grill that fits your space and makes cooking easy and fun.
Smoke Emission Levels
Smoke levels from indoor grills are important to consider, especially if you live in an apartment. You want a grill that doesn’t produce much smoke to keep your air clean and avoid bad smells. Look for grills that produce less than 20-30 parts per million (ppm) of smoke. Many grills come with water trays, smokeless plates, or built-in venting systems that help cut down smoke and smells. It’s also helpful to have a temperature control. This keeps food from burning and creating extra smoke. Good ventilation, like range hoods or exhaust fans, can help clear smoke, but they might not remove all of it. Keeping your grill clean is also key. Regularly wash grease traps, drip trays, and the grill surface to stop smoke caused by grease and food leftovers. By choosing a grill with low smoke, controlling the heat, and keeping it clean, you can enjoy grilling indoors without filling your home with smoke or bad smells.
Heating Speed and Power
Have you noticed that some indoor grills heat up almost immediately, while others take longer? That’s because of their wattage and how they heat. Grills with 1500 watts or more heat faster. They can reach temperatures between 375°F and 450°F in just 3 to 5 minutes. This means you don’t have to wait long before cooking. Some grills have two or more heating elements. These give even heat across the surface, so there are no hot or cold spots and your food cooks faster. Many grills also let you change the temperature by turning a dial. This makes it easy to get the perfect heat for cooking steaks or vegetables. Higher wattage and better heating parts help you cook quicker and at hotter temperatures. When you want fast heating, choosing a grill with high power is a smart move.
Ease of Cleaning
When choosing an indoor grill, cleaning is just as important as how it cooks. It’s easier to use a grill that doesn’t make a mess. Look for grills with nonstick surfaces. These help food slide off easily and make wiping down simpler. Some grills have parts you can take out, like grill plates or drip trays. Removing these parts makes cleaning faster and keeps crumbs and grease from building up.
Grills with smooth or sealed surfaces are better. They help reduce food sticking and make spills easier to clean. Compact designs with fewer corners are helpful too. They prevent grease and crumbs from hiding in tiny spots. This saves time when you wipe the grill after cooking.
Some models offer automatic cleaning features, but they are rare. Still, grills that are easy to clean help you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your food. When cleaning is simple, you will want to use your grill more often, making cooking fun and less of a chore.
Safety Features Included
Indoor grills with safety features help keep you safe while cooking. Cool-touch handles prevent burns when you are moving or adjusting the grill. Heat-resistant bodies stop the outside from getting too hot. Some grills have automatic shut-off or protection against overheating. These features turn the grill off if it gets too hot, which helps prevent fires. Smoke suppression systems, like water trays or special filters, keep the air inside clearer and lessen fire risks. You don’t need to open windows or turn on a fan. Certified safety standards, such as UL approval, show the grill meets strict safety rules. Removable parts that are dishwasher safe help keep grease and food bits under control. This reduces the chance of electrical problems or fires. Choosing a grill with these safety features makes indoor cooking safer and easier.
Versatile Cooking Options
Choosing an indoor grill with many cooking options makes your meals more fun and easy. Look for a grill with adjustable heat. This helps you cook small fish gently or cook a steak fast at high heat. Non-stick plates are good because they stop food from sticking and make cleaning easy. Plates that have holes let fat drain away and help you grill, sear, or sauté. Some grills have smoke extractors and sealed lids. These keep your kitchen smell-free and avoid smoky messes. You don’t need to run fans after cooking. A large cooking surface or multiple zones let you cook sides and main dishes at the same time. Some grills can also press sandwiches or roast foods. These features give you more ways to cook. Picking the right grill helps you try new recipes and makes your kitchen more fun and useful.
Price and Warranty
When you pick an indoor grill, your budget and warranty are big things to think about. Prices can be low or high. Some grills cost about $50, which are friendly on your wallet. Others cost more than $200, but they often have extra features.
Warranties show how confident the maker is about their grill. A one-year warranty is enough for basic protection. But if you want more peace of mind, look for a longer warranty. Some grills even offer a lifetime warranty. Extended warranties or paid plans are helpful if you plan to use the grill a lot.
Cheaper grills usually do not last as long. More expensive ones often have better heating, less smoke, and easier cleaning. These extra features can make your cooking easier and more fun.
Choosing a grill means balancing what you want with what you can afford. A good warranty and the right price can help you pick a grill that will last and work well for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Energy-Efficient Are These Indoor Grills for Daily Use?
Indoor grills are generally quite energy-efficient, using less power than traditional outdoor grills. You can enjoy quick, even cooking without wasting energy, making them a smart choice for daily use in your apartment.
Are Replacement Parts and Accessories Readily Available?
You’ll find replacement parts and accessories for indoor grills are usually easy to find, either through the manufacturer’s website or authorized retailers, ensuring you can keep your appliance in great shape without much hassle.
Do These Grills Require Special Electrical Outlets or Voltage?
You don’t need special outlets or voltage for these grills; most are designed for standard household plugs. Just check each model’s specifications to make certain of compatibility, and you’re good to go for convenient, stylish indoor grilling.
How Easy Is It to Store These Grills When Not in Use?
Storing these grills is usually simple because they’re compact and lightweight. You can keep them in a cabinet, pantry, or closet when not in use. Just make certain they’re clean and dry before storing to prevent damage.
Can These Grills Be Used for Cooking Various Cuisines Successfully?
You can cook various cuisines successfully with these indoor grills, as they offer adjustable temperatures and versatile settings. This enables you to prepare everything from grilled meats to vegetables and even some desserts, enhancing your culinary options easily.
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
