The Best Ninja Foodi

Looking for a Ninja Foodi? We evaluate the best that Ninja Foodi has to offer in this post.
Hi, I'm Jake and I'm a foodie that loves cooking on indoor grills. In fact, over the years I've bought over 20 different makes and models of electric indoor grills for myself as well as gifts for friends and family.
I wanted to make a comprehensive resource on the web for people looking to buy an indoor grill but don't know where to start. I'll show you what to look for and which indoor grills are the best for cooking everything from steaks, brats, fish and even pizza!
Please check out my top picks below for a listing of the best indoor grills on the market right now and see some of my articles about indoor grills as well.
Below are my top 10 favorite indoor electric grills. All of these picks are based on my own personal experiences using each grill and also the experiences of others that have received these grills from me as gifts.
I hope that these top indoor grills will be able to help those of you that are looking to buy an indoor grill or those who are looking to buy an electric indoor grill to give as a gift for a birthday or a holiday.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve personally used each of these grills and they come highly recommended, not only by myself but also from user reviews from around the web.
There’s a lot to look for in an indoor grill: can it only be used for grilling, or can it double as a countertop cooker? Is it more user-friendly, or are you looking for something more refined that will impress the advanced cook in your life? Is it easy to heat up and clean, or is it such a struggle to get it all set up and get rid of the mess that it might just wind up living on a back shelf somewhere? The key to the perfect grill lies in what fits your specific tastes, budget, and expectations.
There’s a big difference between being a single bachelor (or bachelorette) working from home just looking for a quick way to make a great burger or step up your sandwich game with a panini press and being the cook for a family of 5 that just needs something easy to use & pick up after a long day at work. It can be overwhelming with so many options out there from top-of-the-line appliances to plug-in countertop cookware, so we’ve I’ve made it easy with a breakdown of the best rated indoor grills for 2021 & why we love them.
So without further adieu, here are my top rated indoor grills below.
The T-fal Optigrill combines best in class indoor grilling power, construction and usability in an absolutely amazing indoor grill.
What I like about it the most is the fact that it’s so easy to grill anything from steaks, chicken breasts, kebabs and it’s even delicate enough to grill fish (grilled salmon anyone? YUM!). This is accomplished with the grills unique settings that let you select what you are cooking and it will automatically set the temperature and cook time for a perfect doneness.
The construction of my top pick for indoor grill isn’t bad either. Minimal plastic parts and a great fit and finish make this indoor grill one that you can be proud of owning and/or giving away as a gift. You can read my full review here or see what others are saying on Amazon about the T-fal Optigrill by clicking here.
I love this grill because you get so much for the money. Great stainless steel looks, easy operation and a truly excellent even grilling surface.
The Cuisinart Griddler is perfect for making quick and easy meals. I made a few pork chops on it about a month ago and they turned out fantastic with very nice grill marks and amazing flavor.
I’ve also used the Cuisinart Griddler indoor grill to make some awesome panini sandwiches.
This indoor grill really excels at steak. Especially with it’s searing function that will sear meat for up to 2 minutes at a time at 500 degrees. This is the PERFECT way to finish off a nice steak.
The build quality on the Cuisinart indoor grill is excellent as well. Stainless steel construction and it’s also very well put together. I’ve got a few people in mind that I’m thinking to buy this grill for in the future because it’s a winner on value for your money through and through.
Another thing the Cuisinart Griddler has is excellent reviews on Amazon. Make sure to check those out before you buy. You can also see my full Cuisinart Griddler review.
Too cold to grill outdoors? The Hamilton Beach 25360 is the perfect alternative to outdoor grilling.
I just started using the Hamilton Beach grill about 3 weeks ago and fell in love with it. Grilling everything from steaks to seafood is easy with it and it produces results that are very, very close to outdoor grilling on an open flame.
It’s got an oversized drip tray which makes grilling healthy and it can be quickly disassembled to go into the dishwasher for cleaning.
I’ll have a full review posted on the Hamilton Beach indoor electric grill soon but in the meantime, check out the stellar reviews it’s getting right now.
Next up on our list for the #4 best indoor grill is the George Foreman GRP-4 Next Grilleration. It’s not the highest quality indoor grill on this list but it is one of the least expensive.
So why do I like this indoor grill? The first reason is the price. It costs about $60, making it perfect for giving out as a gift to friends and family.
Second, I love it’s size. It has 72 square inches of cooking space so you can feed the whole family easily with this thing.
Third, it’s easy to clean. You can remove the grill plates and drip tray to hand wash or throw in the dishwasher like I do.
Lastly, I love the power. The George Foreman Next Grilleration indoor grill has 1000 watts of grilling power. That makes it great for cooking denser meats like steak and pork.
It does have one drawback that I just don’t like: too much plastic. I don’t like how it’s plastic parts give it a cheap feel. Other than that, I think this is a solid indoor grill for the budget-minded consumer.
You can check it out here on Amazon.
The last indoor grill on this list isn’t even a true indoor grill, it can be used outdoors too! The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill is a great electric grill for indoors or out.
One thing you’ll notice about the picture is the stand. Now this stand for the George Foreman grill is pretty handy when you take it outside, but you can also disconnect the stand and put the grill on the tabletop for indoor use.
What I really like about this grill is it’s versatility. With one purchase, you’re able to get a grill that can be taken outside as well as used indoors using electric power.
Another thing that I really like about the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill is that it’s got lots of cooking area which measures at 240 square inches.
The only reason why I ranked it #5 on this list was because it’s not a true indoor grill and can be used outdoors as well. I think realistically, this grill has what it takes to be at the #3 or #4 spot.
If you want indoor grilling power, good quality construction and a lot of grilling space on your indoor electric grill. The George Foreman indoor/outdoor model is going to get you the most bang for your buck.
Make sure to read our detailed review of this grill before you buy.
There are also a TON of people that agree with me. You can view reviews on the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor electric grill here.
There has never been a more iconic indoor grill. Others have come and gone, but the George Foreman Grill has become a household name. It is constantly updated, but the producers never make improvements at the expense of quality or ease of use. This little monster will cook up four servings of food in under 10 minutes on it’s 60 square-inch cooking surface. Think four quarter-pound hamburger patties at the same time.
The warm-up time on this model has been reduced by 35%, and the plates are removable and dishwasher safe. The cover hinge adjusts to compensate for the thickness of the food being cooked, and grease drips into the little tray at the bottom. The Champ made this grill famous, and it has become a daily cooking staple for a lot of people. Very simply, it works, and it works well for not a lot of money.
At 72 square inches, this cooking surface is bigger than the George Foreman grill, but not by much. The major difference is in the design. The surface is a foot wide by six inches deep, so it’s laid out to simulate cooking on the grill, without gas or charcoal.
The heating element distributes heat evenly, ensuring that there are not hot or cold spots anywhere, making it better than outdoor cooking in one respect. It comes with a thermostat for control over the cooking power, and covers with a tempered glass lid, in case you want to keep all that juicy steam inside while grilling vegetables indoors.
The drip tray is nonstick and removable, making cleanup a snap. This is a very nice grill, perfect for when you want to have an indoor barbecue.
This Breville is designed as an indoor grill for those who want something with a professional feel that’s easier to use.
With only 3 presets for panini, burger and sear, it also comes with “independent plate temperature control” so you can do the traditional dad (or mom) stance and watch over the food as you cook.
This appliance is ideal for those who want something a little more flexible: it comes with both a flat-top and grilling plate that are both non-stick with the option to add a waffle plate to your cart, and an adjustable top that goes far enough back to double your space as a flat-top cooker. The locking mechanism will hold in place whatever you choose, giving the option to grill on one side while using the flat-top on another and adjust temperature settings for each side from 210-450°.
It shares the professional stainless-steel look & cord wrap that many others boast without the hefty price tag, and all of the attachments (including the industry-standard removable drip tray) are dishwasher safe to make cleanup a breeze. Reviewers rave about being able to transition from quesadillas to steaks & shrimp and have dubbed it their “most used kitchen appliance”.
This is a pricey one, but if you want to skirt the problems associated with other grills, then it’s worth the cost. Phillips has gone high-tech with this kitchen appliance. No heat adjustment, and no need for one. It heats up to a constant 446 degrees Fahrenheit in six minutes, the perfect temperature for searing meat to keep in all the juices.
It heats using infrared elements that concentrate heat on your food and the grilling surface, while leaving the drip tray perfectly cool for easy removal and cleaning. Remove the tray and wipe it up in minutes. So simple, and so amazing.
If a press-down grill just isn’t doing it for you and you’re longing to pull out those tongs and really get the feel of being above an open flame, this one might be more your speed. A larger of a countertop appliance, the Philips Smoke-Less Indoor BBQ Grill is meant for true barbecue lovers that really would bring the whole grill inside if it wouldn’t set off the smoke alarm. How does this one get away with not doing that?
The drip tray underneath is key to making sure dripping grease won’t splatter & send smoke filling the house, while cooking every piece of food at a consistent 446° F the second it hits the surface. While there aren’t any adjustable settings, for some that factor is a bonus as you get the real-feel of an open grill and will want to make sure you’re keeping an eye not to send that steak from medium-rare to medium.
This can also make it fun for a hibachi-night thanks to the non-slip feet so you don’t have to chase the appliance all over the countertop. What’s more, set up & wipe-down each take about a minute each (unless you want to run the removable grid through the dishwasher and do even less work!), so as a bonus cleanup is even easier than with a regular grill. It’s almost enough to make you say, “What stove?”
This could very well be the grill of the future, and you can use it in the comfort of your kitchen. It’s compact enough to take it on the road with you, but the roughly 12×20 inch grilling surface is huge compared to other indoor options. Pricey? Yes. Worth every penny? I’ll leave that to you. But it is pretty amazing.
We just recently did a review on the Philips Smoke-Less Indoor Grill and loved it.
From grilling up fresh vegetables to pressing the perfect panini, George Foreman is a well-known name in the industry for a reason. His line is affordable, versatile, and you can cook just about anything on them.
The 5-Serving Evolve system is a popular one for several reasons. First, it’s an easy appliance to store without taking up much space and can make even the novice griller feel right at home after a few tries. Health wise, it removes 42% of fat straight into the drip tray giving you a guilt-free cooking experience as you literally watch the grease disappear. As for cleanup? You’ll find you dirty only 1-2 removable plates that are easy to wash, as opposed to winding up with grease splatter all the way up the wall as you destroy an entire kitchen (like us messy cookers over here). If you’re cooking for the whole family, this will not only save time with its quick pre-heat but gives you the ability to serve up multiple plates at the same time.
What can you cook on it? People consistently love George Foreman because it’s known to be easy going from one meal to the next. Its adjustable hinge means you can make room for as much or as little as you need, whipping up everything from eggs & bacon at breakfast to pressing down on a double-decker panini at lunch. While you can simply pop open the lid to see how your food is doing, this particular Foreman grill also comes with a temp control so you don’t have to constantly check on that steak and make sure it’s not overcooking.
Oh, and it’s got good news for bakers, too: the George Foreman even has a muffin tin add-on. Who knew?
Here’s a shortlist of the absolute must-have features for any indoor grill:
If I had to clean any of my indoor grills like I do my pots and pans then I simply wouldn’t use an indoor grill. The bottom line is that many indoor grills have removable grates for easy cleaning and most are even dishwasher safe.
The grill itself is easy to clean, the outside can be wiped down with a wet cloth and you can call it a day.
When comparing a sub-$50 indoor grill vs. a $150 indoor grill, you’ll start to see the differences right away. The feel of the grill itself just screams quality. Take for instance the T-fal found here, there’s no doubt that you’re getting what you pay for.
After cooking hundreds of meals on my indoor grills (yes, I’ve had a few) I can tell you that the cheapo grills just don’t stand up over time.
Of course this is easily the most important feature of any indoor grill! I love a good sear and every indoor grill that I own has to be able to cook a good steak quickly and easily. In fact, I prefer food that’s grilled on an electric indoor grill to most food that’s grilled outside on a charcoal or gas grill.
Specifically look for the use of cast iron removable grill grates if you can. Also, look for indoor grills with preset settings for grilling different meats like steak, fish, chicken and pork. These settings will help to cook meat properly every time.
Also worth mentioning is a “sear mode” or similar. This is a feature on some indoor grills that will guarantee you a good sear on your steak, chicken, pork chops or even veggies. Trust me, a good sear or outer “crust” combined with a juicy inside will keep you happy meal after meal.
Lastly, you want to make sure that the indoor grill you’re buying is easy to use. Here’s what that means:
You put meat on the indoor grill, push a max of 3 buttons and close the grill.
It’s just that simple. There shouldn’t be any complex processes or extra work involved on your part.
Each year, indoor grills are sold by the truckload to people buying gifts for loved ones. Whether it’s an indoor grill for your dad, your mom, grandpa or grandma – no matter. The indoor grill you buy should be a pleasure to use rather than a burden.
So how do you find out which indoor grills are easy to use? Just read our indoor grill reviews on this page to find out.
Looking for a Ninja Foodi? We evaluate the best that Ninja Foodi has to offer in this post.
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I'm on a mission to help people find the perfect indoor grill that will last them for years to come. There are so many great benefits to indoor grilling including healthy cooking, easy cleanup, having fun while indoor grilling and the list goes on and on.
Over the past 2 1/2 years of using electric grills indoors, I've had some not so good ones that just didn't work out. Some of the reasons they failed included poor design, cheap build quality, inconsistent grilling temperature, etc.
Here's what to look for to find the best indoor grill for your needs:Prices for most consumer electric indoor grills can range from as low as $50 to over $300. More often than not, indoor grills are one of those things that you "get what you pay for".
I recommend buying the best indoor grill that you can afford while finding one that has great reviews, good brand reputation, and a reasonable price.
Buying an electric grill for use indoors was one of the best decisions I've made in years. It has totally transformed how I eat and prepare food.
Indoor grills are a snap to use and they flat out make great tasting, healthy food that I can feel good about feeding to my family and eating myself. I also love that they require almost zero maintenance besides cleaning (which is super easy by the way!).
I've made a post about why I love indoor grilling so much and why I think it's really the way to go when it comes to preparing food, especially on a busy schedule like mine.
Below are some links to some of the top indoor grill manufacturers for your reference.