The Best Smokeless Indoor Grill for 2025

Indoor grilling has come a long way – you no longer need to brave the weather or fill your kitchen with smoke to enjoy perfectly grilled steaks or veggies. Smokeless indoor grills use clever technology (like water drip trays, infrared heat, and smoke-extractor fans) to deliver barbecue-style results with minimal smoke. In this article, we’ve curated the best smokeless indoor grill options currently available on Amazon or BBQGuys. Our top picks are organized by High-End, Budget, and Highly Rated categories, so you can choose the right grill for your needs and price range. We also include a buyer’s guide on what features to look for – from ease of cleaning and compact design to temperature control and versatility – and a handy comparison table of key specs for each recommended grill. Let’s get grilling indoors!

Comparison Table: Top Smokeless Indoor Grills

Best High-End Option: Kenyon City Electric Grill

The Kenyon City Grill is a premium indoor/outdoor electric grill built with marine-grade stainless steel for durability and a virtually smokeless performance. This high-end grill is designed to meet strict fire codes for apartments and condos​, meaning you can safely grill indoors or on a balcony without worrying about smoke or flare-ups. It uses a 1300-watt heating element and can reach intense searing temperatures over 550 °F​ – rivaling many outdoor grills. Despite its power, the City Grill operates flamelessly and eliminates nearly all smoke, thanks in part to a concealed heating element and a drip tray that you fill with a bit of water (or even wine or juice for extra flavor)​

• Ease of Cleaning: Exceptional. The Kenyon City Grill’s non-stick cast aluminum grate has a medical-grade coating and, along with the lid, is completely dishwasher-safe​. A removable drip tray catches grease; adding water to it not only prevents smoke but also makes cleanup easier as grease doesn’t burn on. Overall, users find it very easy to wipe down or toss parts in the dishwasher after use.
• Design & Compactness: This grill boasts a sleek, marine-grade stainless steel body for long-lasting quality​. It’s a countertop unit with about 155 sq. inches of cooking area (roughly 21″ x 8″), enough to handle several servings at once​. The build is sturdy (weighing around 30 lbs), which isn’t ultra-light, but it’s still considered portable for a high-end appliance. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for small kitchens, and it’s UL-approved for both indoor and outdoor use, giving you placement flexibility​.
• Temperature Control: Excellent. The Kenyon features simple knob control that allows precise adjustment of heat. It preheats in just 5–7 minutes and can exceed 550 °F for true searing​​. Unlike many indoor grills that max out around 450 °F, this one’s higher range means you can achieve proper char marks on steaks. The even heating and lack of hot spots give you consistent results, from gently grilling veggies to searing thick cuts of meat. There are no built-in presets or fancy digital panels – just reliable, responsive temperature control that grill aficionados appreciate.
• Versatility: Very high for a dedicated grill. While it doesn’t air fry or press sandwiches (it’s not a multi-cooker), the City Grill’s specialty is true grilling anywhere. Its performance and size let you grill everything from delicate fish fillets to burgers and kabobs. You can even purchase an optional griddle plate to swap in, expanding its use to breakfast foods like pancakes and eggs​. Because it’s virtually smokeless and flameless, it’s perfect for condos, RVs, or boats where open-fire grilling isn’t allowed. This is the grill for the purist who wants an indoor unit that mimics an outdoor grill’s capability in a premium, compact package.

Best Budget Option: Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill

Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill is an affordable choice that still offers a spacious cooking surface and easy, smoke-free operation. Priced well under $100, this electric grill has surprisingly high user reviews for its price class. It provides a 15″ x 9″ nonstick grilling area – larger than many competitors – so you can cook multiple items or family-sized portions at once​. The design is a classic open grill plate with a water-filled drip tray beneath to virtually eliminate smoke. While it doesn’t have the high-end bells and whistles, it covers the basics very well, making indoor grilling accessible to anyone.

• Ease of Cleaning: Great. The Chefman is built with convenience in mind: the nonstick grill plate plus the drip tray and even the grill’s base (outer housing) are all removable and dishwasher-safe​. This means cleanup is as simple as disassembling the parts and loading the dishwasher – a huge perk for a budget appliance. The nonstick coating and the water drip tray together ensure that grease and food residue don’t get baked on. Users frequently praise how quick and easy it is to clean this grill after cooking, which encourages using it more often.

• Design & Compactness: Simple and functional. It’s a fairly lightweight unit (about 5 lbs) with a low profile, so it’s easy to store in a cabinet or even slide into a shelf when not in use. Despite its slim build, the Chefman offers an “extra-large” grilling surface of 135 sq. in. – enough room to cook several chicken breasts or burgers side by side​. The grill plate has a unique pyramid-shaped ridge design to channel oil away from food​, and there’s no lid (it’s an open-top style). While you won’t get hinged covers or fancy styling, its compact and lightweight nature makes it ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or travel.

• Temperature Control: Adequate. A simple dial allows you to adjust the heat from Warm up to a Sear High setting. There isn’t a digital readout, but for most indoor grilling tasks the Chefman’s 1500W heating element provides sufficient heat. It won’t sear like a high-end grill (expect a max temperature around 450 °F, typical for indoor units​), but it does a solid job for grilling burgers, veggies, or fish. One thing to note is that because it lacks a lid, high heat can dissipate more quickly – so thin cuts and quick-cooking foods are this grill’s sweet spot. For the price, the temperature range and control are on par with expectations, allowing you to grill, warm, or toast with a twist of the knob.

• Versatility: Moderate. The Chefman Smokeless Grill is essentially a single-function appliance – it grills. There are no multi-cook modes or swappable plates here. However, within the realm of grilling it’s quite versatile: you can cook steaks, pork chops, chicken, veggies, or even use it as an open griddle for things like kabobs or quesadillas. The large surface means you can also heat buns on the side while grilling patties. Its strength is indoor BBQ-style cooking on a budget, and it delivers that reliably. If you want an appliance that can also air fry or press sandwiches, this isn’t it – but if you need a straightforward electric grill to bring the cookout indoors year-round, the Chefman is a top budget pick​.

Best Highly Rated Option: Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a fan-favorite that combines smokeless grilling with multi-function cooking versatility. This appliance has earned thousands of glowing reviews for its ability to grill indoors virtually smoke-free while also acting as an air fryer and roaster. It’s a powerful 1760-watt countertop unit that uses Ninja’s Cyclonic Grilling Technology – basically, a 500 °F heated grill grate plus a rapid hot air fan – to mimic outdoor grill results​. The Smart Cook System includes a built-in meat thermometer and preset cooking programs, taking the guesswork out of achieving perfect doneness. If you’re looking for an indoor grill that does much more than grilling, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL is the ultimate highly-rated choice.

• Ease of Cleaning: Very good. Despite its many parts (grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot, splatter shield), Ninja made cleanup easier by using PTFE/PFOA-free nonstick ceramic coatings and making most components removable and dishwasher-safe​. After cooking, you can lift out the grill grate and drip pan and put them in the dishwasher. The interior splatter shield (on the underside of the lid) also pops out for cleaning – an important feature to prevent smoke buildup over time. Users note that because of the high-heat air circulation, there can be some grease splatter inside, but cleaning those areas with the included brush or a damp cloth is straightforward. Overall, Ninja’s smoke control design not only keeps your kitchen air clean but also contains mess, and the ease of cleaning is frequently cited in reviews as a plus.
• Design & Capacity: Bulky but family-friendly. The “XL” in the name is accurate – this grill is larger and heavier (~26 lbs) than simpler grills, so it will take up a good chunk of counter space (about 16″ wide)​. In return, you get an XL capacity grill surface that fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once​meh.com, plus a 4-quart air fry basket. The clamshell design means it has a hinged lid housing the heating element and fan. It also features a digital control panel on the front for selecting modes, temperature (from 105 °F up to 500 °F), and time​. The build quality is solid, with a sleek dark gray stainless finish. While not exactly compact, it replaces several appliances by combining multiple functions in one. If you have the counter space, its design is extremely convenient for cooking a full meal (protein and sides) all in one unit.
• Temperature Control: Excellent and high-tech. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL can reach 500 °F for high-heat searing, and it uses a precise temperature-controlled grill grate and cyclonic air system to maintain even heat​. What sets it apart is the Smart Cook System: you can use the Foodi Smart Thermometer to monitor internal food temps and the grill will automatically adjust or shut off when your food reaches the target doneness​. It offers preset protein settings (like beef, chicken, pork, fish) and various doneness levels. Essentially, you can confidently grill a thick steak to medium-rare without opening the lid or guesswork. There are also manual controls if you prefer. Beyond grilling, the wide temperature range (as low as 105 °F for dehydrating and up to 500 °F for grilling) and adjustable fan speeds give you fine control for air frying, roasting, baking, etc. – something most single-purpose grills lack. Importantly for indoor use, Ninja’s smoke control system (cool-air zone plus splatter shield) keeps excess smoke in check​, even at high heat, which is a big reason for its high user ratings.
• Versatility: Outstanding. This Ninja is truly a multi-cooker: it’s a 6-in-1 appliance​, meaning besides grilling it can air crisp (air fry), roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. You can grill burgers or steaks one night, then use it as an air fryer for wings or fries the next. It can even roast a 3-lb chicken or bake a batch of cookies. Few other “grills” can handle such a range of cooking tasks. This versatility, combined with its smokeless indoor grilling ability, is why it’s one of the most highly rated indoor grills on the market. Essentially, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill can replace an air fryer, oven, and dehydrator, all while delivering legit grilled flavor and char marks. For home cooks who want maximum functionality in one device (and who love the idea of grilling indoors with virtually no smoke), it’s hard to beat this model​​.

What to Look for in a Smokeless Indoor Grill

Choosing the right smokeless indoor grill means knowing which features matter for your cooking style and space. Here are the key factors and how they impact your grilling experience:

• Ease of Cleaning: One of the top considerations for any indoor grill is how easy it is to clean up afterward. Look for models with removable, dishwasher-safe components like grill grates, drip trays, and lids​. A good smokeless grill will have a well-designed grease management system – usually a drip tray that catches fat and can be disposed of or washed easily​. Nonstick coatings on the grill plate or griddle surface are also important, as they prevent food from crusting on and make wipe-downs simple. If cleaning is a hassle, you’ll be less inclined to use the grill, so prioritize user-friendly maintenance. As grill expert Paul Sidoriak notes, “the best ones are able to operate at a variety of temperatures, have a solution for collecting liquids and grease, and are simple to clean”​ – so ease of cleaning is a must-have feature.
• Compact Design & Size: Consider the grill’s dimensions and cooking capacity relative to your needs. If you have a small kitchen or limited storage, a compact footprint is crucial. Open-style grills (without a lid) tend to be more slim and flat, while models with hoods (like the Ninja) can be bulkier. Think about what you’ll typically cook – for one or two people, a smaller grill (around 80–120 sq. in. cooking area) might suffice, but for family meals or entertaining, you’ll want a larger surface (150+ sq. in.) to cook more food at once​. Keep in mind that larger grills are heavier and take up more counter/storage space​. Smokeless grills come in various designs: some are sleek stainless steel appliances that can double as decor on your counter, while others are more utilitarian. Also, check if the grill is portable (lightweight with handles) in case you plan to move it around or store it away often. The goal is to find a grill that maximizes cooking area while still fitting comfortably in your kitchen.
• Temperature Control: The ability to reach and maintain the right cooking temperature is what separates mediocre indoor grills from great ones. Higher heat capacity (closer to 450–500 °F max) is desirable if you want to sear steaks and get real grill marks​. Some budget grills might only reach around 400 °F, which is fine for most foods but won’t sear as well. Look for grills with adjustable temperature dials or digital controls so you can tailor the heat to what you’re cooking – high heat for meats, medium for veggies, low/warm for keeping food hot without overcooking. Premium models may offer precise presets (e.g. specific temperatures or even “sear” buttons) and quicker preheat times​. Also, consider consistency: a good smokeless grill should heat evenly without significant hot spots, and recover temperature quickly after you place food on it. If you plan to also use the grill for gentle cooking (like grilling fruit or making paninis), ensure the low settings are truly low enough. In short, a wide temperature range and reliable control mechanism will give you more versatility and better results.

Versatility & Features: Many indoor smokeless grills now come with extra features that increase their usefulness. Think about whether you want a simple grill or a multi-purpose cooker. Versatility can mean a few different things:

• Multi-Function Cooking: Some grills double as griddles, panini presses, or even air fryers/ovens (like the Ninja Foodi). These can replace multiple appliances, but they often cost more. If you value one device that can grill, bake, roast, etc., a multi-function model is worth considering.
• Interchangeable Plates: A number of indoor grills include swap-able plates (grill grates, flat griddle, waffle plates, etc.) to expand what you can cook. For example, Cuisinart’s Griddler or the George Foreman grills offer this versatility. Swappable plates add to cleaning chores but make the unit more useful overall.
• Smokeless Technology: Since smoke reduction is a priority, check what method the grill uses. Common approaches are water trays (to catch and cool drippings), built-in fans or filters (to suck in and dissipate smoke), and lid designs or splatter shields (to prevent oil from hitting hot elements)​​. All the grills we recommended have effective smoke control by design. If you choose a different model, read reviews to ensure it truly lives up to the “smokeless” claim.
• Additional Conveniences: Little features can make a difference. For instance, a transparent glass lid lets you watch food without lifting the lid (avoiding heat loss). Indicator lights or audible alerts can tell you when it’s preheated or when to flip food. Integrated timers, auto shutoff for safety, and included accessories (scraper tools, recipe books) are nice bonuses. Some high-end grills even connect to apps or have smart sensors, though not everyone needs that.

In summary, pick a smokeless indoor grill that aligns with your cooking habits and space. If you mainly want simple indoor barbecuing with minimal fuss, a basic electric grill with a good drip tray might be perfect. If you’re an avid cook who likes to experiment, a feature-rich multi-cooker could serve you best. And always prioritize solid build quality, smoke reduction, and ease of use/cleaning – these will ensure your indoor grilling is a pleasure rather than a chore. Happy grilling!

Ricky Foster

What could possibly beat throwing a steak on the grill for a tasty medium rare sear? For Ricky, the answer is nothing. He joined Own the Grill in July 2020 as a contributor so he could write about one of his favorite passions.

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