7 Best Indoor Grills Perfect for Apartment Dwellers in 2025
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of flavorful grilled foods, but selecting the right indoor grill can be tricky. With models offering adjustable heat controls, rapid heating times around 3-5 minutes, and smoke management systems that produce minimal fumes, you need options that balance safety and convenience. Curious which models perform well even in limited space—such as under 10 pounds or featuring easy-to-clean surfaces? The 7 top picks of 2025 reveal the best solutions for compact, hassle-free grilling—so you might find yourself questioning whether your kitchen truly needs an outdoor setup.
Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill with Non-Stick Surface & Adjustable Temperature
- GRILLED FLAVOR, LESS SMOKE: This grill produces less smoke than traditional indoor grills, so you can enjoy perfectly grilled food year-round without having to...
- COOKING IN THE ZONE: The temperature on this grill varies by heat zone, so you can cook anything and everything just the way you like! With an extra-large...
- EASY TO CLEAN: Non-stick surface ensures meals will slide off the grill and onto your plate with ease. Disassembles for easy cleaning; grill top and non-stick...
If you want an indoor grill that is safe, easy to use, and works well at home, the Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill is a good choice. It has a non-stick surface that makes cleaning simple. The temperature control knob can be adjusted from warm to sear, so you can cook different kinds of food easily. The grill makes very little smoke because it has a water tray that cools grease and stops flare-ups. This makes it safer to use inside your apartment or condo.
The grill has 1120 watts of power and a large cooking area. It heats up fast—about two minutes—so you can start cooking quickly. It helps you get steady results whether you are grilling steaks, vegetables, or other food. Its modern look and safety features make it perfect for small spaces.
Best For: People who want a safe, simple indoor grill for small gatherings or everyday use in apartments or condos.
Pros:
- Produces very little smoke, thanks to the water tray that cools grease
- Adjustable temperature control for different foods
- Non-stick surface and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning easy
Cons:
- The cooking space is small, so it’s best for 1-2 people or small groups
- The power cord is attached, which can make storing or moving it trickier
- Some smoke might happen if not used right or if the water level gets low
This grill is a great tool if you want to enjoy grilled foods indoors without the smoke or fuss. It’s simple to use, clean, and safe for small spaces.
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
- ENJOY OUTDOOR FLAVOR INDOORS. Grill your favorite foods year-round in any weather with this Hamilton Beach indoor grill. There's no need for a bulky,...
- LOCK IN JUICES AND FLAVOR — SEAR AT 450° F. The high searing heat of 450° F (232° C) locks in juices and flavors to provide perfect grilling results for...
- FOOD WON'T STICK TO THE REMOVABLE GRILL PLATE: The grill plate on the indoor electric grill has a nonstick, PFAS-free surface that keeps food from sticking as...
The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill is a great choice for people living in apartments. It is small enough to fit on most countertops and easy to use. The grill has a cooking area of 118 square inches, which can cook enough for up to six people. It heats up quickly to 450°F, so you can sear steaks and lock in the juice and flavor. The stainless steel body looks good and is durable. It also has a glass window so you can see your food while it cooks. The grill has adjustable temperature controls for better cooking. The nonstick, removable plate makes cleanup simple and safe, as it’s free of PFAS chemicals. This grill helps you cook many foods, from meats to vegetables, without producing a lot of smoke. It is easy to set up and gives restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Best For: People living in apartments or small homes who want tasty grilled food without outdoor grills or smoke.
Pros:
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe removable plates and drip tray.
- Lets you control the temperature for perfect cooking.
- Compact and stylish, fits well in small spaces.
Cons:
- Might be too small for big cuts of meat or large family meals.
- It does not have a lid or top grill, so some cooking styles are not possible.
- Needs electricity, so it is not suitable for outdoor use or places with limited outlets.
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
- SPACIOUS COOKING AREA: Portable BBQ grill with 150 sq. in. porcelain-enameled grate fits up to 8 burgers or 6-10 chicken breasts, perfect for family meals.
- POWERFUL HEAT: 5,500 BTU burner with twist-to-start ignition delivers fast, consistent grilling.
- VERSASTAND FLEXIBILITY: Integrated telescoping base converts seamlessly from tabletop to freestanding grill.
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is a great pick for people living in apartments. It’s small and easy to carry. The grill has a 150-square-inch porcelain-enameled cooking grate. You can cook up to eight burgers or six to ten chicken breasts at once. This makes it good for small gatherings or family cookouts.
The grill has a 5,500 BTU burner. This provides quick and steady heat. It also has a twist-to-start ignition that makes lighting it simple. The grill comes with a telescoping VersaStand. This stand switches from a table-top to a free-standing grill quickly. It is compact, measuring about 22.5 by 17.5 by 9.75 inches. The grill has handles and a lid latch so you can easily carry it. Cleaning is simple because the cooking grates are dishwasher safe.
Best For: Apartment renters and small outdoor spaces. It’s perfect for casual grilling on the go.
Pros:
- Small and foldable with handles and a latch for easy carrying
- Versatile VersaStand changes from table-top to free-standing quickly
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe grates
Cons:
- 150 square inches may be too small for larger parties
- The 5,500 BTU burner works well for small meals but may not handle big, high-heat cooking
- Doesn’t have extra features like side shelves or temperature controls found on bigger grills
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill
- GEORGE TOUGH NONSTICK COATING – There’s a lot to love about this nonstick coating; it’s durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil....
- REMOVABLE STAND – Don’t let the weather stop your grilling; the stand easily detaches so you can move from patio to countertop. Ensure grill clips securely...
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Perfect heat is the secret ingredient. Choose from five heat settings and preheat for 10 minutes for best results. Grill...
The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill is a flexible and easy-to-use grill. It is perfect for people living in apartments or small homes. You can use it inside or outside, so it fits any space. It can cook up to 15 servings at once. This makes it great for family dinners or friends’ get-togethers.
The grill heats up fast, in about 10 minutes. It uses 1500 watts of power and has five different temperature settings. This helps you cook different kinds of foods just right. The grill has a slope design that drains fat away. This can reduce fat by up to 42% and makes food healthier and tastier.
The grill weighs about 8.7 pounds. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. The removable stand lets you move it from the patio to your kitchen counter easily. Cleaning is simple because of the nonstick surface. Plus, the slope drainage makes cleanup quick and mess-free.
This grill is safe to use indoors because it does not produce flare-ups, smoke, or grease splatters. It’s a good choice if you want to cook a variety of foods easily and safely.
However, some things to keep in mind are that the surface heats unevenly, which can affect how evenly your food cooks. The lid and some parts might not last long if handled roughly or over time. Also, the height might not be enough for very tall foods like full beer-can chickens.
Royal Gourmet Stainless Steel Portable Grill
- Portable Design: Folding support legs and latching hoods with compact handle make it easy to carry or store to the decks, patios, camping, tailgating and more....
- Spacious Cooking Space: Total of 285 square inches cooking area, including 214 sq. in. stainless steel cooking grate and 71 sq. in. chrome-coated warming rack
- Tank Regulator: The regulator is for connecting the grill to a 1 lb propane tank (not included)
The Royal Gourmet GT1001 grill is mainly made for outdoor use. But, because it is small and made of stainless steel, you can use it in an apartment too. It weighs just 17.8 pounds and measures about 17.32 inches deep, 27.36 inches wide, and 14.37 inches high. This makes it easy to store or move around your space.
The grill has foldable legs, a lid that locks, and a handle you can carry. These features make it simple to use in small spaces. It has a powerful 10,000 BTU stainless steel burner that heats up fast. It spreads heat evenly over a 285-square-inch cooking area. Even though it is mainly for outdoor use, its sturdy build and handy features can make it a good choice for people with limited space or who can’t use a traditional indoor grill.
Best For: outdoor lovers, small apartment dwellers, and anyone who needs a portable grill for small spaces, even though it is mostly marketed for outdoor use.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight, easy to carry and store
- Made of stainless steel, resistant to rust
- Heats up quickly with steady heat from the 10,000 BTU burner
Cons:
- Some sizes and features may not be exact in the advertisement
- Some issues with uneven heat and grease leaks from gaps in the metal
- Customer support can be limited; some parts may not be very durable
This grill is a good choice if you want something portable. It’s easy to handle and keeps heat well. Just keep in mind that it’s mainly made for outdoor use and may have some small issues.
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill (25331)
- ENJOY OUTDOOR FLAVOR INDOORS: Grill steaks and all your favorite foods year-round in any weather with this Hamilton Beach indoor grill. There's no need for a...
- LARGE NONSTICK SURFACE FITS 4 TUNA STEAKS OR BURGERS: The 100 sq. in. nonstick, cooking surface on the indoor electric grill has plenty of space for cooking a...
- LOCK IN JUICES AND FLAVOR — SEAR AT 500° F: Just press the illuminated sear button to sear meats and vegetables at 500° F (260° C) for perfect results...
If you want an indoor grill that is small, easy to use, and gives food a tasty sear, the Hamilton Beach Electric Searing Grill (25331) is a good choice. It has a 100-square-inch nonstick surface that is perfect for grilling steaks, vegetables, or sandwiches. The 1500-watt heating element heats up fast and can reach up to 500°F. This high temperature helps you sear meats quickly and create nice grill marks, just like outdoor grilling.
The grill has simple digital controls to set the temperature easily. It also comes with a removable drip tray that catches fat and juices, making cleanup easier. Its stainless steel build makes it sturdy, and its small size helps save kitchen space. If you like the flavor of grilled food but don’t want to go outside, this grill gives you a quick and easy way to enjoy that flavor indoors.
Best for: Small homes or people who want fast, high-quality indoor grilling. It works well for one or two people and is easy to clean.
Pros:
- Heats to 500°F quickly for good searing
- Small size fits in small kitchens or apartments
- Nonstick surface makes cleaning simple and keeps food from sticking
Cons:
- The plates are not removable, so cleaning can be a bit harder
- The power cord is short, so you may need to find a close outlet
- Best for small portions; you might need to cook in batches for large groups
Pukomc Electric Indoor Grill, 2-in-1 Kitchen Grill with Non-Stick Plates
- 【VERSATILE GRILLING OPTIONS】 Comes with a range of cooking options, including grilling, roasting, and even frying, which means you can cook a wide range of...
- 【RAPID HEATING & CONSTANT TEMPERATURE】The indoor smokeless grill for kitchen comes with a large Non-Stick grilling plate 16 x 9 inch, making it great for...
- 【RACLETTE TABLE GRILL FOR TWO PERSONS】This indoor grills electric smokeless is perfect for small families, couples, and individuals living alone. It comes...
The Pukomc Electric Indoor Grill is a good pick for people living in apartments. It is small and simple to use. The grill measures about 10 by 5 inches and is 19 inches tall. It weighs just 7 pounds, so you can easily move or store it. With 1700 watts of power, it heats up quickly. This helps cook food evenly. You can grill everything from burgers to vegetables with ease. The non-stick plates make cooking and cleaning simple. They are dishwasher safe and prevent food from sticking. The grill has a 2-in-1 feature that includes a raclette, which means you can melt cheese or cook small dishes for gatherings. Overall, it is a space-saving, easy-to-use grill for indoor cooking.
Best For: People with small spaces, tiny families, or anyone who wants a compact grill that is easy to clean and versatile.
Pros:
- Small and light for easy storage and moving
- Non-stick plates that are dishwasher safe
- Two functions: grilling and raclette for added variety
Cons:
- Takes a bit longer to cook than a stovetop grill
- Some users find the heat feels low at the highest setting
- Smaller size means it can cook fewer items at once
Factors to Consider When Choosing Indoor Grills for Apartment Dwellers
When choosing an indoor grill for your apartment, it’s vital to take into account smoke emission levels, since a model producing less than 50 milligrams of smoke per square meter minimizes lingering odors and keeps your neighbors happy. Size and portability matter too—do you need a compact unit that fits on a countertop or something easily stored away when not in use? Finally, pay attention to features like precise temperature controls, safety certifications, and easy cleanup to make grilling both enjoyable and worry-free.
Smoke Emission Levels
When you choose an indoor grill for your apartment, it’s important to think about smoke. Smoke can affect the air and may not be allowed by your building. Many new grills are made to produce less smoke. Some have water trays or systems that catch vapor to cut down smoke by up to 95%. But smoke levels can change. Cooking at high heat, using greasy foods, or not managing grease well can make more smoke. Some apartments do not allow any visible smoke at all. So, using a smokeless grill can help you cook without worry. Using an exhaust fan or range hood also helps. Good airflow makes a big difference. Remember, even the best grill can’t keep smoke away if there isn’t enough ventilation.
Size and Portability
Size and portability matter a lot when choosing an indoor grill, especially if you live in an apartment. You want a grill that doesn’t take up too much space on your counter or in your closet. A good size is around 12 to 16 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches deep. Look for a lightweight grill under 10 pounds. That makes it easy to move or carry when needed. Some features help save space, like foldable legs, handles that tuck in, or a compact design. If a grill has adjustable legs or a stand, it can save room on your counter. Think about whether you will take your grill outside or move it around your home. A size that fits your usual use helps you cook without clutter. Picking the right size and a portable design makes grilling simple and saves space.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning your grill should be easy. A dirty grill looks bad and can ruin your food. Look for grills with non-stick surfaces. These stop food from sticking and make cleaning simple. Get models with removable parts that are safe for the dishwasher. This way, you can clean them with no hassle. Drip trays catch grease and mess. They help keep the area clean and make cleanup faster. Grills with flat or small ridges will not trap food in hard-to-reach spots. This makes wiping them down easier. Choose a grill that comes apart easily. You can clean all parts fully without using special tools. Some grills have special coatings that prevent food from sticking. These make scrubbing much easier. After cooking, it’s best to clean quickly. A clean grill is more fun to use and keeps your space looking nice.
Temperature Control Features
Having control over the temperature is really important when choosing an indoor grill. It makes sure your food is cooked just right every time. When you can adjust the heat, you can go from warming up your food to searing it hot. Digital or dial controls let you change the heat more accurately than just turning it on or off. Some grills even have pre-set buttons for cooking things like steak, vegetables, or seafood. This makes cooking easier and quicker. Good temperature control also helps cut down on smoke and prevents flare-ups. This is helpful if you live in an apartment with limited ventilation. Choosing a grill with easy and precise temperature controls helps you get great results without making a smoky mess.
Safety and Durability
Safety and durability are very important when choosing an indoor grill for your apartment. Your kitchen isn’t just for cooking; it’s also a safe place. Look for grills that have features like cool-touch handles. These handles stay cool even when the grill gets hot, so you don’t burn your hand. Some grills have automatic shut-off. If they get too hot or no one is around, they turn off by themselves. This helps prevent accidents. Also, find grills with overheat protection. This keeps the grill from getting too hot and causing a fire.
Good materials make a big difference. Choose grills made with strong, high-quality parts, like stainless steel or tough non-stick coatings. These materials last longer and won’t peel or rust easily. Check that the grill’s electrical parts are safe. Look for brands with safety marks like cETL or UL approval. A good water tray or grease catcher also helps. It keeps smoke down and stops flare-ups, making cooking safer and cleaner.
Finally, pick a grill that feels sturdy and well-built. It should not tip easily or fall over when you use it. A stable grill helps keep you safe while you cook. When you choose a safe, strong, and easy-to-use grill, you can enjoy your indoor cooking without worries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Indoor Grills Energy-Efficient for Daily Use?
Indoor grills are generally energy-efficient for daily use, as they heat quickly and use less power than traditional outdoor grills. You’ll save energy and time, making them a practical choice for regular cooking in your apartment.
Which Indoor Grill Is Safest With Children Present?
You’ll want an indoor grill with cool-touch handles, an automatic shut-off feature, and non-stick surfaces to keep children safe. Look for models with sturdy, enclosed designs, and avoid open-coil types for added security.
Can Indoor Grills Replace Outdoor Grilling Entirely?
Indoor grills can’t fully replace outdoor grilling because they lack the same flavor, space, and authentic experience. However, for convenience and safety, especially in apartments, they serve as excellent alternatives for quick, delicious meals.
How Do Indoor Grills Handle Smoke and Odors?
Indoor grills handle smoke and odors with built-in ventilation systems, filters, and smoke control features. You should use them in well-ventilated areas, regularly clean the grill, and consider additional fans or range hoods to minimize smells.
Are There Specific Indoor Grills Suitable for Small Kitchen Spaces?
You’ll find many indoor grills designed for small kitchens, with compact sizes and space-saving features. Choose models with adjustable vents and good odor control, making them ideal for limited space and ensuring easy storage and operation.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
