Planning your next outdoor cookout? Navigating the world of electric grills can be overwhelming, with a vast array of features and price points available. This comprehensive review cuts through the noise, analyzing the top five best outdoor electric grills of 2025 to help you choose the perfect model for your needs. We’ve rigorously tested each grill, evaluating their performance, ease of use, cleaning convenience, and overall cooking experience. From compact tabletop options ideal for smaller spaces to larger grills capable of handling a crowd, we’ve considered a variety of sizes and functionalities.Our review covers a range of grills, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. We examine features such as even cooking temperatures, ease of cleanup, and additional functionalities like warming racks and smoke reduction technologies. Whether you prioritize portability, large cooking capacity, consistent cooking results, or smoke-free grilling, this review will equip you with the information needed to make an informed decision and find the best outdoor electric grill to elevate your next barbecue.
Pros And Cons
- Smoke-free cooking (mostly)
- Has grill and griddle plates
- Lid seals well
- Many parts to assemble
- Somewhat uneven cooking
- No timer
- Air fryer, roaster, oven, and dehydrator functions
- Produces well-defined grill marks
- Accurate temperature settings at lower levels
- Non-stick surface scratches easily
- Sides get very hot
- Loud fan runs constantly
- Small cooking area
- Spacious cooking space (240 sq in)
- Consistent cooking
- Gets very hot (over 600° after 5 minutes preheating)
- Unstable stand
- Grill plate not removable
- No hook to hold the lid
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Produces great grill marks
- Some hot spots
- Doesn't get hot enough to sear
Read more: 10 Best Commercial Charcoal Grills: A Buyer's Guide
Presto Cool Touch Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill: Compact and Convenient
The Presto Cool Touch is a lightweight, tabletop grill ideal for smaller spaces. Its non-stick surface and removable drip tray make cleanup a breeze. While it boasts a cool-touch exterior, some hot spots were observed during testing, leading to slightly uneven cooking.
Despite the hot spots, the grill produced excellent grill marks and minimal smoke. Its portability and ease of use make it a great choice for casual grilling. However, it may not be powerful enough for searing.
Char Royal Infrared Electric Patio Beastro: Spacious Outdoor Grilling
The Char-Royal Infrared Electric Patio Beastro offers a large cooking surface, accommodating up to 12 burgers. Its infrared technology minimizes hot spots, resulting in more even cooking. The addition of a warming rack expands the cooking space even further.
The grill's ability to infuse food with smoky flavor by using wood chips is a nice touch. However, some uneven heating was observed, with better results towards the back and center. It's a great option for those with dedicated outdoor space, but the lack of a handle and less-than-ideal thermometer placement are drawbacks.
George Foreman GFO240S Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill: Versatile and Powerful
The George Foreman GFO240S features a removable stand for both indoor and outdoor use and boasts a generous cooking area capable of handling 15 servings. Its sloped grilling surface effectively drains fat, and the adjustable temperature control offers versatility.
The consistent cooking results and high temperatures achieved during testing were impressive. However, the non-removable grill plate and somewhat unstable stand are minor drawbacks. The lack of a lid hook is also inconvenient.
Ninja Foodie 5-in-1 Indoor Grill: Multifunctional and Efficient
The Ninja Foodie 5-in-1 is a highly versatile appliance that serves as an air fryer, roaster, oven, dehydrator, and grill. It performed well in tests, producing excellent results with minimal smoke. The temperature control was accurate at lower settings.
Although it didn’t quite reach its advertised maximum temperature, it still delivered sufficient heat for effective searing. However, the non-stick surface scratched easily, and the loud fan runs constantly. The cooking area is also relatively small compared to other options.
Power XL Smokeless Grill: Smoke-Free Indoor Grilling
The Power XL Smokeless Grill addresses a common indoor grilling issue – smoke – with its built-in smoke-extracting fan. It reached high temperatures suitable for cooking various foods, and the tight-sealing lid helped retain moisture.
While remarkably smokeless when preparing breakfast, it produced a moderate amount of smoke during other tests. The cooking surface is large, but there were some inconsistencies in grill marks and searing capabilities. Cleanup was surprisingly easy despite multiple parts.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Electric Grill
Each grill offers unique advantages and disadvantages. The Presto is perfect for small spaces and easy cleanup, while the Char-Royal provides ample space for large gatherings. The George Foreman offers excellent consistency, and the Ninja’s versatility is a significant plus.
The Power XL shines in smoke-free indoor grilling, but may lack some of the higher-temperature searing capabilities of others. The best choice depends on individual needs and priorities—consider your cooking style, space constraints, and desired features to make the right decision.