Spending most of my life as an apartment dweller, I’ve never had a BBQ grill, although a backyard cookout is one of my favorite occasions. Most of my cooking experience has been stove top or oven, or dare I say the microwave as well.
One of my hobbies while eating is to watch mukbang videos where the host prepares the food on camera before devouring their extremely high calorie meal. I noticed that a lot of these Korean mukbangers were often in their bedrooms, preparing a full on meal right atop their table top.
I would think cooking anything in my bedroom would cause the smoke detector to go off, let alone leave my sheets and clothes smelling like garlic for weeks.
Well, it appears smokeless indoor grills are a thing and a safe and stink-free way to cook a meal anywhere in your house. Whether you’re filming a mukbang video, wanting to avoid roommates in the kitchen, or just craving some BBQ without having a backyard grill, a smokeless indoor grill is a culinary must and can come in handy for so many recipes.
What is a Smokeless Indoor Grill?
Imagine the joy of outdoor grilling right into your kitchen or any desk top. That’s exactly what a smokeless indoor grill offers. Unlike traditional outdoor grills that rely on charcoal or gas, these grills use advanced electric heating elements and have innovative designs to minimize, if not completely eliminate, smoke production.
Is There Really No Smoke with a Smokeless Grill?
While smokeless indoor grills significantly reduce smoke compared to their outdoor counterparts, achieving a completely smoke-free environment might be a bit of a stretch. It really depends on what type of food is being cooked, the presence of fats and marinades, and the temperature you’re cooking at. Saying there is 0 smoke is unrealistic but it definitely produces considerably less than it would cooking atop a stove top and doesn’t tend to linger.
Are Smokeless Indoor Grills Worth It?
Now, you might be wondering if investing in a smokeless indoor grill is worth it. For me, it’s a yes. These grills are so convenient, allowing you to grill your favorite foods anytime, anywhere, without the hassle of dealing with charcoal, propane, or unpredictable weather. They’re incredibly versatile, accommodating a wide range of dishes from juicy steaks to crispy veggies with ease.
They’re a lot easier to take apart and clean, compared to a full backyard BBQ grill and considerably cheaper. There’s also some health benefits. With less smoke and reduced fat drippings, you can indulge in guilt-free grilling without compromising on flavor.
What Can You Make on a Smokeless Indoor Grill?
With a smokeless indoor grill, the culinary world is your oyster, offering endless opportunities to get creative with your meals. Here’s just a taste of what you can whip up on a smokeless indoor grill:
Steaks
Achieve the perfect sear on your favorite cuts of beef, delivering mouthwatering results every time.
Grilled Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with smoky flavor.
Seafood
From succulent shrimp skewers to flaky salmon fillets, grilled seafood is next level.
Veggies
Restaurant quality roasted veggies with a hint of smokey char and grill marks.
Burgers
No need for fast food – homemade burgers have never tasted better.
Tofu
Transform bland tofu into a healthy, flavor-packed dish with a kiss of smoke.
Grilled Fruit
Indulge your sweet tooth with caramelized fruits bursting with natural sweetness.
Kebabs
Skewer up your favorite meats, veggies, and fruits for a delightful medley of natural flavors.
Paninis
Up your flatbread game with perfectly grilled paninis pressed with your favorite ingredients.
Fried Desserts
Satiate your sweet tooth with grilled peaches drizzled with honey or indulge with melted chocolate and banana crepes.
Top 10 Best Smokeless Indoor Grills
With these top-rated smokeless indoor grills, you can bring the joy of grilling indoors without the hassle of smoke or mess.
1. ChefWave Sosaku Smokeless Indoor Grill
Enjoy the fun and taste of an outdoor BBQ indoors. The ChefWave Sosaku Smokeless Indoor Grill uses infrared heating technology that produces 80% less smoke than other electric grills, resulting in a nearly smokeless product that grills to perfection. This 5-in-1 smokeless indoor grill conveniently comes with a rotisserie spit with 2 forks, a kebab set with 7 skewers and 2 round plates, a fish basket, a fries cage, and a non-stick grill rack and a drip tray for a variety of culinary needs.
What People Say:
“The unit has 2 heating coils on each side for a total of 4 coils. Meat cooks more thoroughly and quickly.”
2. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill
The Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked meals every time. It has an extra-large cooking surface so you can cook multiple foods at the same time for a complete meal. Its non-stick cooking surface and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze.
What People Say:
“Works well: well designed, good nonstick surfaces, cleans easily. It’s seems not quite hot enough for some uses, but once you get used to longer than expected cooking times the results are fine.”
3. T-fal GC70 OptiGrill Electric Grill
The T-fal GC70 OptiGrill Electric Grill includes six automatic cooking programs and precision grilling technology, taking the guesswork out of grilling and ensuring optimal results with every use. Plus, its removable plates and drip tray make cleanup a cinch, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your creations.
What People Say:
“We have cooked vegetables, fish, meat, even pizza on the tray. Everything goes very well. You have to get the hang of it little by little, but with a little idea about temperature and times you can make all kinds of foods.”
4. Ninja Foodi AG301 Indoor Grill
The Ninja Foodi AG301 Indoor Grill comes equipped with cyclonic grilling technology and four cooking modes. This grill offers unparalleled versatility, allowing you to grill, air fry, roast, and bake with ease. Its ceramic-coated grill grate ensures even heat distribution and effortless cleanup, while its compact design makes it perfect for small spaces.
What People Say:
“My meals have turned out perfect every time and it’s so easy to use. So far I have used the Grill, Roast and Air Fry functions for pork chops, chicken, salmon and different vegetables. It’s super easy to clean which is a nice feature.”
5. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
Fire up flavor-packed meals with the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill. Featuring a high-heat searing function and adjustable temperature control, this grill delivers restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your home. Its non-stick cooking surface and drip tray make cleanup a breeze, while its compact design makes it perfect for apartments, dorms, and RVs.
What People Say:
“I love the searing option and how evenly cooked my meat is. It is awesome that it doesn’t smoke while cooking. I love that you can easily remove the grill for cleanup.”
6. George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Grill
Take your grilling game to the next level with the George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Grill. The digital controls are beginner and expert friendly, giving you time and temperature options for precise cooking, with visual and audio cues to guide you through the process. This grill delivers ultra fast cooking and a removable, dishwasher-safe plate and drip tray for easy cleaning.
What People Say:
“The spatters from cooking are contained better than all other grills I have had and the smoke is held to a minimum. This grill is very well thought out and designed for minimum cleaning after cooking.”
7. Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe
The Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe features six cooking options and reversible grill plates, allowing you to grill, griddle, and press your way to culinary perfection. Its adjustable top cover and dual-zone temperature control ensure precise cooking results, while its sleek stainless steel design adds a touch of modernity and chicness to any kitchen.
What People Say:
“Love the functionality of this griller. So quick to grill and easy, EASY cleanup. You will not be disappointed, trust me.”
8. Techwood Smokeless Indoor Grill
The Techwood Smokeless Indoor Grill comes equipped with advanced infrared heating technology that delivers even heat distribution and consistent results every time. Its non-stick cooking surface and removable drip tray make cleanup a breeze, while its compact design makes it perfect for small spaces.
What People Say:
“The grill is smokeless, like advertised, so it is very comfortable to use in the kitchen. I really love this feature, as it enables the ability to cook food without adding too much of the smoked/burnt flavor.”
9. PowerXL Smokeless Grill
The PowerXL Smokeless Grill comes with easy-to-use adjustable temperature controls and a tempered glass lid, allowing you to lock in flavor and moisture for perfectly cooked meals every time. Its large non-stick, ceramic grill allows you to cook different foods at the same time and is and dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning.
What People Say:
“Nice compact grilling unit and the smoke extractor works really well. Set up was a breeze and I was grilling right after I washing all of the components. Grilling works just fine and food cooks very evenly.”
10. Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill
Experience the art of Japanese grilling with the Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill. Featuring a high-powered heating element and adjustable temperature control, this grill delivers precise cooking results with minimal smoke and splatter. It disassembles easily for cleaning with a dishwasher-safe drip tray.
What People Say:
“It is a fantastic grill as far as making the food is concerned. No smoking, nice blackened lines on the grilled food and easy to use.”
Easy Recipes For an Indoor Grill
Aside from being mess and smoke free, one of the best aspects of an indoor grill is how easy it is to use and the variety of recipes it can make. My go to recipe when I’m having a get together are grilled chicken wings with a side of roasted veggies. They taste better than a restaurant and allow you to get juicy, crispy hot wings without having a BBQ grill.
Easy Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
For Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings and drummettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Your favorite sauce, I prefer a habanero sauce or lemon pepper seasoning
For Roasted Veggies:
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
For Chicken Wings:
- In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Preheat your indoor, smokeless grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the marinated chicken wings on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
- Optional: Brush the chicken wings with sauce or seasoning during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
For Roasted Veggies:
- In a large bowl, toss together sliced bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat your indoor, smokeless grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
- Place the seasoned veggies on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Once cooked, remove the roasted veggies from the grill and serve alongside the chicken wings.
Serving:
Serve the grilled chicken wings and roasted veggies hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. You can also serve them with additional dipping sauces on the side.
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