6 Best Electric Grills for Warm-Weather Season

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
Sure, summer “officially” starts in June, but for us, the season truly kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend. This three-day stretch is the perfect time to switch into alfresco mode and start thinking about your warm-weather rituals, including what’s going to be on your menu. From burgers and steaks to corn and kebabs, no meals screams summer like the ones you cook on the grill. For many reasons—your lifestyle, cooking comfort level, physical strength, or even your building’s rules—the best electric grills might be the right choice for you over gas or charcoal.
“For folks living in apartments or condos with restrictions on open flames, an electric grill can be a fantastic solution,” says Gary McCoy, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based Lowe’s retail leader who specializes in home design. But of course, they’re great for homeowners who are shopping for a grill that’s versatile, easy to clean, more eco-friendly, or all the above. We pulled together a list of the best electric grills from popular retailers, including Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Amazon. Keep reading for details on our favorite finds and get ready to enjoy grilled goodies all summer long. (And when you’re ready to plan the rest of your backyard dinner party, we have you covered there, too.)
01
Best Overall
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
Amazon
$329.00
Convinced you need to mess with charcoal or propane to reap the benefits of a Weber grill? Think again! For the best electric barbecue grill from a brand you know you can count on, the Weber Q 1400 is a fantastic way to go. This portable, easy-to-carry option makes it simple to prepare delicious meats, veggies, and more whether you’re in the backyard or away from home. “The compact size is ideal for small spaces like balconies or patios, but don’t let the size fool you—it has plenty of cooking area for family meals,” shares one buyer.
Features like the porcelain-enameled cooking grates, temperature control settings, and a removable catch grate make the grilling process as seamless and no-mess as possible. “This is by far the best electric grill on the market,” another user comments, adding, “The multiple coils running through the grill give it an excellent taste on both sides…Highly recommend.”
02
Best for Families
Char-Broil Edge 1750-Watt Silver Electric Grill
Lowe’s
$549.00
If you’re cooking in large quantities or need some serious power, this robust Char-Broil electric grill is a beast. It’s spacious enough to cook as many as 18 burgers or 29 chicken wings at one time, and it can reach temperatures of up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a digital temperature control and even shuts off automatically as an added safety measure. “I’ve grilled with charcoal and gas grills and man, I think I may prefer this if I had a choice because of the lack of mess and ease of use and no fuss with lighter fluid/propane and an abundance of ashes….. Highly recommended.”
Even better, auto-clean mode gets rid of leftover residue without the need for scrubbing. “I love this grill because I live in an apartment and cannot have butane or charcoal. This is the best electric grill that I have had so far!” comments another user. “The temperature control is perfect. The self-cleaning keeps it clean. Great for barbecues!”
03
Most Versatile
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Home Depot
$299.99
Not only is the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill one of the best outdoor electric grills on the market, it also functions as a smoker and air fryer, making it a purchase you’ll use for so many meals. Set it up outside on the matching stand or a heat-resistant surface; once it’s on, the convection fan will keep airflow strong and even. While you don’t need wood pellets for function, you can still add them for flavor, if that’s the profile you’re going for.
“Everything worked like magic…It makes perfect meat or whatever you want to cook. I use it all the time,” comments one buyer. Another shares, “The air fryer is amazing. My chicken was crispy and juicy. I made smoked baby back ribs next. The smoker made perfect bark, and the meat was very tender. Can’t wait to try more!”
04
Best Indoor
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill
Amazon
$86.99
If you’re looking for the best indoor grill that you can use regardless of the weather, this popular Hamilton Beach model is your answer. It heats to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives food the sear you’re looking for when grilling, but the nonstick grill plate means you won’t be scrubbing off residue for hours afterwards. “Cleanup is easy—most parts can go into the dishwasher with only the plastic tray and unit itself needing a hand wash,” shares one reviewer.
In fact, more than 22,600 Amazon users rate this grill five stars. Another writes, “My food is also lower in calories, especially my veggies, which I would always spray with oil before putting on the grill! Now, I just sprinkle spices and cook! I give this appliance 2 thumbs up and wish I had a few more thumbs to give to it!”
05
Best Outdoor
Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Amazon
$222.00
With more than 1,950 five-star reviews, this Char-Broil model is one of the best-rated outdoor electric grills on Amazon. The porcelain-coated grates resist rust, the temperature-control knob lets you adjust the heat throughout the cooking process, and the TRU-Infrared technology keeps food juicy and flavorful. Users love everything from the heavy-duty wheels that make the entire unit convenient to move to the built-in shelf that keeps your tongs and other tools within easy reach. This model comes in three colors: red, gray, and black.
“We’ve been through a season with this now, and we love it. It heats up reasonably quickly, cooks evenly, and has provided lovely grilled items without the smoke or fuel exhaust being added into the food,” writes one customer. “Though some would say that makes it missing the extra grilled flavor of charcoal or wood, we love it. It cleans up fairly easily, too.”
06
Most Portable
Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Walmart
$129.99
If versatility is high on your priority list, this Cuisinart model is worth serious consideration. It’s built to work both indoors and outside, and you can use it on or off the stand. “Easy to assemble. Works like a charm. Love the idea that I can take it off the stand and put it on a table,” writes one customer. Another shares, “This grill is awesome! Easy to clean, cooks evenly, easy to transport and really cute!”
While this electric grill is small enough to be portable, the 240-square-inch cooking surface is large enough for up to accommodate 12 burgers. The nonstick cooking surface heats to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and five heat settings ensure that you’re achieving proper temperatures. “It gets hot right away and stays hot the entire time cooking,” adds another satisfied customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric grill worth it?
The answer to that depends on the person using the grill. “An electric grill is worth it if it fits into your lifestyle, works for your cooking preferences, and provides the options you need to create the perfect sear, roast, or broil,” McCoy says. “These grills are a no-hassle, durable option for chefs of every skill level.”