Indoor grills have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of indoor grills, examine the different types available, and help you determine if purchasing an indoor grill is right for your needs.
Benefits of Indoor Grills
There are several key benefits that make indoor grills an attractive option for many homeowners and apartment dwellers:
- Convenience – Indoor grills allow you to grill food year-round, regardless of weather conditions outdoors. You don’t have to worry about hauling a heavy propane tank and you can grill dinner even when it’s snowing or raining out.
- Space Saving – Outdoor grills take up a lot of patio or deck space. Indoor grills are compact and take up very little countertop space.
- Temperature Control – Outdoor grills are at the mercy of wind and other weather factors. Indoor grills allow you precise temperature control for perfect results every time.
- Smokeless – Indoor grills are designed to minimize smoke which makes them perfect for apartments and condos where heavy smoke isn’t allowed.
- Quick Clean Up – Indoor grills contain mess and drippings, making clean up much easier than traditional outdoor grills.
The convenience and ease of use are the biggest draws for indoor grills. For urban apartment dwellers or folks with limited outdoor space, an indoor grill can make home grilling possible.
Types of Indoor Grills
There are two main types of indoor grills: electric and stove top grills.
Electric Indoor Grills
Electric indoor grills are self-contained countertop appliances that plug into a standard wall outlet. They come in a range of sizes, with grilling surfaces from around 100-300 square inches. Here are some of the most popular electric indoor grill options:
- George Foreman Grills – The most popular brand of electric indoor grill, George Foreman grills employ a patented sloped grilling surface that allows fat and grease to drain away for healthier cooking.
- Cuisinart Griddler – This unique grill doubles as both a contact grill and panini press and has reversible cooking plates. Models are available in 3, 5 or 9 different cooking options.
- Presto Cool Touch Indoor Grill – This inexpensive indoor grill has a cool touch exterior that remains safe to touch when in use.
- Hamilton Beach Indoor Grill – Popular for its large grilling surface, this model has a removable plate for easy clean-up.
Stovetop Indoor Grills
Stovetop grills are metal pans that sit right on your existing cooktop or stove burner. Most stovetop grills have ridge or grill line plates that produce sear marks on food. Here are some top options:
- Lodge Cast Iron Griddle – Made of rugged cast iron, this grill/griddle pan retains heat very well for excellent searing.
- Nordic Ware Stovetop Grill Pan – The ribbed cooking surface on this aluminum grill pan drains away grease.
- Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle – With two burner surfaces, this enormous grill lets you cook a full meal at once.
- Anolon Advanced Grill Pan – The anodized aluminum construction ensures fast, even heating.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best indoor grill for your needs:
Grilling Area
Consider the amount of grilling space you’ll need based on the number of people you cook for. Larger families may want a grill with over 200 square inches of usable grilling area. Smaller households can get by with 100-150 square inches.
Temperature Range
Make sure the indoor grill you select can reach high enough temperatures for searing and proper cooking. Most quality indoor grills can reach 450°F or higher.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for models with dishwasher safe, removable grill plates for quick clean up. Grease drainage channels help reduce mess.
Safety Features
Stovetop grills get extremely hot, so choose a model with stay-cool handles. Electric indoor grills should have non-slip feet and cool touch housings.
Warranty
Opt for an indoor grill with at least a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind. George Foreman grills come with a generous 3-year warranty.
How to Use an Indoor Grill
Using an indoor grill isn’t all that different from using an outdoor grill. Here are some tips for grilling success:
Preheat Thoroughly
Always preheat your indoor grill for several minutes first. Electric grills work best when fully preheated before cooking. Stovetop grills need 4-5 minutes of preheat time.
Use a Little Oil
Rub or brush a small amount of oil on the grill plates before cooking. This prevents sticking and helps get those great sear marks.
Cook in Batches
Don’t overcrowd the grilling surface. Cook proteins and veggies in small batches for even cooking.
Adjust Heat as Needed
Control cooking temperature by adjusting heat settings. Lower heat prevents burning.
Allow Meat to Rest
As with any grilling, let meat rest 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Clean After Each Use
Quickly cleaning your indoor grill after each use prevents flavor transfer and build up.
Indoor Grill Cooking Tips
With an indoor grill, you can cook up just about anything you’d make on an outdoor BBQ. Here are some indoor grilling ideas and tips:
Proteins
Indoor grills excel at cooking healthier proteins like chicken, turkey, fish and lean cuts of beef or pork. Always grill proteins directly on the grill plate.
- Chicken breasts – brush with oil, season, grill 6 minutes per side
- Pork chops – rub with spice blend, grill 4 minutes per side
- Salmon fillets – lightly oil, sprinkle lemon pepper, grill 3-4 minutes per side
- Shrimp – toss in olive oil and Old Bay, grill 2 minutes per side
- Flank steak – pat dry, season with salt and garlic powder, grill 8-10 minutes total
Veggies
From peppers and onions to zucchini or portobello mushrooms, vegetables develop nice char marks on an indoor grill. Use a grill basket or foil packets to contain smaller vegetables.
- Asparagus – toss in olive oil, grill 4 minutes, turning occasionally
- Squash slices – brush with oil, season with Italian herbs, grill 3-4 minutes per side
- Portobello caps – remove stems, grill gill side down 5 minutes
- Sweet potato planks – oil, season with chili powder, grill 6 minutes per side
Fruit
Fruit also caramelizes beautifully on an indoor grill. Brush sliced stone fruits, pineapple spears or apple wedges with oil and grill just 1-2 minutes per side. Sprinkle grilled fruit with cinnamon or drizzle with honey.
Bread and Sandwiches
Toast bread directly on the grill for wonderful char lines. You can also grill pressed sandwiches like paninis to achieve that crispy, buttery exterior.
An indoor grill gives your kitchen professional-grade grilling abilities year-round. With a little creativity, you can use your indoor grill for everything from weekday dinners to weekend cookouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are indoor grills healthy?
Indoor grills can be a very healthy way to cook if you follow a few guidelines:
- Grill lean proteins like chicken, fish, turkey or flank steak.
- Use minimal oils – brush food with oil instead of drowning.
- Allow fat/grease to drain away from food as it cooks.
- Infuse flavor with spice rubs instead of sugary sauces.
- Grill lots of fresh veggies as healthier sides.
What can you not cook on an indoor grill?
The main things you should avoid cooking on an indoor grill are:
- Super fatty meats like ribs, brisket or sausage
- Foods that may fall through grill grates like stir fries
- Liquid-based dishes like stews or chili
- Anything that might cause flare ups like bacon
Do indoor grills smoke up the house?
Indoor grills are designed to minimize smoke. Electric grills will produce no smoke at all. Stovetop grills may emit a small amount of smoke when food drippings hit the heating element but it’s very minimal.
How do you clean an indoor grill?
Here are some tips for cleaning indoor grills:
- Unplug electric grill and let cool. Remove grill plates if possible.
- Wash grill plates in hot, soapy water or dishwasher.
- Use a plastic scrub brush and mild detergent on grill housing.
- Rinse grill with clean water and dry thoroughly with a towel.
- Re-season cast iron components with cooking oil periodically.
Can you use an indoor grill on a glass top stove?
Most stovetop grills are safe to use on glass/ceramic smoothtop ranges provided you follow a few precautions:
- Make sure grill pan sits completely flat on range.
- Don’t slide grill pan around which can scratch glass.
- Use medium-low heat settings only.
- Make sure grill pan doesn’t overhang edges.
Conclusion
An indoor grill brings convenience and versatile cooking options to your kitchen arsenal. Indoor grills allow you to cook like a pro chef with restaurant-quality results in the comfort of home. From searing steaks and fish to blistering veggies and toast, indoor grills can tackle a wide range of recipes.
Choosing between convenient electric grills and versatile stovetop grills comes down to your cooking style and preferences. Either option will let you grill year round without the hassle or mess of outdoor grilling. With some simple guidance, an indoor grill can become one of your kitchen’s most useful and often reached for appliances.