10 Best Small Electric Grills 2026 in the United States

The Ninja FlexFlame Grill and Smoker is a versatile 5-in-1 outdoor cooking system that combines electric and propane power, allowing you to grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and even make pizzas (with extra accessories). Its 424 sq. in. cooking surface is spacious enough for larger cookouts, fitting multiple chickens or racks of ribs at once. The digital temperature control is a standout feature, offering precise heat settings from 200°F to 600°F, which helps you cook evenly without guesswork. It heats up quickly and uses a unique convection fan to circulate heat and smoke for well-cooked, flavorful food.

The grill comes with durable porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and a porcelain-enamel-coated steel rack, both built to last and easy to clean. A grease tray is included to catch drippings, helping maintain cleanliness during cooking. However, this grill is quite large and weighs 130 pounds, so it isn’t very portable or ideal if you need something compact for small spaces or travel. It also requires a propane tank and an outdoor power source with a specific extension cord, which means it’s best suited for backyard use rather than on-the-go grilling.

Plates and accessories like the pizza stone or griddle are sold separately, which may add to the cost if you want to use all the cooking modes. The Ninja FlexFlame is well-suited for those wanting a multi-purpose, high-performance outdoor grill with precise temperature control and ample cooking space, though it may be less convenient for portable or small-space grilling.

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a versatile indoor electric grill with an impressive 9" x 12" cooking surface that can handle meals for a family, fitting up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs. It heats up quickly to 500°F thanks to its powerful 1760-watt motor, providing authentic grill marks and even cooking with its cyclonic air technology. The grill also includes a smart thermometer with presets for different meats and doneness levels, making it easier to cook perfectly every time without guesswork.

This model stands out for its 6-in-1 functionality, allowing you to grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate, which can replace several kitchen appliances and save space in your kitchen. It has a non-stick ceramic-coated grill grate and comes with a removable crisper basket and cooking pot, all dishwasher safe for easier cleaning. The built-in drip tray and splatter shield help reduce smoke and mess, making it suitable for indoor use even in apartments.

It is a bit larger and heavier (over 22 pounds), so it’s less portable compared to smaller electric grills if you plan to move it frequently or take it outdoors. The touch controls are user-friendly but might have a slight learning curve for some. Also, while the non-stick coating is convenient, it requires careful cleaning to maintain its durability. For those wanting a multi-purpose indoor grill that can also air fry and cook a wide variety of meals efficiently with smart temperature control, this Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an excellent choice. It’s especially great for families or meal preppers who want a large cooking surface and hassle-free cleanup. If portability or very compact size is your priority, a smaller, simpler grill might be better.

The BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle is a large, heavy-duty outdoor cooking station that stands out for its spacious 524 square inches of cooking surface, which is great if you often cook for several people at once. The two independently controlled burners offer flexibility to cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously, though it does not have digital or precise temperature controls—just basic high and low settings. It runs on gas with a powerful 10 kW output, so it heats up quickly and cooks evenly across the surface.

This griddle is designed for outdoor use and is built mostly of stainless steel with a painted finish, making it durable but a bit bulky and less portable compared to smaller electric grills. It features handy counter-height side shelves that provide extra prep space, and wheels to help move it around, but it’s not something you’d easily pack up for camping trips.

Cleaning is simpler thanks to the Blackstone rear grease management system and a grease cup that collects drippings, but the cooking plates are fixed and not removable, which means you have to clean the entire top surface rather than swapping out plates. The griddle also includes an integrated protective hood to shield the cooking surface when not in use. While it lacks a non-stick coating and removable plates common in smaller electric grills, its large surface, strong heating power, and practical features make it an excellent choice for backyard cooking, tailgating, or gatherings. It is less suited for those seeking a compact or easily portable grill but performs well for bigger cooking jobs outdoors.