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Thrill of the Grill

Electric grills have come a long way since the days when George Foreman traded his boxing gloves for infomercial stardom. From simple sandwich presses to countertop electric grills and tabletop outdoor models, we've rounded up 11 of the top-selling and best reviewed electric grills and contact grills you can buy, starting at less than $20.


Prices and availability are subject to change.


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Walmart

George Foreman GR320FBC

$17 from Walmart
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This basic contact grill is a top seller at Walmart, and most buyers say they're more than satisfied with their purchase. The nonstick press is big enough to make a panini or sandwich for lunch or a pair of small burgers for dinner. The copper-colored cooking plates aren't removable, but they clean up fairly well, according to reviews.


Related: 19 Ways to Make an Ordinary Grilled Cheese Extraordinary

Amazon

Presto Cool-Touch Electric Indoor Grill

$36 from Amazon
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An electric grill like this Presto model (09020) gives you maximum cooking space at minimal cost. The editors of BestReviews include it on their electric grills best-of list, praising its adjustable thermostat, for maintaining heat evenly, and large drip tray. It's also dishwasher-safe, unlike other cheap electric indoor grills, though some owners say they wish it had a lid to prevent splattering.

Walmart

De'Longhi Indoor Grill

$60 from Walmart
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The main advantage of this De'Longhi electric grill (BG24) over similar models like the Presto is the addition of a glass lid to keep countertops spatter-free and food moist and tender. Remove the plug-in thermostat, and the grill, lid, and stand are ready for the dishwasher.

Amazon

Aroma Grillet 3-in-1 Indoor Grill

$40 from Amazon
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This isn't a true electric grill so much as a grill pan that doubles as a hot pot. But that versatility is what makes this Aroma Housewares model (ASP-137) a top seller on Amazon, where it earns positive marks from buyers for heating fairly quickly. RV owners say it's the perfect size for a travel kitchen, too. The cooking plate isn't detachable, making cleanup a challenge, some buyers note.

Amazon

Hamilton Beach 25361 Searing Grill

$80 from Amazon
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According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, this electric grill is ideal for people who want to grill meat, fish, and veggies because the lid has a handy window in the lid for checking on your food. Grease drains effectively, and the removable, dishwasher-safe cooking plate makes cleanup a breeze, according to Delish, which also recommends this model.

Amazon

Cuisinart Griddler Five

$120 from Amazon
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Cuisinart's Griddler Five (GR-5B) has been a reviewer and consumer favorite for years because of its durable build and reliably consistent cooking temps. Good Housekeeping says it's the best indoor electric grill you can buy for the money, with precise digital controls and reversible grill/griddle cooking plates.

Amazon

George Foreman GGR50B

$146 from Amazon
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This indoor/outdoor electric grill is big enough for a proper cookout or tailgate and can be used indoors on a tabletop or outside with the removable stand. Apartment dwellers are particularly upbeat about this model, praising its portability and ease of cleaning. It can cook burgers, veggies, and hot dogs with ease, but it's not quite powerful enough for steaks and other thick cuts of meat, according to reviews.


Related: 35 Delicious Foods to Grill This Summer Besides Meat

Amazon

Johnsonville Sizzling Sausage Grill Plus

$99 from Amazon
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Love sausage? This indoor grill, with its interchangeable cooking plates, is designed specifically for breakfast links, patties, and brats. It's not quite the same as cooking sausage on an outdoor grill, but owners say it's the next best thing if you've got a cramped kitchen.

Target

T-fal OptiGrill

$118 from Target
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This indoor grill's price-to-size ratio may not seem like a bargain, but you get six one-touch cooking options plus a separate defrost mode — something no other electric grill in this roundup offers — plus a temperature monitor to reach that perfect level of doneness. Some owners say there's a bit of a learning curve to master this model (GC702D53), but it delivers reliable results once you do.

Amazon

Char-Broil Patio Bistro Tru-Infrared Electric Grill

$180 from Amazon
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If you want an electric grill that's powerful enough to cook serious cuts of meat like a T-bone steak, bake potatoes, or roast corn on the cob, you'll need an outdoor model like this one. In tests against other outdoor electric grills, this Char-Broil model (20602107) heated quickly and turned out tender, juicy meats. Owners are generally upbeat in their assessments, although some note that the grill loses heat very quickly when the lid is removed.


Related: 17 Places to Order Pork, Steaks, and Other Meats Online

Home Depot

Weber Q 1400

$299 from Home Depot
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This Weber electric grill is the most expensive in our roundup for a reason: It's also the best of the bunch, according to reviewers like Popular Mechanics and owners alike. It heats very quickly to a maximum of 600 degrees, delivering results that are as close to a gas or charcoal grill as you're likely to get. And if something should go wrong, Weber's customer service is available 24/7.