Best Indoor Grills for Delicious Homemade Food in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 14, 2024
Nothing compares to charcoal grilling, but indoor grills have already come close enough. They can grill steaks to perfection just ...Read more
PROS

6 pre-set cooking programmes along with manual temperature control and automatic sensor cooking option will let you consistently achieve ideal cooking results. 

CONS

Rather long pre-heating time.

OUR VERDICT

Powerful and packed to the rafters with functions, the T-Fal Optigrill is a well-deserved leader among indoor grills. Cook grilled delicacies just the way you like it and they will come out delicious even if you have little or no cooking experience. 

detailed parameters
Type

Closed

Grilling Surface

Non-stick die-cast aluminium plates

600 sq cm


Power

2000 watts 

Control

Manual control, 6 Automatic settings (burger, poultry, bacon, sausage, red meat and fish), Automatically adapt the temperature, Cooking level indicator; Automatic sensor cooking; LED-indicator light; Beep system

Extras

Large 7 degrees drip tray; Thermo-resistant handles; Dishwasher safe plates

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Reversible cooking plates coming in the set will let you not only grill succulent burgers but also cook pancakes oil-free. Besides, the plates are dishwasher safe for no-hassle cleaning.

CONS

The hinges might get flimsy over the time.

OUR VERDICT

This tabletop appliance from Cuisinart can function as a contact grill for seared meats, a Panini press for nutritious sandwiches, and as a griddle to fry eggs, pancakes, and flapjacks. It can be fully opened when you need a larger cooking surface. 

detailed parameters
Type

Closed/Open

Grilling Surface

Die-cast metal plates

~ 500/1000 sq cm

Power

1600 watts 

Control

Manual control, 3 settings (griddle, selector, grill-panini), Variable temperature from 95°C to 230°C

Extras

Integrated fat collection tray, Ribbed grill and Flat griddle plates (dishwasher safe), Commercial grade stainless steel housing, Floating hinge, Can be fully opened

Warranty

5 years 

PROS

Thanks to the unique design with the rear adjustable foot, you can tilt the appliance so that the excess fat drains off as quickly as possible. Remove up to 42% fat from meals.

CONS

The bottom plate gets hotter than the top one, which is to be remembered when you cook.

OUR VERDICT

With the George Foreman 25031 indoor grill, you can cook delicious meat, fish and vegetable dishes. This device has a new modern design, is easy to clean and suitable for vertical storage.

detailed parameters
Type

Closed

Grilling Surface

Non-stick plates

~ 500 sq cm

Power

1200 watts

Control

Power and temperature ready indicator lights

Extras

Clip-in drip tray, Rear adjustable foot, Floating hinge, Cord wrap for easy vertical storage, Cool touch stainless steel handle

Warranty

2 years (+ 1 year after registration)

PROS

The copper-coated plates are abrasion resistant and require minimal cooking oil. The folding top surface automatically adjusts to any thickness of ingredients.

CONS

There is only one indicator.

OUR VERDICT

This device will become an indispensable assistant in your kitchen, as it can act as an electric grill, Panini press, and even an electric frying pan. The plates heat up instantly, so you can start cooking right away.

detailed parameters
Type

Closed

Grilling Surface

Non-stick abrasion resistant copper-coated plates

~ 600 sq cm

Power

1000 watts

Control

Power on indicator light

Extras

Hinged top plate, Grease release ledge and drip tray, Cool touch stainless steel handle, Non-slip feet, Hinged plate lock enables vertical storage, Cord wrap

Warranty

1 year (+ 2 years after registration)

PROS

The built-in temperature controller will keep all the qualities of the food. The timer for 0-30 minutes with sound alert will not let you miss the moment when the dish is ready.

CONS

The angle of the grilling plates is somewhat shallow.

OUR VERDICT

The Cuisinart griddle & grill is a great solution for home barbecues and garden get-togethers. The kit includes not only the grill plates, but also griddle plates, which further expands the cooking possibilities. The device is dishwasher safe for easy care of the plates.

detailed parameters
Type

Closed

Grilling Surface

Plates with high grade non-stick coating

~ 600 sq cm

Power

1600 watts

Control

Power and temperature ready indicator lights, Timer (0 to 30 minutes), Variable temperature control up to 240°C

Extras

2 sets of dishwasher-safe interchangeable plates, Floating hinge up to 8 cm, Integrated drip tray, Cool touch handle, Scraping tool included

Warranty

5 years

Steak Lovers Best Friend

You are an avid steak lover, yet, not that good at grilling steaks? If you worry about ruining meat on the grill and your steaks usually get overcooked or undercooked, the T-Fal OptiGrill is a way out.

Thanks to Precision Grilling technology, it does all of the thinking for you. It has a unique thickness sensor and can adapt the grilling cycle to the thickness of the food you're putting in it. The sensor detects how thick the meat is and estimates the amount of time needed for cooking it. And even if you load frozen meat, the OptiGrill knows that and starts a defrost timer based on the meat's thickness. The sensor and timer are very precise and they can get you very close to where you want your cooked meat to be. After you turn on the unit, the flashing light in its handle glows purple and slowly turns blue. And once the grill reaches the needed temperature, a little beeper alerts you that you can start cooking. As your steak browns, the light first turns yellow and beeps, which means "rare" degree of roasting. If you continue the cooking cycle, the light turns orange and audible signal informs you about "medium". And the orange light is followed by red light and beeping sound, meaning your meat is already "well-done". We would like to emphasize that you can lift the lid anytime without upsetting the sensor.

With a smart electric grill from T-fal, you can roast perfectly browned steaks just the way you like and at the comfort of your own kitchen without the need to step outside.

The Cream of the Crop

In addition to technologies and the above-mentioned smart functions, the Optigrill comes fitted with 6 automatic cooking programs that have already sold many customers. You can select between Burger, Poultry, Sandwich, Sausage, Red Meat and Fish programs according to what you're putting inside the grill. The item will automatically adapt the cooking process to the loaded food and cook it to perfection. Along with 6 pre-set cooking cycles, the grill offers two additional cooking options - a "Frozen" mode for defrosting and a "Manual mode" for experiments with various recipes. Moreover, this model is also available in XXL design that has as many as 9 pre-set programs and can cook up to 8 servings, enough for a small BBQ party, family dinner, or a weekend friendly get-together. Just place the meat on the grill, close the lid, and relax. The unit will take care of the rest.

The T-fal Optigrill is one of the most technological indoor grills out there and a bunch of functions and programs it’s packed with make it really the cream of the crop in its class. Even if your cooking skills leave much to be desired, this clever appliance will let you achieve nearly professional cooking results without much effort.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £93.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01BLFHQ04

VIDEO

Super Versatile Cooker

Take full advantage of the opportunity to make your hot-off-the-press recipes with the Cuisinart indoor grill. There are grill and griddle removable reversible plates available. Thus, you can make a variety of delectable panini recipes and grill steaks on the grooved grill side or cook pancakes, eggs and other food for sandwiches on the flat griddle surface. Basically, you can place a flat griddle surface on one side and a grooved grill surface on the other, opening press to 180° into a griddle position for grilling meat and frying eggs all at once.

Each side of the plates is recommended for preparing different food items. The griddle has a smooth flat surface, making it ideal for your breakfast menu. You can prepare eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes and everything you used to cook in your frying pan. That said, a grill has a ribbed surface, which is perfect for preparing not only breakfast but also lunch and dinner. And you will get beautiful golden-brown grill marks on your steaks, meat, fish, panini or burgers.

Without any doubt, this handy mini grill will earn its rightful place on your kitchen counter. You can use either a grill or griddle temperature selector to your cooking needs. When using it as a contact grill for cooking roasted meat or panini, you can adjust the heat level to create a crispy crust or grill marks with different smoking intensity.

Put it simply, nothing is impossible with the Cuisinart Grill and Griddle. You can try a great variety of recipes, preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A Well-thought Design

Distinguished by an impressive functional versatility, the Cuisinart is very easy to use. It offers a straightforward design without any abundant details. Yet, despite its no-frills construction, it provides every convenience you expect from this type of kitchen appliance. Thus, an all-metal housing made of commercial-grade stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to damages and wear. Besides, the steel body is very easy to clean as well as detachable non-stick cooking plates. The plates not only prevent sticking and scorching while grilling but are also dishwasher safe making cleanup a real snap. No need to scrub off stuck foods, just let the unit cool, remove the plates, and put them into a dishwasher or simply wash in the sink.

Another feature any user will like is pretty simple intuitive controls. Three dial knobs on the front panel will help select the cooking mode and adjust cooking parameters to the dish at hand. Meanwhile, a wide ergonomic cool-touch handle is there for safe and burn-free operation, a floating hinge allows accommodating foods of different thickness, and an integrated drip tray will collect fat and other spills.

Durable, easy-to-use, and easy-to-clean, the Cuisinart electric grill will become one of your favourite kitchen appliances for many years to come.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00BDD7G32

VIDEO

Your Powerful Grill

Grilling is fun, but if your party’s due and the weather is a letdown, why not try the George Foreman steel grill? It’s perfectly compact, high quality, and a breeze to clean.

An indoor grill doesn’t have to be the size of a battle tank – and a nightmare to store. This unit is just right for a small kitchen and can be stored horizontally as well as vertically. It even has a cord compartment within the drip tray, which is amazing if you’re pressed for space at your house or apartment. Say “no” to the ugly bulky models and opt for portable simplicity of the George Foreman.

This grill doesn’t compromise on performance with the power of 1200 W and a ~500 sq. cm. grilling surface. In terms of food, you can cook the good-sized chicken breasts or smoked bacon, or prep a batch of tasty sausages/kebabs. The device heats up in under 30 seconds, giving you a quick start for the last minute pre-party grilling. The meat will smell lovely while cooking – and come out deliciously juicy. Just what you need to impress the guests and leave them satisfied.

Are fish and veggies on the grilling list for this device? Of course, they are. The George Foreman is just as versatile as it is handy in use.

Healthy & Delicious Food

This practical indoor grill comes with a clip-in drip tray. A perfect fit for the device, it allows you to remove up to 42% of fat contained in your food. Even better; the rear adjustable foot lets you choose between the flat and angled cooking, while also helping drain the fat in less time. Start your new healthy diet with the George Foreman, and you won’t regret it.

The grill features handy indicator lights for the power and temperature. You’ll know when it’s all ready to go with just a quick glance. When cooking, don’t forget that the bottom plate gets hotter than the top one. Otherwise, this kitchen device is a real no-brainer; even a beginner will be able to use it with very little effort.

Parties are fun, but cleaning, not so much. Thanks to the non-stick plates, your mood will not be spoiled as soon as you get to clean the grill. Simply wipe the plates down with a damp towel or a brush and remove the food leftovers. If you don’t want to clean at all, try using baking paper with this kitchen device.

All in all, the George Foreman indoor grill is a real party star, giving you the delicious meat or fish in any weather.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £27.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B07RVWYTYH

A Versatile Device

Is there an indoor grill that can also serve as a Panini press? Well, actually, there is one. The Tower Cerasure+ model is just perfect for fast and easy cooking no matter the weather.

Let’s start with the fact that this grill has the Cerasure+ ceramic plates that are copper-coated. The plates offer superior non-stick cooking surface, helping you prep the low-oil healthy meals. The top plate easily adjusts to bulky food like an extra-sized steak or fish fillet. Although it could be heavier, it does a good job of roasting the load.

Overall, you can cook as many as up to 4 portions at a time. The heat-up is amazingly fast with dual plates, and the power of 1000 W ensures the deliciously perfect outcome. Less time for grilling and more time for fun; the dream of any party host. As for the heat distribution, it’s fairly even, so your medium-well steak won’t come out well-done on one side and underdone on the other.

Handle this grill without worrying about the burns. The cool touch handle made of stainless steel will keep your hands safe at all times. Weighing the mere 2.31 kg, this device is pretty easy to transport.

Removes Excessive Fat

If you’re in for healthy cooking, the Tower is your best kitchen friend. It captures the meat grease in the drip tray, removing extra fat from your food. The tray can also deal with crumbs if you’re planning to make sandwiches. Goes to show that this really is a user-centric model.

Moving on to the Panini, this device can make two in one go. Be sure to stuff them with your favourite ingredients – and get ready for a delicious feast at your own home. The even heat-up will make sure that your snacks get crispy at both sides.

The Tower features a single indicator light and doesn’t have an on/off switch, which could be further improved. What it has is a handy cord wrap that saves your space. The grill can be stored vertically due to the hinged plate lock.

Great, but about cleaning this device? Relax, it’s easier than ever with the drip tray and non-stick plates. You can even try the baking paper for using the grill multiple times per day and keeping it conveniently clean.

Summing up, this indoor grill + Panini press is your capable kitchen assistant for parties, holiday dinners, or regular use.

Last updated price £34.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08V58LD44

Have It Both Ways

Fast cooking or gourmet recipes, the Cuisinart griddle & grill can cover all. This multifunctional device will cater to BBQ parties, holiday gatherings, or quick lunch breaks.

Not only grilling but griddling as well; this versatile kitchen assistant can be used for both. The handy griddle plate set will help you cook eggs or pancakes, and do it on the level. Why spend money on two devices when you can have it all at once? As for the grilling plates, they are smooth, ridged, and super easy to remove. The non-stick coating is very cleanable and spares you lots of oil. Note, however, that the angle of these plates is rather shallow.

To cook fast or to cook large; if that’s your question, the Cuisinart is ready with an answer. You can use it as a contact grill and reach the max 240°C for doing steaks in mere minutes. But if you need to roast a bulky meat chunk or a chicken breast, opt for the open flat position. Perfect for large events, it also lets you cook more delicate ingredients.

Adjust the heat for any recipe to cater to a garden party or a small romantic dinner. Meat, fish, or veggies; absolutely no need to limit your imagination.

Easy to Cook

Time is of the essence while you’re cooking, but there’s no need to bring your phone or alarm clock when using this grill. A handy timer lets you plan within 0 to 30 minutes, and the “ding” sound will notify you when the food is ready. The timer is not digital but a manual knob that sits right beside the temperature control. No need to get your phone screen sticky or rewash your hands with the Cuisinart.

Another pro of this device is the floating 8 cm hinge. It doesn’t press too hard on the food load, making for the even and effective cooking on both sides. Forget the steaks that come out overdone or underdone – and get exactly what you want without the trial-and-error.

Now to the cleaning, which is extra easy for a grill. As mentioned above, the plates are non-stick, and the drip tray takes care of the excess fat. All you need to do is remove the tray and wash the flat surfaces for your unit to look brand new. Hosting a party is fun and a chore at the same time, so make it less of a pain with this convenient device.

In short, the Cuisinart griddle & grill is pure gold for parties and events, as well as day-to-day delicious cooking.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £155.74
Stock In stock
ASIN B0813VPL78

Infographics


What Is an Indoor Grill?

There're many benefits to using an electric grill but the main one is that it allows you to treat yourself and your close people to grilled steaks and veggies all year long. It works in a bit different way compared to that of a charcoal grill, yet it delivers almost the same restaurant-quality meats. Anytime! Once you turn a unit on, it quickly preheats the grilling plates to the required level and in just a matter of 10-15 minutes, you can get a juicy grilled burger or a perfectly-cooked steak. The plates heat up to a high searing temperature to give fish or meat crisp crusty finish. And all of this is done without a need to build a large charcoal fire and without flare-ups. So, an electric grill is a great option for grilling right in your kitchen or out on a small patio. There're two main types of indoor grills - open grill and contact grill. But, of course, neither of them is able to impart a charcoal flavour to your food and for big gatherings, neither may be the best solution. Therefore, if you need a grill for outdoor BBQ parties, we recommend you to purchase an outdoor charcoal grill or a charcoal smoker.

What Features to Compare

Type

Indoor grills are highly versatile. You can choose between electric units, stovetop models, or grill pans for grilling in the oven. Electric appliances are normally more sophisticated and offer more precision while cooking. Non-electric models rather resemble cookware and are pretty simple. By cooking style, electric grills in their turn are divided into open and contact units. On the open grill, the food is cooked in a way similar to that applied in outdoor grills. Ingredients are grilled from the bottom and you will have to flip them to get them evenly cooked from both sides. Contact grills have two cooking plates folding together. The foods are placed in between the plates and cooked from the top and from the bottom simultaneously. This cooking style allows grilling faster and more evenly. Besides, today there is a great number of combination models with grilling plates opening to 180 degrees. Hence, the appliance can be used either as a contact grill or sandwich press or as an open grill with a larger cooking surface.

Power

Power is an essential characteristic of an electric grill since it determines the appliance cooking performance. The more powerful a heating element is the quicker grilling plates will be preheated and the faster your meals will be cooked. The power range of electric grills varies from 750 to 2000 watts depending on the model type and unit size.

Controls

Most indoor grills offer a temperature control options. More sophisticated premium models provide manual temperature control along with a number of automatic settings for different types of foods and dishes. Some top-of-the-line units can even automatically adjust the cooking temperature depending on the food texture and thickness. All models, including simple no-frills ones, have light indicators signalling that the appliance is powered and when the cooking plates are heated up to an optimal or selected cooking temperature.

Grilling Surface

When it comes to grilling surface, opt for models with non-stick cooking plates that prevent scorching and greatly facilitate cleaning. In terms of the surface area, indoor grills vary from pretty large models that can accommodate up to 8-10 portions at a time to smaller 2-portion units. In the end, everything will depend on what you are mostly going to use your indoor grill for. Larger units are great for families and will come in handy for different sorts of gatherings and events while small grills best suit for singles, couples, and occasional use.

Extras

Some extra features you can find in indoor grills that add usability and convenience include a drip tray to collect the excess fat and juices running out while grilling, detachable dishwasher-safe cooking plates for the ease of cleaning, a floating hinge to accommodate foods of different thickness, an open-flat combination design for a variety of cooking options, and cool-touch handles for safe use.

Did you know?

Indoor Grilling Benefits

No doubt, grilled foods are delicious which makes them extremely popular among all types of eaters. Whether you are a meat eater and steak lover, a pescatarian, or even a vegan, there are hundreds or grill recipes for all tastes and diets. Besides, with an abundance of indoor grilling solutions, today, grilling is not a purely outdoor activity for a warm season anymore and we can enjoy our favourite barbecued meals all year long. However, while some grilling enthusiasts are in love with indoor grills and even prefer them to fire pits and charcoal grills, other are pretty sceptical and don’t regard indoor grills as a decent alternative to traditional outdoor options. For the sake of fairness, let’s look into some other benefits indoor grills offer apart from being able to barbecue foods right in the kitchen.

  1. Indoor grilling is definitely faster and easier. Electric grills heat up very quickly and will cook your meals in mere minutes. With a charcoal grill, you will have first to burn charcoal or wood to embers before placing foods over it, that will normally take some time.

  2. With indoor grills, you’ll avoid the mess and tiresome cleanups. Whether you use an electric grill or a stovetop one, all you have to do after cooking is to clean the grill plates and wash the drip tray if any. And since most models come with a non-stick coating, cleaning is really a piece of cake. No ashes to shovel and no greasy grills to scrub. Messy preps and cleanups are the major reasons why outdoor grills are mostly used on some special occasions, festive events, or weekends while indoor grills can be freely used for regular cooking on a daily basis.

  3. Indoor grills are evidently a better option for beginner cooks. They allow for easier and more precise heat control. You can simply adjust the burner or an electric knob. Some more sophisticated electric models even come with pre-set grilling programmes taking away the need to fine tune the heat at all and doing all the job for you.

  4. Last but not least, indoor grills are more versatile. They will let you cook almost anything you basically cook on an outdoor grill and much more. Not only will you be able to make palatable grilled sandwiches but also have an opportunity to grill some smaller pieces of food that would through the grates of a charcoal grill as well as fry eggs and even make pancakes.

Indoor Grilling Tips

To help you get the most out of your electric or stovetop grill and achieve delicious grilling results time and again, below, we’ve summed up some tricks and tips on indoor grilling:

  1. First and foremost, always give preference to indoor models with non-stick cooking plates. It will both make cleanup a breeze and will help you avoid scorching. Hence, your foods will look appetizing and taste perfect.

  2. Take care of some accessory tools. Though you can use an ordinary fork and spoon, having a set of several simple and affordable utensils wouldn’t hurt if you want to grill like a pro. Grilling must-haves include tongs to flip your steaks, veggies, fish, and poultry, a spatula to flip burgers and fillets, and a brush for spreading oil, baste or glaze.

  3. When it comes to cooking, the results 50% depend on proper preparation. Two basic keys to success are the right cut size and foods seasoning. Whether you are going to grill meat, fish, poultry, or veggies, try to make thinner pieces. They will be cooked more quickly and evenly. Go for uniform pieces and avoid cooking chunks of different thickness at the same time to avoid over- and undercooking. Seasoning meats and veggies with salt and pepper are not enough. Make a kind of spice scrub or marinade using flavorful herbs mixed into canola or olive oil, water or vinegar. The best spices for the grill are rosemary, thyme, oregano, coriander, garlic powder, and paprika that will give your dishes that specific smoky grill flavour. When grilling meat, scrub it with spices or soak it in a marinade for at least 20 minutes before cooking while the veggies should be seasoned right before you put them onto a cooking plate.

  4. To achieve and appetizing crust and get your foods cooked to perfection, it’s essential to preheat grill plates up to the maximum and choose the right cooking time. Grilling times for meats vary from 12 to 17 minutes for steaks, hamburgers, and chicken breasts to 5-7 minutes for hot dogs, fish fillets, and shrimps. While veggies are normally cooked from 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the texture. In case you use a closed grill, simply cut the cooking times in halves.

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