buying-guide
Best Electric Grills of 2026: Expert Picks & Reviews
Electric grills have come a long way from the countertop George Foreman days. Today's models rival gas and charcoal for flavor, with none of the smoke complaints from neighbors.
The short answer
Our top pick is the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill OG701 — budget-conscious buyers wanting Ninja Woodfire quality. A strong runner-up is the George Foreman GGR50B 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill.
Key takeaways
- →Top pick: Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill OG701 (rated 4.6/5).
- →Runner-up: George Foreman GGR50B 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill (rated 4.4/5).
- →Best for: budget-conscious buyers wanting Ninja Woodfire quality.
- →Key specs: 141 sq in cooking area, 105-500F temperature range.
Quick picks
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Best Overall
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill OG701★ 4.6/5 · Budget-conscious buyers wanting Ninja Woodfire quality
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Best Budget
George Foreman GGR50B 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill★ 4.4/5 · Budget-conscious grillers who want indoor/outdoor flexibility
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Best for Apartments
Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill★ 4.5/5 · Apartment dwellers and balcony grillers who want real sear marks
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Best for Patios
Char-Broil Bistro Pro Dual Fuel Electric Grill★ 4.3/5 · Grillers who want the option of charcoal flavor with electric convenience
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Best Portable
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill★ 4.4/5 · Couples and small households with limited patio space
Best Overall
The Ninja Woodfire earns our top pick because it solves the biggest electric grill complaint: no smoky flavor. The pellet system adds real wood-fired taste while keeping the plug-in convenience.
Best Budget
Under $100 and it works indoors or out. The George Foreman 15-Serving is the entry point for electric grilling.
Our Pick
George Foreman GGR50B 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor GrillBudget-conscious grillers who want indoor/outdoor flexibility
Best for Apartments
The Weber Lumin Compact was built for balcony grilling: a small footprint, a 600°F sear for real grill marks, and an optional smoke-infusion tray for wood flavor where charcoal and gas are off-limits. Capacity is two or three servings at a time.
Our Pick
Weber Lumin Compact Electric GrillApartment dwellers and balcony grillers who want real sear marks
Best for Patios
TRU-Infrared cooking spreads heat evenly with fewer flare-ups, and the hybrid design lets you plug in on weeknights and switch to charcoal on weekends. The Char-Broil Bistro Pro is the patio pick for grillers who don't want to give up charcoal flavor.
Our Pick
Char-Broil Bistro Pro Dual Fuel Electric GrillGrillers who want the option of charcoal flavor with electric convenience
Best Portable
The Weber Q1400 is the smallest Weber electric we cover: a 189 sq in porcelain-enameled cast iron grate, one simple temperature knob, and Weber's 5-year warranty. Right-sized for couples, small patios, and anyone who wants a grill that is easy to move and store.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best electric grill overall in 2026?
- The Ninja Woodfire OG701 leads 2026 because it combines real wood-fired smoke flavor, 7-in-1 functions, and a 500F searing temperature for under $300. It runs on a standard 120V outlet, which makes it viable for apartments, patios, and RVs alike. See our full under-$300 roundup for alternatives.
- Are electric grills as good as gas grills now?
- For most backyard cooking, yes. Modern electric grills hit 500-700F, which is hot enough for steakhouse-quality sear marks, and they ignite in 30 seconds with no propane refills. Gas still wins on raw BTU output for very large cooks. Our electric vs gas comparison breaks the decision down by use case.
- What should I spend on an electric grill?
- $250-$500 is the sweet spot for 2026. Under $250 you compromise on temperature and build quality; over $500 you pay for features like Bluetooth and XL capacity that most home cooks never use. Our under-$500 guide covers the best value picks in that range.
- Can I use these grills on an apartment balcony?
- All five of our 2026 picks are apartment-legal because they produce no open flame, which is usually the only code restriction. Confirm your lease and local fire code first, then see our apartment guide for balcony-specific recommendations and safety tips.