All of the flavor, none of the bugs, sweat and tears. (Getty)(rudisill via Getty Images)
Is it even summer until you've bitten into your first charred cheeseburger, enjoyed the satisfying snap of a sausage or reveled in ribs that fall off the bone? There's just something about grilled food that signifies the start of the season, but you need not stand around sweating in the sun while swatting away at mosquitoes to savor it. As someone with very limited outdoor space (and a penchant for air conditioning), I went in search of indoor grilling options that produce equally finger-lickin' results without the need for a patio, propane or pesky pests.
I have to say, there are even more options than I'd imagined, from a cast-iron grill plate that goes right over your stove's burners to countertop appliances that double as air fryers and even an electric grill with a removable stand that can be used indoors and out. Sure, they'll come in handy during the warmer months, but the beautiful part is that they're ideal for year-round use; after all, some of us want grilled chicken even when there's snow on the ground. Oh, and since they start at just $35, you won't have to cut into your summer vacation savings, either.
I don't know about you, but I'm starting to salivate thinking of all the seared seafood skewers I'll be scarfing down this summer. Let's dig in, shall we?
With seven cooking functions (grill, BBQ griddle, air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate), this kitchen workhorse can replace several appliances, and you just might find yourself using it more than your full-size oven. One of its coolest features has to be the included Foodi Smart Thermometer, which has four protein settings and nine doneness levels to ensure your food is cooked to perfection. It's also got a smoke control system to help prevent your kitchen from becoming a fume-filled mess.
As long as you've got a stove, be it gas or electric, you can achieve those sought-after grill marks via this double-duty accessory. One side features ridges to mimic the effects of a grill, while the other is a flat griddle surface ideal for frying eggs and flipping pancakes a la your favorite diner. Just place it over your burners, and you're golden.
Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder swears by it. "I've owned one for years, and it has completely changed my stove's capabilities, making the burners more versatile," she says. "I use it with a gas stove, but it's compatible with any cooktop, including induction. It can also go in the oven, on the grill or over a campfire. Imagine waking up to flapjacks on your next camping trip ... talk about the great outdoors!"
(Psst: Ina Garten (and I) also swear by the brand's cast-iron skillet.)
Prefer to stick to one burner? This compact vegetable cooker takes things a step further with closely spaced grates that allow the flame from your stove to actually reach your food, infusing it with that smoky flavor we all crave. You'll want to prep your veggie pieces on the larger side so they don't slip through, but the smart design does include slanted sides to keep juices from spilling out. I'm seeing many fajitas in your future...
"Love this pan for roasting poblanos on my gas stovetop," gushed a gleeful griller. "The slats allow searing heat, which browns them nicely. I would recommend this pan to anyone who regularly roasts veggies."
Cyclonic air — specifically, 500°F cyclonic air — is the name of the game when it comes to this five-in-one food prepper. By surrounding your produce and proteins with heat, it efficiently cooks food from all angles without the need for flipping (which, let's face it, often results in your fish fillet falling apart). The PTFE- and PFOA-free nonstick grill grate, crisper basket and cooking pot also offer peace of mind.
"I use it several times a week and honestly … it might do a better job grilling some meats than a gas or charcoal grill," confessed a convert. "Healthier option for cooking for sure. All settings are easy to use [and it] does not smoke. It is compact, so you can store all parts together. Design is great. Easy to clean and is really nonstick."
Here's a cool contraption for you — especially if you're someone who likes to cook more than one type of food at once. Each side is a different cooking zone, and the two reversible plates allow you to grill, griddle or do a little of both at the same time. That means you can sear your steak and veggie taco filling and brown your tortillas simultaneously.
Home & Garden Writer Kristin Granero included this nifty sizzler in her roundup of the best grills. "Looking to plug in at a low price tag? Check out this versatile pick from Hamilton Beach, which goes on triple duty as a full grill, full griddle or grill-griddle hybrid in one," she says. "Just switch up the aluminum plates according to the menu and occasion."
If you're fortunate enough to have some outdoor space and want the flexibility to cook wherever you'd like, this popular model can be used on the deck or in your kitchen. It comes with a removable stand for when you're grilling on the patio, but converts to a tabletop should you decide to bring the party indoors. Since it's electric, you won't have to deal with charcoal or propane tanks, and it's roomy enough to hold burgers for 15 people. Oh, and it's got that signature George Foreman slope to remove excess grease.
"My husband wanted to grill meats without the mess and cleanup of charcoal," explained a satiated spouse. "He also wanted a portable grill so he could grill inside if the weather was inclement. According to him, the grill cooks evenly, cleanup is a breeze and it's very easy to use."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.