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.
Love the char but hate the heat and humidity? Kick up the AC and use your stove as a grill. This ultra-durable pan (from the company behind our pick for the best-tested cast iron skillet of 2025) sits on top of your burners, giving you your very own burger-searing plancha.
Our senior home editor, Jessica Dodell-Feder, has owned one of these No. 1 bestsellers for years and says it has completely changed her stove's capabilities. "You can easily whip up eggs and pancakes on the flat griddle, and the ridged side gives you perfect char lines on burgers and chicken. Just note it's very heavy, so be careful when you lift it!"
This sale brings the pan down to $40, within a few bucks of the lowest price we've seen all year.
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."
No outdoor space? No problem — this countertop cooker will let you achieve those satisfying grill marks and more. Not only does it serve as a grill designed for indoor use, it also air fries, roasts, bakes and dehydrates. In short, you can tell your full-size oven you won't be needing it until the temps drop in the fall. Oh, and cooking over a hot flame while mosquitoes make a meal of your ankles? Fuhgeddaboutit!
This isn't the lowest price I've ever seen for this appliance, but when you consider how versatile it is, it's still a pretty sweet deal.
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.