Buying Guide for the Best Tabletop Electric Grills
Choosing a tabletop electric grill is an exciting way to bring easy and convenient grilling into your home, balcony, or even take on the go. Electric grills offer the benefit of smokeless cooking, quick heat-up times, and a compact footprint—perfect for those without access to traditional outdoor spaces or gas/charcoal options. To make sure you get the best fit for your lifestyle, it's important to look at a few key features and match them to your intended use, available space, and how many people you typically cook for.Cooking Surface SizeThe cooking surface size tells you how much food you can cook at once. It's crucial because it determines if you can grill for yourself, your family, or a group of friends without having to do it in batches. Small grills with a surface around 100-150 square inches are ideal for singles or couples, while medium sizes (150-250 square inches) work well for small families. Larger options above 250 square inches are best if you plan to cook for groups or want extra space for different foods. To pick the right size, consider how many people you'll usually serve and how much countertop space you have.
Power (Wattage)Power, measured in watts, affects how quickly your grill heats up and how well it can maintain high cooking temperatures. Higher wattage (over 1500W) usually means faster and more even cooking, making it suitable for thick cuts or frequent use. Lower wattage (1000-1500W) is typically fine for occasional grilling or lean foods like vegetables and seafood. Think about what kinds of foods you want to grill and how fast you want your meals ready—if you love searing steaks or cooking for a crowd, go higher; for light, occasional use, lower wattage will do.
Temperature ControlTemperature control can be a basic on/off, a dial with a few heat levels, or a precise thermostat with exact temperature settings. This spec matters because different foods cook best at different temperatures, so more control allows you to grill a wider variety of foods successfully. If you like experimenting with recipes or want to grill anything from delicate fish to burgers, look for grills with adjustable or precise temperature control. If simplicity is key and you'll just be grilling standard fare, a basic setup may be sufficient.
Nonstick Surface & RemovabilityA nonstick surface prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning much easier, which is especially important for tabletop grills with smaller parts and drip trays. Some grills also offer removable plates that can be washed in the sink or dishwasher—this can have a big impact on how often you'll want to use your grill and how much effort cleanup takes. If you prefer low-maintenance cooking and want cleanup to be simple, prioritize a quality nonstick surface and removable plates.
Drip Tray or Grease ManagementElectric grills produce drippings, so a well-designed drip tray or grease management system helps to collect excess fat and makes disposal and cleaning easier. A larger, easily accessible drip tray is especially useful if you plan to cook fatty meats. Assess how much greasy food you expect to make and whether you want to minimize messes—convenient grease management is important for regular use and keeping your kitchen tidy.
Lid Design & HeightThe style and height of the grill lid limit or expand the types of foods you can cook—taller lids can accommodate thicker cuts, skewers, or even small roasts, while low-profile lids are more compact but restrict you to thinner items. Some lids are transparent, allowing you to see your food as it cooks, which can help prevent overcooking. If you're planning to grill bulky items or value monitoring food without opening the grill, choose a grill with a higher or see-through lid.