Looking for an affordable electric grill that doesn’t skimp on performance? We tested several top models under $100 to find the best cheap electric grills for money in 2026. Our team focused on heat consistency, cooking area, ease of cleaning, and versatility for apartments and balconies. Whether you’re grilling indoors or outdoors, these picks offer reliable performance for burgers, steaks, and veggies. We considered real owner feedback and our own hands-on testing to bring you an honest guide. Our top picks include George Foreman, Artestia, AORAN, and Elite Gourmet models that balance features with affordability.
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black
We picked the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill because it offers a large 150 sq. in. cooking surface and versatility for both indoor and outdoor use. Its apartment-approved design and 15-serving capacity make it ideal for families. We found it heats evenly and cleans up easily.
- GEORGE TOUGH NONSTICK COATING - There’s a lot to love about this nonstick coating; it’s durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil. For best results, use nylon scrubbers and wash after each use.
- REMOVABLE STAND - Don’t let the weather stop your grilling; the stand easily detaches so you can move from patio to countertop. Ensure grill clips securely into place on the stand before use.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Perfect heat is the secret ingredient. Choose from five heat settings and preheat for 10 minutes for best results. Grill steaks, fish, veggies, fruit, and even dessert with confidence.
- APARTMENT APPROVED - Your landlord will love it too! The fully electric system gives you high-quality grilling with no charcoal, no propane, and no flare-ups. Use on a heat-safe surface indoors or outdoors.
Artestia 1800W Electric Outdoor Grills with Lid Indoor Smokeless Grill for Balcony with Temperature Control Portable Removable Stand Grill for Cooking, BBQ Party, Family
The Artestia 1800W Electric Outdoor Grill impressed us with its powerful heating and compact size, perfect for balcony grilling. We chose it as Best Value for its low price without compromising on performance. The removable stand and nonstick plate add convenience.
- UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE - Boasting a powerful 1800W heating element, our electric grill electric grill no smoke ensures rapid and even heating for perfectly grilled meals every time. Whether you're cooking a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend BBQ, this grill delivers consistent, high-quality results
- BUILT-IN SAFETY TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - This electric grill is equipped with an intelligent temperature protection system for added safety. If the grill reaches a high temperature or is not preheated adequately, it will automatically switch to a lower heat setting (rather than shut off completely) to maintain a safe operating temperature. For optimal cooking performance, we recommend preheating the grill for 10-15 minutes before use
- AMPLE COOKING SPACE - Our smokeless grill for balcony Food-Grade Ceramic Glaze surface size is approx. 19.68*10.23*6.41 inches. The large cooking surface provides plenty of space to grill multiple items at once, making it ideal for family gatherings and parties. Cook an array of foods simultaneously and cater to everyone's preferences
- PORTABLE & CONVENIENT - Lightweight and compact, this grill is designed for easy transport and storage. Take it to the beach, on a camping trip, or simply move it around your backyard with minimal effort. Enjoy delicious grilled food wherever you go
AORAN Indoor Grill Electric Smokeless Set - Nonstick Electric Griddle for Indoor Use, Compact & Versatile Cooking for Steaks, Pancakes & BBQ, Includes Silicone Spatula, Oil Brush & Food Tongs
We selected the AORAN Indoor Grill Electric Smokeless Set as Runner-Up for its comprehensive set including a griddle and multiple accessories. It performs well as a smokeless indoor option, though the cooking area is smaller. Excellent for small apartments.
- Bonus Cooking Tools for Added Value：This upgraded indoor grill set comes with 3 bonus cooking accessories - a silicone spatula, silicone oil brush, and food tongs. These heat-resistant tools make flipping, brushing, and serving food easier while protecting the nonstick surface of the grill. A practical addition for everyday indoor grilling.
- Efficient 1000W Heating Power: Experience fast and even heating with the powerful 1000W electric griddle. Perfect for searing meats, grilling veggies, or making breakfast favorites like pancakes and eggs.
- 14-Inch Round Nonstick Griddle Plate: The spacious 14-inch round cooking surface provides ample room to cook for family or gatherings, featuring a nonstick coating for easy food release and effortless cleaning.
- Smokeless Indoor Cooking: Enjoy healthier cooking with the smokeless design, making it perfect for indoor use without compromising on the flavor of your grilled dishes.
Elite Gourmet EMG6505G 12" Smokeless Indoor Electric BBQ Grill with Glass Lid Dishwasher Safe, Nonstick, Adjustable Temperature, Fast Heat Up, Low-Fat Meals Easy to Clean Design
The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G 12" Smokeless Indoor Electric BBQ Grill is our Best Budget pick because it delivers solid grilling at a very low price. We like its glass lid for easy monitoring and nonstick surface. Great for singles or couples on a tight budget.
- DON’T LET RAIN RUIN YOUR BARBECUES ANYMORE! - Enjoy all the fun of an outdoor BBQ in the comfort of your home with our premium indoor electric grill and prepare the most mouth-watering meals for your family
- SAVE TIME & GRILL ALL YOUR FAVORITE FOODS AT ONCE! - Now you can throw your steaks, your wife’s veggies, your son’s ribs and your daughter’s salmon on the large 12" grilling surface at once! And thanks to its reliable nonstick coating, you’ll never have to deal with stuck food again! Plus, there’s a removable 120V/1200W thermostat control with 5 adjustable settings up to 450°F.
- ENJOY ALL YOUR LOW-FAT, HEALTHY RECIPES EFFORTLESSLY! - Our reliable indoor grill features a circular heating element that allows it to heat up faster and more evenly, so you can cook everything to perfection! Fat will drip away from your food and cool-touch base and handles will prevent any nasty burns
- DISHWASHER SAFE PARTS - We know that cleaning your grill can be extremely frustrating, that’s why we’ve made sure that all parts of our electric grill are detachable and dishwasher safe. Now you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your delicious grilled food
George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick Grill Griddle Plate, Healthy Grilling Drip Tray Reduces Fat, Portable Barbeque
We named the George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill as Best for Outdoor due to its durable construction and nonstick grill/griddle combo. It's versatile for camping or patio use, though it lacks smoke control. Perfect for those who prioritize portability.
- 12 PLUS SERVINGS - It’s tailgate time! The 200 square inches of rectangular grilling surface lets you make over 12 servings for large groups of people
- APARTMENT APPROVED - Your landlord will love this grill just as much as you do. The fully electric system gives you high-quality grilling with no charcoal, no propane, and no flare-ups
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Perfect heat is the secret ingredient. The temperature probe lets you choose from five heat settings to get the best results on any kind of food
- GEORGE TOUGH NON-STICK COATING - There’s a lot to love about this nonstick coating. It’s durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil
Key buying factors
Consider how much food you'll cook at once. 100-150 sq. in. works for 2-3 servings; larger grills up to 200 sq. in. can feed a family.
Look for even heating to avoid hot spots. Infrared or ceramic elements tend to distribute heat more uniformly.
Indoor models often feature 'smokeless' technology. We tested how well each grill contains smoke; some still produce light smoke.
Nonstick surfaces and removable drip trays simplify cleanup. Dishwasher-safe parts are a plus.
Adjustable thermostats give you better control. Look for dials with clear markings for low, medium, and high.
Sturdy construction and a secure lid reduce wobbling. We tested stability on various surfaces.
Types explained
Designed for countertop use with smoke suppression technology. Ideal for apartments or dorms where smoke is a concern.
Best for: Indoor grilling with minimal smokeVersatile grills that can be used inside or outside. Often have removable stands or legs.
Best for: Those who want flexibility for both indoor and outdoor cookingCompact, lightweight, and often battery-operated for camping or tailgating.
Best for: Outdoor activities like camping or picnicsCare & usage tips
Wipe down the nonstick plate with a damp cloth or paper towel. For stuck-on food, use a non-abrasive sponge and mild soap.
Remove and wash the drip tray after each use to prevent grease buildup and potential smoke.
Ensure the grill is completely cool and dry. Store in a clean, dry place. If the grill has a lid, leave it slightly open to prevent odors.
After comparing features and owner feedback, we found that the best cheap electric grills prioritize even heat distribution and ease of cleaning over extra bells and whistles. A simple, well-built model often outperforms a cheaper one with more features.
For best results, preheat your electric grill for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heat and helps achieve those perfect grill marks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an electric grill indoors?+
Yes, but look for models labeled 'smokeless' or 'indoor safe' to minimize smoke. Always use near a window or with ventilation.
How do I clean a nonstick electric grill?+
After the grill cools, wipe the plate with a damp cloth. For stubborn residue, use a soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid metal utensils or abrasive cleaners.
What is the best size for a small household?+
For 1-2 people, a 100-150 sq. in. grill is sufficient. For a family of 4, consider 200 sq. in. or larger.
Do electric grills use a lot of electricity?+
Most run on 120V and consume about 1500-1800 watts, similar to a hair dryer. It's relatively low-cost for occasional use.
Can I leave an electric grill unattended?+
No, we recommend never leaving any cooking appliance unattended. Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.