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There is nothing like the smoky flavor of a grilled meal. Unfortunately, we cannot always get outside to enjoy those smoky aromas. An indoor smokeless grill is the answer for the times when you cannot barbecue outdoors but still want that delicious flavor of a hot summer evening. It will help you to cook up a variety of meats, vegetables, and many other dishes with rich flavors and thick cuts of meat.
Take a look at our list below to find out what to look for in an indoor smokeless grill by comparing your needs with its features along with the pros and cons factor. Once you have your needs identified, jump over to our Best Indoor Smokeless Grills post to find the grill that best suits you.
What Is A Smokeless Indoor Grill?
An indoor smokeless grill is the type of grill that allows you to enjoy a meal indoors. It has different features than a traditional outdoor grill. Outdoor grills are typically made of metal and wood whereas indoor grills mainly work with electricity and can be easily set up anywhere in your home. There are many advantages to using an indoor smokeless grill, this article will discuss some of them.
Factors to Consider When Choosing An Indoor Smokeless Grill
When shopping for an indoor smokeless grill, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Below we will cover the factors we considered when reviewing the smokeless indoor grills.
Budget
Of course budget will come into play when deciding on which smokeless indoor grill to buy. Grills can range in price anywhere from $30 to $500+, so there is something for everyone. However, it is important to note that you do get what you pay for and the more expensive grills are typically of better quality.
Size of the Indoor Smokeless Grill
Another thing to consider when purchasing an indoor smokeless grill is the size. If you are only looking to cook for one or two people, a small grill may be all you need. However, if you are cooking for a large family or want to use your indoor smokeless grill as an outdoor smoker, you will need a larger grill.
The normal indoor grill size ranges from 60 to 200 square inches. Everything depends on how many people you have to feed. One to two people can get by with an 80-square-inch grill, while a larger 100-square-inch grill can handle a family of three to five. You can, of course, feed larger crowds with smaller grills; you’ll just have to prepare more batches of the food in advance.
Power
Another thing you need to consider when purchasing an smokeless indoor grill is the power. Grills come in a variety of wattages, so it is important to choose one that can accommodate your needs. If you are only using your indoor smokeless grill for occasional use, a lower wattage grill should be fine. However, if you plan on using your grill regularly, you will need one with a higher wattage.
We found between 1300 to 1800 watts is a respectable power range. Grills with lower wattage, are acceptable for many recipes but not ideal for grilling thicker pieces of meat.
Heat Settings of the Smokeless Indoor Grill
Different smokeless indoor grills come with different heat settings. Some have as few as two or three heat settings, while others have up to ten. It is important to select a grill with the appropriate number of heat settings for your needs. If you are only looking to use your grill for basic cooking, a grill with fewer heat settings will work just fine. However, if you are looking to use your grill for more complicated recipes, you will need a grill with more heat settings.
Heat Distribution
Another important factor to consider when purchasing an indoor smokeless grill is the heat distribution. Some grills have a better heat distribution than others, which means the food will cook more evenly. If you are looking for a grill that will produce perfectly cooked food every time, you will need to select one with good heat distribution.
The best way to test the heat distribution of a grill is to cook a piece of food on each side. If the food is cooked evenly, the grill has good heat distribution. If one side is cooked significantly more than the other, the grill does not have good heat distribution.
Ease of Use
Another factor you will want to consider when purchasing an indoor smokeless grill is how easy it is to use. Some grills are easier to use than others. If you are looking for a grill that is simple to operate, you will want to select one with few bells and whistles. However, if you are looking for a grill that offers more control over the cooking process, you will need one with more features.
Other grilling Ideas, Learn All about the Best Cold Smokers
The best way to determine how easy a grill is to use is to read the reviews. The reviews will give you a good idea of what people liked and didn’t like about the grill.
Grill Plates of the Smokeless Indoor Grill
Although many contact grills are meant to also work as open grills, this is not always the case. To effectively double the cooking area, simply lay the lid flat after opening it. Removable grill plates are an additional feature to keep an eye out for. Especially if they can be cleaned in the dishwasher, they make cleanup a breeze!
Smoke Level
Even smokeless grills produce a trace amount of smoke. If this is a concern, look for a model with a smoke reduction system and has consistent reviews for not producing much smoke.
Filter
You may be surprised at how much smoke can be generated by modest indoor barbecues. With a built-in filter, a grill may greatly reduce the amount of smoke produced in a poorly ventilated kitchen.
Cleanup
As with any grill, the easier it is to clean, the better. Look for a grill that has non-stick plates and an easily removable drip tray.
Warranty
When purchasing any type of appliance, it is important to check the warranty. Most smokeless indoor grills come with a warranty, but the length of the warranty varies from grill to grill. It is important to select a grill with a warranty that you are comfortable with.
Conclusion
By reviewing the items on our list of what to look for in an electric indoor smokeless grill, you should have a pretty good idea of what features you want in a smokeless indoor grill. You will want to make sure that your indoor smokeless grill is powerful enough for your needs, easy to use and offers a warranty that you are comfortable with. Make sure you read all the reviews before making your purchase. Regardless of what you select, you should now be able to make an informed decision.
Common FAQ for How to Choose an Indoor Smokeless Grill
Q. Why does an indoor smokeless grill make it easier for me to cook in the kitchen?
A. A good indoor smokeless grill will save you a ton of time and energy. You can place food anywhere on the grates and be sure it is cooked properly without even leaving the kitchen! If you are planning on cooking for large groups, an indoor smokeless grill will give you more room to cook and eliminate the need to heat up your outdoor space!
Q. Why do I need an indoor smokeless grill?
A. Indoor smokeless grills have many uses, and allow you to do a lot of things. Some of the benefits include changing the temperature of your food using different times and temperatures, the ability to cook your food evenly from all sides, and the ability to sear your food with its closed lid! Indoor smokeless grills can also be used for roasting, baking, sautéing and broiling!
Q. Which smokeless grills are best for me?
A. This is a difficult question to answer. We realize that the amount of money you have available will impact your decision. If you are looking for a basic setup, you should consider purchasing an indoor grill that has good reviews and has this criteria: heat distribution and easy to use cleaning features. If you want a more high-tech indoor grill, make sure it has the features mentioned above, along with some other items on our list!
