Best Contact Grills of 2025: Sizzle, Sear, and Simplify Your Meals

Tired of bland, uninspired meals and long cooking times? Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled panini, a juicy steak with beautiful grill marks, or a healthy, flavorful chicken breast, all cooked in minutes from the comfort of your kitchen. This isn’t a scene from a fancy restaurant; it’s what a high-quality contact grill can bring to your daily routine.

The world of indoor grilling has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. The global electric grill market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to soar to $4.41 billion by 2032. This surge is driven by a collective desire for healthier, more convenient cooking solutions, especially as more of us cook at home. A contact grill, with its dual heated plates, cooks food faster than traditional methods and allows excess fat to drip away, making it a champion for both taste and health. In fact, grilling can significantly reduce the fat content of your meals compared to frying, while also preserving more essential vitamins and minerals.

Whether you’re a busy professional seeking quick weeknight dinners, a student in a dorm with limited space, or a health-conscious foodie, there’s a contact grill out there for you. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the best contact grills on the market, helping you find the perfect appliance to revolutionize your cooking and bring delicious, healthy meals to your table with minimal fuss.

Top 9 Best Contact Grills for Every Kitchen and Budget

Here are our top picks for the best contact grills that deliver on performance, convenience, and value.

1. Chefman Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker

The Chefman Panini Press is a sleek and versatile appliance that’s perfect for more than just sandwiches. Its floating hinge adjusts to accommodate everything from thick artisanal bread to hearty cuts of meat, ensuring even cooking every time. The non-stick coated grill plates are a breeze to clean, and its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or for those who don’t want another bulky appliance taking up counter space.

Best Features:

• Floating Hinge: The top plate adjusts to the thickness of your food, providing even pressure and consistent cooking for thick sandwiches, chicken breasts, and more.

• Non-Stick Surface: The durable non-stick cooking surface ensures easy food release and makes cleanup a quick wipe-down.

• Compact Design: Its small footprint and upright storage capability make it perfect for kitchens with limited counter and cabinet space.

Advantages:

• Heats up quickly, saving you time on busy mornings or for quick dinners.

• Extremely user-friendly with simple on/off and ready indicator lights.

• Versatile enough to grill sandwiches, burgers, vegetables, and more.

• Affordable price point, offering excellent value for its performance.

Disadvantages:

• Grill plates are not removable, which can make deep cleaning a bit more challenging.

• No adjustable temperature control, which might be a drawback for more advanced cooking.

Who It’s Best For:

This is the perfect contact grill for students, small apartment dwellers, or anyone looking for a straightforward, no-fuss appliance for making delicious paninis, grilled cheeses, and simple grilled meals. If you value speed, simplicity, and a compact design, the Chefman Panini Press is an excellent choice.

Ready to elevate your sandwich game? The Chefman Panini Press offers incredible value and performance in a compact package.

2. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill (GRP1060B)

The George Foreman GRP1060B is a modern classic, building on the legacy of the grill that made indoor grilling a household name. This model features removable, dishwasher-safe grill plates, addressing one of the biggest pain points of older models. The advanced non-stick coating is twice as durable as previous models, and the grill heats up 35% faster, so you can go from hungry to happy in record time.

Best Features:

• Removable, Dishwasher-Safe Plates: This is the star feature. The grill plates pop off easily and can go straight into the dishwasher for effortless cleanup.

• Advanced Non-Stick Coating: The tough, durable non-stick surface is built to last and makes cooking with less oil or butter a breeze.

• Adjustable Grilling Angle: You can set the grill at a slant to drain away fat or lay it flat for paninis and other dishes where you want to retain the juices.

Advantages:

• Fast preheat time gets you cooking in minutes.

• The 4-serving capacity is great for couples or small families.

• The sloped design is proven to remove up to 42% of fat from a quarter-pound burger.

• Compact and easy to store.

Disadvantages:

• Lacks precise temperature control.

• The power cord is a bit short, which might limit placement options in your kitchen.

Who It’s Best For:

This grill is ideal for health-conscious individuals and small families who want the classic George Foreman fat-draining experience with the modern convenience of removable plates. If you love burgers, chicken, and other grilled staples and hate scrubbing, this is the grill for you.

Experience the convenience and healthy cooking that made George Foreman famous, now with even easier cleanup.

3. YASHE Sandwich Maker & Panini Press

The YASHE Sandwich Maker is a versatile and powerful addition to any kitchen, boasting a 180-degree hinge that allows it to lay flat, effectively doubling your cooking surface. This feature transforms it from a panini press into a full-fledged indoor grill, perfect for cooking for a crowd or preparing different types of food at once. With its powerful 1200W heating element, it gets up to temperature quickly and delivers a beautiful sear.

Best Features:

• 180-Degree Hinge: Opens flat to create two grilling surfaces, ideal for grilling steaks, vegetables, or even pancakes and eggs.

• Powerful Heating Element: The 1200W element ensures fast and even heating for perfect results every time.

• Adjustable Temperature Control: Unlike many compact grills, the YASHE features a temperature dial, giving you more control over your cooking.

Advantages:

• The dual-surface grilling option is incredibly versatile.

• Removable, dishwasher-safe plates make for simple cleanup.

• The stainless steel housing is durable and looks great on the countertop.

• Includes a drip tray to catch excess fat and grease.

Disadvantages:

• It’s a bit larger than some other models, so it requires more storage space.

• The top plate can be heavy, which might squash more delicate items if you’re not careful.

Who It’s Best For:

This is a fantastic option for families or anyone who loves to entertain. The ability to switch between a contact grill and a flat grill makes it one of the most versatile models on our list. If you want a single appliance that can handle everything from a quick panini to a full grilled dinner, the YASHE is a top contender.

Why settle for just a sandwich maker when you can have a full indoor grill? The YASHE offers power and versatility in one sleek package.

4. George Foreman IMMERSE™ Removable Plate Grill

George Foreman takes convenience to the next level with the IMMERSE™ series. This grill is designed for the ultimate in easy cleaning. Not only are the grill plates removable and dishwasher-safe, but the entire grilling unit (once the temperature control probe is detached) is fully submersible in water and dishwasher-safe. This is a game-changer for anyone who dreads cleaning their grill.

Best Features:

• Fully Submersible & Dishwasher-Safe: The entire grill body and plates can be safely washed in the sink or dishwasher, eliminating any hard-to-reach greasy spots.

• Advanced Ceramic Coating: The non-stick ceramic coating is 5x more durable and is free of PFOA and PTFE.

• Variable Temperature Control: A removable probe allows you to set the perfect temperature for whatever you’re cooking.

Advantages:

• The easiest-to-clean grill on the market, hands down.

• Generous cooking surface suitable for family meals.

• The ceramic coating is extremely durable and provides excellent non-stick performance.

• Heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature.

Disadvantages:

• It is one of the larger and bulkier models on this list.

• The submersible feature adds to the price, making it a more premium option.

Who It’s Best For:

This grill is for the person who prioritizes convenience and cleanliness above all else. If you’ve ever avoided using a grill because of the cleanup, the George Foreman IMMERSE™ is your solution. It’s also great for those who want precise temperature control for perfect cooking results.

If the thought of cleaning your grill is holding you back, the George Foreman IMMERSE™ will change the way you cook.

5. George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill (GR10B)

Sometimes, you just need a simple, reliable tool to get the job done. The George Foreman GR10B is the quintessential compact grill. It’s small, straightforward, and perfect for one or two people. It has the classic sloped design to drain away fat and a durable non-stick coating. There are no bells and whistles here, just pure, simple grilling performance.

Best Features:

• Ultra-Compact Size: This grill is incredibly small, making it perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even for taking on the road in an RV.

• Proven Fat-Draining Design: The iconic sloped surface channels grease into the included drip tray.

• Affordability: This is one of the most budget-friendly contact grills you can buy, making it accessible to everyone.

Advantages:

• Takes up minimal counter and storage space.

• Heats up very quickly.

• Incredibly easy to use – just plug it in and go.

• Durable and built to last.

Disadvantages:

• The fixed plates are not as easy to clean as removable ones.

• The small size is not suitable for families or cooking larger meals.

• No temperature control.

Who It’s Best For:

This grill is the perfect choice for college students, single individuals, or anyone with very limited kitchen space. It’s also a great secondary grill for when you just want to make a quick sandwich or grill a single chicken breast without firing up a larger appliance.

For simple, healthy grilling for one or two, the classic George Foreman 2-Serving grill is an unbeatable value.

6. Ninja Sizzle™ Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle

The Ninja Sizzle brings the versatility and performance the brand is known for to the world of indoor grilling. This isn’t just a contact grill; it’s a multi-functional appliance with interchangeable grill and griddle plates. The perforated mesh lid is designed to reduce smoke, making it a great option for apartment dwellers. It offers a large cooking surface and high-heat searing for that authentic outdoor grill flavor.

Best Features:

• Smokeless Technology: The mesh lid and design significantly reduce smoke, so you can grill steaks and burgers without setting off your smoke alarm.

• Interchangeable Plates: Easily swap between a grill plate for sear marks and a flat griddle plate for eggs, pancakes, and more.

• Edge-to-Edge High Heat: The heating element covers the entire surface, ensuring no hot or cold spots and delivering up to 500°F of heat.

Advantages:

• Plates are non-stick, removable, and dishwasher-safe.

• Large cooking surface is perfect for family meals.

• The high-heat capability provides an excellent sear on meats.

• Incredibly versatile, functioning as both a grill and a griddle.

Disadvantages:

• It has a larger footprint than many other models.

• It’s an open-top grill, not a “contact” grill in the traditional sense, so it doesn’t cook both sides at once.

Who It’s Best For:

This is for the serious home cook who wants the performance of an outdoor grill in a convenient indoor appliance. If you love to sear steaks, cook for a family, and want the versatility of a griddle, the Ninja Sizzle is a fantastic investment.

Get that backyard BBQ sear without the smoke. The Ninja Sizzle is a powerhouse of an indoor grill.

7. Chefman 180-Degree Panini Press and Grill

Similar to the YASHE model, this Chefman grill features a 180-degree hinge that allows it to lay flat, doubling your grilling space. It’s a versatile and powerful appliance that can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks. The removable, dishwasher-safe plates make cleanup a breeze, and its sleek stainless steel exterior will look great in any kitchen.

Best Features:

• 180-Degree Lay-Flat Design: Provides a large, open grilling surface for a variety of foods.

• Removable & Reversible Plates: The plates are not only removable and dishwasher-safe, but they are also reversible, with a grill on one side and a griddle on the other.

• Adjustable Temperature Control: Gives you the precision to cook everything from delicate fish to thick steaks perfectly.

Advantages:

• Extremely versatile with its dual functionality.

• Easy to clean thanks to the removable plates.

• The floating hinge adjusts to food of any thickness.

• Great value for a grill with so many features.

Disadvantages:

• Can be bulky and heavy.

• Some users report that the non-stick coating can wear over time with heavy use.

Who It’s Best For:

This grill is perfect for the home cook who wants maximum versatility. The ability to use it as a contact grill, a flat grill, or a griddle makes it a true kitchen workhorse. It’s a great choice for families and anyone who loves to cook a wide variety of meals.

Why buy multiple appliances when the Chefman 180-Degree Grill can do it all?

8. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill (AG301)

The Ninja Foodi AG301 is more than just a grill; it’s a complete cooking system. This powerhouse appliance can grill, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate. It uses “Cyclonic Grilling Technology” to circulate 500°F air around your food for amazing surround searing, while the 500°F grill grate creates char-grill marks and flavors without the smoke of an outdoor grill.

Best Features:

• 5-in-1 Versatility: It’s an indoor grill, an air fryer, an oven, and a dehydrator all in one.

• Cyclonic Grilling Technology: Cooks food quickly and evenly with no need to flip.

• Smoke Control System: A combination of a temperature-controlled grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone works to reduce smoke and keep it out of the kitchen.

Advantages:

• Incredible versatility replaces multiple kitchen appliances.

• Delivers authentic char-grilled flavors and textures.

• The included air fryer function is a fantastic bonus for making crispy, healthy foods.

• All removable parts are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

Disadvantages:

• It is large, heavy, and will take up significant counter space.

• It is one of the most expensive options on this list.

• The internal cooking capacity might be small for larger families.

Who It’s Best For:

The Ninja Foodi is for the kitchen gadget lover and the home cook who wants the ultimate in all-in-one convenience. If you are looking to consolidate appliances and are willing to invest in a high-performance machine that can do it all, the Foodi is an unbeatable choice.

Experience the future of indoor cooking. The Ninja Foodi Grill is a game-changer for any kitchen.

9. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill

The Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill is designed to bring the outdoor grilling experience inside without any of the smoke. It uses advanced infrared heating technology to heat the grill grate quickly and evenly while keeping the base cool, which helps to prevent smoke from forming. The large cooking surface is perfect for entertaining, and the entire unit is designed for easy cleanup.

Best Features:

• Infrared Heating & Smoke-Limiting Design: The infrared technology heats the grill directly, while the water-filled drip tray catches grease and prevents it from smoking.

• Large Cooking Surface: The generous cooking area allows you to grill multiple items at once, perfect for family dinners or parties.

• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The grill top and drip tray are both removable and dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning.

Advantages:

• Virtually smokeless operation is perfect for apartments and condos.

• Heats up to a consistent temperature across the entire surface.

• Easy to set up, use, and clean.

• Delivers excellent grilling results that are comparable to an outdoor grill.

Disadvantages:

• It is not a “contact” grill, so it only cooks one side at a time.

• The infrared technology means it takes a little longer to preheat than some other models.

• Requires a bit more counter space.

Who It’s Best For:

This grill is ideal for those who live in apartments or homes without outdoor space but still crave the authentic flavor of grilled food. If your primary concern is avoiding smoke while still getting a great sear, the Chefman Smokeless Grill is an excellent solution.

Enjoy the taste of summer BBQ all year round, without ever leaving your kitchen.

What to Look for in a Contact Grill: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right contact grill depends on your needs, budget, and cooking style. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Size & Cooking Surface: How many people are you typically cooking for? For individuals or couples, a small 2-serving grill might be perfect. For families, look for a grill with a larger cooking surface or one that can open flat.

• Removable vs. Fixed Plates: This is a huge factor for convenience. Removable plates are much easier to clean, and many are dishwasher-safe. Fixed plates require more careful cleaning to avoid damaging the non-stick surface.

• Temperature Control: Basic models have a single temperature setting, which is fine for simple tasks like paninis. However, adjustable temperature control gives you the versatility to cook a wider range of foods, from searing steaks at high heat to gently grilling vegetables at a lower temperature.

• Floating Hinge: A floating hinge is a must-have for a true contact grill. It allows the top plate to adjust to the thickness of your food, ensuring even contact and cooking whether you’re grilling a thin piece of fish or a thick, stuffed panini.

• Special Features: Consider if you want extra features like a lay-flat design for open grilling, interchangeable grill/griddle plates, or multi-functionality like air frying.

• Price: Contact grills range from budget-friendly basics to premium, multi-function appliances. Set a budget and focus on the features that are most important to you.

Your Perfect Grill Awaits

A contact grill is more than just a kitchen gadget; it’s a tool that can help you create healthier, more delicious meals in less time. From the simple and compact George Foreman 2-Serving grill to the all-in-one powerhouse that is the Ninja Foodi, there is a perfect indoor grill for every home.

By considering your cooking habits, family size, and desire for convenience, you can choose a model that will quickly become one of your most-used kitchen appliances. Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and hello to perfectly seared, restaurant-quality meals made right on your countertop.

Ready to start your indoor grilling adventure? Choose the grill from our list that best fits your needs and get ready to transform your meals!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are contact grills healthy?

Yes, contact grills are a very healthy way to cook. The design of most grills allows fat and grease to drip away from the food as it cooks, significantly reducing the fat content of your meal. Additionally, because they are non-stick, you need little to no oil to cook, further cutting down on calories and fat.

Can you cook steak on a contact grill?

Absolutely! A contact grill is a fantastic way to cook a steak. For the best results, use a grill with adjustable temperature control, preheat it to a high temperature to get a good sear, and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

How do you clean a contact grill with non-removable plates?

For grills with fixed plates, the key is to clean them while they are still warm (but unplugged and not dangerously hot). Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any food residue and grease. For tougher, baked-on food, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a plastic scraper. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

What else can you cook on a contact grill besides sandwiches?

The possibilities are almost endless! You can grill chicken breasts, burgers, fish fillets, pork chops, and sausages. They are also great for vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Some people even use them to cook eggs, bacon, and hash browns, especially on models that lay flat.

Do I need a smokeless indoor grill?

If you live in an apartment or a home with a sensitive smoke detector, a smokeless grill is a great investment. These models are specifically designed with features like water trays or infrared technology to minimize or eliminate smoke, allowing you to grill high-fat foods like burgers and steaks without worry.

References:

• Fortune Business Insights. (2025). Electric Grill Market Size, Share, Growth | Industry Analysis [2032]. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/electric-grill-market-113082

• Verified Market Research. (2025). Indoor Grills Market Size, Scope, Growth, Trends & Forecast. https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/indoor-grills-market/

• Fire It Up BBQ Catering. (n.d.). 4 Reasons Why Grilling Is Better Than Frying. https://www.fireitupbbq.com/blog/4-reasons-why-grilling-is-better-than-frying

• Wesley Enhanced Living. (n.d.). Benefits of Grilling Vs. Frying Your Favorite Foods. https://www.wel.org/benefits-of-grilling-vs-frying-your-favorite-foods/