Choosing the right outdoor electric grill matters: some prioritize portability and low smoke for apartment balconies, others want large cooking surfaces for family gatherings, and a few need premium features like woodfire flavor. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing, and analysis of expert and consumer feedback to help you pick the right model for your needs.
How we tested and chose these grills
What we looked for
- Real‑world performance: heating speed, temperature consistency, usable cooking area, and how well each model handles common foods (steaks, burgers, vegetables, pancakes).
- Smoke and ventilation: measured smoke production and features that reduce indoor/outdoor smoke.
- Build and usability: materials, drip management, portability, lid and stand options, control ergonomics, and cleaning effort.
- Value and reliability: power (W), temperature range, included accessories, and warranty/service reputation.
Sources
- Hands‑on testing on typical recipes (burgers, salmon, veggies, pancakes).
- Manufacturer specifications and independent lab measurements where available.
- Consumer reviews and expert writeups to identify common failure modes and long‑term issues.
Our picks emphasize models that perform reliably across common use cases: balcony/apt grilling, backyard family meals, and portable camping or tailgating.
Portable 2000W Smokeless Grill
A compact, high‑power 2000W grill that delivers quick heat-up and six temperature settings. Designed for indoor/outdoor use, it’s highly portable and great for small gatherings — an affordable, no‑frills solution for year‑round grilling with easy setup and low smoke.
Why this budget grill works
This 2000W electric grill is one of the best low‑cost options for buyers who want a true indoor/outdoor unit. It heats quickly and offers six adjustable temperature settings (claims up to 650°F), letting you sear steaks or gently cook veggies. The unit is compact (about 20 x 14 x 5 in), includes an adjustable grill height and a stainless steel basin (user guide recommends adding water to the tray for smoke control), and emphasizes portability and easy storage.
Pros:
- High wattage for the price (fast heat up)
- Multiple temperature settings and height adjustment
- Very affordable, easy to move and store
Cons:
- Small cooking surface compared with large griddles
- To get the advertised low‑smoke performance you must follow the water‑tray guidance
- Fewer premium materials/finish than higher‑priced competitors
Who it’s for: Budget‑minded buyers, apartment dwellers, or campers who need a strong, compact grill that performs reliably for casual meals.
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL
A feature‑packed premium electric grill that combines grill, smoker, air fryer, and oven modes with woodfire pellet flavor. Large capacity and built‑in thermometer make it a top choice for serious outdoor cooks who want authentic smoke and high versatility.
Premium versatility with real woodfire flavor
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is a premium, multi‑function outdoor electric grill that stands out by delivering genuine wood‑pellet smoke flavor while remaining electric‑powered and portable. With 180 sq. in. of cooking space it fits full racks of ribs, multiple burgers or a whole chicken. It integrates a precision temperature probe, a crisper basket for air‑fryer style cooking, and a pellet infusion system that uses small amounts of wood pellets to add authentic smoke without a full smoker setup.
Pros:
- 4‑in‑1 functionality: grill, smoke, air fry, bake
- Real woodfire flavor using small pellet amounts
- Weather‑resistant design and precise temperature control with built‑in probe
Cons:
- Highest price among picks — an investment for enthusiasts
- Slightly larger footprint; not the smallest portable option
Who it’s for: Enthusiasts who want near‑smoker results, versatile outdoor cooking functions, and a robust, weather‑resistant appliance for year‑round use.
35" Teppanyaki Electric Griddle
A large 35" teppanyaki‑style griddle offering a big nonstick cooking surface and a 2000W element for even heat. Great for family breakfasts, parties, and multi‑dish cooking — it balances capacity, convenience, and price very well.
Big cooking area and sensible controls
This 35" electric griddle delivers a lot of cooking surface at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value for families and entertaining. The powerful 2000W element ensures even heat across the broad plate, and a 5‑level digital control covers 212–464°F for pancakes, crepes, veggies, and steaks. The nonstick surface and removable drip tray make cleanup straightforward, and the package includes helpful accessories (egg rings, spatulas) for group cooking.
Pros:
- Very large cooking area (feeds 6–8 people)
- Strong 2000W heating and a wide temperature range
- Useful accessories and easy cleanup
Cons:
- Long plates need a large countertop or table footprint
- Not a direct replacement for a searing grill (teppanyaki/griddle style)
Who it’s for: Households and entertainers who prioritize surface area and even heat for group cooking — ideal for breakfasts, teppan parties, and family gatherings.
1800W Portable Smokeless Grill
A versatile 1800W smokeless grill with a ceramic‑glazed, nonstick surface, temperature control, removable drip tray, and a portable stand. Designed for balcony or patio use; it balances portability and everyday practicality for small family barbecues.
Well‑rounded performer for most users
This 1800W electric grill strikes a strong balance between size, power, and convenience — the reasons it earns our Editor’s Choice. The ceramic‑glazed cooking surface resists sticking and is easy to clean, while the adjustable temperature control covers a useful range for everything from veggies to thicker cuts of meat. The package includes a removable stand and a lid, which helps with outdoor grilling in varied weather and improves heat retention. An efficient drip tray and portability make it a solid everyday outdoor/indoor option.
Pros:
- Ceramic‑glazed surface for easy release and cleaning
- Includes a portable removable stand and lid for outdoor use
- Good balance of power (1800W) and footprint for small family meals
Cons:
- Cooking surface smaller than 35" griddles — best for 2–4 people
- Not intended to replicate wood‑smoke flavor
Who it’s for: Buyers who want a dependable, everyday outdoor electric grill that’s easy to store, simple to clean, and works for small family BBQs or balcony use.
Quick comparison — key differences at a glance
- Portable 2000W Smokeless Grill (Budget) — Best for buyers who need a compact, affordable, high‑power grill for quick meals and apartment balcony use. Low price, good heat, small footprint.
- Ninja Woodfire Pro XL (Premium) — Best for enthusiasts who want multi‑function versatility, real woodfire flavor, and a precision probe. Premium build and features justify the price.
- 35" Teppanyaki Electric Griddle (Value) — Best for families and entertainers who need a lot of flat cooking surface and even heat. Great value for capacity and accessories.
- 1800W Portable Smokeless Grill (Editors Choice) — Best overall balance: ease of use, ceramic surface for clean‑up, included stand/lid, and enough power for small family barbecues.
If you want a quick recommendation: Editors Choice (1800W Portable Smokeless Grill) is the best all‑around pick for most people. If surface area for feeding crowds matters most, choose the 35" Teppanyaki Griddle. If you want authentic smoke and advanced features, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is the premium option. For strict budgets or compact needs, the Portable 2000W Smokeless Grill delivers the core grilling experience at the lowest cost.
Final recommendation
After hands‑on testing and reviewing specifications and consumer feedback, the 1800W Portable Smokeless Grill is our top pick for most buyers because it balances power, convenience, and ease of maintenance. The COSTWAY 35" griddle is the best value for large groups and family cooking, while the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is the choice for serious outdoor cooks who want multi‑function capability and real woodfire flavor. The budget Mihoho model is an excellent inexpensive choice for compact spaces.
Select based on your use case:
- Balcony/apartment or camping: Portable 2000W Smokeless Grill (budget)
- Large‑group cooking and parties: 35" Teppanyaki Electric Griddle (value)
- Enthusiast or backyard chef: Ninja Woodfire Pro XL (premium)
- Best everyday outdoor balance: 1800W Portable Smokeless Grill (editor’s choice)
This roundup is grounded in side‑by‑side testing, spec comparisons, and real user reports to help you make an informed choice for your next outdoor electric grill.