If the weather isn't cooperating, move your grilling session inside! We'll tell you everything you need to know about how to grill indoors.
How to Cook with an Indoor Grill
Updated on Sep. 15, 2023
Summertime grilling is one of our favorite activities. You can pretty much grill anything, so why heat up the house when you can hang outside and enjoy a beautiful day? Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, ruining our outdoor cooking plans. And anyone who lives in a condo or apartment knows that grills are considered a fire hazard, putting them on the no-go list for patio spaces.
Luckily, it’s super easy to learn how to grill indoors. No, we don’t mean taking your grill inside: Indoor grills are a specific type of grill that usually run off electricity. They’re lightweight, inexpensive and can be stored in a cabinet when not in use, making them the ideal alternative to a traditional grill. Here are some indoor grill recipes that you can enjoy.
Wondering what type of grill you should buy? Take a deep dive into the pros and cons of buying an indoor vs outdoor grill.
What Is an Indoor Grill?
An indoor grill is exactly what it sounds like: A grill that is designed for use indoors. Most models are electric-powered griddles that feature raised ridges on the griddle plate, leaving “grill marks” on the food as it cooks. The ridges also keep the food elevated from the grease, allowing it to drain off and reducing the overall fat content of the dish. Like electric griddles, they often come with several temperature settings, too.
You can also use a grill pan as an indoor grill. These pans are designed with the same raised ridges as the electric models, but they’re used on your stovetop. Learn more about the most common types of grills.
Different Types of Indoor Grills
Sorry, but you can’t just use your outdoor grill indoors. That’s actually really dangerous: It can start a fire or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning! Instead, you’ll want to use one of these types of grills designed for indoor use.
Open grill
An open grill is usually long and wide, with a grate that drains into a drip pan. It lays flat, so it looks like you’re using an outdoor grill. On the plus side, it holds more food than folding contact grills, but it also tends to take up more counter space. The food also takes longer to prepare because it only cooks on one side at a time (just like a regular grill).
Give it a try with the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill.
Folding contact grill
These grills feature grill grates hooked together with a hinge, folding in half to cook your food from two sides at once. In addition to functioning as an indoor grill, they also double as a panini press. Their compact size takes up significantly less storage space than an open grill, but their space limits the amount of food you can cook in one session.
Give it a try with the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler.
Grill pan
If you don’t have any space to store an extra appliance, pick up a grill pan instead. These pans are usually made with heavy-duty cast iron and work just as well as indoor electric grills. Some grill pans are reversible, featuring a smooth, flat griddle on one side and raised grill ridges on the other.
Give it a try with the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan.
How Does an Indoor Grill Work?
Electric grills work like electric stovetops. They have an element embedded into the cooking surface, heating it up when it’s turned on. The element covers the entire grill, so you may find you enjoy the even heating of an electric grill more than an outdoor grill. When the unit is turned off, the surface continues to stay hot for a short period. Because indoor grills don’t produce an actual flame, they’re safe for indoor use.
The Best Things to Cook on an Indoor Grill
An indoor grill might not be large enough to cook a rack of ribs or a whole pork shoulder, but it’s definitely capable of tackling any small grilling task. Use it to cook anything from burgers and chicken sandwiches to hot dogs and grilled brats. Vegetable dishes work really well on an indoor grill, too, so go meatless and use it to make vegetable kabobs, eggplant steaks or Mexican street corn.
Basically, anything you can cook on the direct heat side of the grill will work on an indoor grill. It’s not possible to use most indoor grills for indirect heat, but you could use your oven in a pinch.
Safety Tips
Indoor grills are generally safe to use, although it’s always a good idea to follow safety precautions. For starters, clean out the grease drip tray regularly. There is a small chance the grease can make its way to the heating element, starting a fire. You’ll also want to avoid exposing the cord to water, and be sure to unplug the unit before cleaning.
Can you use a charcoal grill indoors?
No, no and more no: It’s never okay to use an outdoor grill indoors. A charcoal grill’s live coals not only present a fire hazard, but they’ll also produce an uncontrollable amount of smoke for an indoor space. That can not only lead to smoke damage to your furniture, but it can also present several health risks.
How can I reduce smoke?
A big issue for indoor grillers is smoke. Smoke isn’t much of a problem outside, but no one wants to set off the smoke alarm! The best way to prevent smoke is to start with a clean grill. Debris and burnt-on bits can create a lot of smoke, and they don’t taste great, either. Another way to reduce smoke is to choose lean cuts of meat or trim off any excess fat, as the grease produces smoke when it drips onto the heating element.
Some indoor grills are “smokeless,” which means they have built-in fans. On other models, you’ll find that a small amount of smoke is unavoidable. Try positioning the grill underneath the hood vent in your kitchen. You can also use the grill near a window with a small fan to push any offending smoke outside.
Grilled ZucchiniSet aside some room on the grill for zucchini. This side cooks quickly, and grilled zucchini pairs well with everything from barbecued chicken to tropical pork skewers.
Grilled Steaks with Mushroom SauceMidweek days deserve something special. This steak entree with its savory sauce will fit the bill beautifully. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pork KabobsThis recipe was originally for lamb, but I adapted it to pork and adjusted the spices. It's always requested when the grill comes out for the season. —Bobbie Jo Miller, Fallon, Nevada
Farmers Market Street TacosI love going to my local farmer's market and seeing what fresh produce is in season that I can throw into a taco. Use whatever fresh veggies they have; I promise it will be delicious. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Firecracker ShrimpThese delightful firecracker shrimp are coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. The marinade comes together in moments for sizzling shrimp skewers. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Grilled Lime ChickenA wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
Bacon CheeseburgerWhere can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Veggie KabobsGrilling is a delightful way of preparing the season's freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupGet ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Cuban SandwichIf you want a hearty sandwich that won't overstuff you, then the Cubano is for you. Tangy pickles, tender pork, savory ham, gooey melted Swiss cheese and a hint of mustard are layered between two toasty pieces of bread for the ultimate panini. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grilled Chicken BurgersOut of all my indoor grill recipes, this is one of my favorites! These chicken burgers get a delicious hint of sweetness with tart apples mixed right into the patties. The cranberry-mayo spread takes it up a notch even further. —Debbie Gauthier, Timmins, Ontario
Lime and Sesame Grilled EggplantFresh vegetables make wonderful indoor grill recipes. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Spicy Lemon Chicken KabobsWhen I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Zesty Grilled HamIf it's ham, my kids will eat it, but they like this kicked-up indoor grill recipe best of all. Even the small ones eat adult-sized portions, so be sure to make plenty. —Mary Ann Lien, Tyler, Texas
Grilled Pork ChopsSoaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.
Grilled Garlic NaanIndian food is my all-time favorite and no meal is complete without some naan. I like to brush this indoor grill recipe for naan with lots of butter, garlic and a little chopped cilantro.—Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Fajita in a BowlPull out the skewers and take a stab at grilling peppers, onions and corn for an awesome steak salad that’s all summer and smoke. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oktoberfest Brats with Mustard SauceI come from a town with a big German heritage, and each year we have a huge celebration for Oktoberfest. This recipe packs in all the traditional German flavors my whole family loves. —Deborah Pennington, Decatur, Alabama
Chicken Caesar PitasHand-held and picnic friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance for a fast-fix lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Berried Treasure Angel Food CakeMy husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Greek Pork ChopsMy in-laws taught me a lot about cooking, so any time I come across a great new recipe, I enjoy making it for them. These bright, lemony chops quickly became a favorite. —Geri Lipczynski, Oak Lawn, Illinois
Grilled SquashGrilled squash is a quick and easy side dish for those wonderful days of late summer and early fall. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats, or broil it later in the season (when it's too cold to grill) and serve it alongside your entree of choice.
Chicken with Peach-Avocado SalsaThis super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Fruit-Glazed Pork ChopsHere’s a fast and simple way to grill chops in half an hour. Other fruit preserves can be easily substituted. These are also nice broiled in the oven. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Grilled Lobster TailsI had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry VinaigretteWe love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Firecracker Grilled SalmonLet this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Grilled BroccoliCoating broccoli in a lemon juice marinade and a layer of Parmesan, then hitting it with a smoky char, makes for a showstopper of a grilled broccoli side dish.
Honey Thyme Grilled ChickenFor grilling chicken, I wanted a marinade different from barbecue sauce, so I pulled out some honey and thyme. If you have time, let the chicken marinate awhile to boost flavor. —Noel Bigelow, Alexandria, Virginia
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan StacksWe love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Grilled Tilapia with MangoHere's a new twist on tilapia that I created for my wife. She enjoys the combination of mango with Parmesan. Somehow it tastes even better outside on the deck with a cold glass of iced tea. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio
Pork BurgersThese ground pork burgers are a flavorful alternative to all-beef burgers. Our pork burger recipe uses a few secret ingredients to make sure the patties turn out juicy and moist.
Grilled Steak and Mushroom SaladMy husband loves this salad, especially during summer. He says he feels as if he's eating a healthy salad and getting his steak, too! I always serve it with some fresh homemade bread. —Julie Cashion, Sanford, Florida
Grilled Caprese QuesadillasHere's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Grilled Pineapple ChickenA trip to Hawaii is easy with this juicy grilled pineapple chicken. Simply give it a quick marinade, fire up the grill and let it sizzle. We love this low-carb recipe! —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit SalsaWhen I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana
Indoor Grill Recipes FAQ
What can you do with an indoor grill?
Enjoy picture-perfect grill marks and kicked-up flavor with the convenience of grilling indoors. An indoor grill is only limited by its size when it comes to direct heat cooking. Large quantities of food or significant cuts of meat like a rack of ribs won't fit most top indoor grills, so they're best used for everyday grilling tasks. Use an indoor grill to cook up family favorites like burgers, chicken breasts, hot dogs and brats, or more creative dishes like grilled cauliflower wedges, firecracker grilled salmon or Mexican street corn.
How do I adapt outdoor grill recipes for an indoor grill?
Indoor grills can handle whatever most outdoor grills can, especially when direct heat is required. Cast-iron grill ridges will achieve those coveted sear marks if you preheat your indoor grill to get that sweet sizzle right when your meat (or whatever you're cooking) meets heat. And don't fuss with your food—letting it sit a few minutes before rotating or flipping will create those beautiful lines that result from caramelization. Indoor grills are often more consistent in temperature as they don't fluctuate as outdoor grills do, so your food should cook more evenly.
Does food cooked on indoor grills taste the same?
Food cooked over a flame or on a charcoal or wood grill will have a smoky flavor that's hard to replicate on an indoor grill. But there are a few tricks you can do to impart major flavor when cooking on an indoor grill. First, consider marinating your food before grilling. Next, adding flavoring agents like smoked salt, liquid smoke (use sparingly) or rubs can turn even bland food into dishes with a bang.
