What Is an Indoor Grill: A Practical Guide for 2026

The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL is an indoor electric griddle and grill that brings the versatility of outdoor cooking right to your kitchen counter or covered patio. Unlike traditional grills that need propane or charcoal, this plug-in unit uses ProTemp IQ technology to deliver even, edge-to-edge heat across a 20-inch cooking surface. It’s designed for anyone who loves griddled burgers and grilled steaks but doesn’t have the space or weather for an outdoor setup.

This griddle is best suited for apartment dwellers, patio cooks, tailgaters with access to power, and backyard enthusiasts who want a reliable indoor option for year-round cooking. The extra-large capacity lets you cook a full breakfast spread for 8-10 people or sear 10+ burgers at once – perfect for family dinners or hosting friends. The interchangeable plates give you both a flat-top griddle and a raised grill plate, so you can switch from hibachi-style veggies to grill-marked chicken breasts without missing a beat.

In real-world use, the Sizzle Pro XL heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures from 250°F to 500°F. The even heating means pancakes brown uniformly and steaks develop a nice crust without burning in spots. The detachable ventilated lid is a standout feature: cook lid-up for a direct sear and char-grilled flavor, or drop the lid to trap heat and melt cheese on burgers. Grease management is handled by a removable catch tray that keeps mess contained, though you’ll still want to wipe the plates after heavy use.

Build quality is solid – the stainless steel body feels durable, and the ceramic nonstick plates are made PFAS-free for healthier cooking. The plates slide out easily for cleaning, and the nonstick surface wipes clean with minimal effort, even after sticky sauces or burnt-on residue. The lid detaches completely for hassle-free washing, which is a nice touch. At 23 pounds, the unit is stable on a counter but not something you’d toss in a car for camping – it’s best used where you have a permanent spot and an outlet.

Limitations are worth noting: because it’s electric and indoor-only, you won’t get the smoky flavor of a charcoal or pellet grill. It also requires a 120V outlet, so it’s not suitable for off-grid tailgating or campsites without power. The 20-inch size is large for an indoor appliance, so make sure you have counter space. But for anyone who wants the convenience of electric cooking with the versatility of a griddle and grill, the Ninja Sizzle Pro XL is a practical choice. It’s especially great for apartment patios, covered decks, or as a backup for rainy days when you can’t fire up the smoker.

If you’re a backyard griller looking for an indoor companion to handle breakfast, quick weeknight dinners, or tailgate prep at home, this unit delivers. It won’t replace your offset smoker, but it’s a reliable, easy-to-clean workhorse for everyday meals. The even heat, large capacity, and simple cleanup make it a solid addition to any outdoor cooking enthusiast’s arsenal – as long as you have an outlet nearby.

The CUSIMAX Smokeless Indoor Grill is an electric grill and griddle combo that brings the joy of outdoor cooking inside — without the thick clouds of smoke. Designed for apartment dwellers, campers, RV owners, and tailgaters, this 1500W unit lets you grill burgers, sear steaks, or cook breakfast bacon and eggs right on your countertop or picnic table. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants quick, flavorful meals without dealing with weather or smoke alarms.

Performance-wise, the double U heating tubes deliver fast and consistent heat. You can adjust the temperature from 200°F to 450°F using the LED smart display, which is responsive and easy to read. The perforated grill plate does a good job of letting excess fat drip away, reducing flare-ups and leaving those nice char marks on your meat. The griddle side handles pancakes, eggs, and veggies evenly. While it won’t give you the deep smoke flavor of a charcoal or pellet smoker, it does produce a satisfying sear and keeps food moist with the tempered glass lid on.

Build quality is decent for its price range. The non-stick coating on both plates holds up well with normal use, and the removable parts — lid, plates, heat reflector, and drip tray — are all dishwasher safe. That makes cleanup much easier than a traditional grill. The unit itself is compact, measuring about 20.6 by 13.7 inches, so it fits on most countertops or folding camp tables. It’s not heavy, but the glass lid adds some fragility, so you’ll want to pack it carefully if you take it camping or tailgating.

One realistic limitation is the cooking surface. It’s fine for a couple of people or a small family, but if you’re hosting a backyard party with a dozen hungry guests, this grill will struggle to keep up. The griddle plate is great for breakfast for two, but you won’t be flipping a full batch of pancakes for a crowd. Also, while the smokeless feature works well for most foods, cooking fatty meats like bacon can still produce some smoke — just much less than a traditional grill.

For portability, it’s a winner. No propane tank, no charcoal bag, no ash cleanup. Just plug it in and cook. That makes it ideal for RV trips, tailgates where electricity is available, or covered patio cooking when the weather’s bad. The lack of outdoor durability features like rust resistance or wind guards isn’t a problem since it’s designed for indoor or sheltered use. Just keep it dry and store the glass lid safely.

Overall, the CUSIMAX Smokeless Indoor Grill is a practical choice for apartment grillers, small-space cooks, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile, easy-to-clean electric grill. If you need something for quick weeknight dinners, camping breakfasts, or tailgate appetizers, this unit delivers solid results without the hassle of smoke or heavy cleanup. Just don’t expect to smoke a brisket or feed a football team with it.

The George Foreman Smokeless Digital Smart Select Grill (model GRD6090B) is a family-size indoor electric contact grill that brings the joy of backyard BBQ inside without filling your home with smoke. Designed for 4-6 servings, this stainless steel workhorse sits on any countertop and delivers juicy burgers, steaks, chicken, and veggies in a fraction of the time. It's the perfect solution for apartment dwellers, RV owners, tailgaters, and anyone who loves grilled food but hates the cleanup and smoke that usually comes with it.

For backyard grillers who live in places with strict HOA rules or small patios, this grill is a godsend. You can cook burgers in just six minutes - 3x faster than traditional grilling - and the unique open plate design cools grease before it can burn, slashing smoke by up to 85%. That means no setting off smoke alarms, no lingering odors, and no need to open every window. The sloped grilling surface also drains away up to 50% of fat into the dishwasher-safe drip tray, so your meals come out healthier without sacrificing that signature sear.

Heat consistency is excellent thanks to the digital touch-sensitive controls. You simply select your desired temperature and time, and the grill does the rest. The 1500-watt heating element gets to 375°F in about five minutes, and the contact grilling design ensures even heat across the entire 90 sq. in. cooking surface. Searing performance is solid - you get those nice grill marks on burgers and steaks, though it's not as intense as a charcoal or propane grill. Smoke flavor is minimal because this is an indoor contact grill, but the fast cooking time helps lock in juices and creates a nice charred crust. For campers and RV owners, this is a huge plus: you can grill indoors or under an awning without worrying about wind or propane tanks.

Build quality is a clear step up from older George Foreman models. The stainless steel exterior is modern, sturdy, and resists heat damage, though it does get hot to the touch during high-temp cooking - you'll want a heat-safe surface like a wooden cutting board underneath. The removable plates feature Advanced George Tough nonstick coating, which holds up well if you hand wash them. The drip tray slides out easily and is also dishwasher safe. One reviewer noted that the top plate lost its nonstick ability over time when run through the dishwasher, so hand washing is recommended to extend the life of the coating. The unit weighs 4.19 pounds and stores vertically, saving valuable counter space when not in use.

Ease of setup is simple: just unbox, plug in, and let it preheat. Cleanup is the best part - the plates and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe, so you can spend more time with family and less time scrubbing. The only realistic limitation is that the timer beep is quiet and easy to miss if you get distracted, so stay nearby during those short six-minute cook times. Also, the outer body stays hot for a while after cooking, so let it cool before storing. For tailgaters, this grill is a no-brainer: it plugs into any standard 110-volt outlet, so you can fire it up in the truck bed or at the campsite for quick, smoke-free burgers.

Overall, this is a fantastic upgrade from older Foreman grills. It's well-built, easy to use, and delivers fast, healthy meals with minimal mess. If you're a backyard cook, camper, RV owner, or tailgater who wants real grilled flavor without the smoke and hassle, this grill is a solid buy. Just remember to hand wash the plates to keep that nonstick coating working for years.

The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4NNAS might not be a traditional grill you'd fire up in your backyard, but it's a seriously practical workhorse for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want grill-like results from a countertop appliance. Whether you're stuck inside during a rain delay on game day, tailgating from an RV with electrical hookup, or cooking on a patio where open flames aren't allowed, this 5-in-1 unit steps in to handle everything from a quick steak sear to a full pancake breakfast.

At its core, the Griddler is a contact grill and panini press, but flip the reversible nonstick plates and you've got a full flat-top griddle or a split configuration for simultaneous grilling and griddling. The dual temperature controls are a standout feature - they let you adjust each side independently from warm up to 425°F on the griddle side or from warm to sear on the grill/panini side. That means you can cook bacon low and slow on one side while searing burgers hot on the other. The floating cover hinges to accommodate thick cuts of meat or piled-high sandwiches, so you're not limited to thin patties.

For the outdoor cook, the Griddler excels as a backup or specialty tool. When your charcoal grill is still heating up, you can start steaks on this. If the wind is kicking up and blowing out your propane burner, the Griddler's enclosed electric heat stays consistent. Cleanup is much quicker than a traditional grill grate - the plates pop out and go right into the dishwasher, and the drip tray catches grease without flare-ups. That's a big plus for patio cooks who hate scrubbing grates.

Build quality is solid Cuisinart: stainless steel exterior, sturdy floating hinge, and a weight that feels substantial without being immovable. At over 10 pounds, it's not something you'd throw in a backpack for a hike, but it's fine for car camping or rolling out on a tailgate table. The 1500-watt heating element preheats fast, and the nonstick coating is PFAS-free, which is a nice peace-of-mind bonus for health-conscious grillers.

Realistically, the Griddler won't replace your smoker or kamado - you won't get that deep smoke flavor or char from wood coals. The open cooking area (200 square inches when flat) is enough for about 4-6 burger patties or 2-3 large steaks, so it's better suited for a family meal than a block party. But for a tailgater who wants pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast and then pressed panini for lunch, or for an RV owner who wants to sear steaks without filling the camper with smoke, it's a fantastic addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal.

Bottom line: if you already love grilling outdoors but need an indoor or covered-cooking solution that still delivers a good sear and versatile cooking, the Cuisinart Griddler is a smart buy. It's not a substitute for live fire, but it's one of the best indoor tools for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who value convenience and versatility.

The Griddler delivers consistent heat across the nonstick plates thanks to 1500 watts of power. In contact grill mode, the floating cover ensures even pressure, so panini get crisp and steaks cook evenly without pressing out all the juice. The dual temperature controls are real: you can set one side to 350°F for pancakes and the other to 425°F for eggs, or run both at sear for burgers. The grill ridges leave nice marks, though they're not as deep as outdoor cast iron grates. Searing performance is solid for an indoor unit - you'll get a good Maillard crust, especially if you preheat fully. No smoke flavor, but the ability to cook at high heat without filling the house with smoke (the drip tray catches most grease) is a win for patio or RV use.

Dual independent temperature knobs give you precise control from warm to 425°F on the griddle side, and from warm to sear on the grill/panini side. The dials are easy to read and adjust while cooking. There's no digital readout, but the settings are reliable: warm (about 150°F), low (200°F), medium (300°F), high (375°F), and sear (425°F+). The unit doesn't have a built-in thermometer, so you'll want an instant-read probe for exact doneness, but the heat holds steady once set. The floating cover also helps regulate temperature on thick items by applying even pressure.

This is one of the Griddler's strongest points. The nonstick cooking plates are fully removable and dishwasher safe. The drip tray also goes in the dishwasher. After cooking, let the plates cool, pop them out, and load them with the scraping tool that's included. The stainless steel exterior wipes down easily with a damp cloth. No more scrubbing stuck-on grease or dealing with flare-up residue. For tailgaters and campers, being able to toss everything in a dishwasher at home after a trip is a huge time saver. The PFAS-free coating holds up well against normal use, just avoid metal utensils to keep it intact.

This Griddler shines in specific outdoor-cooking scenarios. On a patio with a covered outlet, it's perfect for weekend breakfasts (pancakes, eggs, bacon) or lunchtime panini. For tailgaters with an RV or generator, it grills burgers and brats while you save your propane for the main event. Campers with electric hookups can cook indoors on rainy days without the smoke hassle. It's also a great second cooking surface for busy outdoor entertainers - sear steaks on the grill side while keeping sides warm on the griddle. Just remember it's not a replacement for charcoal or wood-fired flavor, but for convenience and versatility, it's hard to beat.

The George Foreman Beyond Grill 7-in-1 is an electric indoor grill that brings outdoor BBQ flavor to your countertop, patio, or campsite. It combines a powerful 1500-watt heating system with air fry technology, giving you seven cooking functions in one compact unit. Whether you're a backyard griller, tailgater, or RV camper, this grill offers a practical way to cook burgers, steaks, wings, and veggies without firing up charcoal or propane.

Real-world cooking performance is impressive for an electric grill. The 500°F searing function creates a nice crust on steaks and burgers, while the 360-degree heating ensures even cooking without hot spots. The air fry mode crisps up fries and chicken wings with minimal oil, making it a solid choice for those who want healthier versions of fried favorites. You can also cook frozen patties straight from the freezer in about 22 minutes, which is handy for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute tailgate prep.

Build quality is decent for the price point. The plastic exterior is lightweight and easy to move, but it won't match the durability of stainless steel models. The Advanced George Tough nonstick coating on the grill plate is a standout feature, it's 3x more durable than standard coatings and holds up well to regular use. The cooking pot and grill plates are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze after a messy cookout. At 14 pounds, it's portable enough to take to a campsite with electricity or use on a covered patio.

One limitation is the cooking capacity. The grill can handle up to 6 servings, but if you're hosting a big backyard party with a dozen guests, you'll need to cook in batches. The plastic construction also means it's not ideal for heavy outdoor use in rain or extreme heat, so it's best kept under a covered area. Additionally, since it's electric, you're tethered to an outlet, which limits its use for off-grid camping unless you have a generator.

Setup is straightforward, just unpack, rinse the plates, and plug it in. The controls are simple with preset functions for each cooking mode, making it easy for beginners. Storage is easy too, the compact footprint fits on a countertop or in a cabinet. For tailgaters and RV owners, this grill is a convenient way to cook burgers and sides without hauling a propane tank or dealing with charcoal ash.

Overall, the George Foreman Beyond Grill is a great buy for anyone who wants the convenience of an electric grill with versatile cooking options. It's best for small families, couples, or solo campers who prioritize speed and easy cleanup over massive cooking capacity. If you're a serious backyard BBQ enthusiast who needs high heat for searing and low-and-slow smoking, you might want a dedicated smoker or pellet grill. But for everyday grilling, air frying, and quick meals, this unit delivers solid performance and value.

The Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill is a versatile countertop appliance that brings the essence of outdoor grilling into your kitchen, RV, or tailgate setup. Designed for those who love the taste of BBQ but lack the space or weather for an outdoor grill, this electric model uses a water-filled drip tray to capture smoke and grease, keeping your indoor air clean while you cook.

This grill is best suited for backyard grillers who want to extend their cooking season year-round, apartment dwellers without balcony space, RV owners looking for a portable cooking solution, and tailgaters who need a reliable tabletop grill. The extra-large 15x9-inch nonstick cooking surface is big enough to handle a full meal of burgers, chicken breasts, and veggies simultaneously, making it practical for feeding a crowd.

In real-world use, the adjustable temperature control lets you dial in heat from low to high, which works well for everything from gently warming tortillas to searing steaks. While it won't match the intense heat of a propane or charcoal grill, it still produces decent browning and grill marks. The nonstick pyramid-style plate channels grease into the drip tray, promoting healthier cooking and reducing flare-ups. Cleanup is a highlight: the base and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, and the nonstick surface wipes clean easily.

Build quality is solid for the price point. The grill feels sturdy on countertops, and the UL-approved safety features provide peace of mind. However, the grill plate is fixed, so deep cleaning around the heating element requires some effort. Portability is a strong suit: it's lightweight enough to move from kitchen to campsite, though it does require a nearby outlet.

One realistic limitation is that this grill won't deliver the same smoke-infused flavor you'd get from a charcoal smoker or pellet grill. It's more about convenience and indoor usability. Also, the maximum temperature is lower than many outdoor grills, so achieving a hard sear on thick steaks may take a bit longer.

Overall, the Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill is a practical buy for anyone who wants quick, easy, and relatively mess-free grilling indoors. It's especially useful for apartment cooks, RVers, and tailgaters who value convenience and clean air over authentic smoke flavor. If you're looking for a dependable tabletop grill that won't set off smoke alarms, this is a solid choice.

The Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill delivers consistent heat across its large nonstick surface, allowing you to cook burgers, chicken, vegetables, and even fish evenly. The adjustable temperature control gives you flexibility from low heat for delicate foods to high heat for searing. While it doesn't reach the extreme temperatures of outdoor grills, it still produces good browning and grill marks. The water-filled drip tray effectively minimizes smoke, making it suitable for indoor use without setting off alarms. Grease management is handled well by the drip tray, reducing flare-ups and promoting healthier cooking.

This electric grill features a simple dial that lets you adjust the heat from low to high. The temperature range is sufficient for most indoor grilling tasks, from warming buns to searing steaks. However, it lacks a built-in thermometer, so you'll need to rely on experience or an external probe for precise cooking. The heat distribution is fairly even across the cooking surface, though some hotspots may develop near the center. Overall, the control is responsive and allows for good customization depending on what you're cooking.

The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G is a 12-inch smokeless indoor electric grill that fills a unique niche for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want the taste of BBQ without the weather dependency. While it's not a traditional charcoal or propane grill, it excels as a versatile countertop cooker for backyard grillers, apartment dwellers, campers, and tailgaters who need a reliable, fast, and easy-to-clean option for year-round grilling.

In terms of cooking performance, this grill heats up remarkably fast thanks to its circular 1200-watt heating element. The adjustable thermostat with five settings lets you dial in the right temperature for everything from delicate fish to a perfect sear on a steak. The nonstick grilling surface delivers even heat across the 12-inch cooking area, so you won't find annoying hot spots. While it won't produce the smoky flavor of a charcoal grill, the glass lid traps juices and creates a moist cooking environment that keeps food tender. For those who crave that charred taste, a quick finishing sear on high does the trick.

Build quality is solid for the price point. The stainless steel base and tempered glass lid feel sturdy, and the heat-resistant base and cool-touch handles make it safe to use on any kitchen counter or picnic table. Portability is a strong suit: at just 650 grams and with a compact footprint, it's easy to toss in an RV or camping bin. However, the short power cord can be a limitation when setting up at a tailgate or campsite without a nearby outlet. The grease management system is excellent—a removable drip tray catches all the fat, and the nonstick plate wipes clean in seconds. All removable parts are dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus after a messy cookout.

Setup is straightforward: just plug it in, set the temperature, and wait a few minutes for it to heat. Storage is simple thanks to the detachable thermostat and compact shape. The only real limitations are the cooking capacity—it's best for 2-4 people—and the cord length, which may require an extension cord in some settings. Also, the nonstick coating is delicate, so avoid metal utensils to keep it in top shape.

Overall, the Elite Gourmet EMG6505G is a practical choice for anyone who loves grilled food but doesn't want the hassle of an outdoor grill every time. It's perfect for rainy days, small patios, apartment balconies, or as a backup grill for tailgating and camping. If you're a backyard BBQ enthusiast looking for a convenient indoor option that's easy to clean and delivers consistent results, this grill is a solid buy.

The Elite Gourmet EMG6505G delivers reliable cooking performance for an indoor electric grill. The circular heating element ensures even heat distribution across the 12-inch nonstick surface, so burgers, chicken breasts, and veggies cook uniformly. The adjustable temperature control with five settings from low to 450°F gives you flexibility to sear, grill, or keep warm. While it doesn't produce the smoky flavor of an outdoor charcoal or pellet grill, the glass lid helps retain moisture and heat, creating a mini-oven effect that works well for thicker cuts. For best results, preheat for 5 minutes and use a light spray of oil to enhance browning. The smokeless feature is effective—thanks to the water tray and lid, there's virtually no smoke, making it ideal for indoor use without setting off alarms.

Cleaning the Elite Gourmet EMG6505G is one of its biggest selling points. After cooking, let the grill cool, then remove the nonstick grilling plate, drip tray, and glass lid—all are dishwasher safe. For hand washing, a soft sponge and mild soap easily remove any residue thanks to the quality nonstick coating. The drip tray slides out like a drawer for easy disposal of grease. Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal scrubbers to protect the nonstick surface. The stainless steel base can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Overall, maintenance is minimal, and the detachable parts make this grill one of the easiest to clean in its category.

The NAUQUOHZ 1500W Electric Indoor Grill aims to bring the fun of outdoor grilling inside, rain or shine. It's a 2-in-1 unit that includes both a grill mesh for classic sear marks and a flat griddle surface for pancakes, eggs, or smash burgers. The bundle also features three small raclette-style cheese pans that sit under the main cooking surface, perfect for melting cheese or warming sides while the mains cook.

This grill is best suited for backyard enthusiasts who want a smoke-free option for apartment patios, RV owners with electrical hookups, campers looking to cook inside a cabin or tent with power, and tailgaters who value easy cleanup after the game. It's not a replacement for a full-size pellet smoker or propane grill, but it fills a niche for quick, indoor-friendly grilling when outdoor cooking isn't possible.

Cooking performance is solid for its size. The 1500W element heats up quickly and maintains temperature through the adjustable dial. You can go low to melt cheese or high to sear chicken thighs and burgers. The non-stick coating works well for most foods, though the grill mesh can be a bit tricky to clean if cheese or sugar-based marinades stick. The griddle plate is non-stick and releases food easily. Heat distribution is fairly even across the surface, though you may notice slightly cooler edges.

Build quality is decent for the price. The main body is plastic with a stainless steel accent, and the cooking plates feel sturdy with a cast-iron core wrapped in non-stick coating. The included accessories – grill mesh, griddle plate, drip tray, and three mini pans – all fit securely. The unit is lightweight at 6.1 pounds, making it easy to move from counter to table or pack for a camping trip. No wheels or folding legs here, but portability is fine for indoor and portable use.

Setup is straightforward: just rinse the plates, plug in, and select your temperature. The instructions recommend adding a small amount of water to the drip tray to catch grease and prevent smoke, which works well. Cleanup is quick because the plates and cheese pans are dishwasher safe. The raised edges on the cooking tray help reduce splatter, but you'll still want to wipe down the base occasionally.

Realistic limitations include a modest cooking area – about 16 inches by 9 inches – so it's best for one to three people. The grill mesh is not a solid flat-top, so if you expect a completely flat griddle surface for things like crepes or flatbreads, you'll need to use the separate griddle plate. Some users note that the undercarriage area for the cheese pans is tight, so those pans are best for melted cheese or dips rather than cooking eggs simultaneously. Overall, if you're looking for a versatile, easy-clean indoor electric grill that mimics outdoor flavor without smoke, and you grill for small groups, this is a practical buy for patio cooks, RVers, and apartment dwellers.

The 1500W heating element brings this grill up to temperature in two to three minutes, and the adjustable thermostat gives you real control over heat output. On the low end you can keep cheese or dips warm without scorching, while the high setting sears burgers and chicken thighs with visible browning. The non-stick griddle plate produces even heat across almost the entire surface, though the edges run slightly cooler. The grill mesh does an okay job of creating grill marks, but it's not as hot as a dedicated outdoor grate. For most quick indoor cooks – steaks, veggies, hot dogs – it performs reliably.

Because this is an electric indoor grill, you won't get smoke flavor from wood chips or charcoal. The smokeless technology is effective: even when searing at high heat, there's very little visible smoke. If you want a subtle smoky taste, consider adding a small smoker tube or liquid smoke to your marinade. But for straightforward grilling of meats and veggies, the results are juicy and nicely charred.

One of the standout features is how easy this grill is to clean. Both the grill mesh and the flat griddle plate pop out of the base without tools. The non-stick coating releases food residue well, and all the plates plus the three cheese pans are dishwasher safe. The drip tray collects grease and needs to be emptied after each use; you can wash it by hand or run it through the dishwasher. The main body of the grill should be wiped down with a damp cloth, but the heating element is enclosed so you don't have to worry about food getting stuck.

To minimize smoke and avoid grease fires, always add about a quarter inch of water to the drip tray before heating, as the manual recommends. This helps cool drippings and prevents smoke. After cooking, let the unit cool, remove the plates, and wash them. The non-stick coating is durable but avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges to preserve it. Overall, you can clean the entire grill in about five minutes.