Smokeless indoor electric grill
Perfect for grill enthusiasts who want to enjoy barbecue flavors year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
Kitchen & Coffee
Electric griddles & grills
6 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Electric griddles and grills tend to go to people who cook for a crowd, live in apartments with no barbecue, or want to keep grilling through a Canadian winter. The ones that get used most are simple. A smokeless indoor grill for weeknight burgers and vegetables, or a flat indoor griddle big enough to cook a whole family's pancakes at once. As a gift, think about where it will actually live. Counter and cupboard space often decide whether it gets used every week or sits in a box. Match the size to the household, and pick something that fits how they already cook rather than a gadget they'd have to find a use for.
Kind 1 of 6
Smokeless indoor grills for year-round grilling
A smokeless indoor grill has a grill plate over a drip tray, and a fan or low-sitting element keeps smoke down so you can grill steak, chicken or vegetables in the kitchen. It suits condo and apartment dwellers, anyone without outdoor space, and people who miss barbecuing once the snow arrives. Before buying, check that the grill plate and drip tray come out and can be washed easily. Look at the cooking surface too: a small one works for two, while a family needs more room. Also check the height, since some models are tall and won't fit under upper cabinets.
Kind 2 of 6
Indoor griddles for big breakfasts
An indoor griddle is a flat, heated cooking surface that sits on the counter or table. It's made for pancakes, eggs, bacon, crêpes and grilled sandwiches, often all at the same time. It suits busy families, people who host brunch, and anyone who's tired of cooking breakfast in batches on a small stovetop. Some versions add a warming tray or a toaster section, which turns them into a full breakfast station. Before buying, check the surface size, whether temperature control is adjustable, and whether there's a grease channel. Think about storage as well, because the larger surfaces take up real cupboard space.
Multi-function breakfast station
A practical gift for small households or dorm residents, combining several breakfast appliances into one compact unit.
Electric crepe and blintz maker
Ideal for those who appreciate delicate crepes, offering a simple way to create sweet or savory thin pancakes at home.
Kind 3 of 6
Portable griddles and compact presses
Portable griddles and compact presses are small enough to tuck in a drawer, bring to the cottage, or set up in a dorm room or RV. This group includes panini presses and waffle makers, which do one job well without taking over the counter. They suit students, couples, small households and anyone who cooks in more than one place. Before buying, check the cord length and whether the plates are removable or at least easy to wipe down. See if it stores upright, and make sure the plate size fits a normal sandwich or a full waffle.
Compact panini press
Great for sandwich lovers and busy individuals, allowing quick preparation of toasted sandwiches, wraps, and quesadillas.
Classic belgian waffle maker
A delightful gift for anyone who loves homemade waffles, offering a fun and easy way to prepare a sweet breakfast or dessert.
Kind 4 of 6
Large non-stick griddles for easy cleanup
A non-stick electric griddle has a coated surface, so food releases easily and cleanup is usually a quick wipe. It's a good fit for families who make pancakes, French toast or quesadillas often, and for anyone who wants to use less oil. Before buying, check how big the cooking area is and whether the heat is even from edge to edge. See whether the griddle can go partly underwater or needs a hand wipe only. A removable drip tray and a heat-resistant handle make weekly use easier. Remind the recipient to use wooden or silicone utensils so the coating lasts.
Electric non stick griddle
This versatile appliance is ideal for families who enjoy making pancakes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Kind 5 of 6
Stainless steel and teppanyaki-style griddles
Stainless steel electric griddles, including long teppanyaki-style models, have a bare metal surface that browns meat and vegetables well. They can take metal spatulas. They suit keen home cooks, people who like cooking at the table while guests watch, and anyone who has worn out coated pans before. The trade-off is that food can stick more, so the cook needs to use some oil and learn how to preheat. Before buying, check the length of the surface against the table or counter, the temperature range, and how the grease is collected.
Large electric teppanyaki grill
Suits aspiring home chefs who enjoy cooking a variety of foods simultaneously, from stir-fries to grilled vegetables and meats.
Kind 6 of 6
Tabletop raclette grills for shared meals
A tabletop raclette grill sits in the middle of the table. It has small trays underneath for melting cheese and a grill or stone top for cooking meat, vegetables and potatoes. Everyone cooks their own portion, so the meal lasts a while and feels like an event. It's a good gift for couples who entertain, families who like long holiday dinners, and friends who host games nights. Before buying, count the melting trays against the usual number of guests, and check the cord length for the table setup. Make sure the trays and top are easy to wash.
Tabletop raclette grill
An excellent choice for social hosts who enjoy interactive dining experiences, perfect for melting cheese and grilling small portions.
How to choose electric griddles & grills as a gift
- Ask yourself where it will be stored between uses, because bulky appliances that live in a basement cupboard rarely get pulled out.
- Match the cooking surface to the household: compact for one or two people, large for families and people who host.
- Look for removable plates, drip trays and parts that can be washed easily, since cleanup is what decides whether it gets used again.
- Adjustable temperature control makes a griddle useful for more than one food, from delicate crêpes to seared meat.
- Think about how they already cook and entertain, and choose the appliance that fits that habit.
Usually safe to skip
- Skip single-purpose novelty makers for people with small kitchens, since they often get used once and then take up cupboard space.
- Avoid oversized griddles for one or two people, because a surface that's too big heats unevenly for small meals and is hard to store.
- Give a pass to models with fixed, non-removable plates if the recipient hates washing up, as cleaning them can become a chore.
Questions people ask about electric griddles & grills
- Is an indoor grill or a griddle the better gift?
- An indoor grill with ridged plates suits someone who wants burgers, steak and grill marks without a barbecue. A flat griddle is better for breakfast foods, crêpes and cooking many small items at once. Think about which meals the person makes most often.
- Do smokeless indoor grills really cook without smoke?
- They're designed to keep smoke down with drip trays, fans or lower heating elements, but fatty foods can still give off some smoke and cooking smells. Trimming fat and keeping the drip tray clean usually helps. Expect less smoke than a pan, not zero.
- What size electric griddle should I buy for a family?
- For a family of four or more, choose a surface that fits several pancakes or a full pack of bacon at once, so food comes out together. Before buying, check the size against the counter or table space and the cupboard where it will be stored.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All electric griddles & grills picks
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