Electric grills aren't just for cooking up late-night chicken nuggets. Many big names in outdoor grilling like Char-Broil and Weber are now offering electric grills to either replace or supplement your gas and charcoal-fueled grills. An electric grill offers a clean, energy-efficient way to cook just about anything you would for a regular barbecue without the mess and hassle of propane bottles, lighter fluid, and charcoal. 

Also:The best air fryers: Crunchy comfort food without the oil 

While many models don't really mimic the taste of gas or charcoal-grilled foods, there are a few that allow for cooking fats and juices to vaporize. This helps to give your food that classic grilled taste we all know and love. 

To help you find the right electric grill for you, I put together a list of the five best that you can buy. I was able to get some hands-on experience with the Weber Lumin, and did my best to include sizes, temperature ranges, and price points to help you decide which is the best fit for your budget, outdoor space, and cooking needs.

Weber Lumin

Best electric grill overall

Taylor Clemons/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Mimics gas grill flavor
• Similar pre-heat and cook times to gas
• Steamer basket included
• Intuitive controls

Cons

• No legs or stand included
• Double-walled construction may dry out food
• Short power cord

More Details

Weber Lumin specs: Cooking area:237 square inchesMax temperature:600 FDimensions:23.5 x 19.45 x 12.5 inchesStyle:Tabletop/Freestanding 

The Weber Lumin is an excellent choice for outdoor electric grilling. I was able to get some hands-on experience with the compact version, pitting it against my gas grill to see how the Lumin compared in cooking times and taste. It was able to pre-heat and cook in similar time frames as my gas grill, and was even able to mimic that classic, charred flavor you get from gas grilling. 

It comes with a steamer basket for using soaked wood chips, thawing meat, steaming veggies, or even using the Lumin as a chafing dish to keep finished food at safe temperatures while you finish cooking. The only downside is that it does not come with a leg or stand assembly, since it is meant to be set on a table by default. But if you want legs or a stand, you can purchase one from Weber.

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George Foreman Grill

Best budget electric grill

George Foreman/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Under$100
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Stand included
• Removable grill plate

Cons

• Doesn't mimic gas grill flavor
• PDF-only user manual

More Details

George Foreman grill specs: Cooking area:240 square inches Max temperature:Not specifiedDimensions:39.25 x 22.5 x 11.25 inchesStyle:Tabletop/Freestanding

Chances are, when you think of electric grills, you think of the George Foreman brand. Ubiquitous with late-90s and early-00s infomercials, the George Foreman grills were able to back up their popularity with solid construction and ease of use. The latest iteration is no exception. It's rated for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can grill burgers, steaks, veggies, and more no matter the weather. 

It also comes with a stand base for outdoor cooking so you don't have to sacrifice a patio table to grill. And since the grill plate itself is removable, it's easy to clean between grilling sessions. It's also super affordable, retailing just under$100 -- great for anyone who is working with a limited budget.

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Ninja Woodfire

Best multipurpose electric grill

Ninja/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 7-in-1 functionality
• Temperature and timer settings
• Wood pellet fueled smoke box

Cons

• Expensive
• Stand sold separately

More Details

Ninja Woodfire specs: Cooking area:141 square inchesMax temperature:Not specifiedDimensions:23.6 x 18.6 x 13 inchesStyle:Countertop 

If you're like me and can't stand the thought of keeping a single-purpose cooking appliance around, the Ninja Woodfire is a great option for outdoor cooking. Not only does it grill, but you can also use it to bake, roast, dehydrate, and even air-fry. 

This means that you can turn your outdoor cooking space into the ultimate BBQ to sear steaks, smoke racks of ribs, make grilled pizza, and more. The large dial lets you set your cooking style while the LED display lets you set temperature ranges and cooking timers, so you never have to worry about overdone or underdone food.

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Char-Broil Edge

Best large electric grill

Char-Broil/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 330-square inch cooking surface
• Stainless steel construction
• Auto clean mode
• Mimics gas grill flavor

Cons

• Expensive
• No side burner
• No pellet/woodchip box included

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Char-Broil Edge specs: Cooking area:330 square inches Max temperature:700 FDimensions:48 x 22.5 x 45 inchesStyle:Cart 

Electric grills tend to be on the smaller side, but the Char-Broil Edge is designed to give you similar cooking space to gas and charcoal grills. It features 330 square inches of cooking space, which means you can cook up to 18 burgers, racks of ribs or briskets, and even whole chickens. 

The digital display makes setting temperatures and timers fast and easy, while the automatic cleaning cycle helps keep your grill in top shape. The cart is made of stainless steel, which means it won't rust when exposed to the elements; it also means that the delicate electric components will also be protected from the elements, though I do recommend getting a grill cover for an extra barrier. 

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Zojirushi EB-CC15

Best indoor electric grill

Zojirushi/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Segmented grate
• Built-in safety features
• 410 F max temp
• Cool-touch handles

Cons

• No lid to prevent splattering
• May not be best for delicate foods like fish

More Details

Zojirushi EB-CC15 - Cooking area:112 square inches Max temperature:410 FDimensions:12 x 18.75 x 3 inchesStyle:Countertop 

Many electric grills are rated for indoor use, meaning that you can keep grilling well after summer has ended. The Zojirushi EB-CC15 features a uniquely segmented cooking plate that both allows fat to drain away from cooking food and vaporize, so you can mimic gas-grilled flavor. The entire unit disassembles for easier cleaning, and the handles stay cool to the touch for safer cooking and handling. 

The drip tray is also dishwasher safe. The cooking element can reach temperatures up to 410 F, which means you can sear steaks, saut