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Grilling is usually an outdoor sport. But when it’s raining, snowing, or you just live in an apartment where propane tanks are banned, getting that char-grilled flavor is tough. Most “indoor grills” are just glorified panini presses that steam your meat rather than sear it.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill claims to fix this by hitting a blazing 450°F—high enough to put legitimate grill marks on a steak. It features a hooded design to lock in heat and a viewing window so you don’t have to lift the lid (and lose heat) to check your food. I bought one to see if it could replace my charcoal grill for a quick weeknight burger.
What Makes This Grill Different?
Unlike the classic George Foreman style grills that press food from both sides, this is an “open grate” style grill with a lid. This design mimics an outdoor BBQ experience.
- High Heat Searing: It goes up to 450°F (Max setting). This is the threshold needed to caramelize meat proteins. Anything lower just cooks the meat grey.
- Viewing Window: The stainless steel lid has a glass window. This is surprisingly useful. You can watch your cheese melt on a burger without opening the lid and dropping the temperature.
- Removable Parts: The hood, the grill plate, and the drip tray all come off. This is critical because cleaning grill grates by hand is a nightmare. These are dishwasher safe.
- PFAS-Free Nonstick: The grate uses a ceramic nonstick coating, not Teflon, which is a safer choice for high-heat cooking.
Hands-On Experience: The Steak Test
I put this grill through the ultimate test: a thick ribeye steak and some zucchini slices.
Preheating
I turned the dial to “Sear” (450°F). The green “Preheat” light took about 8-10 minutes to turn on. This is longer than a gas stove, but faster than charcoal. The hood gets hot, so keep hands away.
The Sear
I threw the steak on. Sizzle. It was a satisfying, loud sizzle. I closed the lid to trap the heat. After 4 minutes, I flipped it. To my surprise, there were distinct, dark grill marks. It wasn’t quite the charred crust of a charcoal fire, but it was miles better than a frying pan. The zucchini grilled perfectly in about 3 minutes.
Smoke Factor
Does it smoke? Yes, but not much. When fat from the steak hit the heating element below the grate, there were wisps of smoke. It wasn’t enough to set off my sensitive smoke detector, but you will smell “cooking” in your kitchen. It is significantly less smoky than using a cast iron skillet on high heat.
Cleanup
This is where it wins. I waited for it to cool, popped the grate and the drip tray out, and threw them in the dishwasher. The hood wipes down easily. The nonstick coating actually worked; the cheese that dripped off the burger slid right off.
Pros and Cons
It’s a great appliance, but it has limitations. Here is the honest breakdown.
| What I Loved (Pros) | What Could Be Better (Cons) |
|---|---|
| True Searing: 450°F is hot enough to create real flavor and texture. | Cord Length: The cord is very short (2 feet). You need to be right next to an outlet. |
| Easy Clean: Removable, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze. | Preheat Time: Takes a solid 10 minutes to get to searing temp. |
| Viewing Window: Great for monitoring melting cheese without losing heat. | Size: It says it serves 6, but realistically it fits 4 large burgers or 2 large steaks. |
| Fat Drainage: The grease drips away into the tray, keeping food less oily. | Lid Hinges: The lid isn’t attached; it lifts off completely. Requires counter space to set it down hot. |
Comparison: Indoor Grill Showdown
Here is how the Hamilton Beach compares to other popular indoor grilling options.
| Feature | Hamilton Beach Searing Grill (This Review) | George Foreman (Contact Grill) | Ninja Foodi (Air Fryer/Grill) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style 🔥 | Open Grate (BBQ Style) | Contact Press (Panini Style) | Air Fryer Hybrid |
| Temp 🌡️ | 450°F (Adjustable) | Fixed (Usually lower) | 500°F (Cyclonic Air) |
| Flavor 🥩 | Good Char | Steamed/Pressed | Excellent Char |
| Cleaning 🧽 | Easy (Dishwasher) | Easy (Wipe) | Medium (More parts) |
| Price 💰 | Affordable | Budget | Premium ($150+) |
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill is the best option for people who want the BBQ experience without the BBQ hassle. If you live in an apartment, condo, or just hate dealing with propane in the winter, this is a fantastic substitute.
It won’t completely replicate the smoky flavor of charcoal, but for $50-$60, it gets you 90% of the way there with zero cleanup frustration. It’s perfect for burgers, chicken breasts, and veggies. Just be patient with the preheat time, and you’ll be rewarded with legitimate grill marks indoors.
