Best Contact Grills of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Contact grills are an essential appliance for any kitchen. They are versatile and efficient, allowing you to cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. Whether you're making a grilled cheese sandwich or cooking up some chicken breasts, a contact grill is the perfect tool for the job. These grills are designed to cook food evenly on both sides, making them ideal for everything from burgers to vegetables. They are also easy to clean, with many models featuring removable plates that can be washed in the dishwasher. Overall, contact grills are an excellent addition to any kitchen, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to cook delicious meals.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GEORGE FOREMAN® Submersible™ Grill, 5-Serving Grill Cover #TOP 1
GEORGE FOREMAN® Submersible™ Grill, 5-Serving Grill
ftb score rating icon 9.8
George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press Cover #TOP 2
George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill Cover #TOP 3
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Contact Grills

#TOP 1

GEORGE FOREMAN® Submersible™ Grill, 5-Serving Grill

Submersible
Black/Grey
5-Serving
GEORGE FOREMAN® Submersible™ Grill, 5-Serving Grill Cover
GEORGE FOREMAN® Contact Submersible™ Grill, 5-Serving Grill - Adjustable Temperature Control, Black Plates, Wash the entire grill

Say goodbye to greasy grills with the GEORGE FOREMAN® Submersible™ Grill! This contact grill features a unique design that allows for easy cleaning - simply remove the control panel and place all remaining components in the dishwasher. The grill also boasts a 30% faster preheat time, making it perfect for quick and easy meals. With its advanced George Tough nonstick coating, variable temperature control, and family-size capacity, this grill offers precise cooking and allows up to 5 servings.

What We Like
Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components
30% faster preheat time for quick and easy meals
Advanced nonstick coating for durable and long-lasting use
Variable temperature control for precise cooking
Fits up to 5 servings, perfect for families
#TOP 2

George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press

GRP1060B-TX
Black
4-Serving
George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press Cover
George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Electric Grill and Panini Press, George Tough Non-Stick Coating, Drip Tray Catches Grease, Black

The George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press is a contact grill that features dishwasher safe removable plates for easy cleanup. The removable plates are convenient to pop in the dishwasher after grilling, making them ready for the next meal. Moreover, the grill has improved heating elements that preheat 35% faster than others, so you can enjoy your food faster.

What We Like
Easy to clean with dishwasher safe removable plates
35% faster heatup for quick cooking
#TOP 3

Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill

25371
Silver
6-Serving
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill Cover
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill, 6-Serving, Large 90 sq. in. Nonstick Easy Clean Plates, Floating Hinge for Thicker Foods, 1200 Watts, 6.38"D x 12.68"W x 13.78"H , Silver (25371)

The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Grill is perfect for families, offering a large 90 square inch surface that can grill up to 6 servings at once, making it suitable for a quick meal. The non-stick plates wipe clean easily and the drip tray is removable for easy dishwasher safe cleaning. The grill is also great for low-fat grilling with the fat dripping away from the food as it cooks. The power and preheat lights let you know exactly when to add your food for best results.

What We Like
Large 90 square inch surface can grill up to 6 servings at once
Easy to clean non-stick plates and removable drip tray
Great for low-fat grilling
#TOP 4

De'Longhi Livenza All-Day Grill with FlexPress System

CGH1020D
Stainless Steel
De'Longhi Livenza All-Day Grill with FlexPress System Cover
De'Longhi America CGH1020D Livenza All Day Combination Contact Grill and Open Barbecue, Stainless Steel

The De'Longhi Livenza All-Day Grill with FlexPress System, model CGH1020D, is a versatile appliance perfect for maximizing counter space while still being able to flex cooking chops in the kitchen. It features interchangeable sets of high-performance grill and griddle plates with 5 cooking functions, including contact grill & Panini press, open full grill, open full griddle, half grill half griddle. The digital control LED panel with two knobs can set the temperature control of the two plates. The hanging self-adjustable hinge won't crush small sandwiches or large pieces of meat while still cooking it through. The extra-wide 9"x15" cooking surface allows you to make multiple dishes for a large family or entertaining.

What We Like
Versatile with 5 cooking functions
Interchangeable sets of high-performance grill and griddle plates
Digital control LED panel with two knobs can set the temperature control of the two plates
Hanging self-adjustable hinge won't crush small sandwiches or large pieces of meat while still cooking it through
Extra-wide 9"x15" cooking surface allows you to make multiple dishes for a large family or entertaining
#TOP 5

T-Fal OptiGrill Electric Grill

10942215370
Silver
4-Servings
T-Fal OptiGrill Electric Grill Cover
T-fal OptiGrill XL Electric Indoor Grill: 6 Auto Cooking Modes, Smart Sensor Technology, Nonstick Removable Plates, 4-8 Servings, Dishwasher Safe, Panini Press, Precision Grilling

The T-Fal OptiGrill Electric Grill is the first indoor grill that adapts its grilling cycles to the thickness of food. It has 6 automatic cooking programs and a cooking surface of 600 square centimeters, making it easy to monitor the cooking process with preheating/ready indicator lights and audible beeps for rare, medium, and well-done. Additionally, it has 2 cooking modes and removable non-stick plates making for effortless food release and cleaning.

What We Like
Adapts grilling cycles to thickness of food
6 automatic cooking programs
Preheating/ready indicator lights and audible beeps
2 cooking modes
Removable non-stick plates for easy cleaning
#TOP 6

George Foreman 2-Serving Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press

GRS040B
Black
2-Serving
George Foreman 2-Serving Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press Cover
George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press, Black, GRS040B

This George Foreman grill is perfect for small apartments and couples, fitting two servings of your grilled favorites. Its low profile and vertical storage capabilities make it easy to fit in small spaces. The advanced nonstick coating is durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil. The adjustable grilling angle allows you to remove excess fat during grilling, or put it flat for panini and other toasting tasks. The exclusive fat-removing slope helps remove excess fat for tasty meals and healthy grilling.

What We Like
Space-saving design
Durable and easy-to-clean nonstick coating
Adjustable grilling angle
Exclusive fat-removing slope
#TOP 7

George Foreman 2-Serving Grill GR10B

GR10B
Black
2-Serving
George Foreman 2-Serving Grill GR10B Cover
George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press, Black, GR10B

The George Foreman Indoor Grill is perfect for small spaces, making it ideal for apartments and couples. Its compact size allows you to grill delicious meals without taking up too much counter area. The nonstick coating makes cooking and cleaning a breeze, reducing the need for added fats, so you can enjoy healthier meals. Plus, the innovative sloped design helps drain away excess fat, allowing you to savor leaner dishes. With a dishwasher-safe drip tray, cleanup is quick and hassle-free, letting you focus on enjoying your food.

What We Like
Compact design
Nonstick for easy cleaning
Fat-reducing slope
Dishwasher-safe drip tray
#TOP 8

George Foreman Contact Smokeless Select a Temp. Grill

GRV6090B
Grey
Large
George Foreman Contact Smokeless Select a Temp. Grill Cover
George Foreman Contact Smokeless Select a Temp. Grill, Family Size (4-6 Servings)

The George Foreman Contact Smokeless Select a Temp. Grill, also known as the George Foreman Contact Grill, is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that allows you to enjoy the sizzle of grilling without the hassle of smoke. With its unique open plate design, grease drains onto the dishwasher-safe drip tray, preventing it from burning and producing smoke. This grill offers 3X faster cooking, allowing you to prepare delicious meals in no time. The variable temperature setting lets you easily adjust the heat for precise results, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection. Cleaning up is a breeze, thanks to the removable and dishwasher-safe grill plate and drip tray. The advanced George Tough nonstick coating makes cooking and cleaning even easier. With the George Foreman Contact Grill, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying meals with your family.

What We Like
Smokeless grilling
3X faster cooking
Easy temperature adjustment
#TOP 9

Breville Sear and Press Grill

BGR700BSS
Medium
Breville Sear and Press Grill Cover
Breville Sear & Press Grill BGR700BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Sear and Press Grill offers one-touch presets for easy cooking of your favorite meals such as burgers, paninis, and seared steaks. Its open flat BBQ mode provides a 240 square inch grilling and griddle surface for cooking eggs, pancakes, seafood, and more. The grill's independent plate temperature control allows you to cook a variety of foods that require different temperatures simultaneously. Its reversible ceramic grill and griddle plates provide non-stick convenience while being PFOA and PTFE free. Additionally, the grill is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

What We Like
One-touch presets for easy cooking
Reversible ceramic grill and griddle plates for non-stick convenience
Open flat BBQ mode provides a 240 square inch grilling and griddle surface
#TOP 10

Elite Cuisine Panini Press and Grill

EPN-2976
Stainless Steel
10.5" x 9"
Elite Cuisine Panini Press and Grill Cover
Elite Gourmet EPN-2976 2-in-1 Nonstick Panini Press & Indoor Grill, Opens 180-Degree Gourmet Sandwich Maker, Floating Hinge Fits All Foods, Contact Grill with Removable Grease Tray, Stainless Steel

The Elite Cuisine Panini Press and Grill is a 2-in-1 appliance that allows you to grill and press your food. It has a large 9"x10.5" cooking surface and 1000-watt dual heat zones, making it ideal for cooking quick and tasty meals. The non-stick cooking plates ensure easy clean-up, and the tilt-up design and skid-resistant feet keep the grill in position. It comes with a drip tray and an instruction manual with recipes. With its compact size, storing the contact grill is easy.

What We Like
2-in-1 appliance for grilling and pressing food
Large 9"x10.5" cooking surface and 1000-watt dual heat zones for fast and energy-saving cooking
Non-stick cooking plates and easy clean-up
Buying Guide Image

Deciding which Contact Grills is Best for Your House

This preparation of dishes is the best, you should know what to look for when buying. Something you can know by consulting the tips of our guide to buy the best contact grill depending on what you prefer and your cooking needs.

Operating power and control

As in any comparison of kitchen tools, the power of the product is one of the keys to them. This electric power is responsible for heating the plates and maintaining the proper temperature to cook evenly. That is why it is convenient that you bet on products with more power precisely to save time and to be able to choose the right temperature.

In this case, the most reasonable power is that of 2000 watts, with 1500 watts being sufficient in those models that only cook with an iron. In any case, if you can have a thermostat system with which to adjust this temperature. In some models, these temperatures are adjusted directly while in others it simply sets more or less heat.

Although it is true that for many dishes it is not necessary to establish a specific temperature, such as sandwiches, for others such as fish or certain meats this control is important. So you just have to choose the type of control format you prefer based on what you are going to prepare and your cooking skills.

Space and work mode

Although the idea of ​​contact grill is to work in a closed way, the truth is that in many of the products on the market we have options that allow us to work with closed or open plates. The difference between this type of product is that the second iron is hot or not, as is the case in cheap models.

In case you do not have large cooking needs or simply go to use the grill in the toaster and similar format, you can bet on a simple iron that only uses the lower grill, which saves time and inconvenience in cleaning. If you have more need for space, your choice is the products with two active irons. These models open completely offering twice the cooking surface with the same temperature and power characteristics.

In any case, be sure to check the measurements of the iron, which usually is around 30 centimeters wide by 25 centimeters deep. If you need more space, bet on the models that follow this size and the double plate format. If this is not the case and you are looking for a cheaper contact grill, this aspect can be missed, since the space in most products is usually similar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can you do with a contact grill?

A contact grill offers versatile cooking options. You can grill meat and vegetables, and some models come with replaceable grill plates that allow you to make dishes like croque monsieur, Belgian waffles, or pancakes. It's a multi-functional appliance that can be used for various cooking purposes.

2. Do you need oil on a contact grill?

No, you don't necessarily need oil on a contact grill. Some contact grills come with non-stick surface coated grill plates, which allow you to cook with a minimum amount of fat or oil. This feature promotes healthier cooking options and reduces the need for excessive oil.

3. How do you cook burgers on a contact grill?

The cooking time for burgers on a contact grill may vary depending on the specific model. For medium-rare burgers, it typically takes about 2-1/2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer well-done burgers, you can grill them for up to 5 minutes. It's important to monitor the cooking process closely to achieve the desired level of doneness.

4. What are the disadvantages of infrared grills?

Infrared grills can reach very high temperatures, which may make it challenging to control the cooking time and temperature accurately. Additionally, they lack the ability to offer lower temperatures like traditional gas or charcoal grills. It's important to consider these factors when using an infrared grill.

Editor's Notes

During our contact grill research, we found 16 contact grill products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 283,089 customer reviews through our big data system to write the contact grills list. We found that most customers choose contact grills with an average price of $89.00.

The contact grills are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of contact grills, including George Foreman, Hamilton Beach, De'Longhi, T-Fal, Breville. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.