The best electric grill in NZ overall is Breville’s the AdjustaGrill and Sear, which combines a ribbed sear plate and a flat griddle plate on one brushed stainless steel body and holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 38 owners on The Good Guys AU. If you want to cook outdoors, the Ninja Woodfire adds smoking and air frying to a genuine barbecue, and if budget matters most, the George Foreman Fit Grill Medium gets you into a reliable grill for under $80.
We’ve compared eight electric grills available in NZ, from budget George Foreman contact grills through to a full outdoor smoker, so you can match one to how and where you actually want to cook.
Quick comparison
| Electric Grill | Best For |
|---|---|
| Breville the AdjustaGrill and Sear | Best Overall |
| George Foreman Fit Grill Medium | Best Budget |
| George Foreman Fit Grill Large | Best for Families |
| Braun MultiGrill 5 | Best Multi-Position Grill |
| Breville the Sear and Press Grill | Best Premium Indoor Grill |
| Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill and Griddle | Best Interchangeable Plates |
| CUSIMAX Indoor Grill with Double Grill Plates | Best Smokeless Design (Import) |
| Ninja Woodfire 7-in-1 Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker | Best Outdoor / Premium Splurge |
1. Breville the AdjustaGrill and Sear – Best Overall
Breville’s AdjustaGrill & Sear pairs a ribbed top plate with a flat bottom plate on a single brushed stainless steel body, so it can sear steaks and burgers on one side while flat-grilling eggs, pancakes or a sandwich on the other, without swapping plates.
A floating hinged top plate offers seven height settings to handle anything from a thin steak to a thick chicken breast evenly, and four heat levels from a gentle low through to a proper sear give real control. It’s also the best-reviewed grill in this guide, rated 4.8 out of 5 across 38 owner reviews on The Good Guys AU, with a 92% recommend rate and owners specifically praising how fast it heats up.
At $156.81 it sits comfortably in the middle of this list on price, and the trade-off for that flexibility is a single grill that has to do both searing and flat-grilling duty rather than being a dedicated specialist at either. For most NZ kitchens wanting one grill that does almost everything well, it’s the easiest to recommend.
Pros
- Ribbed and flat plates in one grill
- 7 height settings for different food thicknesses
- Excellent owner reviews (4.8/5, 92% recommend)
- Removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray
Cons
- Jack-of-all-trades rather than a steak-only specialist
- 1-year warranty is shorter than some rivals
Key specs: 2200W, 280x260mm cooking surface, 4 heat levels, 7 height settings, 4.4kg, 1-year warranty.
2. George Foreman Fit Grill Medium – Best Budget
The George Foreman Fit Grill Medium is the simplest, most affordable grill in this guide: no digital display, no presets, just a floating hinge, an angled non-stick plate and a removable drip tray that George Foreman says drains off up to 42% of the fat from whatever you’re cooking.
It heats up in around six minutes, and the hinged top plate floats to fit food up to 8cm thick, so it copes with anything from bacon and sausages to a decent-sized chicken breast. Owners on The Good Guys AU rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 104 reviews, with an 86% recommend rate and consistent praise for fast heat-up and easy cleanup.
There’s no temperature dial, so you get one heat setting rather than fine control, and a few reviewers find the drip tray’s clip-in design a bit fiddly to attach. For the price, though, it’s a genuinely capable everyday grill rather than a compromise.
Pros
- Most affordable grill in this guide
- Fast, roughly 6-minute heat-up
- Removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray
- Strong owner reviews (4.3/5)
Cons
- No adjustable temperature dial
- Drip tray clip can be fiddly to attach
Key specs: 1630W, non-stick plates, floating hinge fits food up to 8cm thick, 2.9kg.
3. George Foreman Fit Grill Large – Best for Families
The Fit Grill Large is the bigger sibling of the Medium above, with the same simple floating-hinge design but a cooking surface sized for up to eight servings at once, making it a better fit for a family breakfast or dinner than the compact version.
It carries over the same removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray and roughly six-minute heat-up as the Medium, and holds a similar 4.3 out of 5 rating from 203 owners, with 83% recommending it for easy cleaning and efficient fat drainage on a genuinely large cooking surface.
As with the Medium, there’s no adjustable temperature dial, and a small number of reviewers report inconsistent heat across the plate or the occasional unit fault, so it’s worth checking your order arrives working correctly. George Foreman hasn’t published an exact wattage figure for this specific model across the retailer pages checked, so treat any wattage claim you see elsewhere with some caution.
Pros
- Larger surface feeds up to 8 servings at once
- Same fast heat-up and easy cleaning as the Medium
- Removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray
- Solid owner reviews (4.3/5, 203 reviews)
Cons
- No adjustable temperature dial
- Some reports of inconsistent heat or unit faults
Key specs: Non-stick plates, up to 8 servings capacity, floating hinge, dishwasher-safe drip tray.
4. Braun MultiGrill 5 – Best Multi-Position Grill
Braun’s MultiGrill 5 stands out for flexibility: it opens flat for a full griddle surface, closes down as a normal contact grill, or tilts up into a raised oven-style position for gentler cooking or melting cheese onto something already plated.
Die-cast aluminium non-stick plates sit on a slight slope so fat drains straight into a removable, dishwasher-safe grease tray, and cool-touch handles plus upright storage round out a genuinely well-thought-out design from a brand with a long history in small kitchen appliances.
It’s worth being upfront that no AU or NZ retailer we checked, including Braun’s own site, PB Tech NZ and ProductReview.com.au, had a populated review section for this exact model, so there’s no independent star rating to share here the way there is for the other grills in this guide. Judge it on the genuinely useful 3-position design and Braun’s broader reputation rather than a review score.
Pros
- 3 cooking positions (flat, closed, raised)
- Sloped plates drain fat automatically
- Cool-touch handles, upright storage
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- No independent AU/NZ owner reviews found
- Pricier than the George Foreman options
Key specs: 2000W, 3 cooking positions, die-cast aluminium plates, 2-year warranty.
5. Breville the Sear and Press Grill – Best Premium Indoor Grill
The Sear & Press Grill is Breville’s flagship indoor grill, with two independently, electronically controlled reversible ceramic plates so one side can sear at full heat while the other holds a lower temperature, plus a Grill Lock mode that opens the whole unit flat to roughly double the cooking area.
One-touch presets for panini, burger and sear take the guesswork out of common jobs, and it even comes with a waffle plate accessory, making it the most versatile single grill in this guide. It’s also extremely well reviewed, sitting at 4.6 out of 5 across 189 reviews on Appliances Online, with owners consistently praising its versatility and temperature control.
At $395.19 it’s by far the most expensive indoor grill on this list, and reviewers do note it takes a little longer to fully heat than smaller grills, plus a few comments about the top plate’s resting position. For anyone who genuinely wants one premium grill to replace several separate appliances, it’s the strongest all-rounder here.
Pros
- Independently controlled reversible ceramic plates
- Grill Lock mode doubles cooking area
- Includes waffle plate accessory
- Excellent owner reviews (4.6/5, 189 reviews)
Cons
- Most expensive indoor grill in this guide
- Takes longer to heat than smaller grills
Key specs: 1800W, reversible ceramic plates, Grill Lock open mode, 8.73kg, 2-year warranty.
6. Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill and Griddle – Best Interchangeable Plates
The Ninja Sizzle swaps between a ridged grill plate and a flat griddle plate, both a full 36cm across, so it covers searing steaks and burgers as easily as cooking pancakes or a fried breakfast without needing two separate appliances.
A perforated mesh lid is designed to cut down on smoke and splatter while cooking indoors, both plates reach up to 260°C for a genuine sear, and it’s sized to feed four to six people in one batch. Harvey Norman Australia lists it at 4 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews.
At 7.95kg it’s noticeably heavier than the George Foreman or Braun options, so it’s less of a grab-and-go appliance and more one that lives permanently on the bench, and the review sample size is still fairly small. For genuine flexibility between grilling and griddle cooking, though, it’s the strongest pick here.
Pros
- Interchangeable grill and griddle plates
- Both plates reach 260°C for real searing
- Mesh lid reduces smoke and splatter
- Feeds 4-6 people per batch
Cons
- Heavier than contact-style grills (7.95kg)
- Review sample size still fairly small
Key specs: 1450W, 2 interchangeable 36cm plates, up to 260°C, dishwasher-safe, 7.95kg.
7. CUSIMAX Grill with Double Grill Plates – Best Smokeless Design
CUSIMAX’s Indoor Grill takes a different design approach to everything else on this list, with double removable non-stick grill plates under a tempered glass lid and an LED touch display for setting temperature rather than a simple dial.
It has an adjustable temperature range from roughly 93°C up to 232°C, both the glass lid and plates are dishwasher-safe, and a removable drip tray catches fat as you cook. The touch display and glass lid give it a noticeably more modern look than the simpler contact grills in this guide.
CUSIMAX doesn’t have any AU or NZ retail presence, based on every local retailer checked, so this is genuinely an Amazon-only import for NZ buyers rather than a locally stocked brand, and the only review found, a single 3-star rating on the US retailer Target.com, is far too small a sample to draw any real conclusion from. Worth trying if the glass-lid, touch-display design appeals, but go in aware there’s little independent feedback to lean on.
Pros
- Tempered glass lid with LED touch display
- Wide adjustable temperature range
- Dishwasher-safe plates and lid
- Modern, distinctive design
Cons
- No AU/NZ retail presence or local reviews found
- Only a single, unrepresentative review found overseas
Key specs: 1500W, double removable plates, LED touch display, roughly 93-232°C range.
8. Ninja Woodfire 7-in-1 Electric BBQ Grill – Best Outdoor / Premium Splurge
The Ninja Woodfire is the only outdoor grill in this guide, built to sit on a deck or patio rather than a kitchen bench, and it uses real hardwood pellets purely for flavour rather than as the actual heat source, which comes from its 1760W electric element.
Seven cooking functions, including Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate and Reheat, mean it can genuinely replace a barbecue, a smoker and an outdoor air fryer in one unit, and a built-in smart probe with nine doneness levels and four smart protein settings takes the guesswork out of hitting the right internal temperature. It’s also outstandingly well reviewed, sitting at 4.76 out of 5 from 41 owners on Harvey Norman Australia.
At $628.19 it’s easily the most expensive product in this entire guide, and at up to 16.6kg it’s a genuinely heavy, outdoor-only appliance rather than something you’d casually move in and out of a cupboard. For anyone wanting a genuine do-it-all outdoor grill and smoker, though, it’s in a different league to every indoor grill on this list.
Pros
- 7 cooking functions in one outdoor unit
- Smart probe with 9 doneness levels
- Uses real hardwood pellets for genuine smoke flavour
- Outstanding owner reviews (4.76/5, 41 reviews)
Cons
- By far the most expensive pick in this guide
- Heavy, outdoor-only appliance (up to 16.6kg)
Key specs: 1760W, 7 cooking functions, smart probe, hardwood pellet flavour, up to 16.6kg.
How to choose an electric grill in NZ
Indoor vs outdoor. Indoor contact grills and griddles like the Breville, George Foreman and Braun models here suit an apartment or a kitchen bench, while a unit like the Ninja Woodfire is built specifically for outdoor use and shouldn’t be run indoors.
Contact grill vs griddle vs interchangeable plates. A contact grill closes onto food from both sides for fast, even cooking, a flat griddle suits pancakes and eggs, and interchangeable-plate models like the Ninja Sizzle let you switch between the two.
Temperature control. Some grills, like the basic George Foreman models, run at a single fixed heat, while others offer a dial, multiple heat levels, or a full digital touch display for precise control. Independently controlled dual plates, as on the Breville Sear & Press, give the most flexibility.
Fat drainage and cleaning. Look for a sloped plate that channels fat into a removable drip tray, and check whether the plates and tray are dishwasher-safe, which makes a real difference to how often you actually use the grill.
Capacity and storage. A compact grill suits one or two people and a small kitchen, while a larger surface or an 8-serving capacity model suits family cooking, at the cost of more bench or cupboard space.
Extra functions. Some grills add genuine extras like a waffle plate accessory, a smart temperature probe, or smoking and air frying functions, which can replace several separate appliances if you’ll actually use them.
Verdict
For most NZ kitchens, Breville’s AdjustaGrill and Sear is the easiest all-rounder to recommend, backed by the strongest local reviews in this guide and genuine flexibility between searing and flat-grilling. Buyers on a tighter budget are well served by the George Foreman Fit Grill Medium or Large, both simple, reliable and well-reviewed.
Anyone wanting one premium grill to replace several separate appliances should look at the Breville Sear and Press Grill, while the Ninja Sizzle is the strongest pick for genuine interchangeable grill-and-griddle flexibility. For outdoor cooking, the Ninja Woodfire is in a different league entirely, combining a barbecue, smoker and air fryer in one unit.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a contact grill and an indoor griddle?
A contact grill closes onto food from both the top and bottom at once, cooking it from both sides simultaneously for faster, more even results, particularly for meat. A griddle is a single flat plate you cook on from one side only, which suits pancakes, eggs and foods you need to flip yourself.
Can electric grills replace an outdoor BBQ?
Indoor electric contact grills and griddles are a good substitute for everyday grilling but don’t replicate the smoke flavour or high heat of a gas or charcoal barbecue. A dedicated outdoor electric grill and smoker, like the Ninja Woodfire in this guide, comes much closer by adding real hardwood pellet smoke and higher-heat cooking functions.
Do electric grills produce smoke indoors?
A well-maintained indoor electric grill produces very little smoke under normal use, especially with a mesh lid designed to reduce splatter, though fatty foods or a build-up of grease residue can cause some smoking. Keeping the plates and drip tray clean between uses helps minimise this.
How do I clean an electric grill?
Always unplug the grill and let the plates cool before cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates make the job far easier, while fixed plates should be wiped down with a damp cloth or soft brush once cool, avoiding abrasive scourers that can damage a non-stick coating.
Is it safe to use an electric grill on a wooden bench?
Most electric grills are designed with insulated feet and are safe on a standard kitchen bench, but it’s still worth using a heatproof mat or trivet underneath, particularly for higher-wattage models, and always allowing enough clearance around the grill for ventilation.
How long do electric grills take to heat up?
Most indoor electric grills reach cooking temperature in around 5 to 6 minutes, signalled by a ready light where fitted. Larger or higher-wattage models, and outdoor grill-and-smoker combinations, can take a little longer, especially when using a smoking function.
