Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
If you only grill a few pieces of chicken at a time, there’s no need to fire up a big outdoor grill. A countertop electric grill heats faster, cleans up easily and stores away when you’re done, and many can handle vegetables and other foods too. Below are five electric grills suited to chicken, from compact indoor models to a tabletop rotisserie for whole birds, based on manufacturer information.
Quick answer
- Largest capacity, indoor or outdoor: George Foreman GGR50B, a 15-serving grill with a removable pedestal and 5 heat settings.
- Most versatile countertop option: Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler, with reversible grill/griddle plates.
- Small households: Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill, sized for 2 to 3 chicken breasts.
- Automatic cooking programs: T-fal OptiGrill XL, with a dedicated chicken program and a frozen-food mode.
- Whole rotisserie chicken: Easy Street Electric Tabletop Grill, for outdoor use only.
- Whatever grill you use, cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
The 5 electric grills for chicken
1. George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill (GGR50B)
The George Foreman GGR50B can be used indoors or out and is marketed as apartment-approved, which makes it a practical option where gas or charcoal isn’t allowed. It comes with a pedestal stand, which brings it to about two and a half feet tall, or you can use it as a tabletop grill.
The non-stick cooking surface takes about 10 minutes to preheat and slopes slightly so juices run into a grease tray. The plates are removable for cleaning, and the manufacturer says the surface is large enough for a whole chicken. Five heat settings run from low, to keep food warm, up to high for searing.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 22.2 x 20.5 x 13 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Non-stick surface: yes
- 120 volts, 1,600 watts
- 15-serving capacity
- 5 heat settings
Pros
- Marketed as apartment/condo approved
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Use with the pedestal or on a tabletop
- Large 15-serving grilling area
- Budget-friendly for its size
Cons
- Some owners have reported a loose or faulty power plug
2. Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler
The Cuisinart GR-4N works as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle or half grill/half griddle. Its small footprint suits a crowded counter. The 11 x 9 inch non-stick plates are reversible, removable and dishwasher safe, and they drain grease into a dishwasher-safe drip tray. A scraping tool is included.
A control knob selects grill or griddle mode, and green and red indicator lights show when it has reached temperature. Settings range from warm (200°F) to sear (425°F). For chicken breasts, the contact grill mode gives you grill marks on both sides.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 7.1 inches
- Weight: 14.9 pounds
- Non-stick surface: yes
- 120 volts, 1,500 watts
- 11 x 9 inch reversible plates
- Temperature range: 200°F to 425°F
Pros
- Five cooking modes in one unit
- Mid-range price for its versatility
- Dishwasher-safe plates and drip tray
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Grease from the top plate can drip on the counter when you lift it
- Plates could use a little more slope for draining grease
3. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
The Hamilton Beach Indoor Searing Grill has a 118 square inch non-stick cooking plate that’s sized for 2 to 3 medium chicken breasts at a time. The plate, lid and large grease tray are removable and dishwasher safe. Adjustable temperature controls go from low to high for searing, with lights to show power and when the grill is ready.
It is designed to produce less smoke, but it isn’t smokeless; some foods will still smoke.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 16.9 x 6.7 inches
- Weight: 8.14 pounds
- Cooking area: 118 square inches
- Non-stick surface: yes
- 120 volts, 1,200 watts
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe plate, grease tray and lid
- Small and easy to store
- Budget-friendly
- Removable lid
Cons
- Only large enough for about 2 to 3 people
- Can still give off some smoke depending on the food
4. T-fal OptiGrill XL (GC722D53)
The T-fal OptiGrill XL uses 1,800 watts and adjusts cooking automatically based on the program you pick and the thickness of the food. Its 9 automatic programs are bacon, sausage, chicken, red meat, sandwich, burger, pork, shellfish and fish. There’s also a frozen-food mode and a manual mode with 4 temperature settings for vegetables or your own preferences.
The non-stick plates and grease tray are dishwasher safe. Indicator lights show preheat and ready status, and audible beeps signal rare, medium and well-done stages. The manufacturer lists it as large enough for 6 to 8 servings.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 9 x 14.8 inches
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
- Non-stick surface: yes
- 120 volts, 1,800 watts
- 9 automatic programs plus frozen and manual modes
- 6 to 8 servings
Pros
- Powerful 1,800 watts
- Dedicated chicken program
- Frozen-food mode
- 6 to 8 servings
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick plates
Cons
- If the thickness sensor fails, only manual mode works correctly
5. Easy Street Electric Tabletop Grill with Rotisserie
The Easy Street tabletop grill is the option here for whole chickens, thanks to its rotisserie and 200 square inches of cooking space. A viewing window lets you check food without opening the lid. Its three-position heating element can be set vertically for rotisserie cooking, for even traditional grilling, or to create separate heat zones for different levels of doneness.
It produces smoke, so it’s meant for outdoor use on a patio or deck only. It’s marketed as approved for use at apartments and condos in those outdoor spaces.
Listed specifications
- Dimensions: 16 x 28 x 17 inches
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Cooking area: 200 square inches
- Non-stick surface: no
- 120 volts, 1,500 watts
- Rotisserie and viewing window
Pros
- Rotisserie for whole chickens
- Three cooking positions
- Viewing window
- One of few tabletop electric grills with a rotisserie
- Marketed as apartment/condo approved for outdoor use
Cons
- Outdoor use only because of smoke
- Not the easiest to clean
Cooking chicken safely on any grill
Grill marks don’t tell you when chicken is done. All poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part. See our chart of safe internal cooking temperatures, and if you need a thermometer, our guide on how to choose a meat thermometer can help.
Bottom line
For big batches indoors or out, the George Foreman GGR50B offers the most space. The Cuisinart Griddler is the most versatile for a small kitchen, the Hamilton Beach suits one or two people, and the T-fal OptiGrill XL takes the guesswork out with its chicken program. If you want whole rotisserie chicken and have outdoor space, the Easy Street is the one to look at. Weighing up other fuels? See our charcoal vs gas grill guide or the Weber Q1400 vs Q2400 electric grills.
FAQ
Can you cook a whole chicken on an electric grill?
Some models can. The George Foreman GGR50B is listed as large enough for a whole chicken, and the Easy Street grill has a rotisserie for whole birds.
What temperature should grilled chicken reach?
165°F internal temperature for all poultry, checked with a food thermometer.
Can I use an electric grill in an apartment?
The George Foreman GGR50B and Easy Street grill are both marketed as apartment/condo approved, but the Easy Street is for outdoor use only. Always check your building’s rules.
