Chefman Electric Indoor Grill Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Chefman RJ23-SG-AM suits countertop grilling when you want a roomy surface, adjustable heat and a water-filled drip tray. Its 15 x 9 in plate and removable parts are the main draws; a compact contact grill may be easier to store.
On this page (7 sections)
- What does the Chefman electric indoor grill offer?
- Does the water tray make this grill smokeless?
- How much counter space does it need?
- What should you expect from cooking and heat control?
- Is cleanup straightforward?
- How does the Chefman compare with the alternatives?
- What is the verdict on the Chefman electric indoor grill?
The Chefman RJ23-SG-AM is an indoor electric grill for countertop meals with room to cook a main dish and sides. Its 15 x 9 in surface, adjustable heat and water-filled drip tray suit people who want an open grilling area and removable parts for cleanup.
The main trade-off is its footprint: at 21 in wide, it needs a clear place on the counter. If you want a smaller format, compare it with a contact grill before choosing.
What does the Chefman electric indoor grill offer?
The Chefman combines a 15 x 9 in cooking surface with adjustable low-to-high heat. Its water-filled drip tray is designed to whisk away smoke, while the ceramic nonstick plate and removable tray help manage grease and cleanup.
Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill: Best for roomy countertop grilling
- 15 x 9 in grilling surface
- Adjustable low-to-high heat
- Water-filled drip tray
- Dishwasher-safe parts
A tabletop grill with a large surface, adjustable heat and a water-filled drip tray designed to reduce smoke. Its plate, base and tray are removable for cleanup.
Pros
- Room for a main dish and sides
- Adjustable low-to-high heat
- Water-filled drip tray
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Needs a countertop area about 21 in wide
- The tray needs water during use
- A large plate may be more than one or two people need
The grill measures 11 x 21 x 3.3 in and weighs 5.4 lb. It runs on 1500 W at 120 V, so check your counter space and outlet setup before you plan where it will live.
Who is the Chefman RJ23-SG-AM best for?
It fits households that want to cook several foods at once on an open surface. Chefman says its extra-large area can hold a main dish and sides, which can help when you want to finish more of dinner in one session.
The open layout also suits foods that are awkward to close inside a contact grill. For a side-by-side comparison of formats, see how indoor electric grills work and how their cooking surface differs from an electric griddle.
Does the water tray make this grill smokeless?
The water-filled drip tray is designed to reduce smoke, but “smokeless” shouldn't be read as a guarantee of zero smoke with every food or cooking method. Grease, temperature and ventilation can all affect the air in your kitchen.
Follow the manual's instructions for filling and positioning the tray. Keep the grill on a heat-safe, level surface, use the ventilation your kitchen needs and avoid letting grease or food build up around the cooking area.
If you are planning a fixed installation, review these built-in indoor grill safety precautions.
The phrase can mean different things across indoor grill designs. Our guide explains what “smokeless” means on an indoor grill, so you can compare design claims with your own kitchen setup.
How much counter space does it need?
Plan for a 21 in wide footprint, plus room to handle food and remove parts safely. The grill itself is 11 in deep, so measure the usable counter rather than relying on a general estimate of kitchen space.
Before cooking, clear nearby items that could be affected by heat or splatter. Make sure the grill sits on a stable, heat-safe surface, and leave enough room to use the controls without moving other appliances.
The 15 x 9 in plate gives you more cooking room than the 60 sq in surface on the George Foreman 4-serving grill. That compact contact model has removable dishwasher-safe plates, so it may suit a smaller counter or a household that cooks fewer portions at a time.
What should you expect from cooking and heat control?
The Chefman gives you low-to-high adjustable heat, rather than a stated set of numbered temperature settings. That lets you change the heat level, but use the manual for setup and cooking instructions for specific foods.
The pyramid-style ceramic nonstick plate and removable grease tray are designed to pull excess oil and grease away from food. Use suitable utensils and follow the care instructions to protect the cooking surface.
If you often cook smaller portions, a smaller grill may take up less space between meals. These small electric grill indoor tips can help you think through placement and safe indoor use before settling on a size.
Is cleanup straightforward?
Cleanup has three dishwasher-safe parts: the ceramic nonstick grill plate, base and drip tray. Removable parts can make it easier to handle grease than cleaning around a fixed cooking surface, though you still need to empty and wash the tray after grilling.
Let the grill cool before cleaning, then follow Chefman's care directions for removing and washing its parts. Don't assume every component belongs in the dishwasher just because some are labeled dishwasher-safe.
For comparison, the George Foreman contact grill has removable dishwasher-safe plates. If cleanup is your main deciding factor, compare how each grill's parts fit your usual washing routine.
How does the Chefman compare with the alternatives?
Choose the Chefman for an open, roomy countertop surface, the George Foreman 4-serving grill for removable contact-grill plates, or the George Foreman indoor/outdoor model if a removable stand matters.
| Grill | Format and fit | Main cleanup or setup feature |
|---|---|---|
| Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill | Open 15 x 9 in surface | Dishwasher-safe plate, base and tray |
| George Foreman 4-Serving Indoor Grill with Removable | Contact grill, 60 sq in surface | Removable dishwasher-safe plates |
| George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill with Stand | Indoor or outdoor, sized for 15 servings | Removable stand and five heat settings |
The best indoor outdoor electric grill options are useful to compare if you want a grill that can move between a counter and patio. For a smaller cooking area and simpler enclosed format, see our best indoor grills for beginners.
If portability matters more than a large surface, compare the best portable electric grills. The best Ninja Foodi grill accessories page is a separate resource for owners of that grill system.
What is the verdict on the Chefman electric indoor grill?
The Chefman electric indoor grill makes sense if you want a roomy open surface, adjustable heat and removable dishwasher-safe parts. Measure the 21 in width first, and consider how often you will use the full 15 x 9 in cooking area.
Choose the Chefman for cooking multiple foods side by side, the George Foreman 4-serving model for compact contact grilling, or the stand model if indoor and patio use both matter. For everyday indoor cooking, pick the format that fits your counter and cleanup habits.
If you are planning a permanent installation, see our built-in indoor grill guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chefman RJ23-SG-AM smokeless?
Chefman describes the grill as smokeless and uses a water-filled drip tray to whisk away smoke. That design is intended to reduce smoke during indoor grilling, but the word smokeless doesn't promise that every food and cooking condition will produce no smoke.
Keep the kitchen ventilated and follow the manual.
How large is the Chefman electric indoor grill?
The Chefman grill has a 15 x 9 in cooking surface and measures 11 x 21 x 3.3 in. Check that your counter has enough clear width and that you have a safe place to set the grill while it cools; its roomy surface is useful for family meals but takes more space than a small contact grill.
How do you clean the Chefman indoor grill?
Chefman identifies the ceramic nonstick grill plate, base and drip tray as dishwasher-safe parts. Let the grill cool and follow the care instructions before removing parts; the tray also needs to be emptied and cleaned after use.
Check the manual for which pieces can go in your dishwasher.
What is the difference between the Chefman and a contact grill?
The Chefman is an open tabletop grill with a 15 x 9 in surface, while the George Foreman 4-serving model is a contact grill with a 60 sq in area and removable plates. Choose the open grill for cooking items side by side, or a contact model if a smaller enclosed format fits your routine.
