The Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill brings open-grill cooking to a kitchen counter without requiring an outdoor barbecue. This Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill review examines its large cooking surface, adjustable heat, water-filled drip tray, nonstick plate, cleanup, limitations, and overall value.
Quick Verdict
The Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS is a practical option for apartment dwellers, families, and anyone who wants to grill throughout the year. Its 15 × 9-inch cooking surface provides room for several foods at once, while the water-filled drip tray helps reduce smoke and catches grease. It will not reproduce the exact flavor of charcoal or gas grilling, but it offers convenient indoor cooking with simple temperature control and removable, easy-clean parts.
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Key Specifications
| Model | Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS |
|---|---|
| Cooking surface | 15 × 9 inches, 135 square inches |
| Power | 1500 watts, 120 volts |
| Heat control | Adjustable low-to-high dial |
| Cooking plate | Ridged ceramic nonstick surface |
| Smoke control | Water-filled removable drip tray |
| Dimensions | Approximately 21 × 11 × 3.3 inches |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe base and drip tray |
Large Open Grilling Surface
The 15 × 9-inch grill plate is one of this model’s strongest features. It can accommodate burgers, steaks, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, making it possible to cook a main dish and sides together. The open layout also makes it easier to move food between hotter and cooler areas than on a compact contact grill.
Because there is no upper heating plate, food cooks from the bottom and needs to be turned manually. That gives you direct control over browning and grill marks, but it also means thicker foods may take longer than they would in a closed contact grill.
How the Smokeless System Works
The removable drip tray sits beneath the grill plate and is filled with water before cooking. Grease drips away from the food and into the water, helping cool it before it can create as much smoke. This design can make indoor grilling more comfortable than using a dry griddle or stovetop grill pan.
“Smokeless” does not mean completely smoke-free. Fatty foods, sugary marinades, excessive heat, or an unclean plate can still produce visible smoke and odors. Good ventilation remains helpful, and users should follow the fill-line and operating instructions supplied with the grill.
Adjustable Temperature Control
A side-mounted dial adjusts heat from low to high. Lower heat works for warming or gently cooking vegetables, while higher settings can help sear meat and create grill marks. The 1500-watt element provides enough power for normal countertop grilling, although preheating the plate before adding food generally improves browning.
The dial does not display exact temperatures. Cooks who depend on precise numerical settings may prefer a digital grill. For most everyday foods, however, the simple control is quick to understand. A food thermometer is still the safest way to confirm that meat and poultry have reached an appropriate internal temperature.
Nonstick Plate and Grease Drainage
The ridged ceramic nonstick plate helps release food and creates visible grill lines. Its raised pyramid-style surface guides oil and grease away from food toward the tray below. This reduces pooling and makes it easier to cook foods without adding much extra oil.
Use wood, silicone, or other non-abrasive utensils to protect the coating. Metal tools and rough scrubbers can damage a nonstick surface over time. Let the grill cool before taking it apart or cleaning it.
Cleaning and Storage
The removable plate, dishwasher-safe base, and drip tray are intended to simplify cleanup. After unplugging and cooling the unit, remove loose grease and food particles, then wash the removable components according to the manual. The electrical temperature-control connection must stay dry and should never be submerged.
At roughly 21 inches wide, the grill provides useful capacity but needs more storage space than a small griddle. Measure your cabinet or counter before buying if kitchen space is limited.
For manufacturer information and guides, visit the official Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill page.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large 15 × 9-inch open cooking surface
- Adjustable low-to-high heat control
- Water-filled tray helps reduce smoke
- Ridged ceramic nonstick grill plate
- Grease drains away from food
- Removable parts simplify cleanup
Cons
- Not completely smoke-free
- No exact temperature display
- Food must be flipped manually
- Wide body requires storage space
- Cannot reproduce charcoal flavor
Who Should Buy It?
This Chefman grill is best suited to apartment residents, people living in rainy or cold climates, and households that want quick indoor grilling without firing up an outdoor barbecue. It is also useful for preparing multiple ingredients on one surface. Buyers who want pressed sandwiches should consider a contact grill instead, while serious barbecue fans may still prefer gas or charcoal outdoors.
For toasted bread and bagels alongside grilled meals, see our Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster review. For another compact countertop cooker, read our Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker review.
Is the Chefman Smokeless Indoor Grill Worth It?
Yes, if you value a roomy open grill, adjustable heat, and easier indoor cleanup. The water tray cannot eliminate every trace of smoke, but it addresses one of the biggest problems with indoor grilling. Combined with its 1500-watt power, nonstick ridged plate, and removable components, the Chefman offers a convenient way to grill meat, seafood, and vegetables year-round.