The Breville The Smart Grill offers versatile indoor grilling with its IQ heating technology that ensures even heat distribution across the entire plate. It features interchangeable plates and a flat-open design that maximizes cooking space. The grill includes a fat collection tray and comes with a 12-month warranty. While it provides good performance for indoor cooking, its temperature range is somewhat limited and it is relatively heavy compared to other models in its category.
Full review
1800-watt heating performance
The Breville Smart Grill delivers consistent, high-temperature performance through its 1800-watt heating system. Reviewers noted that the embedded heating elements provide rapid and even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface, which is essential for achieving restaurant-quality sear marks. According to The Top Zone, the grill operates within a temperature range of 320°F to 450°F, allowing for precise control during cooking. During testing, the unit demonstrated quick preheat times, with one reviewer stating that the LCD display shows preheat status and cooking countdown, making it easy to monitor progress. The heating elements are integrated directly into the plates rather than positioned underneath, which prevents heat loss and ensures consistent contact searing. This design allows for efficient cooking of steaks, chicken, and fish, with even heat retention across the 260 square inch surface area.
Adjustable plate tilt and grease management
One distinctive feature of the Smart Grill is its adjustable plate tilt mechanism, which allows users to drain excess grease during cooking. The tilt adjustment helps redirect fat toward the center drip tray, which is removable and easy to empty. Reviewers observed that this function is particularly useful when cooking fatty meats or foods that produce significant drippings. The system works by tilting the base to direct grease toward a central hole, where it collects in a removable container. This design reduces the need for frequent cleaning during extended cooking sessions and makes post-cook cleanup more manageable. Users can adjust the tilt to either a horizontal position for delicate foods or a tilted position for healthier cooking, depending on their needs.
Removable plates and dishwasher safety
The Smart Grill's removable plates are a major convenience factor, as they are dishwasher safe and PFOA-free. Reviewers highlighted that this feature significantly speeds up cleanup, especially after cooking greasy foods. The plates snap in and out easily, and the nonstick coating allows food to release effortlessly. However, The Top Zone noted that the nonstick surface is not meant to last indefinitely under repeated heat cycles and regular scraping. One long-term user reported that the coating begins to wear after several months of frequent use, particularly with aggressive cleaning tools. The removable plate design also ensures that the plates align properly for consistent contact cooking, which is crucial for achieving even browning and proper searing. The plates are designed to be replaced when needed, though this can add to long-term costs.
Versatile cooking modes and surface area
The Smart Grill functions as a contact grill, open barbecue grill, and sandwich press, offering multiple cooking modes in a single appliance. When opened flat, the grill expands to a 260 square inch surface area, which is significantly larger than most comparable models. This large cooking surface allows users to prepare full meals, such as burgers, eggs, pancakes, or even full family-sized portions. Reviewers appreciated the flexibility of using the appliance for both grilling and griddling without needing to switch equipment. The ability to open the grill fully provides a griddle-like surface for items such as pancakes or eggs, while the closed position enables traditional grilling with ribbed plates. The wide surface area also accommodates multiple items simultaneously, making it ideal for small families or those who like to cook in batches.
LCD display and temperature control
The Smart Grill features an LCD digital display with timer functionality that shows preheat status and cooking countdown, providing users with precise control over their cooking process. The temperature dial offers five settings, mapped to a range from 320°F to 450°F, allowing for consistent results without constant monitoring. Reviewers found the digital interface intuitive and helpful for achieving repeatable outcomes, especially for beginners or those who prefer structured cooking methods. The display also indicates when the desired temperature has been reached, eliminating guesswork. One reviewer noted that the temperature control is particularly effective for different food types, from delicate vegetables to thick steaks, and that the digital feedback helps maintain steady heat throughout the cooking process.
Compact design and counter space usage
Despite its versatile functionality and large cooking surface, the Smart Grill maintains a compact footprint that fits well on most kitchen countertops. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a sleek, modern appearance that complements various kitchen aesthetics. Reviewers appreciated the balance between functionality and space efficiency, especially for those with limited kitchen area. The design also includes a solid handle for easy transport and a secure locking mechanism that keeps the plates aligned during cooking. The unit's weight contributes to stability during pressing, which is important for contact grilling, though it may require some effort to move when not in use.
Durability and long-term maintenance concerns
While the Smart Grill is built with a sturdy brushed stainless steel frame and includes a one-year warranty, long-term durability is a concern for frequent users. Reviewers noted that the nonstick coating on the plates is not intended to last forever, especially under regular use and heat exposure. The plates are removable and replaceable, but replacement costs can add up over time. Users who cook heavily or frequently may find that the coating wears faster than expected, particularly if aggressive cleaning tools are used. The embedded heating elements are designed to be durable, but the plates themselves are a consumable part of the system. One reviewer emphasized that while the grill's performance is strong, the longevity of the nonstick coating requires careful maintenance and eventual replacement planning.
User experience and ease of use
The Smart Grill is designed with user experience in mind, featuring simple temperature controls, clear LCD feedback, and an intuitive opening mechanism. Reviewers found that the appliance is straightforward to operate, even for those new to indoor grilling. The adjustable height settings allow for customized pressure when pressing sandwiches or delicate foods, and the open-flat mode provides a large, flat surface for griddling. The unit's performance is consistent across its various modes, and the quick preheat time ensures that users can start cooking without lengthy waits. The removable plates make cleanup quick and easy, and the dishwasher-safe feature is a major convenience. However, some users noted that the initial setup requires a bit of time to understand all the functions, especially the plate tilt and temperature settings.
Strengths
- +Includes interchangeable plates for versatile cooking, according to Happy TechFam
- +Has a flat-open design that provides a larger cooking surface, per Food and Wine
- +Includes a fat collection tray for easy cleanup, per Happy TechFam
Watch-outs
- −Limited temperature range of 320° to 450°F
- −Heavier than some comparable models at 19.5 pounds
How it compares
The Breville The Smart Grill stands out from the Hamilton Beach and Chefman models with its interchangeable plates and flat-open design that maximizes cooking space, but it's heavier and has a limited temperature range compared to the Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill, which heats up faster and offers a 62-inch cord for flexible placement.
Rating sources
“The Breville Smart Grill has become an indispensable part of my kitchen, and Im thrilled to share my extensive experience with this fantastic appliance.”
Our 4.6 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
