With amazing marinades to provide a zing of flavor, you just can’t get anywhere else, there’s nothing quite like Korean barbecue. Finding the best Korean BBQ grill for indoor use can ensure that you enjoy this culinary delight right in the comfort of your own home.
Today we’re going to help with that by providing you with a review of the best indoor grill options. We’ll share some BBQ tips while we’re on that journey and before we wrap things up, we’ll also tell you a little more about our favorites and what we liked best about them.
Fancy a nice Korean BBQ feast? Read on and we’ll tell you some of the best grilling options to make that happen!
Our top 3 picks at a glance
We know that some of you don’t have time to read this as in-depth as you might like right now, so we’re including a sneak peek into our 3 favorites for you here!
When choosing the right Korean BBQ grill, consider the size that fits your needs. Whether you need a large size for big family gatherings or a small size for intimate dinners, there’s an option for everyone.
Later in the article, we’ll go into more detail about what we liked, but here’s the ‘at a glance’ version.
Here are our top picks for the best indoor electric grills for Korean BBQ:
- Best Grill with Hot Pot combo – SEAAN Electric Indoor Grill with Shabu Shabu pot – With lots of space and a hot pot on one end with two sections, you can really set up a fantastic Korean barbecue feast for entertaining friends or delighting the family.
- Best Raclette-style Grill– Techwood Electric Indoor Korean BBQ Grill – This Techwood indoor grill comes with a large grilling surface and 8 raclette pots that you could use for raclette, or for sauces and other creative treats to go with your Korean Barbecue. It’s a good-looking indoor grill that you’ll be sure to get a lot of fun use out of!
- Best Minimalist Grilling option – TECHEF – Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan – For a personal Korean barbecue just for you or for two, this TECHEF can be placed on a gas burner stove and all you need to do is pop a drip cup underneath the provided drip area. With 5 layers of Teflon and cassette-style aesthetics, it’s a fine minimalist option for some personal Korean BBQ at home.
Varieties of Korean Barbecue
Bulgogi is the most popular representative of Korean barbecue, and it’s made from beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced and marinated.
Galbi is made from beef ribs, also marinated, and it is a popular Korean barbecue dish. These are only two dishes of the Korean barbecue method, which includes many types of meat, marinated or not, and can be broken into a number of categories. It’s a highly popular dish in Korea and one that’s expanding and developing rapidly in many other countries, including the United States, where indoor grilling has become a beloved cooking method.
Bulgogi Method
Bulgogi is traditionally marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, pepper, and sesame oil. Although pan frying has become a popular method for the cooking process, traditionally bulgogi is cooked on perforated dome griddles that sit on braziers or by using gridirons.
Galbi Method
Galbi uses a marinade of soy sauce, garlic, water, sugar, and onions. This tastes best when grilled with charcoal. The ribs take on a delicious smoky flavor when grilled on charcoal, and wooden chips have also become a popular choice for this same reason, as they offer a slightly different sort of smokiness.
Other varieties
Unmarinated varieties include chadolbaegi, which is made from finely sliced beef brisket. It cooks almost instantly when it makes contact with the hot pan. Samgyeopsal are thicker strips of unsalted pork belly. This is a fatty cut of meat that is delicious and tender. It’s more popular in Korea because pork prices are much lower there. Deungshim, from loins, and boneless ribs are also very popular types of gogigui that aren’t marinated.
The best indoor grills for Korean BBQ
In the sections below we’ve collected a list of various options for indoor Korean BBQ. For each one, we’ll give you some useful information, such as the dimensions, materials used to make them, and also what we liked and didn’t like about them.
If you’re ready, then let’s take a look and you can see what you think!
If you’re looking for a personal stovetop indoor Korean BBQ experience, especially if it’s your first time using an indoor grill, this TECHEF Non-stick Grill pan is a user-friendly choice. This aluminum grill pan measures 12 x 12 x 2 inches and is coated with a whopping 5 layers of Teflon. This non-stick coating is ideal for ensuring your food doesn’t stick to the grill, while its heat source provides even cooking.
Its unique swirled channel design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also ensures slow oil drainage for a healthier cooking process. The commercial-grade aluminum will also provide fast, even heating, thanks to its efficient heating element and nonstick coating, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. That way you won’t have to worry about uneven cooking, and it’s also oven-safe up to 450 degrees.
Did we mention that this Korean BBQ grill pan is actually made in Korea? It’s an authentic piece of cookware and you’re going to love what it can do!
Pros:
For a little personal grilling for yourself and someone special, this pan is a great fit. Just put it on a gas stovetop, place a container by the grease drain, and you’re ready to go. As it’s authentically Korean made and looks amazing, too, you’ll also enjoy how it looks in the kitchen.
Cons:
While great for personal use, if you are entertaining then you might want something a little more substantial.
Another stove-top grill pan option for a little personal Korean BBQ isd this Chyir Korean-style Square grill pan. This pan measures 12.5 x 12.5in, weighs about 2.5 pounds, and it’s made of layered and thickened aluminum, with a Maifan coating to make it non-stick. Like the TECHEF, this pan features an oil drainage hole, but with the Chyir you have an adjustable screw so that you have more control of the drainage.
Designed to be used for smokeless cooking, if the oil does get a bit excessive, the shape of the pan makes it easy to tilt to remove some of the excess. All in all, it’s a nice little Korean BBQ cooking pan for personal use that’s handy and easy to clean when dinner is done.
Pros:
This is great for personal use or BBQ for two and it’s also compact, easy to clean, and good for indoor use or even a little camping BBQ if you like.
Cons:
As with the TECHEF, this is more of a ‘personal sized’ BBQ pan, rather than a full grill, and if you are looking to whip up a feast then a larger griller will be a must.
Next on our list, this Elite Gourmet Smokeless Indoor Aluminum Electric BBQ Grill measures in at 17.2″D x 17″W x 4.1″H and weighs a mere 6 pounds, so it’s compact and easy to move where you need it. Whether you are grilling indoors for the novelty or to defy the rain outside or considering occasional outdoor use, this grill offers flexibility and convenience.
Its got a 14.5 inch PFOA free and non-stick grilling surface with a drip tray, grill plate, and temperature probe to ensure even, quality cooking and easy cleanup in your dishwasher later.
The temperature is easily adjustable between 250 and 450 and the glass top will help to keep oils from coming out of the grill and creating cleanup headaches later.
Pros:
This is a cool little grill for whipping up Korean BBQ, indoor hamburgers, or whatever else you feel like adding some real grilled flavor to. It’s easy to take apart when the grilling is done and then you can pop the pieces into the dishwasher and call it a day, emphasizing its ease of use and convenience for busy home cooks.
Cons:
It will take up a bit of counter space and since it’s round, that could be a little awkward from a storage perspective – some folks may prefer a box-shape grill for this reason or one of the smaller Elite Gourmet models.
For those looking for a smokeless experience, the Iwatani smokeless Korean BBQ grill is another excellent option to consider.
This is a nice, personal system for folks who want a personal Korean BBQ grill that’s got everything you need built-in. Measuring in at 10.94″D x 11.93″ W x 5.87″H and weighs about 4.4 pounds. The grill itself is made of stainless steel while the cassette-style grilling surface is a fluorine-coated aluminum to make it non-stick and easy to clean.
This stovetop Korean grill pan combines traditional cooking methods with modern convenience.
When the gas canister is full, it will run for 217 minutes keeping an even heat range of 210 to 250 so that the cooking is smokeless and you won’t lose any flavor as you grill. It’s a love and light portable that cooks evenly and makes a great fit for Korean BBQ for 2 – 3 people.
Pros:
This portable grill is a lightweight and all-inclusive option for grilling enthusiasts that you can use indoors or take camping and it’s really easy to use.
Cons:
While it says it’s good for 2 – 3 people, the cooking surface is a little small, so you’ll have a little extra work for 3 or more than you would have with a larger grilling option.
Measuring 9.25″D x 13.78″W x 4.72″H and weighing in at 4.29 pounds, this Primst Multifunctional Stainless-steel Charcoal Barbecue grill is an amazing little tabletop or camping option you can use for charcoal grilling. Charcoal grills taste fantastic and this set gives you all that you need – for the actual cooking, you’ve got a roasting mesh or pan you can use, and it includes a burning plate, pot stand, charcoal bowl, and an anti-scalding handle to hold your cooking pan or roasting mesh in place.
For die-hard BBQ fans, this also gives you the option to use coconut charcoal, so if you’re looking for a grill that can give you that awesome slow-charcoal-cooked flavor, then this Primst might be exactly what the doctor ordered!
Pros:
Folks will argue over what tastes best, but for many of us, nothing beats a charcoal slow-cooked barbecue. If that’s your thing, then this Primst is just about perfect.
Cons:
It’s small, so it’s really the best fit for Korean BBQ for two, and anything more might warrant investing in a larger grill.
This lovely indoor grill is the Cusimax portable Korean BBQ grill with ‘Turbo Smoke Extractor’ tech for added flavor in your grilling. Measuring 19.7 x 13.19 x 19.7 inches and weighing 14.76 pounds, it’s a good sized grill, so let’s look at the features. Starting off, temperature settings range from 200 to 450 degrees and are managed with an LED control.
The non-stick cooking surface heats quickly and evenly and has a drop pan underneath and you’ve got a glass lid to keep oil splashes from coming out and making your day difficult. The smoke extractor tech also works as advertised, capturing 95% of the smoke that comes with grilling so that you get flavorful, grilled meats without the fuss from the ‘Double U’ style heating tubes built into the grill. No gassy smell or charcoal ash to deal with later is also a nice perk.
Finally, these grills come in green, black, blue, and brown, and you can accessorize with optional double-plates. Overall, it’s a neat grill and definitely one you’ll love having in your home.
Pros:
This is an awesome medium-to-large grill that works for personal use but can also handle surprise guests. You can make Korean barbecue, whip up hamburgers, grill brats – whatever you like – and it disassembles easily for cleanup later. The indoor operation is also pleasant – the ‘smoke extractor’ tech works as advertised, so indoor operation will get you a yummy BBQ scent in the air but little to no pesky smoke.
Cons:
For the smokeless function to work, you’ll need the lid on for best results – it essentially vacuums as it goes – so open operation will get you SOME smoke. Also, at 450 degrees you can certainly grill, but electric is going to be slower than charcoal or gas.
This beautiful indoor grill is the Food Party in 1 Electric smokeless grill and hot pot and it’s a versatile grilling option that’s sure to be a big hit at home. Measuring 16.5″D x 16.5″ W x 4.7″H and weighing a lightweight 8.5 pounds, you can easily sit 4 to 6 people around it and the grilling is on. The hotpot piece fits in the center and has a covered lid and it’s perfect for spicy, heated sauces, soups, or fondues. Encircling the hotpot is your restaurant-style grilling area that has a drainage port for excess oil.
Temperature is controlled intuitively with two knobs in the front and it comes with a 1-year warranty just in case you have any problems. If you fancy a little Korean BBQ, Shabu Shabu, or even a fun impulse stir fry, it’s a handy little ‘Food Party’ grill indeed!
Pros:
The hot pot is a fun and cool touch – you can melt cheese or chocolate, or a little bit of sauce or soup, and the wide-circle grill makes for fun, easy grilling when you’re entertaining guests and lets everyone cook their own food to their liking.
Cons:
If you don’t want a hotpot, then you’re sacrificing a considerable amount of extra grilling space, so this may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
If you are in the mood for some serious grilling, this Techwood Electric Indoor Korean BBQ grill has got you covered. This raclette grill measures 5.2″D x 19.1″W x 9.2″H and weighs approximately 7.4 pounds, packs 1500 watts of power, and features a flat surface for uniform cooking and precise heat control.
Aside from the large grilling surface, you also get 8 individual grill pans you can use for raclette cheese, sauces, and other creative uses. All of the cooking surfaces are non-stick and the raclette pans also come with cool-touch handles for easy manipulation of your cooked treats.
The cooking temperature for this electric grill ranges from 392-536 degrees Fahrenheit, offering the high heat needed for authentic Korean BBQ.
You can cook all kinds of things with this – be it Korean barbecues, home-grilled burgers, sausages, or grilled vegetables – it’s versatile and ready to go. You can even make pancakes in the griddle section!
Finally, temperature is controlled with a simple knob in the front, and indicator lights will make sure that you don’t leave it on when the grilling’s done. Easy-peasy!
Pros:
It’s a big, beautiful indoor grill and the raclette pans are really cool – especially if you’re a cheese fan. With the ample heating range, it also has more versatility than a lot of the grills we’ve looked at today and you’ll appreciate that when you grill.
Cons:
It’s really more of a medium-sized grill than the pictures would lead you to believe, so double check the measurements to give yourself a better idea of its actual size before you commit. This should let you serve 4 – 6 people fairly easily, but if you’re hosting more folks then you’ll have a little extra work.
Another grilling option with a hot pot for those folks who liked the Food Party Model but could use a little more space, this Seann electric indoor grill might be exactly what you’re looking for! This unit measures 3.1″D x 28.94″ W x 3.15″H and weighs only 10.08 pounds, so you’ve got a lot of space to work with but it’s not hard to ‘lug around’. The working temperature range is 32 to 464 degrees, as well, so you’ve got a lot of control.
Suitable for Korean BBQ, steaks, shellfish, and more, it features a case aluminum body with a non-stick coat for easy cleaning, and temperature is controlled with two separate controls – one for the hot pot and one for your grill – with 5 different heating speed settings. Great for serving 1 to 12 people, if you want a whole lot of grill to go with your hotpot, then this Seann grill might be your new favorite grill!
Pros:
The hot pot is COOL, set at the end of the grill and divided neatly in the middle, and having all that extra grill space means that you won’t feel like you’re making a sacrifice to get that pot in the first place.
Cons:
We would have liked the sides to be a little deeper for collecting grease – with some meats, this isn’t a problem, but grilling lots of hamburgers can get a little messy.
Our final grill is this Power XL Smokeless Indoor Grill and it’s a real beauty. This 1500-watt electric grill measures 21 x 15.4 x 8.1 inches and weighs 15.47 pounds and gives you plenty of useful space for grilling Korean BBQ, burgers, ribs, or whatever you like! Control of the unit is done with a smart LED display that will heat up to 450 degrees and a built-in drip pan will be there to catch the excess grease.
The cooking pan offers a grilling and a griddle surface, as well, so if you feel like making some pancakes for breakfast the next day, your grill has got you covered. With a glass lid and a smoke-extraction fan, your indoor use should be smoke-free and fantastic!
Pros:
You’ve got lots of space with this grill so it’s a great fit if you will be entertaining. The unit also disassembles easily and the grill plate is dishwasher safe, so cleanup won’t give you any headaches later.
Cons:
A higher temperature range would be nice but it still cooks quite efficiently and we should note that the lid should be on for the ‘smokeless’ function to work its best.
FAQs
We’re almost at the finish line but before we cross that, we’ve got a few frequently asked questions on the subject of Korean grilling that we thought you might find interesting and useful. Let’s take a look and see!
Can you really use a Korean grill indoors?
Yes, you certainly can use a Korean grill indoors but depending on the grill that you are using, it might be a good idea to open the windows. If it’s an electric or gas, you probably won’t need to, but with an indoor charcoal grill then it might be a good idea – at least until those charcoals work their magic.
What is the difference between Japanese and Korean grills?
Korean grilling involves a bigger focus on marinating the meats well in advance to make them more flavorful. With Japanese-style grilling, the meat is typically grilled sans a marinade, and dipping sauces are provided so that you have a bigger focus on the flavor of the meat itself.
Can you use a regular grill for Korean BBQ?
Yes, you can certainly use a regular grill to make Korean-style barbecue, although there are cassette-style grilling surfaces that add a little more authenticity and it’s fun when you’ve got a grill with a hot pot – they’re really versatile, so sometimes it’s fun to ‘specialize’ a little with your kitchen tools.
That said, Korean BBQ can certainly be done on any grill, you just need a proper recipe for the marinade to ensure that you get that distinctive flavor you’re craving!
The Verdict
It’s that time, when we must bid you farewell and let you get on with your day, but it wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t share our favorites – so here are the 3 Korean BBQ grilling options that we liked the most. Let’s see if you agree (but if you don’t, then don’t worry – the list is chock full of great grills, these were just OUR favorites!)
Best Grill with Hot Pot combo – SEAAN Electric Indoor Grill with Shabu Shabu pot –
With a large, cast aluminum body and the addition of a 2-sectioned hotpot that you can play around with the Seaan Electric indoor grill doesn’t just look cool – it IS pretty cool. You’ve got lots of grilling space and extra culinary options that you don’t see in just any grill. The hot pot and the grilling surface also have their own heat controls, which further expands what you can do with those spaces. Finally, you’ve got the capacity to feed up to 12 people! Not bad for an indoor grill at all, we think.
Best Raclette-style Grill – Techwood Electric Indoor Korean BBQ Grill –
Techwood has been building a nice reputation for themselves with their indoor grills and this Techwood Electric Indoor Korean BBQ Grill is definitely a looker. Not only that, this 1500-watt grill has a temperature range all the way up to 536 degrees, so your meat will cook faster, and as an added bonus, you’ve got 8 raclette pots to get creative with when serving yourself or guests.
Best Minimalist Grilling option – TECHEF – Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan –
If you want a personal Korean BBQ option that only needs a single gas burner and a cup for grease drainage, then this TECHEF Stovetop indoor Korean BBQ grill pan is an excellent option. It’s actually made in Korea, for one thing, but for another, it’s got 5 layers of Teflon and heavy-gauge aluminum construction underneath that. Cook indoors at home, take it camping – it’s beautiful, compact, and gets the job done.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our quest today to find the best indoor grills for Korean BBQ and if you have some cooking or grilling tips of your own to share, please feel free to take the time and leave a little feedback. There’s nothing quite like a proper Korean BBQ and we can’t wait to hear your tips. Until next time, we wish you and yours the very best!
