Countertop grills are a relatively new product category but one that has hit the country by storm. These countertop grills are typically compact and let you enjoy the wonderful flavor or grilled foods year round. Plus, indoor grills are designed to channel grease and fats away from foods, resulting in healthier meals. A variety of styles are available, including traditional countertop grills, contact grills, and individual sandwich and panini makers. The models listed here are the cream of the crop.

Cuisinart Griddler GR-4

Priced at $129, the Cuisinart Griddler GR-4 is one of the more expensive models in this category. It is a multifunction indoor grill that can be used either as a contact grill, an open grill or a flat griddle. It comes with two sets of removable nonstick cooking plates and has variable temperature control. As an open grill, the Griddler provides twice the cooking surface. The interchangeable grill plates let you grill all sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and even breakfast foods, such as pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage. This grill is also great as a Panini press. And, thanks to the removable grill plates, cleanup is easy.

Cuisinart Griddler GR-4
Cuisinart Griddler GR-4

Deni Electric Stone Grill 8300

The Deni Electric Stone Grill 8300 is an interesting raclette-style grill, with a raised granite stone cooking surface and eight individual mini trays for melting cheese or heating dipping sauces. The thick stone 8x14-inch cooking surface heats in a matter of minutes and has an adjustable temperature control, with a raised heating element (located just below the stone), so that the supplied mini trays can be placed underneath. The unit also comes with eight wooden spatulas, so your guests can participate in the grilling fun. The Electric Stone Grill can be used for cooking a variety of foods, but it really shines when it comes to making mini hors d'oeuvre, which can then be dipped in a sauce that was heated in the mini tray.

DeLonghi Indoor Grill BG35

Part of DeLonghi's Metal Collection, the Indoor Grill BG35 provides easy countertop grilling with its nonstick slotted grates that heat quickly and impart a delicious grilled flavor with traditional barbecue sear marks. This unit features a sturdy 21x12-1/2-inch base with cast-aluminum grill plate, tempered glass lid and removable temperature probe. Three temperature settings are suitable for preparing everything from burgers and frankfurters to grilled shrimp, chicken or vegetables. The open-style nonstick grate allows grease to drip through so foods are healthier. An added feature is an Aroma Scenter cup, which lets you add flavor to grilled foods by inserting a cup of water and adding herbs and/or spices to infuse the grilled foods with extra flavor. Priced at around $80, this grill is a good value.

George Foreman G+ Broil GRB72P

The George Foreman G+Broil GRB72P grill has a revolutionary design with a locking hinge that lets the upper cooking plate rest above the lower cooking plate for broiling foods. This lets you cook with the top grill plate raised up so you can melt cheese on hamburgers, cook a batch of mini pizzas or broil stuffed mushrooms -- tasks that most contact grills can't handle. This unit is compact, and has a 7 x 10.5-inch (72 square inch) cooking surface, which tilts slightly down in the front so grease and drippings drain off. The G+Broil heats in minutes and goes right to work. There is a handy power light and easy-clean nonstick finish. Plus, at $39.99, it's a bargain!

George Foreman G5

Part of the Foreman "Next Grilleration" line, the G5 offers sophisticated styling, plus optimum versatility and convenience with five interchangeable grid plates. The base sits on a raised platform, so there is less bending over the grill. A unique pivoting design lets you cook in a flat or slightly tilted position. This unit comes with five removable nonstick grid plates, including one grill plate, one steak plate, one flat baking pan with high side edges; and two matching waffle plates. There is an adjustable temperature control, and two indicator lights. At $129.95, the George Foreman G5 is pricier than some others in this class, but the added versatility and flawless performance make it a worthwhile investment.

George Foreman GRP99

The George Foreman GRP99 is a family-sized contact grill that sells for about $99.99. This model boasts contemporary styling with an extra-large grill surface. It has enhanced features such as removable grill plates and a state-of-the-art digital control panel with pushbuttons for power, time and temperature. The custom control options let you determine the exact temperature for precise grilling. An easy-view lighted display shows the chosen settings and lets you see the time remaining in the cooking cycle.

Krups FDE3 Panini Maker

The Krups FDE3 Panini Maker has an extra-large capacity for making Panini sandwiches and other grilled foods. At $79.99, it is in the middle of the pack, price-wise. Its efficient nonstick grill plates have grooves that produce perfectly scored sandwiches, meats, vegetables and more. This unit heats quickly and delivers a constant level of heat for perfect results. Other plusses include indicator lights, an oversized handle and floating hinges that allow the plates to adjust to different food thicknesses.