Finding the perfect indoor grill for a compact kitchen can be a challenge. You need a machine that delivers fantastic grilled flavor without monopolizing your precious counter space. De’Longhi has built a reputation for creating versatile and efficient kitchen appliances designed to meet these exact needs, offering a range of grills that are both powerful and space-conscious.
Whether you’re searing steaks, making paninis, or preparing a full breakfast, the right grill can make all the difference. This roundup focuses on De’Longhi’s best indoor grills, highlighting models with features like removable plates, multiple cooking functions, and smart designs that are ideal for smaller kitchens. You can find a model that fits your cooking style and space requirements.
The Best De’Longhi Indoor Grills for Compact Spaces
- De’Longhi Electric Indoor Grill, Silver
- De’Longhi CGH800 Retro Contact Grill and Panini Press
- De’Longhi Perfecto Indoor Grill with Lid, Black
- De’Longhi Livenza All Day Combination Grill
- De’Longhi BGR50 Reversible Grill/Griddle, Black
- De’Longhi Livenza All-Day Grill and Waffle Maker
- De’Longhi CGH800D Indoor Smokeless Electric Grill
- De’Longhi Liven Indoor Grill with Removable Plates
De’Longhi Electric Indoor Grill, Silver
This versatile electric grill is a powerhouse for a small kitchen, offering five distinct cooking functions in one compact unit. You can use it as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or even a half grill/half griddle. This flexibility allows you to prepare a wide variety of meals, from quality burgers to grilled vegetables, without needing multiple appliances.
Cleaning is simplified with removable plates that are released with the push of a button. The unique Durastone ceramic coating is a key feature, ensuring the cooking surface heats evenly with no hot spots for consistent results every time. This combination of versatility and easy maintenance makes it a strong contender for daily use.
De’Longhi CGH800 Retro Contact Grill and Panini Press
With its classic retro design, this contact grill and panini press brings both style and function to your countertop. The double-sided cooking plates provide fast and even grilling and toasting, cutting down on cooking time. An adjustable hinge is a practical feature, allowing the grill to accommodate food items of various thicknesses with ease.
You have precise control over your cooking with the adjustable thermostat. An easy-view temperature range window lets you monitor the heat setting at a glance. This model is a straightforward and efficient solution for creating perfectly grilled meats, fish, and crispy panini sandwiches.
De’Longhi Perfecto Indoor Grill with Lid
The De’Longhi Perfecto is designed for those who need a larger cooking surface to make meals for the whole family. Its key advantage is the tempered glass lid, which helps to keep food juicy by trapping heat and moisture. This lid also serves a dual purpose, allowing you to keep already grilled food warm until you are ready to serve.
Performance is enhanced by a fully embedded grill plate heating element that distributes heat evenly for consistent results. The integrated and removable drip tray manages grease effectively, making the cleaning process more manageable. This grill combines capacity with covered cooking for excellent versatility.
De’Longhi America CGH1020D Livenza All Day Combination Grill
This combination grill offers five cooking functions, giving you the flexibility of a contact grill, panini press, and open barbecue all in one appliance. The digital control LED panel provides a modern interface, featuring two separate knobs that allow you to set individual temperatures for each plate. This independent control is ideal for cooking different foods at their optimal temperatures simultaneously.
Convenience is a major benefit, as the die-cast plates are not only removable but also dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup. The embedded heating elements in the plates contribute to fast and uniform heating. It’s a smart, user-friendly choice for a multi-functional cooking experience.
De’Longhi BGR50 Reversible Grill/Griddle
Simplicity and dual functionality define the De’Longhi BGR50. It features a single, large, reversible plate made from heavy-duty die-cast aluminum. One side is ribbed, which is perfect for grilling meats and fish to get those classic sear marks. The other side is a flat griddle, ideal for cooking eggs, bacon, pancakes, and vegetables.
The embedded heating element within the plate ensures efficient and even heat distribution across both surfaces. This design eliminates the need for multiple pans and makes it an incredibly space-efficient tool for preparing a complete breakfast or a simple grilled dinner.
De’Longhi CGH1030D Livenza All-Day Grill and Waffle Maker
For maximum versatility, this model from the Livenza series stands out with seven cooking functions. It operates as a contact grill, panini press, open grill, griddle, and even includes dedicated modes for making waffles and acting as an oven broiler. This makes it one of the most adaptable appliances you can add to a small kitchen.
Like its sibling, it features a digital LED control panel with two knobs for independent temperature control of the two plates. The removable and dishwasher-safe die-cast plates make switching between cooking modes and cleaning up a simple task. It’s an excellent all-in-one solution for diverse cooking needs.
De’Longhi CGH800D Indoor Smokeless Electric Grill
The De’Longhi CGH800D is engineered to provide the experience of grilling with reduced smoke, making it a suitable option for indoor use. This feature helps keep your kitchen more comfortable while you prepare grilled favorites. It is designed to efficiently manage drippings and heat to minimize smoke production.
As part of the CGH800 series, it likely includes convenient features such as adjustable temperature controls and a design that promotes even cooking. This grill is a practical choice for those who want to enjoy grilled food year-round without the smoke of an outdoor barbecue.
De’Longhi Liven Indoor Grill with Removable Plates
The De’Longhi Liven grill focuses on user-friendly operation and easy cleanup, highlighted by its removable cooking plates. This design allows you to remove the plates for thorough washing after use, which is a significant advantage for maintaining the appliance. The compact form factor is well-suited for smaller kitchens where storage space is limited.
It provides the essential functions of an indoor contact grill, capable of preparing paninis, grilled meats, and vegetables. The emphasis on simple maintenance and a straightforward design makes it a reliable and convenient option for everyday grilling tasks without complexity.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a DeLonghi Indoor Grill for a Small Kitchen
Living with a small kitchen means every appliance has to earn its counter space. I’ve found that an indoor grill is one of the most versatile tools you can own, and DeLonghi makes some fantastic options. But not all grills are created equal when square footage is limited. Here’s what I focus on when looking for the best DeLonghi indoor grills for small kitchens.
First and foremost, I look at the physical footprint. This is more than just the length and width; I also consider the height, especially if I plan on storing it in a cabinet. A compact, rectangular design is often easier to tuck away than a bulky, square one. I also check the weight. A lighter grill is much easier to lift out of a lower cabinet without a struggle.
Next, I think about the cooking surface. It’s a balancing act. You want a grill plate that’s large enough to cook a meal for two or three people, but not so huge that it dominates the counter. A good-sized cooking area means I can grill my main and side dishes at once, which is a huge time-saver. I also prefer models with removable, dishwasher-safe grill plates. In a small kitchen, easy cleanup isn’t just a nice feature—it’s a necessity. Scrubbing a fixed grill plate in a tiny sink is a chore I definitely want to avoid.
Functionality is key. I look for a grill that offers more than just one heat setting. Precise temperature control lets me properly cook everything from delicate fish to a thick steak. Some DeLonghi grills come with adjustable thermostat dials, which I find very intuitive. Another feature I appreciate is a lid. A closing lid helps cook food more evenly and contains splatters, which is a major plus for keeping a small cooking area clean. It also often means the grill can be used as a contact grill, perfect for panini.
Finally, I consider the material and design. A non-stick coating on the grill plates is essential for me. It ensures food releases easily and makes cleanup a breeze. The exterior should also be easy to wipe down. I also look for features that add value without taking up extra space, like integrated drip trays that collect excess grease and fat. This keeps my kitchen cleaner and safer. By prioritizing compact size, easy cleaning, and versatile performance, I can find a DeLonghi grill that feels like it was made for my space, not just placed in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DeLonghi indoor grills truly smokeless?
While no indoor grill is 100% smokeless, DeLonghi models are designed to be very low-smoke. They achieve this through features like non-stick, ribbed grill plates that channel excess fat and grease away from the heating element and into a removable drip tray. This design significantly reduces smoke caused by fat flare-ups. For the best results, I always make sure to use the drip tray, avoid using excessive oil, and ensure my kitchen is well-ventilated by using the extractor fan or cracking a window.
Can I use my DeLonghi indoor grill to make panini?
Yes, absolutely! Many of the best DeLonghi indoor grills for small kitchens come with a hinged, floating lid. This lid allows you to press down on sandwiches, effectively turning the appliance into a panini press. The floating mechanism means it can adjust to the thickness of your sandwich, ensuring even heat and those classic grilled marks on both sides. It’s one of the reasons I find these grills so versatile—it’s like having multiple appliances in one.
How do I clean the grill plates?
Cleaning is straightforward, which is crucial for a small kitchen workflow. Almost all DeLonghi indoor grills have removable grill plates. Once the grill has cooled down slightly but is still warm, I carefully remove the plates and wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel. For a deeper clean, most plates are dishwasher-safe, but I always double-check the specific manual for my model. I also wipe down the grill’s base and the inside of the lid with a damp cloth. The key is to clean it while it’s still warm, as baked-on grease is much harder to remove later.
What is the main difference between a contact grill and an open grill?
The main difference is the lid. A contact grill, like a panini press, cooks food by applying heat from both the top and bottom simultaneously. This is great for sealing in juices and cooking things quickly. An open grill only uses heat from the bottom, similar to a traditional outdoor barbecue, which is perfect for getting a good sear on a steak. Many DeLonghi grills offer both functions. You can use it with the lid open for traditional grilling or with the lid closed for contact cooking, giving you a lot of flexibility from one machine.
Are the grill plates interchangeable between different DeLonghi models?
Generally, no, the grill plates are not interchangeable across different DeLonghi grill models. The plates are specifically designed to fit the heating element and locking mechanism of their respective units. Using plates from a different model could result in poor heat transfer or even a safety hazard. If you’re looking for additional plates, like a flat plate for pancakes, you need to purchase the specific accessory designed for your exact grill model. I always check the product code on the DeLonghi website to be sure.