Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill RJ23-SPG-SS Review
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A 15" × 9" extra-large nonstick grill plate, 1500-watt heating element, water-filled drip tray for virtually smoke-free indoor grilling, adjustable temperature from warm to sear, and fully dishwasher-safe components—all in a sleek stainless steel countertop grill built for year-round indoor BBQ.
The Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS is Chefman's stainless steel upgrade to one of the brand's most popular smokeless indoor grill platforms—a thoughtfully engineered countertop grill that delivers genuine outdoor-style BBQ flavor without the smoke, charcoal, or backyard required. At the core of what makes this model stand out is its water-filled drip tray system: as fat and grease render off food and fall through the pyramid-style raised ridges on the grill plate, they land in a water-filled tray below rather than on a hot surface where they would instantly combust into smoke. The result is virtually smoke-free indoor grilling that works in apartments, condos, small kitchens, and any living space where traditional grilling would be impossible or off-limits.
The extra-large 15" × 9" nonstick grill surface—135 square inches of cooking area—is genuinely sized for family meals, accommodating multiple portions of steak, chicken, fish, burgers, and vegetables simultaneously rather than forcing you into frustrating batch-by-batch cooking. The 1500-watt heating element reaches grilling temperatures quickly and maintains consistent heat across the full cooking surface, while the continuously adjustable temperature knob dials from a gentle warm setting all the way through to a high-heat sear—giving you the range needed to handle delicate fish and crispy-skinned chicken alike. The brushed stainless steel exterior looks sharp on any countertop, and the dishwasher-safe grill plate, drip tray, and base make post-meal cleanup one of the fastest in its category. Backed by Chefman's UL certification and 1-year warranty, the RJ23-SPG-SS is a well-rounded, dependable smokeless indoor grill that delivers real results at an accessible price.
Product Specifications
| Model | RJ23-SPG-SS (Stainless Steel) |
| Brand | Chefman |
| Power | 1,500 Watts / 120V |
| Cooking Surface | 15″ × 9″ nonstick grill plate (~135 sq. in.) |
| Grill Plate Style | Pyramid-style raised ridges for grill marks & grease drainage |
| Smoke Reduction Method | Water-filled drip tray cools falling grease instantly |
| Temperature Control | Continuously adjustable knob — Warm to Sear |
| Exterior Finish | Brushed stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes — grill plate, drip tray & base |
| Safety Features | Cool-touch handles, overheat auto shut-off, UL approved |
| Certification | UL Listed |
| Warranty | 1-year assurance from Chefman |
| Available Finishes | Stainless Steel (RJ23-SPG-SS), Copper (RJ23-SPG-BK-CP), Black |
Key Features
- Water-Filled Drip Tray Smokeless System: The signature feature that sets this grill apart from basic indoor grills—a water-filled tray sits beneath the grill plate and instantly cools rendered fat and grease as it falls through, preventing it from burning on a hot surface and turning into smoke. The result is virtually smoke-free indoor grilling that works safely in apartments, open-plan kitchens, and any space without a powerful ventilation hood.
- Extra-Large 15" × 9" Nonstick Grill Plate: One of the largest cooking surfaces in the smokeless indoor grill category—135 square inches of cooking space handles multiple steaks, a full batch of chicken thighs, several fish fillets, or a complete mixed vegetable tray simultaneously. Pyramid-style raised ridges deliver authentic grill marks while channeling excess grease down into the drip tray below.
- 1500-Watt Heating Element: Powerful 1500W element heats the grill surface quickly and maintains consistent temperature throughout the cooking session, even when cold food is added. Faster heat-up and better heat recovery than lower-wattage 1000–1120W budget grills.
- Continuously Adjustable Temperature — Warm to Sear: A smooth rotary temperature control knob gives you full range from a gentle keeping-warm setting all the way through to high-heat searing, with infinite adjustment points rather than fixed steps—letting you dial in exactly the heat level your food requires.
- Dishwasher-Safe Grill Plate, Drip Tray & Base: All three main cooking components are fully dishwasher safe for fast, hands-off cleanup after cooking. The nonstick grill surface also releases food easily, minimizing scrubbing even when hand-washed.
- Brushed Stainless Steel Exterior: The premium stainless finish sets this model apart from the standard black plastic versions—durable, fingerprint-resistant, and polished enough to leave on the counter without looking out of place in a modern kitchen.
- Cool-Touch Handles & Overheat Auto Shut-Off: Cool-touch side handles allow safe repositioning during or after cooking. The built-in overheat protection automatically cuts power if the unit exceeds safe operating temperatures, protecting both the appliance and your kitchen.
- Variable Heat Zones: The grill plate's design creates naturally varying heat zones across the cooking surface—hotter toward the center and slightly cooler near the edges—allowing you to cook multiple items at different ideal temperatures simultaneously by positioning them strategically.
- UL Safety Certification: The RJ23-SPG-SS carries UL approval, confirming it meets or exceeds North American electrical safety standards for household appliances.
- Chefman Brand Warranty & Support: Backed by a 1-year assurance from Chefman, one of North America's most recognized small kitchen appliance brands with dedicated customer support and a broad network of replacement parts.
What We Like
- Water-filled drip tray delivers genuinely reduced smoke—noticeably better smokeless performance than drip-tray-only grills without water, making it well-suited for apartments and enclosed kitchens
- Extra-large 15" × 9" cooking surface is one of the biggest in the smokeless indoor grill category—family-sized portions cook in a single pass without batch cooking
- 1500W element heats quickly and holds temperature well even after cold food is added—prevents the temperature drops that cause greasy, undercooked results
- Continuously variable temperature knob gives infinite adjustment from warm to sear rather than fixed steps—more precise control than preset-only competitors
- Pyramid-style ridges deliver real grill marks and efficiently channel grease into the drip tray, keeping food lifted above its own rendered fat
- Grill plate, drip tray, and base are all dishwasher safe—among the most complete dishwasher-safe packages in its price tier
- Brushed stainless steel finish is a premium upgrade over plastic-bodied alternatives—looks sharp on the counter and wipes clean easily
- Cool-touch handles and overheat auto shut-off make it safe for households with children and for unattended timer-based cooking
- UL listed certification provides confidence in electrical safety compliance
- Chefman's established brand reputation and 1-year warranty provide reliable post-purchase support
What Could Be Better
- Water drip tray requires filling before each use and monitoring during extended high-fat cooking sessions—an extra step compared to dry drip-tray grills
- No glass lid included—covered grilling for thick proteins like bone-in chicken or thick pork chops requires a separately purchased lid or using foil, unlike the Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX which includes one
- Temperature knob is analog with no labeled degree markings—gives flexibility but less precision than digital models or labeled dial positions
- Rectangular cooking surface, while large, fits fewer items in a single arrangement than a round 14-inch grill when cooking circular or irregularly shaped foods
- At maximum heat with fatty meats like pork belly or thick-cut bacon, some smoke can still occur despite the water tray—best paired with kitchen ventilation for fatty-meat sessions
- No built-in timer—requires a separate kitchen timer or watch to track cook times accurately
- Base is large enough to dominate counter space—measure your available surface before purchasing if your kitchen is compact
Why This Product Is Popular
The Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS has earned its position as one of the top-selling smokeless indoor grills on Amazon by doing one thing better than most competitors at its price: actually reducing smoke in a meaningful, practical way. The water-filled drip tray is not a marketing gimmick—it works by exploiting a simple physical principle. When hot grease falls into cool water, it can't reach combustion temperature, so it doesn't produce smoke. Grills without this system rely only on catching grease in a dry tray before it reaches the heating element, which is effective but imperfect. The water tray adds a second line of smoke defense, and the difference is noticeable, particularly for moderately fatty proteins like chicken thighs and pork chops where a standard drip tray grill would produce a visible smoke haze.
The extra-large 15" × 9" cooking surface is the second major driver of its popularity. Many smokeless indoor grills top out at 120–130 square inches, which sounds generous but in practice means you can cook three or four burger patties with little room to spare. The RJ23-SPG-SS's 135-square-inch surface with its rectangular shape handles six burgers, four full chicken breasts, or a mixed meal of protein and vegetables simultaneously—genuinely reducing the time from raw to table for family meals. Buyers who've felt burned by smaller grills that required multiple rounds consistently cite the cooking surface size as one of the RJ23-SPG-SS's most practical real-world advantages.
The stainless steel finish on this specific variant also commands loyalty from buyers who've experienced how quickly plastic-bodied appliances can discolor, scratch, or look worn after regular use. The brushed stainless exterior handles heat and grease splatter better than most plastics and maintains its appearance through hundreds of cooking sessions. Paired with Chefman's strong brand recognition, UL certification, and 1-year warranty, the RJ23-SPG-SS strikes a balance between smokeless performance, cooking capacity, and kitchen aesthetics that makes it a frequent recommendation among buyers looking for a serious, long-term indoor grilling solution.
Final Verdict
The Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS is the best smokeless indoor grill to consider if your top priority is genuinely reduced smoke output in a kitchen without dedicated hood ventilation. The water-filled drip tray system delivers meaningfully better smokeless performance than dry-tray competitors, the extra-large 15" × 9" nonstick cooking surface handles family-sized meals without batch cooking, and the 1500-watt element provides fast, consistent heat for quality grill marks and properly cooked proteins. The brushed stainless steel finish, dishwasher-safe components, UL certification, and Chefman's 1-year warranty round out a package that's practical, durable, and well-supported.
Its trade-offs are worth noting. There's no glass lid included, so thick bone-in cuts need more attention without covered heat circulation. The water tray adds a pre-cook filling step and occasional mid-session top-up for extended fatty-meat grilling. And without labeled temperature markings on the dial, hitting specific temperatures requires experience rather than precision. For buyers who want the most complete covered-grill package at the lowest price, the Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX with its glass lid is worth comparing. But for buyers who prioritize smoke reduction above all else—particularly apartment dwellers, condo residents, and anyone grilling in an enclosed space—the Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS is the standout choice in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the water drip tray actually reduce smoke?
The smokeless mechanism works through a straightforward physical principle. As food cooks on the pyramid-style grill plate, rendered fat and grease drip through the ridges and fall into the water-filled tray positioned directly below. When hot grease contacts the cool water, it immediately drops below combustion temperature and cannot burn—so it produces no smoke. On a standard grill without water, dripping grease lands on a hot dry surface where it combusts instantly, creating the visible smoke you'd normally see from indoor grilling. The water tray eliminates this by quenching the grease before it can ignite. You must fill the tray to between the minimum and maximum fill lines before each use for the system to work properly.
Is it truly smokeless for apartments and closed kitchens?
For most standard grilling—chicken breasts, boneless pork chops, fish fillets, burgers, vegetables—the water tray system reduces smoke to a level that is nearly undetectable in a reasonably ventilated kitchen. Most apartment users report being able to grill without triggering smoke detectors or creating visible smoke haze. However, "smokeless" is not absolute: very fatty items like thick-cut bacon, skin-on chicken thighs cooked at maximum heat, or heavily marbled ribeye can still produce some smoke even with the water tray. For best results with higher-fat foods, use a medium-high rather than maximum heat setting, keep the kitchen fan running, and ensure a window is open. For lean proteins and vegetables, the performance is consistently smoke-free.
How large is the cooking surface and what can it fit?
The cooking surface measures 15 inches by 9 inches, providing approximately 135 square inches of grilling area. In practical terms, this fits: 5–6 standard burger patties, 4 full chicken breasts, 3–4 bone-in chicken thighs, 4–5 fish fillets, 6–8 sausages, or a generous mixed meal of protein and vegetables simultaneously. The rectangular shape is particularly well-suited for elongated items like asparagus spears, corn cobs, zucchini halves, and sausage links. It's one of the larger cooking surfaces in the smokeless indoor grill category, giving it a meaningful practical advantage over 120 sq. in. competitors for family-sized meals.
Do I need to add water during cooking?
For most cooking sessions under 20–25 minutes with standard proteins, the initial fill is sufficient and no mid-cook top-up is required. For extended sessions—particularly with fatty meats like bacon, pork belly, or multiple batches of chicken thighs—the water level can drop as it absorbs heat from the grease and some evaporates. It's good practice to check the water level between batches during extended cooking. If you need to add water mid-cook, partially pull the drip tray out using its handle and carefully add water—do not pour water directly over the hot grill plate. Always use the handle to avoid burns, and keep water away from electrical components on the base unit.
Are all parts dishwasher safe?
Yes—the grill plate, water drip tray, and base are all dishwasher safe. For best results and longest nonstick coating life, use the top rack for the grill plate and avoid harsh high-temperature dishwasher cycles. The drip tray should be emptied of water and grease before placing in the dishwasher—pouring the contents into a heat-safe container once cooled prevents grease from contaminating other dishes. The base unit housing and temperature knob should be wiped clean with a damp cloth—do not submerge the main electrical unit. Hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft non-abrasive sponge is also effective and extends nonstick coating life.
How does it compare to the Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX?
These two grills are frequently compared and serve partially overlapping but distinct use cases. The Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS is the better choice if smokeless performance is your top priority—its water-filled drip tray system delivers more effective smoke reduction than the EMG-980BX's dry drip tray, making it better suited for apartments and enclosed kitchens. The EMG-980BX has the advantage in covered cooking: its included domed tempered glass lid allows heat to circulate around food for faster, juicier results on thick proteins—a feature the Chefman lacks without a separately purchased lid. The EMG-980BX is also round (14-inch diameter) vs. the Chefman's 15" × 9" rectangle, which affects what shapes of food cook most efficiently on each. Choose Chefman for maximum smoke reduction; choose Elite Gourmet for lid-included covered cooking.
Can I cook thick-cut proteins like bone-in chicken?
Yes, though without a lid the process requires more attention than with covered-grill models. For bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, use the 355°F equivalent setting (around 3/4 on the dial), cover loosely with a piece of foil to help trap heat around the top of the food, and allow extra time compared to boneless cuts—typically 22–28 minutes total depending on thickness, flipping once halfway through. Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer before serving. For best results on very thick cuts, consider finishing covered in a separate oven if the grill alone doesn't fully cook through. The grill excels with boneless proteins, fish, seafood, and vegetables where the direct plate contact is sufficient.
What is the temperature range and how precise is the knob?
The continuously variable temperature knob goes from a gentle warm setting (approximately 200°F) at the low end through to a high sear setting (approximately 400–425°F) at maximum. The knob provides infinite adjustment across this range rather than fixed steps, which gives you flexibility to fine-tune heat. The limitation is that there are no degree markings on the knob itself, so hitting a specific temperature requires either an infrared thermometer for calibration or learning the knob positions through experience. In practice, most users develop a feel for their preferred settings within a few cooking sessions. For recipes that specify exact temperatures, a separate infrared thermometer used to check the grill surface temperature is recommended until you've calibrated your intuition for the knob positions.
What foods cook best on this grill?
The Chefman RJ23-SPG-SS performs exceptionally well with lean to moderately fatty proteins and vegetables: boneless chicken breasts and thighs, pork tenderloin medallions, fish fillets (salmon, tilapia, mahi-mahi), shrimp, scallops, burger patties (80/20 or leaner), turkey burgers, veggie burgers, steak (strip, sirloin, flank), sausages and bratwurst, asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, corn on the cob, portobello mushrooms, and eggplant. It also works well for Korean BBQ-style thin-sliced meats where the pyramid ridges grip the meat and deliver char. Higher-fat items like bacon, pork belly, and heavily marbled cuts can be cooked but may produce more smoke at high heat—medium heat is recommended for these.
What warranty and support does Chefman provide?
The RJ23-SPG-SS includes a 1-year assurance from Chefman covering manufacturing defects from the date of purchase. Chefman is a US-based brand with dedicated customer support accessible through their website at chefman.com, where you'll also find product registration, user manuals, and parts replacement requests. Chefman products are widely available at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, which makes warranty exchanges and returns straightforward through most standard return policies. The brand has been growing steadily in the North American small appliance market and has an established customer service infrastructure for handling product questions and claims.