CUSIMAX Smokeless Indoor Grill with Replaceable Filter Sponge Review
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CUSIMAX's most advanced smokeless indoor grill yet—featuring an upgraded turbo exhaust fan with 10 replacement filter sponges included for long-term peak smoke extraction, a larger grilling area, an upgraded V-shaped nonstick grill plate, LED touchscreen from 212°F to 482°F, dual U heating tubes, water drip tray, silver heat reflector, swappable flat griddle plate, included glass lid, and fully dishwasher-safe components—the complete indoor grilling package built for apartments, Korean BBQ, and year-round use.
The CUSIMAX Smokeless Indoor Grill New Model with Replaceable Filter Sponge is CUSIMAX's most fully evolved iteration of its smokeless indoor grill platform—a 1500-watt Korean BBQ and everyday indoor grill that solves the one limitation that active smoke extraction systems have always had: filter degradation over time. Every Turbo Smoke Extractor grill that uses a filter to capture smoke particles will gradually lose extraction efficiency as the filter saturates with grease and particulate matter. Most grills either don't document this or require buyers to separately source replacements. CUSIMAX addresses it directly: this model ships with the upgraded turbo exhaust fan plus 10 replacement filter sponges included in the box, providing an immediately ready supply of fresh filters to maintain peak smoke extraction performance through months of regular grilling sessions. The result is a grill whose smokeless performance on day 200 is as effective as it was on day one—without a separate purchase or a degraded cooking environment in between.
Beyond the replaceable filter system, this New Model upgrades several specs over the standard CUSIMAX platform. The grilling area is larger, accommodating more simultaneous portions per session. The grill plate uses a newly upgraded V-shaped design that filters excess oil through channels while leaving precise grill marks—an improvement over the flat perforated design that delivers more defined, charcoal-grill-style browning on proteins. The LED touchscreen temperature range extends to 482°F at maximum—higher than the 446°F ceiling of the standard model and enough to achieve the closer-to-outdoor-grill searing temperatures that indoor grill users most often request. The triple smoke-reduction system combines the upgraded fan, the water drip tray (add water before use for best results), and the tempered glass lid into a three-layer defense against indoor smoke that is among the most comprehensive in the consumer indoor grill category. Add dual U heating tubes, a silver heat reflector, a swappable flat griddle plate, and five dishwasher-safe components, and this New Model represents the most complete CUSIMAX package to date.
Product Specifications
| Brand | CUSIMAX |
| ASIN | B0FPSL2DYY (New Model) |
| Power | 1,500 Watts / 120V |
| Smoke Reduction System | Triple system: upgraded turbo exhaust fan + water drip tray + glass lid |
| Replacement Filter Sponges | 10 sponges included in box for long-term peak extraction |
| Heating System | Dual U-shaped heating tubes for fast, even coverage |
| Temperature Control | LED touchscreen — 212°F / 248°F / 320°F / 374°F / 410°F / 446°F / 482°F |
| Grill Plate Design | Upgraded V-shaped channels for oil drainage + grill marks |
| Cooking System | 2-in-1: V-shaped nonstick grill plate + flat griddle plate (swappable) |
| Grilling Area | Larger (upgraded vs. previous CUSIMAX models) |
| Lid | Tempered glass lid included |
| Heat Reflector | Silver heat reflector focuses IR heat back to cooking surface |
| Drip Tray | Removable water drip tray (add water before use) |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes — grill plate, griddle plate, heat reflector, drip tray & glass lid |
| Overheat Protection | Yes — auto shut-off |
| Fan Control | Touch-controlled fan — can be turned off when no smoke is present |
| Color | Black |
Key Features
- 10 Replacement Filter Sponges Included — Long-Term Peak Performance: The defining upgrade of this New Model and a genuine category first at this price point. The turbo exhaust fan captures smoke particles in a filter sponge—and as that sponge saturates over time, extraction efficiency drops. CUSIMAX includes 10 replacement sponges in the box, providing months of maintenance supply right out of the package. Swapping a spent sponge for a fresh one restores the fan to full smoke capture capacity in seconds. This transforms the Turbo Extractor from a feature that degrades with use to one that remains consistently effective with minimal effort—the single most practical long-term advantage over competing extractors that don't document or supply filter replacements.
- Upgraded Triple Smoke-Reduction System: Three layers of smoke defense working simultaneously: (1) the upgraded turbo exhaust fan with replaceable filter sponge actively draws smoke away from the cooking zone throughout the session; (2) the water drip tray quenches falling grease before it reaches combustion temperature, eliminating smoke at the grease-drop point; (3) the included tempered glass lid contains smoke and splatter at the surface level during covered cooking. Using all three together provides the most comprehensive smoke suppression available in a consumer indoor grill at this price.
- Upgraded V-Shaped Nonstick Grill Plate: The newly designed V-shaped channel pattern on the grill plate filters excess oil through defined grooves while delivering sharper, more defined grill marks than flat perforated plates. The V-channels direct oil more efficiently toward the drip tray and create a cooking surface that more closely replicates the look and feel of outdoor charcoal grill results—visible char lines, lifted food, and cleaner, lower-fat cooking in every session.
- Larger Grilling Area: This New Model specifically upgrades to a larger cooking surface than previous CUSIMAX generations—providing more simultaneous cooking capacity for households cooking for 3–5 people per session and reducing the need for batch cooking during family meals or small gatherings.
- LED Touchscreen — 212°F to 482°F: A bright touchscreen display with seven temperature steps up to 482°F—the highest maximum temperature on any CUSIMAX model and one of the highest in the consumer indoor grill category. The 482°F ceiling brings the grill closer to the searing temperatures needed for genuine crust formation on steak, achieving results that lower-ceiling models can't match. Touch-controlled fan adjustment allows the extractor to be turned off during low-smoke cooking to reduce noise.
- Dual U-Shaped Heating Tubes for Even Coverage: Two heating elements running in parallel beneath the cooking surface distribute heat more broadly than single-tube designs, reducing the center-hot/edges-cool imbalance and delivering more uniform browning across every item on the grill regardless of plate position.
- Silver Heat Reflector: Focuses infrared heat from the heating elements back toward the cooking surface, improving thermal efficiency and accelerating heat-up times. Contributes to the fast-to-temperature performance that allows preheating in minutes rather than extended warm-up periods.
- Swappable Flat Griddle Plate: Switch from the V-shaped grill plate to the flat griddle plate for pancakes, eggs, crepes, bacon, quesadillas, and any breakfast or surface-contact cooking—the same base unit covers the full spectrum of everyday meal types without a second appliance.
- Tempered Glass Lid Included: The domed glass lid traps heat for faster, juicier results on thick proteins, enables covered cooking for bone-in cuts, and functions as a splatter shield during high-fat sessions. Working together with the exhaust fan and water tray, the lid completes the triple smoke-reduction stack.
- Comprehensive Dishwasher-Safe Components: The V-shaped grill plate, flat griddle plate, silver heat reflector, water drip tray, and glass lid are all dishwasher safe—five components cleaned in a single dishwasher load with no hand-scrubbing required. The main base unit wipes clean with a damp cloth.
What We Like
- 10 replacement filter sponges included solves the long-term filter degradation problem that affects all extractor-based smokeless grills—peak smoke extraction maintained for months without a separate purchase
- Triple smoke-reduction system (fan + water tray + glass lid) is the most layered and comprehensive approach to indoor smoke elimination in its price tier
- 482°F maximum temperature is among the highest on any consumer indoor grill—enables genuine searing crust formation that lower-ceiling models can't achieve
- Upgraded V-shaped grill plate delivers sharper, more defined grill marks and more efficient oil drainage than flat perforated alternatives
- Larger grilling area handles more simultaneous portions—noticeably more cooking space than previous CUSIMAX generations
- LED touchscreen with 7 precise temperature steps from 212°F to 482°F provides clear, repeatable heat control with one-touch operation
- Dual U-shaped heating tubes deliver fast, even heat across the full enlarged cooking surface
- Touch-controlled fan can be turned off during low-smoke cooking to reduce noise—a practical noise management option missing from fixed-speed extractors
- Five dishwasher-safe components (grill plate, griddle plate, reflector, drip tray, glass lid) for complete hands-off cleanup in a single dishwasher load
- CUSIMAX's iterative New Model approach—documented hardware upgrades based on customer feedback across multiple generations—signals a brand that actively improves its products
What Could Be Better
- Filter sponge replacement requires periodic maintenance attention—buyers need to monitor filter saturation and replace as needed; the 10 included sponges cover initial months but are a recurring consumable cost thereafter
- Turbo exhaust fan produces audible fan noise during operation—identical limitation to other CUSIMAX extractor models; fan can be disabled during low-smoke cooking but runs during high-heat sessions
- No raclette cheese pans or mini side trays—buyers who want communal cheese-melting alongside grilling should consider the YOHAWJAN, Pukomc, or OVENTE 2-in-1 models instead
- Water drip tray requires filling before each session for best smoke reduction—an extra prep step that some buyers find inconvenient vs. purely fan-based extraction
- The higher 482°F maximum temperature, while beneficial for searing, also means the grill runs hotter than necessary for most everyday cooking—new users should start at lower steps and work up
- Black exterior shows fingerprints and grease smudges visibly under bright kitchen lighting—regular wiping needed to maintain a clean appearance in high-use kitchens
- Larger footprint than the standard CUSIMAX model due to the enlarged cooking area—confirm counter and storage space availability before purchasing
Why This Product Is Popular
The CUSIMAX New Model with Replaceable Filter Sponge addresses a problem that buyers of extractor-based smokeless grills encounter silently over time: the filter gets dirty, extraction efficiency drops, and the grill that worked brilliantly in the first month starts producing noticeably more smoke by month three. Most buyers don't connect the degraded performance to filter saturation—they conclude the grill has simply gotten worse and eventually stop using it or replace it. CUSIMAX explicitly documents the maintenance cycle, includes 10 fresh sponges in the box, and makes sponge replacement a 30-second task. This transforms a known long-term weak point of the extractor format into a managed, low-friction maintenance routine rather than a silent performance decline. For buyers who understand the value of maintaining an appliance rather than replacing it, this is exactly the kind of thoughtful product design that generates loyalty and repeat purchases.
The 482°F maximum temperature is the second significant pull for buyers who've been frustrated by the temperature limitations of most indoor grills. Outdoor gas and charcoal grills routinely reach 500–600°F, allowing rapid crust formation on steak through the Maillard reaction—the browning process that creates flavor compounds and the appetizing char that makes grilled food taste grilled. Most indoor grills top out at 400–450°F, which is sufficient for cooking through but falls short for true surface searing. The CUSIMAX's 482°F ceiling closes this gap meaningfully, and buyers who care about getting a proper crust on a steak rather than just cooking it to safe temperature cite the higher maximum as a decisive factor in their purchase.
The combination of the enlarged cooking area and the triple smoke-reduction system appeals most strongly to small households of 2–4 people who grill regularly and want a setup that handles both weeknight dinners and occasional Korean BBQ or entertaining sessions without compromise. The larger surface reduces batch cooking for 3–4 people, the triple smoke stack handles fatty meats and sauced proteins more reliably than single-system competitors, and the touch-controllable fan allows noise management during low-smoke cooking. For buyers who've already owned a basic indoor grill and are looking for a meaningful upgrade—rather than a first-time purchase—the CUSIMAX Filter Sponge New Model represents exactly the kind of specification improvement that justifies a step up.
Final Verdict
The CUSIMAX Smokeless Indoor Grill with Replaceable Filter Sponge (New Model) is the most fully equipped CUSIMAX indoor grill available and one of the most technically complete smokeless indoor grills in its price tier. The replaceable filter sponge system—10 included—solves the long-term performance degradation that quietly affects every extraction-based smokeless grill without this feature. The triple smoke-reduction stack (fan + water tray + glass lid) provides the most layered indoor smoke suppression available at this price. The 482°F maximum temperature enables genuine steak searing that most indoor grills cannot match. The upgraded V-shaped grill plate, enlarged cooking area, dual heating tubes, LED touchscreen, swappable griddle plate, silver heat reflector, and five dishwasher-safe components round out a package that leaves virtually nothing on the wishlist.
Its trade-offs are consistent with the extractor format: audible fan noise during high-heat operation (mitigated by the touch-off fan control), a water tray prep step for best results, and an ongoing filter sponge replacement cost after the included 10 are used. No raclette cheese pans are included for communal dining—buyers who want that experience should compare the YOHAWJAN, Pukomc, or OVENTE models. For buyers who want the absolute best smokeless performance, the highest searing temperature, the longest-lasting extraction system, and the most comprehensive component package in a single indoor grill—the CUSIMAX Filter Sponge New Model is the standout recommendation in the entire category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the replaceable filter sponge system work?
The turbo exhaust fan draws smoke and airborne grease particles away from the cooking surface and passes them through a foam filter sponge positioned in the fan housing. The sponge captures smoke particles and grease vapor—preventing them from re-entering the kitchen air—while allowing clean air to pass through. Over time, as the sponge accumulates grease and particulate matter, its filtration efficiency gradually decreases. When saturation is visible (the sponge darkens noticeably from absorbed grease) or when you observe more smoke escaping during cooking than usual, replace the sponge with a fresh one from the included supply. Replacement takes approximately 30 seconds: locate the filter access point in the fan housing, pull out the spent sponge, insert a fresh one, and the extractor is back to full performance. The 10 included sponges provide a substantial supply for regular use before a supplemental order is needed—CUSIMAX replacement sponges are available through Amazon and the CUSIMAX website.
How often do I need to replace the filter sponge?
Replacement frequency depends on how often you grill and the fat content of what you cook. For lean protein and vegetable grilling 2–3 times per week, most users report needing to replace the sponge every 4–8 weeks. For more frequent use or regular high-fat cooking (pork belly, marbled steak, bacon), replacement may be needed every 2–4 weeks. The clearest indicator is visual: once the sponge is visibly dark with absorbed grease, or you notice a reduction in smoke extraction effectiveness during cooking, it's time to swap. The 10 included sponges cover approximately 2–5 months of regular use for most households—a substantial buffer before any additional purchase is required.
What are the temperature steps and what do I use each one for?
This New Model extends the CUSIMAX standard platform to seven steps: 212°F — gentle warming, keeping cooked food at serving temperature, melting cheese. 248°F — delicate eggs on the griddle plate, very thin fish. 320°F — fish fillets, shrimp, sausages at lower heat, tender vegetables. 374°F — standard boneless chicken breasts and thighs, pork chops. 410°F — burgers, thicker chicken cuts, bone-in thighs (with glass lid), sausages at high heat. 446°F — steak searing, Korean BBQ thin-sliced meats. 482°F — maximum-heat searing for thick steaks, creating a genuine Maillard crust not achievable at lower temperatures. Preheat at your target step for 3–5 minutes before adding food. The 482°F step should be reserved for initial sears followed by reducing to 374–410°F for finishing thick cuts through to safe internal temperature.
How does the triple smoke-reduction system work together?
The three smoke-reduction mechanisms address smoke at different points in its formation and spread. The water drip tray works at the source: falling grease hits cool water rather than a hot surface, preventing combustion and eliminating smoke before it forms. The turbo exhaust fan works at the surface: it continuously draws any smoke that does form away from the cooking zone and captures it in the filter sponge rather than allowing it to spread into the kitchen. The tempered glass lid works at the perimeter: it creates a contained micro-environment around the food that traps smoke and splatter directly above the cooking surface, blocking escape routes that an open-top setup would leave unaddressed. Using all three simultaneously—water in the drip tray, fan running, lid on during cooking—provides the maximum combined smoke suppression. For very low-fat foods with minimal smoke, the lid and water tray alone may be sufficient, allowing the fan to be turned off to reduce noise.
How does this compare to the CUSIMAX B0DMRVG5MQ model?
Both are CUSIMAX New Models from the same platform family, sharing the same 1500W power, dual U-tube heating, LED display, dual plates, silver reflector, glass lid, and dishwasher-safe components. The key differences: B0FPSL2DYY (this model) adds 10 replacement filter sponges for long-term maintained extraction performance, has a larger grilling area, uses the upgraded V-shaped grill plate rather than the perforated design, includes a water drip tray as a second smoke-reduction mechanism, and extends the maximum temperature to 482°F vs. 446°F on the B0DMRVG5MQ. B0DMRVG5MQ has no water tray (fan-only extraction) and no included filter sponge supply. Choose B0FPSL2DYY for the highest searing temperature, the most complete triple-stack smoke reduction, and the most sustainable long-term extraction performance. Choose B0DMRVG5MQ if you prefer a slightly simpler setup without a water prep step.
Do I need to add water to the drip tray every time?
CUSIMAX recommends adding an appropriate amount of water to the drip tray before each session for best smoke reduction results. The water tray is the second layer of the triple smoke-reduction system—it works by quenching falling grease before it reaches combustion temperature. Without water, the drip tray still catches grease but loses its smoke-prevention function. For lean proteins like fish, chicken, and vegetables, the fan and glass lid provide sufficient smoke control even without water in the tray. For moderately fatty and high-fat proteins (pork chops, burgers, sauced meats, steak at 482°F), filling the drip tray with water before cooking is strongly recommended to maintain the full triple-stack performance. Fill to a safe level that won't overflow when the tray heats up—approximately 1–1.5 cups is typically appropriate based on the tray's fill lines.
What is the V-shaped grill plate and how is it different from a perforated plate?
The V-shaped grill plate uses raised V-shaped ridge channels that lift food above the cooking surface, create contact zones that leave defined grill marks, and direct rendered fat and oil away from the food into drainage points that feed the drip tray below. Compared to a flat perforated plate (which uses small circular holes for oil drainage), the V-channel design provides more pronounced, charcoal-grill-style grill marks from the sharper ridge contact points, and channels oil more directionally rather than draining it through dispersed perforations. In cooking terms, the V-plate delivers visually more attractive grill marks and slightly more efficient fat separation. The difference is most noticeable on proteins like steak and chicken that you want to carry visible grill lines.
Is it truly smokeless for apartments—even at 482°F?
The triple smoke-reduction system (fan + water tray + glass lid used together) provides the most robust consumer-level indoor smoke suppression available, and CUSIMAX specifically designs for apartment use. For lean to moderately fatty proteins at any temperature, the combined system keeps smoke output at a level that most apartment users report as undetectable or near-undetectable. At 482°F with very fatty meats or heavily marbled steak, some aromatic vapor will still escape—no consumer indoor grill achieves 100% smoke elimination at maximum heat with high-fat food. The practical guidance for 482°F use: reserve maximum heat for brief initial sears on lean or moderately fatty steaks (30–60 seconds per side), then reduce to 410°F for the remainder of the cook. Running the fan, filling the water tray, and keeping the glass lid on during the sear period provides maximum smoke containment at the highest temperature.
How do I clean it after use?
Allow the unit to cool completely after use. Remove the V-shaped grill plate (or flat griddle plate), silver heat reflector, water drip tray (empty first), and glass lid—all five are fully dishwasher safe and go on the top rack. The filter sponge should be inspected after use: if visibly saturated, replace with a fresh one from the included supply. Hand washing all removable components with warm soapy water and a soft sponge is also effective and gentler on nonstick coatings long-term. Wipe the base unit and touchscreen panel with a damp cloth—never submerge the electrical housing. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive pads on all nonstick cooking surfaces. Total cleanup time for all components typically takes under 10 minutes including dishwasher loading.
What warranty does CUSIMAX provide for this model?
CUSIMAX backs its products with a warranty and customer support program accessible through their website (cusimax.com) and Amazon product support. CUSIMAX products are covered by US Product Liability Insurance. For this specific New Model's current warranty terms—including duration and coverage details—check the product listing page on Amazon or the documentation included in the product package, as CUSIMAX has updated warranty terms across different model generations. CUSIMAX customer service is reachable through Amazon's seller messaging system and through the CUSIMAX website's contact channels. The brand has an established multi-year presence in the US market with a documented track record of iterative product improvement and responsive customer support across its indoor grill lineup.