Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX Indoor Electric Grill Review
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A 14-inch round PFOA-free nonstick grilling surface, domed tempered glass lid, 5 adjustable temperature settings up to 445°F, and fully dishwasher-safe components—all in a family-friendly, cool-touch package built for year-round indoor grilling.
The Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX is a large-format round indoor electric grill that has earned a loyal following among families, apartment dwellers, and budget-conscious home cooks who want a reliable, no-nonsense way to grill indoors without charcoal, propane, or outdoor access. What sets the EMG-980BX apart from most rectangular indoor grills is its generous 14-inch round cooking surface—one of the largest dedicated grilling areas available at this price point—paired with a domed tempered glass lid that traps heat, retains moisture, and prevents grease splatter across your kitchen. The result is faster, more even cooking with juicier results, especially on thicker proteins like bone-in chicken and pork chops that benefit from covered heat circulation. Backed by over a decade of Elite Gourmet's track record as a trusted small-appliance brand with US-based customer support, the EMG-980BX consistently delivers practical everyday performance that punches well above its price.
The grill's 1,300-watt heating element heats up noticeably faster than lower-wattage competitors, and the adjustable temperature dial offers five clearly labeled settings—Off, 195°F, 250°F, 355°F, and 445°F—giving you precise control from gentle warming through high-heat searing without guesswork. The PFOA-free nonstick griddle plate features raised ridges that deliver authentic grill marks while channeling excess grease and fat down into a removable drip tray below. Both the grill plate and drip tray lift out easily and are fully dishwasher safe (with the temperature probe removed), making cleanup genuinely fast. Cool-touch handles and a heat-resistant base keep the unit safe during tabletop use, and UL safety certification confirms the grill meets North American electrical safety standards. At roughly 17 × 17 × 4 inches and 6 lbs., the EMG-980BX is compact enough to store in a cabinet between uses while offering enough grilling real estate to cook for a family of four to six in a single session.
Product Specifications
| Model | EMG-980BX (Black) |
| Brand | Elite Gourmet (Maxi-Matic) |
| Power | 1,300 Watts / 120V |
| Cooking Surface | 14″ round nonstick griddle plate |
| Temperature Range | 195°F / 250°F / 355°F / 445°F (5 settings incl. Off) |
| Smoke Reduction Method | Removable drip tray collects excess grease & fat |
| Grill Plate | PFOA-free nonstick with raised ridges for grill marks |
| Lid | Domed tempered glass with vented steam hole |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes — grill plate, drip tray & glass lid (remove temp probe first) |
| Unit Dimensions | ~17″ L × 17.2″ W × 4.1″ H |
| Unit Weight | ~6 lbs. |
| Safety Features | Cool-touch handles & base, indicator light |
| Certification | UL Listed |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty from Elite Gourmet |
| Color | Black |
Key Features
- 14-Inch Round Nonstick Grilling Surface: One of the largest dedicated indoor grill cooking areas at this price—PFOA-free nonstick with raised ridges delivers authentic grill marks and easy food release for a full family meal in one session
- Domed Tempered Glass Lid: Traps heat for faster, more even cooking and retains moisture in proteins—vented steam hole prevents pressure buildup while keeping grease splatter contained and your kitchen clean
- 1,300-Watt Fast Heat-Up Element: Heats significantly faster than 1,000–1,120W competitors, reaching grilling temperature quickly with an indicator light that signals when the surface is ready
- 5 Adjustable Temperature Settings: Clearly labeled dial offers Off, 195°F, 250°F, 355°F, and 445°F—no guesswork required for everything from gentle warming to high-heat searing
- Removable Drip Tray: Catches rendered fat and grease beneath the grill plate, promoting low-fat cooking and reducing smoke output during indoor sessions
- Fully Dishwasher-Safe Components: Grill plate, drip tray, and glass lid all go in the dishwasher once the temperature probe is removed—cleanup takes seconds rather than minutes
- Cool-Touch Handles & Heat-Resistant Base: Safe for tabletop use at dining tables, countertops, and buffet setups without risk of burns or surface damage
- UL Safety Certification: Meets or exceeds North American electrical safety standards for household appliances
- Year-Round Indoor Grilling: No charcoal, no propane, no outdoor access required—grill steaks, chicken, fish, burgers, vegetables, and more regardless of weather or living situation
- Trusted Brand with US-Based Support: Elite Gourmet has delivered affordable kitchen appliances for over 40 years with responsive phone, email, and live chat customer support
What We Like
- Generous 14-inch round grilling surface accommodates family-sized meals—steaks, chicken, burgers, and vegetables all in one session
- Domed glass lid traps heat and moisture for faster cooking and juicier results on thicker cuts, plus prevents grease splatter
- 1,300W element heats up fast—noticeably quicker than sub-1,200W competitors—with a ready indicator light
- Five clearly labeled temperature settings (195°F–445°F) eliminate guesswork and give precise control for different foods
- PFOA-free nonstick griddle plate with raised ridges delivers clean grill marks and effortless food release with minimal oil
- All cooking components (grill plate, drip tray, glass lid) are fully dishwasher safe for fast, hands-off cleanup
- Cool-touch handles and heat-resistant base make it genuinely safe for tabletop and dining table use
- One of the most budget-friendly indoor grills that includes a glass lid—most competitors at this price sell the lid separately or omit it
- UL listed safety certification provides confidence in electrical safety standards compliance
- Griddle plate design (vs. wire grate) lets you cook smaller items like shrimp, sliced vegetables, and thin-cut meats without them falling through
What Could Be Better
- Round shape takes up more counter space than similarly-priced rectangular grills—verify your countertop or storage space before purchasing
- Drip tray is somewhat small and may need to be emptied mid-cook when grilling fatty meats like bacon or pork belly in large batches
- Glass lid handle has been noted by some users as feeling fragile—requires careful handling during washing and storage
- No digital temperature display—the dial labels are helpful but less precise than digital readouts on premium grills
- At ~6 lbs. and 17 inches across, it's heavier and bulkier than compact rectangular grills like the Chefman RJ23-SG
- Not marketed as "smokeless"—while the drip tray reduces smoke, high-fat items at maximum heat can still produce noticeable smoke without a dedicated smoke extraction system
- No air frying, baking, or multi-function cooking modes—strictly an indoor contact grill
Why This Product Is Popular
The Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX has built a strong and sustained following on Amazon for a straightforward reason: it's one of the very few indoor electric grills at its price that includes a tempered glass lid. That single inclusion changes the cooking experience dramatically. Covered grilling means faster cook times, better moisture retention in chicken and pork, less grease splatter on your countertop, and the ability to cook thicker cuts without flipping constantly or worrying about uneven heat. Most budget indoor grills force you to cook open-face, which works fine for thin burgers and hot dogs but falls short on bone-in chicken, thick pork chops, or anything that needs sustained, even heat from all sides. The EMG-980BX solves this without asking you to spend significantly more.
The 14-inch round cooking surface is another major draw. It's large enough to grill for a family of four to six people in a single pass—something that smaller 10-inch and 12-inch grills simply can't match without running multiple batches. For indoor gatherings, game-day cooking, and communal tabletop grilling setups, the round format with cool-touch handles and a heat-resistant base sits safely on a dining table and invites shared cooking. The griddle plate design (as opposed to wire grates) is particularly popular with buyers who cook smaller items—shrimp, sliced mushrooms, thin-cut Korean BBQ meats—that would slip through traditional grate openings.
Finally, the Elite Gourmet brand itself carries weight with repeat buyers. With over 40 years in the small-appliance space and US-based customer support reachable by phone, email, and live chat, buyers trust that warranty claims and product questions will be handled responsively. The combination of a glass lid, large cooking surface, dishwasher-safe components, and a trusted brand at a budget-friendly price has produced a product that consistently earns high marks from practical, value-oriented buyers who use it regularly rather than occasionally.
Final Verdict
The Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX is not the flashiest indoor grill on the market, and it doesn't claim to be. What it is—and what it does exceptionally well for the money—is a practical, family-sized indoor electric grill that includes the one feature most budget competitors leave out: a domed tempered glass lid. That lid transforms the cooking experience, giving you faster heat-up, better moisture retention, reduced splatter, and the ability to cook thicker proteins evenly without constant supervision. Combined with a generous 14-inch nonstick griddle plate, 1,300 watts of power across five clearly labeled temperature settings, and fully dishwasher-safe components, the EMG-980BX delivers a genuinely complete indoor grilling package at a price that invites everyday use.
Its limitations are worth acknowledging. The round footprint requires more counter and storage space than compact rectangular alternatives. The drip tray is on the small side for extended fatty-meat sessions. It doesn't have a dedicated smokeless system like fan-assisted or water-tray models, so very high-fat cooking at maximum heat can produce some smoke. And if you need digital precision, multi-function versatility, or a sub-4-lb. ultraportable design, you'll want to look at other options in this category.
But if your priority is a reliable, lid-included indoor grill with enough surface area to cook for a family, backed by a trusted brand and genuinely easy cleanup—the Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX is the best value proposition in its class. Its long track record of satisfied buyers, consistent ratings, and practical design make it a confident choice for anyone who wants to grill indoors year-round without overspending or overcomplicating the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact temperature settings on the dial?
The EMG-980BX features five clearly labeled positions on its removable temperature dial: Off, 195°F, 250°F, 355°F, and 445°F. The 195°F setting is suitable for gentle warming and keeping cooked food at serving temperature. The 250°F setting handles delicate items like fish fillets and thin vegetables. The 355°F setting is the versatile mid-range for chicken breasts, sausages, and standard burgers. The 445°F setting delivers high-heat searing for steaks and thick-cut meats with proper grill marks. An indicator light on the unit tells you when the grill has reached the selected temperature and is ready for food.
Is the glass lid included or sold separately?
Yes—the domed tempered glass lid is included with the EMG-980BX at no additional cost. This is one of the key value advantages of this model, as many competing indoor grills at a similar price point either omit the lid entirely or sell it as a separate accessory. The lid features a vented steam hole to prevent pressure buildup and is made of transparent tempered glass so you can monitor food without lifting. The lid is also dishwasher safe.
Is it truly smokeless for apartment use?
The EMG-980BX is not specifically marketed as a "smokeless" grill. It reduces smoke through its drip tray system, which catches rendered fat and grease below the cooking surface before it can burn on the heating element. For most standard grilling—chicken breasts, burgers, vegetables, fish—smoke output is minimal and manageable with normal kitchen ventilation. However, high-fat items like thick-cut bacon or heavily marbled steaks at the 445°F setting can produce noticeable smoke. If dedicated smokeless performance is your top priority for a sensitive apartment environment, consider models with active fan extraction or water-tray systems. For general indoor grilling with reasonable ventilation, the EMG-980BX performs well.
How do I clean it and are all parts dishwasher safe?
After the unit cools, remove the temperature probe/dial first—this is important, as the dial should not be submerged or placed in the dishwasher. Once the probe is removed, the nonstick grill plate lifts straight out, the drip tray slides out from beneath, and the glass lid detaches. All three components (grill plate, drip tray, and glass lid) are fully dishwasher safe. The base unit should be wiped clean with a damp cloth—do not submerge it in water. For the nonstick surface, avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers to preserve the coating. Hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge also works perfectly if you prefer not to use the dishwasher.
How does the griddle plate compare to a wire grate grill?
The EMG-980BX uses a solid nonstick griddle plate with raised ridges rather than an open wire grate. This design has several practical advantages: smaller foods like shrimp, sliced mushrooms, diced vegetables, and thin-sliced meats won't fall through gaps. The raised ridges still deliver visible grill marks and channel grease away from your food into the drip tray. Cleanup is also simpler—a flat griddle surface doesn't have the tight corners and wire intersections that trap char and require soaking. The tradeoff is that you don't get the open-flame char flavor that comes from grease dripping directly onto a heating element through an open grate, but for indoor use this is actually a benefit since it produces less smoke.
How does it compare to the Chefman RJ23-SG smokeless grill?
The two grills serve slightly different use cases. The Chefman RJ23-SG is a compact rectangular grill (150 sq. in., ~3.15 lbs.) focused specifically on smokeless performance via its water-tray system—it's lighter, more portable, and better suited for apartment dwellers who prioritize minimal smoke above all else. The Elite Gourmet EMG-980BX is a larger round grill (14-inch diameter, ~6 lbs.) with more power (1,300W vs. 1,120W), a glass lid for covered cooking, and a larger cooking surface better suited for families. The EMG-980BX heats faster and reaches higher temperatures with its labeled dial. The Chefman wins on portability and dedicated smoke reduction. The Elite Gourmet wins on cooking capacity, lid inclusion, and temperature precision. Choose based on whether smoke control or family-sized covered cooking is your priority.
Can it cook thick cuts like bone-in chicken?
Yes—and this is where the included glass lid becomes a significant advantage. The domed lid provides enough clearance for thick bone-in chicken thighs, thick pork chops, and similarly bulky cuts. With the lid on, heat circulates around the food rather than only contacting it from below, resulting in more even cooking without needing to flip as frequently. For best results with thick proteins, use the 355°F setting with the lid on, allow extra cooking time compared to thin cuts, and always verify internal temperature with a separate meat thermometer before serving. The 445°F setting can be used for an initial sear before reducing to 355°F for covered finishing.
Is it good for Korean BBQ or tabletop grilling?
The EMG-980BX is well-suited for communal tabletop grilling and Korean BBQ-style cooking. The round format naturally centers on a dining table, the cool-touch handles and heat-resistant base make tabletop placement safe, and the large 14-inch surface handles multiple portions of thin-sliced bulgogi, samgyeopsal, galbi, mushrooms, and vegetables simultaneously. The griddle plate is especially practical for Korean BBQ since thin-sliced meats won't slip through gaps the way they might on a wire grate. Keep the drip tray in mind during extended sessions with fatty cuts like pork belly—you may need to empty it between rounds to prevent overflow.
What warranty and support does Elite Gourmet provide?
The EMG-980BX includes a 1-year limited warranty from Elite Gourmet (a brand of Maxi-Matic) covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. Elite Gourmet's US-based customer support team is reachable by phone at 1-800-365-6133, by email at info@maxi-matic.com, and via live chat on their website. The brand has been in the small kitchen appliance market for over 40 years, and multiple buyers have noted responsive and helpful interactions with their support team when warranty claims or product questions arise.
What foods can I cook on it?
The EMG-980BX handles the full range of standard grill proteins and vegetables: steaks, burgers, chicken breasts and thighs (bone-in or boneless), fish fillets, shrimp, pork chops, sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and lamb chops. It also excels with vegetables including corn, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, and tomatoes. The griddle plate design makes it particularly effective for smaller items that would fall through wire grates—shrimp, diced vegetables, and thin-sliced Korean BBQ meats. With the glass lid, you can also cook thicker items that benefit from covered heat. The grill is not designed for baking, air frying, or any closed-oven cooking method.