You may have seen our Chefman Electric Indoor Grill review from a few weeks ago when we began our indoor grill series. Today we unbox and test the Tayama Electric Indoor Grill, another smokeless countertop option. Right away the grill felt familiar — not just in design but in construction and performance.
Closer inspection confirmed our hunch: the Tayama grill shares the same internal model designation as the Chefman unit we previously tested. We used an infrared thermometer to measure surface temperatures and found the Tayama’s heat profile closely matched the Chefman’s. In short, performance and heating behavior were nearly identical between the two units.
We compared the two grills side-by-side to note any practical differences that might affect a buyer. The distinctions are mostly cosmetic and in the included documentation:
- Packaging: Tayama ships in a plain brown box, while Chefman ships in full-color retail packaging.
- Manuals: Tayama includes a simple bifold brochure; Chefman provides a more detailed multi-page manual.
- Branding and labels: Each unit carries its own logo and minor label differences. Chefman’s unit includes an additional printed warning on the plastic near the grate that reminds users to add water to the drip pan and cautions about hot surfaces.
- Cooking guidance: Chefman supplies a card that illustrates low, medium, and high cooking zones on the grate. Tayama’s documentation does not reference these zones.
- Price: The Tayama model is typically offered at a lower retail price than the Chefman-branded version.
Item Specs: Tayama Electric Indoor Grill (Model TG-868) *
- 18.5” W x 2.5” H x 11” D
- Material: Die Cast Aluminum
- Wattage: 120V – 1120W
- Cooking Grate Surface Area 13” W x 9” D
- Weight 3.15 lbs.
- Cord Length: 33.75”
*Specs taken from the Tayama grill manual.
In practical use the grill performs as a compact countertop solution. The cooking surface is large enough for a meal for one or two people and the unit reaches usable cooking temperatures quickly. Because the design is the same as the Chefman unit we tested, the behavior of hotspots and the way food sears on the grate were consistent between the two grills. The drip pan sits beneath the grate to catch juices and grease; following the manufacturer’s advice to add a little water to the drip pan can reduce smoke and make cleanup easier.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. The removable grate and drip pan allow for quick rinsing after use. The die-cast aluminum body is lightweight but sturdy, and the overall footprint is small enough to store in a cupboard or on a narrow shelf when not in use.
Some users may appreciate the extra cooking guidance and warnings that came with the Chefman version, particularly the illustrated cooking zones and the more detailed manual. Those features can help less experienced cooks get consistent results. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable experimenting with heat levels and placement, the Tayama’s simpler documentation and lower price make it an attractive option.
Final Thoughts
Because the Tayama grill is essentially the same unit as the Chefman model we previously reviewed, we recommend it for anyone looking for an affordable, compact indoor electric grill. It’s a good fit for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who wants a simple countertop grill without producing excessive smoke. If you prefer more detailed instructions and retail packaging, the Chefman-branded version may be worth the extra cost; if price and value are more important, the Tayama offers the same core performance at a lower price point.