Smeg MultiGrill Does Waffles, Paninis and BBQ for £299.95

What is the Smeg MultiGrill and what can it cook?

The Smeg MultiGrill is a three-in-one countertop electric grill that can cook paninis, burgers, vegetables and Belgian waffles. It uses two heating plates and interchangeable non-stick plates to switch between contact grilling, oven-style cooking and a flat BBQ mode, all in a retro 1950s-inspired body.

Smeg's new MultiGrill is a countertop electric grill with two heating plates that can be used open or closed. In Contact mode, both plates press against the food for fast, even cooking of burgers, sandwiches and grilled meats. In Oven mode, the top plate can be set to four different heights so delicate items like fish cook without being crushed.

BBQ mode opens the grill completely flat, doubling the cooking surface and using heat only from below. That makes it possible to sear steaks, char vegetables or cook a full breakfast on one appliance. The MultiGrill also includes a removable fat-collecting drawer to make cleanup easier after greasy foods.

• Contact mode: both plates close on the food for burgers, sandwiches and grilled meats.
• Oven mode: four adjustable heights for fish and delicate dishes.
• BBQ mode: opens flat with heat only from below for double the cooking space.
• Preset modes: Panini, Waffle and Burger with customizable time and temperature.

How hot does the Smeg MultiGrill get and what plates are included?

Each plate adjusts between 60°C and 230°C, and a dedicated Sear mode pushes above 250°C for 30 seconds to brown meat quickly. The box includes four aluminum plates with non-stick ceramic coating — one smooth, one grill and two waffle plates — plus a measuring cup for batter.

Temperature and cooking mode appear on an LCD display, and all functions are controlled with two simple dials. The Sear mode is designed to give an intense burst of heat for rapidly caramelizing the outside of meat while keeping the inside tender. That is a feature usually found on more expensive outdoor grills, not countertop cookers.

All plates are made of aluminum with a non-stick ceramic coating and are dishwasher-safe. The two waffle plates and the included measuring cup suggest Smeg is targeting households that want Belgian waffles without buying a separate appliance. The smooth plate works for eggs and pancakes, while the grill plate handles meat and vegetables.

1. Fit the smooth, grill or waffle plates depending on the dish.
2. Choose Contact, Oven or BBQ mode using the two dials.
3. Select a preset (Panini, Waffle, Burger) or set time and temperature manually.
4. Use Sear mode for a 30-second blast above 250°C when you want a crust.
5. Remove the fat-collecting drawer and put the plates in the dishwasher.

How much does the Smeg MultiGrill cost and where can you buy it?

The Smeg MultiGrill costs £299.95 and is available direct from Smeg in black or cream. It is not yet listed at third-party retailers, so UK buyers should check Smeg's official site for stock. Prices and availability may change after launch.

At £299.95, the MultiGrill sits in the premium countertop cooker bracket. It costs more than many standalone panini presses and waffle makers, but it replaces several appliances at once and carries Smeg's retro design language. The two color options, black and cream, match the company's other 1950s-inspired small appliances.

TechRadar reports that it will be tested soon against other multi-function countertop cookers, including Ninja's new Belgian waffle maker. That comparison will matter for buyers who care more about waffle quality than grill performance. For now, the MultiGrill is a direct-from-Smeg product, so UK shoppers should confirm shipping costs and warranty terms before ordering.

Why does the Smeg MultiGrill matter for kitchen tech buyers?

The Smeg MultiGrill matters because it combines three appliances — panini press, waffle maker and flat BBQ — in one retro body with preset modes and dishwasher-safe plates. That reduces countertop clutter, a major concern for small kitchens, and puts pressure on rivals like Ninja to justify separate devices.

Countertop space is the scarcest resource in modern kitchens, and multi-function cookers are the industry's answer. Smeg's entry follows a broader trend of appliances that swap plates or change geometry instead of asking users to buy three machines. The 1950s-inspired design also targets buyers who want their appliances to look good when not in use.

The MultiGrill's success will depend on how well it performs each role. A grill that also makes good Belgian waffles is rare, and the included measuring cup shows Smeg is serious about batter. If the waffle plates heat evenly, the MultiGrill could replace both a waffle maker and a panini press for many households.

• Replaces a panini press, waffle maker and flat grill in one device.
• Preset modes reduce guesswork for common foods.
• Dishwasher-safe plates and a fat-collecting drawer simplify cleanup.
• Premium price means it must outperform cheaper single-purpose appliances.

Bottom line

The Smeg MultiGrill packs a panini press, waffle maker and flat BBQ into one retro countertop cooker for £299.95. If you are short on kitchen space and want Belgian waffles without a dedicated machine, it is worth watching. Check Smeg's official site for stock and wait for independent reviews before ordering.