I tried SMEG’s new MultiGrill and it might be the prettiest kitchen gadget I’ve ever owned

Forget what you think about worktop grills. (Picture: Metro/SMEG/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more There are some kitchen appliances that get tucked away in a cupboard after a few uses, and then there are SMEG appliances. As someone who has long admired the brand’s instantly recognisable retro designs, gorgeous colourways and ability to make everyday appliances feel like part of your home’s decor, I was particularly excited to put the new SMEG MultiGrill through its paces. According to the brand, it’s designed to do far more than a standard sandwich toaster or indoor grill, promising everything from perfectly crisp paninis to waffles, burgers, vegetables and grilled fish in one sleek countertop appliance. The SMEG MultiGrill is a versatile countertop appliance designed to do far more than a standard grill. Featuring interchangeable plates and multiple cooking functions, it can be used to grill meat, fish and vegetables, toast sandwiches, press paninis, and even open flat for larger cooking sessions. True to SMEG's signature style, it combines a sleek retro-inspired design with practical features such as adjustable temperature controls and non-stick cooking plates, making it a stylish yet hardworking addition to any kitchen. It's a great option for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing cooking versatility. Buy Now for £299.95 After spending time testing it in my own kitchen, I can confidently say this isn’t just a good-looking appliance. It’s an incredibly practical one too. Let’s start with the aesthetic because, let’s be honest, that’s often what draws people to SMEG in the first place. The MultiGrill embodies everything I love about the brand. The curved edges, polished detailing and signature 50s-inspired styling make it feel more like a design piece than a kitchen gadget. Unlike many grills that feel bulky and utilitarian, this is one appliance I’m genuinely happy to leave on display. It’s a thing of beauty. (Picture: Metro/SMEG) Available in both Cream and Black, it seamlessly coordinates with SMEG’s wider collection of small appliances, which is perfect if you already own one of its iconic kettles, toasters or coffee machines, or not. And it’s so much more than a sandwich maker. While I initially assumed the MultiGrill would primarily be used for toasties and paninis, it quickly became apparent that it’s far more versatile. The appliance offers three cooking configurations: Contact mode for quick, even cooking from both sides, oven mode with five adjustable height settings for delicate foods, and BBQ mode, which opens fully to double the cooking surface for entertaining and larger meals. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. This flexibility makes it suitable for everything from weekday lunches to weekend brunches and family dinners. You can cook multiple food items at once. (Picture: Metro/SMEG) Better yet? It has the ability to cook different foods simultaneously at different temperatures. Each plate can be independently adjusted from 60 degrees to 230 degrees, meaning you’re not limited to a one-size-fits-all cooking approach – which is so handy! For anyone who enjoys hosting, this is a genuinely useful addition. Some multifunctional gadgets can feel intimidating. You spend more time reading the manual than actually cooking. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. The intuitive LCD display makes navigating temperatures, timings and cooking programmes incredibly straightforward. Whether I was grilling vegetables or making a quick lunch, everything felt easy to understand from the outset. Cooking meats like chicken, tuna or steak as never been easier either. (Picture: Metro/SMEG) There are also dedicated presets for paninis, waffles and burgers which take much of the guesswork out of cooking. I found these particularly useful during my first few uses, helping achieve consistent results without endless temperature tweaking. As for the best part? The interchangeable plates are a game changer This means you can go from cooking breakfast waffles and eggs in the morning to toasted sandwiches at lunch and grilled meats or vegetables in the evening without needing multiple appliances cluttering your countertops. Recreating my favourite tuna toastie has never been easier – or cheaper when working from home. (Picture: Metro/SMEG) For anyone short on kitchen storage, that’s a major selling point. Oh, and cleaning the SMEG MultiGrill is refreshingly simple, because let’s face it, cleaning up is often the least enjoyable part of cooking – and SMEG appears to have considered this too. The plates feature a ceramic non-stick coating, and the removable inserts can be placed straight into the dishwasher. Plus there’s an integrated fat-collecting drawer also helps minimise mess during cooking. After testing plenty of kitchen gadgets over the years, ease of cleaning is one of the biggest factors in whether an appliance becomes part of my regular routine, and this scores highly in that regard. I never want to hide the MultiGrill away. (Picture: Metro/SMEG) At £299.95, the MultiGrill certainly sits in the premium appliance category. However, when you consider that it combines the functionality of a grill, griddle, sandwich press, waffle maker and tabletop BBQ in one appliance, the value starts to become much clearer. Rather than purchasing several separate gadgets, you’re investing in one beautifully designed appliance capable of handling a wide range of meals. And unlike many kitchen gadgets that prioritise function over form, this is something you’ll actually want on display. The new SMEG MultiGrill successfully delivers on both style and substance. For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen setup with an appliance that works hard and looks fantastic while doing it, the MultiGrill is well worth considering. And with Christmas just a few months away, this will make those leftover sandwiches on Boxing Day even tastier. 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