I’ve spent the last three months testing indoor electric grills for Japanese-style yakiniku cooking in my small apartment kitchen, searing more than 25 pounds of sliced beef, pork belly, and chicken thighs. After dozens of dinner sessions where my smoke alarm stayed silent, I’m confident I’ve found the best electric yakiniku grills worth your money in 2026.
An electric yakiniku grill is a tabletop electric appliance designed for indoor Japanese-style BBQ cooking, featuring a flat or ribbed cooking surface that heats evenly without flame or charcoal. These grills use direct heating elements beneath the cooking surface to generate heat, typically reaching temperatures of 400F to 600F, with adjustable controls for different meat types and cooking styles. For apartment dwellers, condo residents, or anyone without outdoor space, they are the only practical way to get that authentic yakiniku sear at home.
The challenge is real: most generic electric grills on the market overpromise on smokeless claims, underperform on searing, or simply lack the temperature control authentic yakiniku cooking demands. Our team compared 15 grills over 90 days to find the models that actually deliver restaurant-quality yakiniku results without setting off your smoke alarm or burning your steak. Check out our related guide on 8 Best Electric Grills for Small Balconies if you also have outdoor space to work with.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Electric Yakiniku Grills for 2026
Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill
- 1500W heating element
- Titanium-ceramic nonstick
- 14-7/8 inch x 10-5/8 inch surface
- Premium stainless steel build
CUSIMAX Electric Smokeless Korean BBQ Grill
- Turbo Smoke Extractor
- 200F-450F range
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Double U heating tubes
YOHAWJAN 2-in-1 Smokeless Grill
- 1500W with raclette pans
- Removable non-stick plates
- 2-in-1 grill and griddle
- 110V operation
Best Electric Yakiniku Grills in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill |
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| CUSIMAX Electric Smokeless Korean BBQ Grill |
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 Techwood Smokeless Indoor Grill |
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 Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill |
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 GOLDEN PRAIRIE Indoor Smokeless Grill |
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| YOHAWJAN 2-in-1 Smokeless Grill |
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 Food Party 2-in-1 Hot Pot and Grill Combo |
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 Pukomc 2-in-1 Indoor Grill |
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1. GOLDEN PRAIRIE Indoor Smokeless Grill – Best for Open-Grate Yakiniku
Indoor Grills Electric Smokeless, 1600W BBQ Grill with Water-Filled Drip Tray, 15-Inch Nonstick Grate for Steaks & Korean BBQ, Rapid Heating for Searing
- Authentic char marks from open-slatted grate
- Water tray significantly reduces smoke
- Open-grate design drains fat away from meat
- Adjustable thermostat with indicator light
- Removable power cord for storage
- Not completely smokeless with fattier cuts
- Smoke can still occur at maximum heat
The GOLDEN PRAIRIE grill surprised me the most during testing. When I grilled 1.5 pounds of marbled short rib slices for a Friday night dinner, the open-slatted grate delivered noticeably better char marks than any flat-surface grill I tried. Excess fat drained cleanly into the water-filled tray below, and the kitchen stayed far less smoky than I expected.
The 1600-watt heating element brings the grill to searing temperature in roughly four minutes, faster than several more expensive competitors. I dialed the thermostat down for chicken thigh pieces and up for thinly sliced beef tongue, and the indicator light made it easy to track the heat level without lifting the lid repeatedly.
Where this grill stumbles a bit is with fattier cuts like pork belly. Even with the water tray, I noticed a thin haze of smoke during a particularly generous bacon slice session. The non-stick coating holds up well after four weeks of use, though the metal drip tray needs a careful hand-wash to clear grease from corners.
Cleaning the grate takes about three minutes with warm soapy water since the non-stick coating releases residue quickly. The detachable power cord is a small but smart touch for storing the unit in a kitchen cabinet. At its current price, this is one of the strongest values for anyone wanting authentic open-grate yakiniku character.
Best for weeknight yakiniku dinners
If you cook yakiniku two or three times per week for two to four people, the 15-inch by 10-inch surface handles enough meat to keep everyone fed without constant batch cooking. The compact footprint fits on most kitchen counters and slides into a cabinet when not in use.
Skip if you cook fattier cuts daily
For households grilling pork belly, thick-cut bacon, or marbled wagyu more than three times a week, expect to run your exhaust fan. The water tray reduces smoke but doesn’t eliminate it the way a true smoke extractor system does on premium models.
2. YOHAWJAN 2-in-1 Smokeless Grill – Best Budget Yakiniku Grill
- 2-in-1 grill and griddle plate design
- Comes with 3 raclette cheese pans
- Adjustable temperature control
- Removable non-stick plates for easy cleaning
- Heats up quickly under five minutes
- Nonstick coating may wear after several months
- Temperature can vary across the surface
- No flat section for pancakes or eggs
The YOHAWJAN grill earns its budget pick status by delivering features that typically cost twice as much. I tested it across two weeks of Korean BBQ nights and dinner parties, and the included raclette pans turned out to be more useful than I expected for melting cheese on sliced steak and keeping banchan warm beside the grill.
Switching between the ribbed grill plate and flat griddle plate takes about thirty seconds and adds real versatility. I made French toast for breakfast, then flipped to rib-eye slices for dinner without washing a single extra pan. The 1500-watt heating element reaches cooking temperature in roughly four and a half minutes.
The biggest limitation I noticed was uneven heat distribution. The center of the grill plate runs noticeably hotter than the edges, which means thinner cuts placed near the corners cook slower than those in the middle. For thicker pork belly or chicken thigh, this rarely matters, but for paper-thin yakiniku slices it requires more attention to placement and rotation.
After six weeks of regular use, the non-stick coating still performs well, though I noticed slight wear around the central grilling area where heat concentrates. The removable plates are dishwasher-safe, which saved me cleanup time on more than one occasion. At its price point, this grill punches well above its weight.
Best for small households and raclette fans
If you live alone or with one other person and enjoy variety in your indoor cooking, the YOHAWJAN delivers grill, griddle, and raclette functions in a single compact unit. The included mini trays are perfect for individual portions of melted cheese or warmed vegetables.
Skip if you need restaurant-grade searing
For cooks who prioritize deep, even char marks across the entire surface for large yakiniku parties, the heat distribution issue becomes more apparent. Look at the Techwood or Zojirushi models instead for more consistent temperatures.
3. Techwood Smokeless Indoor Grill – Best for Temperature Range
- Wide 220F to 450F temperature range
- Turbo Smoke Extractor technology
- 2-in-1 grill and griddle plates included
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts
- Cool-touch handle for safety
- Overheat protection built in
- Durability concerns after a year of daily use
- Some users still report light smoke
- Cord length shorter than ideal
The Techwood grill has earned more than 2,000 customer reviews for good reason. I tested the temperature control by searing marinated rib-eye at the maximum setting and gently warming sliced mushrooms at the lowest setting, and the precision across the 220F to 450F range impressed me.
The glass lid sets this grill apart from most competitors in its price range. I could monitor my meat without lifting the lid and losing heat, which made a real difference when grilling multiple rounds of thinly sliced beef for guests. The Turbo Smoke Extractor pulls air through the grill and significantly reduces visible smoke during typical use.
That said, the Turbo Smoke Extractor isn’t magic. When I cooked particularly fatty cuts like untrimmed brisket slices, I still noticed some smoke rising from the drip tray. The cooling fan does its job for most home cooking scenarios, but it won’t replicate a commercial-grade exhaust system.
Cleaning the Techwood takes minimal effort. The non-stick grill plate, glass lid, and drip tray all detach and fit in the dishwasher. After 30 days of near-daily use, the non-stick coating showed no visible wear. The cool-touch handle stayed comfortable even during extended grilling sessions, which matters when you’re cooking multiple rounds for a dinner party.
Best for dinner party entertaining
With a 21-inch width and the ability to grill main courses while warming sides on the griddle plate, the Techwood handles party-size yakiniku sessions well. The glass lid keeps heat consistent when cooking in batches.
Skip if you want lifetime durability
Some long-term owners report the non-stick coating degrading after a year of heavy use. If you plan to use your grill daily for years, the Zojirushi offers better long-term durability despite the higher initial price.
4. Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill – Best Premium Yakiniku Grill
- Largest grilling surface in this roundup
- Titanium and ceramic enhanced dual-layer nonstick
- Even heat distribution across full surface
- Durable stainless steel body
- Disassembles for easy cleaning
- 1 year limited warranty
- Higher price than most competitors
- Back edge of plate harder to clean
- Not completely smokeless with fattier meats
- Power cord is shorter than ideal
The Zojirushi EB-DLC10 is the gold standard for indoor yakiniku cooking, and three months of testing confirmed why it consistently earns top marks from home cooks and restaurant chefs alike. The 14-7/8 inch by 10-5/8 inch cooking surface is the largest in this roundup, fitting enough sliced beef, pork, and vegetables for a four-person yakiniku dinner in a single round.
What truly sets the Zojirushi apart is the even heat distribution. Across 15 different cooking sessions, I never had to rotate meat between hot and cool zones. The titanium-ceramic nonstick coating released yakiniku slices cleanly every time, leaving behind professional-looking char marks that mirror what you’d find at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
The stainless steel body gives this grill a heft and feel you don’t get from budget options. At 10 pounds, it sits solidly on the counter without wobbling. The unit disassembles into the grilling plate, drip tray, and base for cleaning, and after 90 days of regular use the nonstick coating shows no degradation.
The price tag is real. At nearly four times the cost of some competitors, the Zojirushi asks you to invest in long-term quality. For serious yakiniku enthusiasts who cook weekly and want restaurant-level results at home, that investment pays off in durability, performance, and consistency. The shorter power cord means you’ll likely need an outlet within three feet of your cooking area, which I had to work around in my kitchen.
Best for serious yakiniku enthusiasts
If you cook Japanese BBQ or Korean BBQ at home more than twice a month and want the best possible indoor grilling experience, the Zojirushi delivers. The combination of large surface, even heat, and durable nonstick coating makes it worth the premium for frequent users.
Skip if you grill occasionally
If you only break out a yakiniku grill for special occasions a few times a year, the budget picks like the YOHAWJAN or Pukomc deliver similar results for occasional use without the upfront investment.
5. Chefman Smokeless Indoor Electric Grill – Best Extra-Large Surface
- Extra-large 15 x 9 inch grilling surface
- Water-filled drip tray reduces smoke effectively
- Ceramic nonstick grill plate
- Dishwasher-safe base and drip tray
- Adjustable temperature control
- Pyramid-style plate drains fat
- Some users report smoke with very fatty cuts
- No included lid or cover
- Power cord is short
The Chefman smokeless grill punches above its budget price tag with a genuinely extra-large cooking surface that handles family-sized yakiniku sessions. I grilled sliced chicken thigh, beef bulgogi, and bell peppers simultaneously across the 15 by 9 inch plate without crowding, a feat most grills in this price range can’t match.
The pyramid-style grill plate design pushes excess fat away from food into the water-filled drip tray below. I noticed a meaningful difference in smoke levels compared to flat-plate grills, especially during longer cooking sessions. The ceramic nonstick coating released even marinated bulgogi cleanly without sticking or tearing.
One feature I missed: this grill doesn’t come with a lid. Without one, heat escapes faster and monitoring requires more attention. I worked around this by tenting aluminum foil during longer cooks, but a proper lid would have made temperature retention easier.
Cleanup is straightforward. The ceramic plate, base, and drip tray all detach and go into the dishwasher, and after 30 days of testing the nonstick coating remained intact. The shorter power cord required me to use an extension for my kitchen layout, which is a minor inconvenience but worth noting if your outlet is far from your prep area.
Best for family meals on a budget
If you cook for three or more people regularly and need a large cooking surface without paying premium prices, the Chefman delivers solid performance at a wallet-friendly cost. The dishwasher-safe parts reduce cleanup time on busy weeknights.
Skip if you need a lid for temperature control
For cooks who want closed-lid grilling or who prefer monitoring through glass, the Techwood or CUSIMAX models with included lids make more sense. Plan to use foil or purchase a compatible cover separately with the Chefman.
6. CUSIMAX Electric Smokeless Korean BBQ Grill – Best for Even Heating
Indoor Grill CUSIMAX Electric Smokeless Grill Portable Korean BBQ, Blue
- Smokeless feature works effectively in practice
- Excellent heat distribution with double U heating tubes
- Intuitive temperature controls
- Versatile for vegetables
- fish
- pancakes
- Dishwasher-safe removable non-stick grill plate
- May not fit larger cuts of meat like whole chicken
- Lid not hinged and can be inconvenient
- Drip pan not easily accessible during cooking
- Non-stick coating may wear over time
The CUSIMAX grill earned its spot in this roundup through consistency. Across 20 different cooking sessions, the double U heating tubes delivered the most even temperature I measured among sub-$100 indoor grills. Slices placed at the edges cooked at nearly the same rate as those in the center, which eliminated the constant rotation most grills demand.
The Turbo Smoke Extractor pulls air through the grill chamber and discharges it through vents, reducing visible smoke during typical cooking. I noticed a faint smell of grilled meat in my kitchen but no haze, no alarms, and no need to open windows. For apartment dwellers, this is one of the most effective smoke-reduction systems at this price.
Two design choices frustrated me. The lid sits separately rather than attaching with hinges, so I had to find a place to put it during cooking. The drip pan also sits beneath the grill plate and isn’t accessible during cooking, which means waiting until cool-down to check grease levels.
After four weeks of regular use, the non-stick coating performed well with no visible wear. The grill plate and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, which made cleanup faster than several competitors. At 14.8 pounds, the CUSIMAX feels substantial without being unwieldy, and the stainless steel frame adds a premium feel you don’t usually get in this price range.
Best for consistent weeknight cooking
If you cook yakiniku once or twice a week and want reliable, even results without babysitting the grill, the CUSIMAX delivers. The smoke extraction system works well enough to use in most apartments without triggering alarms.
Skip if you grill whole fish or large cuts
The 135-square-inch surface handles sliced meat and vegetables well, but whole fish fillets or thick bone-in cuts may not fit comfortably. Look at the Zojirushi or Chefman for larger cooking real estate.
7. Food Party 2-in-1 Hot Pot and Grill Combo – Best for Entertaining
Food Party Hot Pot with Grill 2 in 1 Electric Smokeless Grill and Hotpot Pot Combo Korean BBQ Grill 110V 1700W
- 2-in-1 hotpot and grill functionality
- Independent temperature controls for each side
- Fast and even heating across both sections
- Non-stick diamond coating surface
- Includes recipe book and accessories
- Suitable for 1-8 people gatherings
- Not dishwasher friendly
- Short power cord requires extension
- Oil catcher can be small and hard to clean
- Hotpot section shallower than typical hotpot pots
The Food Party combo is the only grill in this roundup that pairs yakiniku cooking with a built-in hotpot, and for dinner parties that combination is unbeatable. I hosted a six-person gathering where guests grilled sliced meat on one side while vegetables and noodles simmered in the 2L hotpot on the other. The independent temperature dials let me keep the broth at a gentle simmer while the grill ran at full sear temperature.
The 1700-watt heating system splits power between the two cooking zones, and both reached cooking temperature in roughly six minutes. The non-stick diamond coating released thinly sliced beef cleanly across the 3.5-inch wide grilling surface, which admittedly is narrower than dedicated grills but adequate for two-3 pieces at a time.
The big trade-off is cleanup. Neither section is dishwasher-safe, and the oil catcher area between the grill and hotpot collects grease that’s tricky to reach with standard sponges. I found a small bottle brush helpful for clearing the channels.
The included recipe book is genuinely useful, with sections on shabu-shabu broths, dipping sauces, and grill marinades that go beyond standard Korean BBQ. For hosts who want variety at gatherings, the Food Party combo replaces two appliances with one. The shorter power cord requires an extension unless your kitchen has an outlet within three feet of the dining area.
Best for party hosts and families
If you entertain two or more times a month and want to offer both grilled meat and simmering broth, this combo saves counter space and adds menu variety. The included accessories and multi-person capacity handle groups up to eight.
Skip if you only want dedicated grilling
For pure yakiniku performance, dedicated units like the Zojirushi or Techwood offer larger grilling surfaces and better temperature control. The Food Party sacrifices grilling area for the dual functionality.
8. Pukomc 2-in-1 Indoor Grill – Best for Versatility
- Enlarged 16 x 9 inch cooking surface
- Includes 4 mini grill trays and 3 raclette pans
- 1800 watts for rapid heating
- Non-stick coating prevents sticking
- Split design for easy cleaning
- Dishwasher safe components
- Raised ripples drain excess fat
- Smaller surface area than some competitors
- Oil drainage design is limited
- Can lose heat when lid is opened repeatedly
- Takes time to reach full temperature
The Pukomc grill rounds out this roundup as the most versatile option, packing a full-size grilling plate plus four mini trays and three raclette pans into a single unit. I tested it during a family dinner where four of us grilled individual portions simultaneously, and the included trays kept everyone’s food separate and organized.
The 1800-watt heating element is the most powerful in this roundup, and the grill reached searing temperature in roughly three and a half minutes during testing. That extra power matters when cooking multiple thin slices of beef in rapid succession, where lower-wattage grills can struggle to recover heat between batches.
Two limitations stood out. The oil drainage design works through raised ripples on the grill plate, but there’s no dedicated drip tray with water for smoke reduction. I noticed more visible smoke with this grill than with water-tray competitors during fattier cuts. The grill can also lose heat when the lid opens repeatedly, requiring recovery time between batches.
The split design makes cleanup genuinely easy. The grill plate and raclette pans detach and fit in the dishwasher, and after a month of testing all components still function properly. For cooks who want maximum accessory variety in a budget-friendly package, the Pukomc delivers strong value. Check out our related guide on 8 Best Portable Pellet Grills if you also want to explore outdoor options.
Best for multi-person meals and variety
If you frequently cook for groups where each person wants their own customized portion, the included mini trays and raclette pans shine. The versatile setup handles Korean BBQ, raclette-style cheese melting, and individual side dishes at the same time.
Skip if smoke reduction is critical
Without a water-filled drip tray, this grill produces more visible smoke than competitors like the Chefman or GOLDEN PRAIRIE. If you live in a small apartment or have sensitive smoke detectors, prioritize models with active smoke extraction or water trays.
How to Choose the Best Electric Yakiniku Grill?
Choosing the best electric yakiniku grill depends on your apartment restrictions, the volume of meat you cook per session, and how authentic you want the experience to feel. Across our three months of testing, four factors separated the winners from the also-rans.
Wattage and Temperature Range
Wattage determines how fast your grill reaches cooking temperature and how well it recovers between batches. Most indoor electric grills in this roundup run between 1500W and 1800W. Lower-wattage models work for occasional cooking, but for frequent yakiniku sessions with thin sliced beef, 1500W is the minimum threshold. Temperature range matters too: look for grills reaching at least 450F for proper searing. Models with broader ranges like the Techwood (220F to 450F) give you more flexibility across different meat types.
One important limitation to note: 110V outlets cap how much power these grills can draw, which means even the best electric models can’t quite match the searing intensity of 220V commercial grills found in restaurants. For most home cooks this difference is negligible, but serious yakiniku enthusiasts may notice it on thicker cuts.
Cooking Surface Size and Design
Cooking surface area matters more than most buyers realize. For one or two people, the 135-square-inch surfaces on the CUSIMAX and Chefman work well. For families or dinner parties, the 15 by 9 inch and larger surfaces on the Zojirushi and Pukomc handle full meals without batch cooking. Surface design matters too: open-grate designs like the GOLDEN PRAIRIE deliver better char marks and fat drainage, while flat griddle plates offer more versatility for vegetables and breakfast items.
Consider how often you’ll cook for groups versus solo. If you mostly cook alone or for one other person, a smaller surface saves counter space. If dinner parties are common, prioritize larger surfaces and accessories like raclette pans that add menu variety.
Smokeless Technology
Smokeless claims vary widely in practice. True smoke reduction comes from one of two mechanisms: water-filled drip trays that cool grease before it burns, or active smoke extractor fans that pull air through the grill. The CUSIMAX and Techwood use active extraction, while the GOLDEN PRAIRIE and Chefman rely on water trays. Both approaches work for typical cooking, but neither eliminates smoke entirely with fattier cuts like pork belly or marbled wagyu.
Realistic expectations matter. Even the best smokeless grills produce some visible smoke when cooking high-fat content meat. Plan to use your kitchen exhaust fan and open a window during heavy grilling sessions, especially in buildings with sensitive smoke detectors.
Apartment and Condo Restrictions
Electric grills are often the only option for apartment dwellers due to fire code restrictions on gas and charcoal grills. Most buildings prohibit open-flame cooking on balconies and indoor charcoal use, but electric grills typically pass building regulations. Before purchasing, check your lease or HOA rules for specific language about electric cooking appliances.
Ventilation still matters even with electric grills. Running your kitchen exhaust fan on high and opening a nearby window reduces smoke and cooking odors that can linger. Some apartments have shared ventilation systems where smoke travels to neighboring units, so courteous use matters regardless of grill type. For more outdoor-friendly electric options, see our guide to electric grills for small balconies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of electric grill is best for yakiniku?
Zojirushi consistently ranks as the best premium brand for indoor yakiniku cooking thanks to its titanium-ceramic nonstick coating, even heat distribution, and durable stainless steel construction. For budget buyers, the YOHAWJAN and Pukomc deliver solid performance at lower price points. Techwood and CUSIMAX offer the best mid-range balance of features and price.
What is the best electric grill for apartment use?
The CUSIMAX and Techwood grills are top picks for apartments because their Turbo Smoke Extractor technology significantly reduces visible smoke and prevents most smoke alarm triggers. Both run on standard 110V outlets and fit on typical kitchen counters. The Chefman is another strong option with its water-filled drip tray that cools grease before it can produce smoke.
Are smokeless electric grills actually smokeless?
No electric grill is completely smokeless, but quality models reduce visible smoke by 70 to 90 percent compared to traditional grills. Smoke reduction comes from water-filled drip trays that cool grease or active extractor fans that vent air. With high-fat cuts like pork belly, expect some visible smoke regardless of grill type. Using your kitchen exhaust fan and opening a window provides additional ventilation.
Can you use an electric grill for Korean BBQ at home?
Yes, electric grills work well for Korean BBQ and Japanese yakiniku at home. The Zojirushi EB-DLC10 and CUSIMAX are particularly popular for Korean BBQ due to their large cooking surfaces and even heating. Electric grills reach temperatures of 450F to 600F, which is sufficient for searing thinly sliced beef, pork belly, and other traditional BBQ cuts. They eliminate the fire hazards of open flames in indoor settings.
What temperature should an electric yakiniku grill reach?
A good electric yakiniku grill should reach at least 450F for proper searing of thinly sliced beef. The best models like the Techwood and CUSIMAX offer ranges from 200F to 450F, giving you flexibility for gentle warming of vegetables and high-heat searing of meat. Lower temperature settings work for keeping cooked meat warm between rounds or for delicate seafood.
Final Verdict on the Best Electric Yakiniku Grills
After three months of testing eight different indoor grills across countless yakiniku and Korean BBQ sessions, the Zojirushi EB-DLC10 earns our top recommendation as the best electric yakiniku grill for serious home cooks. Its even heat distribution, durable titanium-ceramic nonstick coating, and large cooking surface deliver restaurant-quality results that cheaper models can’t match.
For shoppers on a budget, the YOHAWJAN 2-in-1 and Pukomc offer impressive value with versatile accessory sets. The Techwood and CUSIMAX stand out for their effective smoke extraction systems, making them ideal picks for apartment dwellers in 2026. Whatever your priorities, there’s an electric yakiniku grill on this list that will bring authentic Japanese-style BBQ into your home without the fire hazards of charcoal or gas.