Latest news with #electricBBQ
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Telegraph
Weber Lumin review: This electric BBQ convinced me to swap from cooking on gas and charcoal
What is the Weber Lumin? Weber is best known for its charcoal and gas barbecues; its Spirit gas model is our Best Buy for the latter category. But as a brand it has a selection of electric models too. The Weber Q is its most affordable, the Weber Pulse adds digital controls and the Weber Lumin offers a more polished design, sitting in the middle of the electric barbecue range with a starting RRP of £559. The Weber Lumin comes in two sizes (the smaller one is conveniently called Weber Lumin Compact, £369) while there are options to buy an additional stand (which is what I tested), depending on what you want to use it for. It's fairly portable, so easy to store, but also gives you enough space to cook for the whole family. Interesting features include a steamer tray or the ability to add woodchips for smoke, while the grills themselves can be washed in the dishwasher, which is really convenient. JUMP TO: How we test electric BBQs For this Weber Lumin review I tested the barbecue at home over the course of six weeks. I cooked a number of barbecue recipes, trying both low and slow cooking as well as high-heat searing, to test the full range of capabilities. I was interested in how easy it was to use, from setting it up to getting cooking. I wanted to find out how portable it was and how solid the stand was – as well as test the accessories that came in the box. I also assessed the controls, both to see how easy it was to adjust the temperature and how long it took to reach high heats. And I considered how easy it was to clean at the end of the process and how safe and sturdy it all felt. Ultimately, I wanted to know if the Weber Lumin could produce results like a traditional charcoal model, or the best gas barbecues and see how the design aided the production of authentic and tasty barbecue food. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Ease of use Score: 10/10 The Weber Lumin comes either with or without a stand. If you go for the latter, then there's little to do out of the box. The main barbecue arrives in one piece with the accessories inside the lid, so you'll be set up in under 10 minutes. Its plastic base is attached and either functions as a table stand or slots onto the top of the folding stand if you want to use it more like a home barbecue. Essentially, it's a portable barbecue that's well suited to more permanent use too. Opt for the stand and the sturdy plastic construction will require some assembly. Even that only takes about 10 minutes; there's just one tricky part which is getting the stand's folding struts in the right places. But the instructions make that clear. The lid isn't as domed on the Weber Lumin electric grill as it is on some rivals. So, you'll have to check that your food isn't too tall – a large whole chicken might need spatchcocking before you cook it. But I think that gives better results on the barbecue anyway. There's a 1.8-metre cable which may or may not be long enough, depending on your garden (I tested it using an exterior socket). It can be easily removed for storage, while the grills on the Weber Lumin are dishwasher safe. A plastic scraper comes included, so when the barbecue is cool, you can scrape off the mess. I also used a wire bush – which Weber recommends. Unlike some models that have fancy non-stick coatings, you can scrub these a little harder to get them clean. Safety Score: 9/10 When it comes to safety, if you're using the Lumin on a tabletop, then you'll find it's perfectly solid and stable. Importantly, you can easily open the lid without the risk that it's going to topple over and there's a large, user-friendly handle to the front. One of the nice features is that part of the base pulls out so you can easily access the drip tray. Oils (or other fluids) can drain away from the body of the barbecue, which is helpful if you're cooking something with a lot of fat or water. Best of all, it's just a foil tray, so it's easy to replace or dispose of if you don't want to clean it. There's also a plastic shelf that slots into the side of the base. You can't put anything hot on it because it will melt and it can't take a lot of weight. But it's perfectly suited for holding your utensils and refreshments. As for the stand, my only criticism is that it doesn't fasten to the main barbecue, so you'll have to remember that when you want to pick up and move it. However, easy separation with no tools and a folding stand mean it's easy to store once you're done cooking. There's a little wobble to the stand if you start pushing it around, but I didn't find it unsafe at any time during my testing. Control Score: 9/10 While the Weber Pulse has digital controls, the Weber Lumin is a little different, because you just have a clicky dial that turns on the barbecue and controls the temperature. Icons on it show low, medium and high heat, with positions indicated for smoke and steam functions. This isn't as advanced as a barbecue as the Ninja Woodfire which has a more comprehensive digital control and timer, or the Char-Broil Smart-E (both reviewed in my guide to the best electric barbecues), which has a large display showing the digital temperature. These alternative models also beep to tell you when they have preheated. The Weber Lumin instead has a traditional thermometer set into the lid, so you can see the temperature at a glance. Neither approach is definitely better. On one hand, digital controls have appeal, but on the other, the Weber Lumin is incredibly simple – you just turn the dial and that's it. In comparison, with the Ninja Woodfire you have to select the cook mode, any smoke functions, heat level, cooking time and then press start. Some might find that's more fussy than necessary. Cooking on the Weber Lumin is easier and more like a conventional barbecue. There's one downside to the Lumin controls though: the LED isn't bright enough to see on sunny days, so if you have no power, you won't notice until you're back at your barbecue and find that it's still cold. Otherwise, as you use the thermometer built into the lid, the dim LED doesn't make much of a difference. Features Score: 10/10 There are two grill plates and the advantage here is that one can be removed and replaced with something else, meaning you can prepare different foods at once. It comes with a tray that can act as a steamer (if you fill it with water) or as a smoker. Weber recommends its own brand wood chips which come in a range of flavours and it includes instructions for smoking, steaming, searing, food warming and barbecuing from frozen. This makes the Lumin really versatile, with the option to buy a griddle pan or an expansion kit which includes additional trays, so you can use the whole barbecue for steaming or keeping food warm. The Weber Lumin has 2,200W of power and will heat up to 315C. It takes about 15 minutes to reach those temperatures and you'll get lots of heat to sear the outside of your steaks with classic barbecue grill lines. You can easily maintain a cooler temperature if you just want to slow-cook a joint of meat. This is one of the benefits of electric cooking – you don't need to think about how you arrange your charcoal for an eight-hour cook, you just turn the dial, get the barbecue to the required temperature and off you go. I found low to be around 170C, medium settled at 250C and high reached the advertised 315C. But the ambient temperature makes a difference and I took these readings on a warm day, so it might be cooler when the weather isn't as nice (if you're brave enough to cook outdoors then, that is). Results Score: 9/10 I was impressed with the food that I cooked on the Weber Lumin and one of the reasons for this is its design. The slotted grills are like a traditional barbecue, allowing fats and juices to drip through onto the heating element (something not seen on all electric barbecues), which makes smoke. Then you have the option for wood chip smoke as well, meaning you can add extra flavour. It's a little more authentic than the Ninja Woodfire, which is more like using an outdoor air fryer. And that's one of the reasons why I like the Lumin: it behaves like a barbecue. I tested this with a pork fillet which really took on the smoky flavours. The downside is that it's messy. While the grills themselves are easy enough to clean, the base of the barbecue will get burnt-on mess too. As mentioned above, it scrapes off easily enough, but it's a bit fiddly to get to because the heating element is in the way. It's removed via a couple of screws, but be prepared, just like a conventional barbecue, to spend a little more time cleaning here. The best thing about the Weber Lumin is that it quickly gets up to heat. I often found I needed to cook at a higher temperature than I expected but that meant some really authentic steaks and burgers, with seared lines on them. Setting it to medium for a slower cook works perfectly well too. Technical specifications The Weber Lumin is my favourite electric barbecue, but there's a lot of interest in the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ and Grill too. We're comparing these models so you can quickly see how they differ. The Ninja is more affordable and offers many cooking functions, but it has a smaller cooking area and the results are less like cooking on a barbecue than the Weber Lumin. Should you buy the Weber Lumin? The Weber Lumin is a great alternative to a charcoal or gas barbecue, with the advantage of easy cooking controls, minimal assembly, choice between a stand and table top use, great authentic flavour and easy grill cleaning. It's a little on the pricey side – although the Weber Lumin Compact is cheaper – and doesn't have digital controls and all the functions that some rivals offer. The results I achieved were great, with the smoking box adding appetising woodsmoke flavours. More than any other electric barbecue, the Weber Lumin is the most like a conventional one. Yes, if: You're looking for an authentic barbecuing experience You want a grill that will give you really high heat You want something portable No, if: You want precise temperature controls. You're on a budget Weber Lumin FAQs How to clean Weber Lumin? The grills on the Weber Lumin are dishwasher safe so are easy to clean. A plastic scraper is supplied, but they can also be scrubbed with a wire brush for easy cleaning when hot. The base of the Lumin is a little more difficult, but you can remove the heating elements for access to the bottom of the barbecue for deeper cleaning. How long does the Weber Lumin take to heat up? The Weber Lumin takes about 15 minutes to heat up to high temperatures. You simply rotate the dial and can check the temperature using the thermometer in the lid. Does the Weber Lumin produce a smoky flavour? Yes, the fats and juices are free to drop onto the heating element, producing smoke and contributing to the smoky flavour. The Weber Lumin also comes with a smoking tray, so you can load it with wood chips to add extra wood smoke to your cooking. Is the Weber Lumin portable? The Weber Lumin weighs 16kg (the Lumin Compact is 12kg) and has easy lifting points on the base. This makes it easy to move around. It's not as portable as the Ninja Woodfire, which has large handles, or the Cadac E Braai, which is a smaller and more compact electric barbecue.
Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Is an electric BBQ better than charcoal and gas? We tested them to find out and these are the best
Using an electric barbecue is simple: plug it in, heat it up and you're cooking in no time. Even the best charcoal barbecue takes a while to get going and the best gas barbecues can still run out of fuel (I've been caught out mid-garden party by bad planning before). So, they're growing in popularity and have the advantage of precise temperature control and fitting in smaller spaces where flames or smoke may otherwise be a concern. The best electric BBQs range from around £80 for a basic model with no lid up to around £900 for sophisticated models, with grill and appliance brands like Char-Broil, Weber and Ninja all entering the market. You can cook on grill plates or griddles and choose portable models small enough to sit on a table or big enough to feed the whole family, like a traditional charcoal one. Some even provide woodchips to get that smoky barbecue taste. This guide is also regularly checked and updated to include the best models on the market.5m The best electric BBQs: At a glance How to choose the best electric BBQ for you Electric barbecues come in all shapes and sizes. Some offer straightforward heating so you cook on a grill plate, some offer a wider range of functions like air frying and smoking. Some models let you swap the cooking surface too, for example, adding a pizza stone. I spoke to Taylor Hawkins, outdoor barbecue buyer at John Lewis, who says: 'Electric barbecues offer convenience with no need for charcoal or gas, faster start-up times, easy temperature control and lower running costs, meaning they're energy efficient and great for everyday use.' 'Opt for a model with at least 1,500 to 2,000 watts for efficient heating and quicker cooking. Temperature control is essential for versatility, while portability is key for those with smaller outdoor spaces,' adds Taylor. I've tested a range of models, from large to portable, with a full range of options to choose from. 'Searches for electric BBQs have doubled in comparison to this time last year, showing the increase in popularity among customers,' says Taylor. How we test electric BBQs I tested all the electric barbecues on this list at home, feeding my family and friends so we could all enjoy the delicious results. I have an external plug socket, making it easy to get up and running, but the first test was how quick each model was to assemble, with set-up time ranging from 10 minutes to more than an hour. I considered how well constructed each electric barbecue was, how easy it was to move around and looked for features to support safe cooking such as space for utensils and a sturdy lid. Electric grill temperatures can be precise, making it possible to test everything from searing to slow cooking. Then came the easy part: the taste testing. I wanted to see how evenly each grill cooked and any advanced features like different cooking modes. I cooked a wide range of foods from entire roasts, a slow-cooked leg of lamb, sausages, chicken, burgers, veggie skewers and corn on the cob. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best electric BBQs of 2025 1. Best Buy Electric BBQ: Weber Lumin The Weber Lumin comes in a regular or compact size, with or without a stand, at two different price points. The regular model is £599 with a 33.5 x 49cm grilling area, while the Compact is £369 with a 28 x 43cm grill. The barbecue itself is mostly complete out of the box and it only took me 10 minutes to put together with the stand it sits on, making it easy to move around. Like many of the best barbecues, the Lumin lets fats drip from anything you're cooking onto the element, which creates smoke when it burns off giving the potential for a little more of that barbecue flavour. Or you can use the flavoured woodchips for the same effect, though it's less smokey than other models such as the Ninja Woodfire. The Lumin's grill splits into two halves allowing one to be swapped out. I tested the Weber Lumin cooking peri-peri marinated chicken with corn on the cob, steaks, sausages and chorizo burgers. It reaches temperatures of 315°C, but the dial is a little basic, allowing you to set it to low, medium, smoke, steam and high. There's no digital read-out here, you'll have to use the thermometer set in the lid instead. The power light could also be brighter. That said, it's easy to use and clean, with dishwasher-safe plates, simple to pack away and can be safely stored indoors. Key specifications: 2. Best Value Electric BBQ: Boss Grill Compact Grill with Cover The Boss Grill took me about an hour to assemble, but once done, the wheeled stand makes it easy to move around. The attached lid and shelves made cooking a simple task, with handy hooks to hang the utensils on. Just don't put anything hot on the plastic shelves and consider the space they take up if you have a smaller area. The temperature gauge is set into the lid like a traditional barbecue thermometer, which meant I could keep an eye on how hot the meat was getting. The dial is simple and turns from low to high, with an LED light to tell you when it's reached optimum temperature. I set mine to high, which should be 350°C, but the LED never turned off and the temperature only reached 225°C. It does have a lower wattage than other models on this list. Despite the sturdy exterior, the grill plate itself has a slightly cheap feel and dipped slightly in the centre so my sausages rolled into the middle. They still cooked evenly and tasted delicious and the fat is free to drip through onto the element here too, creating a little more smoke and flavour. It comes with a handy cover so you can store it outside temporarily. Key specifications: 3. Best Electric BBQ for Portability: Cadac E Braai The Cadac E Braai is one of our best portable barbecues, popular with campers. The electric version comes as a standalone grill. You can add a stand for £50, plus extra accessories such as a pizza stone for £30. You can also remove the grill and use a different pot or pan on the pot stand included. It took me about 10 minutes to put together while the lid is separate, designed to hook onto the back when not in use, though double check it's secure in this position as I dropped mine once when it wasn't sat properly. A large dial controls the temperature from 20 to 300°C, with an easy-to-read digital display and it was ready to cook in under 10 minutes. The E Braai has a central heating element with fat draining into a drip tray, which means it doesn't smoke and cooks more like an indoor electric grill. The grill plate is ridged to give your food barbecue stripes and I found pieces of chicken or sausages tasted practically the same as if they'd been cooked on an indoor electric grill. The whole chicken I cooked was lovely and moist (I used a wireless temperature probe to check it), but it took longer than if I'd simply roasted it in an oven. The holes in the lid can lead to fats spitting out, but the overall size and ability to switch out different plates make it portable and versatile, while the grill plate's ceramic coating makes it easy to clean. Key specifications: 4. Best Large Electric BBQ: Char-Broil Smart-E A full-sized electric barbecue, this one mimics the style of Char-Broil's big gas barbecues, meaning you have a large cooking area, two folding metal side shelves and four wheels for easy movement. Consequently, construction is a significant undertaking; it took me well over an hour to build. Weighing over 50kg, it's also a two-person lift, but once built, you're rewarded with an impressive-looking barbecue. A clear control pad is to the front, with a large temperature dial and power and self-clean buttons. Its larger volume (I slow-cooked a whole leg of lamb) means it takes about 15 minutes to heat up, but I then found that the griddle produced nice, charred lines on my food when I cooked a quick ribeye steak. There's a little more smokiness on the Char-Broil compared to the Cadac because fat is more likely to burn against the grill surface, making it more like a gas barbecue. But if you cook low and slow, you don't get much of that flavour coming through. The fine temperature control – ranging from 90°C to 370°C – produces consistently great results, but you can only set one temperature for the entire grill, meaning you can't create separate cooking zones. The high top heat means you can cook pizza, though (a pizza stone is sold separately). The included self-clean function ramps the grill up to full temperature to burn off surface residue, ready for brushing away and you'll need a cover to store this outside. More than any other, the Char-Broil is well suited to cooking at a larger scale and is the closest replacement I've found for a conventional gas barbecue. Key specifications: 5. Best Electric BBQ for Versatility: Ninja Woodfire OG701UK Ninja has a reputation for piling functions into its appliances, so it's no surprise to find that this offers more than any other electric barbecue on this list. The 'Woodfire' part of the name comes from the included smoker box where you can add wood chips to give your food additional flavour. I liked the resulting flavour and aroma (there are two sample packets in the box) and it's great for something like pork tenderloin. The smoky flavour depends on what you're cooking and for how long, but even when the taste is minimal, it adds a flourish and is definitely a talking point. Just remember that even when you've finished cooking, the chips will smoke until they're burnt away. Otherwise, it has two heating elements (one at the top and another at the bottom), so it can grill and air fry. Indeed, the control dial also lists smoking, roasting, baking, dehydrating and reheating. Conveniently, it comes almost completely assembled (you just attach the handles) and a guide that contains recipes and cooking times and suggested modes for a wide range of foods. There's no scratching your head with this one; it's the only one I tried that provides precise cooking instructions. The grill plate washes up easily (it's not dishwasher-safe) and there are accessories like a flat plate instead of a griddle for different cooking types. The Ninja Woodfire brings some excitement to cooking outdoors, but while the compact size is convenient, you can't prepare a large amount of food. In many ways, it's an air fryer with additional functions. Key specifications Electric BBQ FAQs What is the best electric barbecue for outdoors? Taylor Hawkins, our expert from John Lewis, says: 'The Weber Lumin Compact Electric BBQ stands out for its fast heat up time – reaching 315 degrees in just 14 minutes – and compact design. It also offers multiple cooking methods, including steaming and grilling.' Are electric barbecues as good as gas or charcoal ones? 'While electric barbecues excel in ease and energy efficiency, customers may still prefer gas or charcoal for that traditional grilling experience and smoky flavour, however, some models like the Ninja Woodfire, offer smoke-enhancing features to bridge that gap,' says Taylor. Are electric barbecues energy efficient? A smaller barbecue has the advantage of heating up faster and the power ratings are lower than a typical oven. But they are less well insulated and heat is readily lost through the lid. How long does it take for an electric BBQ to heat up? An electric barbecue can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes to heat up, depending on the temperature you want to cook at. Can electric barbecues give food a smoky flavour? Yes, they can. The Ninja Woodfire has a built-in smoker that adds flavour, although this works better with food that cooks for longer. Electric barbecues where the fat hits the element will create smoke to bring flavour, but it's not the same as cooking on charcoal. Some models drain the fat away, however, so the flavours lack that smokiness. A smoker filled with wood chips that you put in the barbecue is a potential solution, but the temperature needs to be high and the food needs to be cooked for some time.
