Best electric barbecues for summer feasts in an instant

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A barbecue with various meats being grilled — Getty - mbbirdy

Best electric barbecues at a glance

Best electric barbecue for small spaces: Weber Lumin Compact, £369
Best electric barbecue for smoking: Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, £299.99
Best electric barbecue for ease of use: CADAC E-Braai 40, £250
Best electric barbecue for versatility: Weber Lumin electric BBQ, £559
Best electric barbecue for balconies: Morso Balcone, £269

Best electric barbecues 2025

Weber Lumin Compact

Available from Weber (£369), Go Outdoors (£399), Amazon (£449.99), BBQ World (£490)

Best electric barbecue for small spaces

Pros:

Simple and intuitive to unbox and put together
Zone-selectable heat controls
Temperature thermometer clear to read
Quick to heat – quicker than waiting for coals to burn down
Max temp 315°C
Sear, smoke, steam or boil settings

Cons:

Definite hot spots while cooking
Ingredients took much longer to cook than other barbecues
Ingredients like halloumi stuck on the grill

Star rating: 5/5

The Weber Lumin Compact is a game-changer for convenience as it offers a spacious and versatile cooking surface to feed four or more people. Its 1166cm² cooking area is in two halves – you can use it entirely as a grill, to achieve the perfect sear lines on up to eight burgers, or you can transform half of it into a smoke, steam or keep-warm station. While reviewing, it was among our testers’ favourites because of how similar it was to a gas or charcoal barbecue thanks to its versatility and different modes – it also reached 250°C in six minutes 30 seconds. Its cooking surface did have one weak spot, close to the electrical socket, but this section could be used to keep foods warm instead.

The porcelain-enamelled plates offered great non-stick, and the grill also has a built-in temperature gauge on its lid. It’s portable and easily carried by one person thanks to integrated handles. Our reviewer recommends its compatible stand if you can afford it as this is sturdy and offers tool storage. In terms of cleaning, this is similar to other electric barbecues although it has the addition of a handy disposable drip tray. To deep clean (after every five uses) is slightly trickier as you need to remove the electrical element, but this is explained in the manual.

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker

Available from Ninja (£299.99), Amazon (£299.99), Argos (£300), Lakeland (£349.99)

Best electric barbecue for smoking

Pros:

Compact
No fuel needed
Varied functionality
Large heat-proof handle

Cons:

Short cord
The pellets are only available via Ninja
Unable to ignite pellets when grill is hot

Star rating: 5/5

The Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker is a versatile, space-saving barbecue that delivers an easy outdoor cooking experience. Powered by electricity, it features a built-in smoker box that burns wood pellets to infuse food with a subtle smoky flavour, without the hassle of charcoal or gas.

With seven functions (grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, reheat and smoke), this barbecue reaches temperatures of up to 260°C and includes a timer, non-slip feet and a weather-resistant design for year-round use. The 28cm x 37cm grill plate fits up to eight burgers or two racks of ribs, and the user-friendly interface makes operation simple.

While the smoker function adds flavour, it doesn’t fully replicate the chargrilled taste of traditional barbecues. Additionally, the wood pellets won’t ignite when the grill is hot, which isn’t clearly explained in the manual. However, cleaning is easy and the Ninja Take Back scheme promotes sustainability by recycling old products.

If you're looking for a compact, hassle-free alternative to gas or charcoal barbecues, this is a great option, though the premium price may not suit all budgets.

Read the full Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker review.

Available from:

CADAC E-Braai 40

Available from B&Q (£139.99), Robert Dyas (£174.99), Debenhams (£175), CADAC (£250)

Best electric barbecue for ease of use

Pros:

Very easy to use
Lightweight
Includes storage bag
Extremely easy to clean

Cons:

Instructions are confusing
Basic and can only be used for grilling foods
Packaging isn't very eco-friendly

Star rating: 4.5/5

If you’re searching for an easy-to-use yet intuitive electric barbecue, then this one from CADAC is a great option. Its 36cm round cooking area is enough to feed four to six people, and while it is basic with only one mode of cooking – grilling – this does go hand in hand with it being simple to use. You only need to plug it in, press the on button and select the temperature you want to cook at. Our tester noted that it reached 250°C within six minutes, while its clever design means it will stay at the temperature you set, even after opening the lid. It gave our burgers, potato slices and halloumi slices mouth-watering grill lines, while its entire cooking zone maintained an even temperature throughout.

When it comes to cleaning, this barbecue might be the easiest to maintain. Its fat pan is dishwasher-safe, and apart from that you need only clean its exterior, grates and glass ring with soapy water. It even comes with a storage bag. It’s worth noting that its lid isn’t hinged, but it does have a hook on the lid to hang on the side of the barbecue when not in use, or if you need both hands for cooking.

Weber Lumin electric BBQ

Available from Weber (£559), Amazon (£639.99), BBQ World (£679)

Best electric barbecue for versatility

Pros:

Space-efficient
Selectable heat zones
Temperature thermometer in the lid
Quick to heat

Cons:

Some cooler spots across the grill
Slower to cook than gas or charcoal

Star rating: 4.5/5

The Weber Lumin Electric BBQ is a sleek and compact barbecue that offers reliable, hassle-free cooking. Designed for small outdoor spaces, it operates on electricity and can grill, smoke, steam and boil.

With a max temperature of 350°C, the Lumin heats up in 15 minutes and features dual-zone heating, allowing different sections to be set at different temperatures. The integrated thermometer helps track preheating and the heatproof handles ensure safety. The porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention and are easy to clean.

While the grill performs well – producing juicy steaks, tender spatchcock chicken and perfectly grilled veggies – cooking times are slightly longer than with gas models. However, the predictable heat control makes it beginner-friendly.

Though expensive, the compact and stylish design, easy assembly and low-maintenance operation make it a great option for city grillers. If budget isn’t a concern, this efficient, no-mess electric barbecue is a great option for modern outdoor cooking.

Read the full Weber Lumin electric BBQ.

Available from:

Morso Balcone

Available from Morso (£269), Nordic Nest (£419.15)

Best electric barbecue for balconies

Pros:

Looks stylish
Easy to use
Keep-warm section for food
Compact

Cons:

No handles for carrying
No built-in temperature dial
No indication of the max temp
Expensive
Tricky to clean

Star rating: 4/5

The Morso Balcone is as versatile as it is good looking, with a 30cm x 20cm cooking surface that has a section for grilling and another for keeping food warm. It's simple to use too – we found that you only need to turn the knob to max temperature and wait 15 minutes for it to be ready. However, do be aware that it doesn’t have a built-in temperature gauge, only an indicator light. It didn’t leave the most impressive grill lines on our food but that didn’t affect the great taste. Just bear in mind that the max temperature, though it’s not made clear, is very hot at 300°C, so you may burn food if you’re cooking this hot. Our reviewer found that the keep-warm section of the barbecue came in handy, though it does take up almost a third of the cooking space, leaving enough cooking area for eight burgers.

Though it looks good, this barbecue is tricky to clean – it's hand-wash-only and the instructions aren't super-clear. Its grill plates ideally need to be oiled before use as our tester found that some food stuck to the grates, but its lid is simple to open and its handle is comfortable and heat-resistant. You can buy an add-on for it – the Balcone Mounting Set – which makes this barbecue the best for balconies, hooking onto a railing so it won't take up precious floor or table space.

Available from:

How does an electric barbecue work?

Electric barbecues use a heating element, much like an oven or hob, to generate consistent, even heat for grilling. Unlike gas or charcoal models, they don't rely on an open flame, making them a cleaner and more convenient option. Simply plug into a power source and the element heats up, transferring warmth to the grill plate. Many models also include temperature controls for precision cooking and smoker boxes to add a smoky flavour.

How to use an electric barbecue

Using an electric barbecue is quick and straightforward. First, set it up in a well-ventilated outdoor space and plug it in. Preheat the grill to the desired temperature – this usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Lightly oil the grill or food to prevent sticking, then place your ingredients on the grate. Many models allow you to adjust heat zones, so you can sear meats on a high heat while cooking veggies gently. Keep the lid closed where possible to retain heat and enhance flavour. Once cooked, unplug the barbecue and let it cool before cleaning.

How to clean an electric barbecue

Cleaning an electric barbecue is much easier than scrubbing a charcoal grill. Once cooled, unplug it and remove the grill plates (if possible). Use a damp cloth or grill brush (if the grates don't have a non-stick coating) to wipe away food residue. For any stubborn bits, soak the grates in warm, soapy water before scrubbing. The drip tray should be emptied and wiped down regularly to prevent grease build-up. Some parts may be dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on heating elements.

Best electric bbq — Getty - Thomas Barwick

How we tested electric barbecues

We put a range of electric barbecues through their paces, assessing everything from ease of use to cooking performance. Each model was judged on:

Versatility and efficiency: We looked for generous cooking space, additional features like warming racks and the ability to cook a variety of foods.

Cooking performance: We tested classic barbecue staples, including burgers, burger buns, kebabs, potato slices and courgettes, checking for even grill marks and consistent cooking.

Ease of use: We favoured barbecues with clear controls, quick heat-up times and intuitive setup.

Value for money: We considered whether performance matched the price.

Sustainability and build quality: We assessed packaging materials and the durability of the barbecue to ensure long-term use.

For more details on our testing process, check out how we test and review products.

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