Electric barbecues have come a long way, and if you have the right set-up, they’re one of the most convenient ways to cook outdoors. There are no gas bottles to store and no bags of charcoal to hunt down on a hot day – just plug in, heat up and get grilling. If you’re working with a balcony, small patio or space where naked flames aren’t allowed, an electric barbecue makes a lot of sense.
Our team tested a range of models and shortlisted five of the best electric barbecues for summer 2026, all chosen for performance, ease of use and value.
Not sure which type of barbecue suits you best? Take a look at our best gas BBQ and best charcoal BBQ guides, too.
Our team has tried all of these models with our favourite barbecue recipes, so read on to find the best option for your grilling needs.
Best electric barbecues at a glance
- Best electric barbecue for small spaces: Weber Lumin Compact, £305.40
- 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, £139.99
- Best electric barbecue for versatility: Weber Lumin electric BBQ, £570
- Best electric barbecue for balconies: Morso Balcone, £269
Jump to section:
- Best electric barbecues to buy in 2026
- How does an electric barbecue work?
- How to use an electric barbecue
- How to clean an electric barbecue
- How we tested electric barbecues
Best electric barbecues to buy in 2026
Weber Lumin Compact
Available from Amazon (£305.40), BBQ World (£367)
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 one of the most convenient electric BBQs I’ve tested. Its 1,166cm² cooking surface is split into two halves, which gives you real flexibility – use the whole thing as a grill for up to eight burgers at a time, or convert one half into a smoke, steam or keep-warm station depending on what you’re cooking.
It was a standout during testing, largely because it feels closer to a gas or charcoal barbecue than most electric models. It hit 250C in six minutes 30 seconds and handled everything I threw at it. There is one cooler spot near the electrical socket, but it’s useful for keeping food warm while the rest finishes cooking.
The porcelain-enamelled plates are genuinely non-stick, the lid has a built-in temperature gauge and the integrated handles make it easy to carry. If your budget stretches to it, I’d recommend picking up the compatible stand: it’s sturdy and includes tool storage.
Cleaning is straightforward day-to-day, with a handy disposable drip tray helping with mess. Deep cleaning every five uses is slightly more involved as you need to remove the electrical element, but the manual walks you through it clearly.
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker
Available from Amazon (£256), Ninja (£229.99), 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
If you want smoky barbecue flavour without the faff of charcoal or gas, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker is worth a serious look. It runs on electricity but has a built-in smoker box that burns wood pellets to add a genuine smoky note to your food: a neat trick for an electric grill.
It’s versatile too. Seven cooking functions including grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, reheat and smoke, with temperatures reaching up to 260°C. The grill plate fits up to eight burgers or two racks of ribs, and the controls are simple to get to grips with.
During testing it performed well, though I’d flag one quirk: the wood pellets won’t ignite once the grill is already hot, which the manual doesn’t explain clearly. The smoky flavour is also subtler than you’d get from charcoal. Neither is a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before you buy.
Cleaning is easy, and Ninja’s Take Back scheme is a nice touch for sustainability. It’s a compact, capable BBQ: just be prepared for the premium price tag.
Read the full Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker review.
Available from:
CADAC E-Braai 40
Available from The Range (£139.99), Mountain Warehouse (£275)
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
The CADAC electric barbecue keeps things refreshingly simple. It does one thing well: grilling. The 36cm round cooking surface comfortably feeds four to six people and getting started couldn’t be more straightforward: plug it in, press the button and dial in your temperature.
During testing it reached 250C within six minutes, and one detail that impressed me was how it held that temperature even after opening the lid, which makes for more consistent results. It gave our burgers, potato slices and halloumi beautiful grill lines, with even heat across the whole cooking zone.
Cleaning is where it really stands out. The fat pan is dishwasher-safe and everything else just needs a wipe down with soapy water. It even comes with a storage bag. The lid isn’t hinged, but there’s a hook on the side of the barbecue to hang it on when you need both hands free.
Weber Lumin electric BBQ
Available from BBQ World (£519)
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
Compact, sleek and genuinely easy to use, this is a strong option for anyone grilling in a smaller outdoor space. The Weber Lumin Electric BBQ runs on electricity and covers a lot of bases: grill, smoke, steam and boil, with a maximum temperature of 350C.
It took around 15 minutes to heat up during my testing, which is slower than gas, but the dual-zone heating more than makes up for it, letting you run different sections at different temperatures at the same time. The integrated thermometer is a useful touch for tracking the preheat, and the porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates held heat well and cleaned up easily.
The results were solid across the board. Steaks came out juicy, spatchcock chicken was tender and vegetables grilled evenly. The predictable heat control makes it particularly beginner-friendly, which I appreciated.
It’s not cheap, but if budget isn’t a concern and you want a no-fuss, low-maintenance electric BBQ that looks good on a balcony or city terrace, I’d say this delivers.
Read the full Weber Lumin electric BBQ review.
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
Stylish and versatile, the Morsø Balcone has a 30cm x 20cm cooking surface split between a grilling section and a keep-warm zone. It’s simple to operate: turn the knob to max and give it 15 minutes to heat up.
A few things are worth knowing before you buy. There’s no built-in temperature gauge, just an indicator light, and the maximum temperature of 300C isn’t clearly signposted, so it’s easy to burn food if you’re not careful. I’d also recommend oiling the grill plates before use as I found some food stuck to the grates. Grill lines weren’t the most impressive either, though the flavour was good throughout.
The keep-warm section came in handy during testing, though it takes up about a third of the cooking surface, leaving room for around eight burgers on the grill side.
Cleaning is the weak spot: it’s hand-wash only and the instructions aren’t especially clear. The optional Balcone Mounting Set is worth considering if you’re using it on a balcony, as it hooks onto a railing and frees up floor and table space entirely.
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.
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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