Product Inspector

Electric outdoor grills

Best Electric Outdoor Grills for UK Gardens

Seven worthwhile grills for balconies, patios and gardens, from compact smokers to full-size dual-zone models.

Products shortlisted
7
Last updated
30 Aug 2026

Electric outdoor grills replace gas bottles and charcoal lighting with plug-in heat that is quick to start and straightforward to control. The best models can still sear effectively, while smoke boxes, griddles, probes and split cooking zones make some far more versatile than a basic hotplate.

We compared complete UK reviews, exact Amazon UK product evidence and retained catalogue facts. Each pick serves a different buyer need; colours, covers, pellets and near-duplicate bundles were excluded. Affiliate relationships and commission played no part in selection or ranking.

The Weber Lumin is our strongest all-rounder because independent testing supports its even cooking, searing and useful steam function. The Ninja OG701UK is a better fit when compact size and genuine pellet smoke matter most, while the larger models trade portability for capacity, zones or smarter controls.

Before choosing, measure the assembled footprint, check the route to a suitable outdoor socket and confirm the manufacturer's weather and storage instructions. Prices and availability change, so the guide prices below are context rather than live quotes.

Quick picks

Best options at a glance

See the main recommendations side by side, with enough detail to decide which picks deserve a closer look.

Read verdicts
Weber Lumin Electric Grill Black (92010901)

Best Overall Electric Grill

Choose the full-size Lumin for dependable high-heat grilling and practical steam, smoke and warming options without moving to gas or charcoal.

Cooking capacity
242 sq in cooking surface
Cooking setup
Single grate; grill, steam and smoke
Dimensions
59.8 cm L x 49.4 cm W x 31.8 cm H

Typical price: £519–£639

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker, Portable, Grey/Black, OG701UK,

Best Electric Grill for Smoky Flavour

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

OG701UK · Grey Lid/Black Body

Pick the OG701UK when compact storage, genuine pellet smoke and versatile outdoor cooking matter more than a large grate or app controls.

Cooking capacity
Up to 8 burgers or 2 racks of ribs
Cooking setup
Single 28 × 38cm grill plate; 7 modes plus pellet smoke
Dimensions
53.4 cm L x 52.9 cm W x 42.5 cm H

Typical price: £229–£260

Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill, 43 x 32cm Cooking Area, Portable, Reaches over 315 °C, Versatile - Ideal for Searing, Smoking, Steaming, or Cooking Food - Black (91010974)

Best Compact Electric Grill

Choose the Lumin Compact when storage space is tight but you still want high-heat searing and a split surface for steaming, smoking or keeping food warm.

Cooking capacity
1,166cm² cooking area
Cooking setup
Single surface; grill, smoke, steam, defrost and warm
Dimensions
41.9 cm L x 58.6 cm W x 27.9 cm H

Guide price: about £369

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, OG901UK

Best Smart Electric Grill

The OG901UK suits larger meals and cooks who will use remote monitoring, probe-guided programmes and independent zones rather than paying for smart features they ignore.

Cooking capacity
Up to 10 burgers or 2 × 3kg chickens
Cooking setup
Two zones; 7 modes, pellet smoke, probes and app
Dimensions
66.4 cm L x 63.8 cm W x 49.8 cm H

Typical price: £359–£450

Char-Broil Electric BBQ SMART-E, 90-370°C Precision Heat & Digital Display

Best Large Electric Grill

Choose the SMART-E for a generous working-height grill with shelves and storage, provided you have room for its 50kg body and accept the lengthy assembly.

Cooking capacity
2,193cm²; suitable for 4–6 people
Cooking setup
Full-width TRU-Infrared grate with digital control
Dimensions
54.5 cm L x 121 cm W x 114.2 cm H

Guide price: about £700

George Foreman Indoor Outdoor BBQ Electric Grill, 1500cm2, Black

Best Budget Electric Grill

This is the value choice for uncomplicated cooking, easy wipe-down cleaning and genuine indoor-outdoor flexibility rather than smoke, apps or strong searing.

Cooking capacity
1,500cm²; up to 15 portions
Cooking setup
Single removable grill plate; indoor or outdoor use
Dimensions
28.7 cm L x 28.7 cm W x 39.2 cm H

Guide price: about £80

Char-Broil Electric BBQ EVOLVE E, 90-370°C Precision Heat with App Control

Best Dual-Zone Electric Grill

Consider the Evolve for app-controlled dual-zone cooking and assisted cleaning, but only after confirming current UK stock for the exact 140993 model.

Cooking capacity
Suitable for 4–6 people
Cooking setup
Two independently controlled zones with app control
Dimensions
123.6 cm L x 57.9 cm W x 113.7 cm H

Guide price: about £143

Comparison

Compare the products at a glance

See the main details and prices side by side to narrow down the products that best match your priorities.

Product Price Cooking capacity Cooking setup Dimensions Power
Weber Lumin Electric Grill Best Overall Electric Grill Typical price: £519–£639 242 sq in cooking surface Single grate; grill, steam and smoke 59.8 cm L x 49.4 cm W x 31.8 cm H 1560W
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker Best Electric Grill for Smoky Flavour Typical price: £229–£260 Up to 8 burgers or 2 racks of ribs Single 28 × 38cm grill plate; 7 modes plus pellet smoke 53.4 cm L x 52.9 cm W x 42.5 cm H 2400W
Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill Best Compact Electric Grill Guide price: about £369 1,166cm² cooking area Single surface; grill, smoke, steam, defrost and warm 41.9 cm L x 58.6 cm W x 27.9 cm H 2200W
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker Best Smart Electric Grill Typical price: £359–£450 Up to 10 burgers or 2 × 3kg chickens Two zones; 7 modes, pellet smoke, probes and app 66.4 cm L x 63.8 cm W x 49.8 cm H 1700W
Char-Broil SMART-E Electric BBQ Best Large Electric Grill Guide price: about £700 2,193cm²; suitable for 4–6 people Full-width TRU-Infrared grate with digital control 54.5 cm L x 121 cm W x 114.2 cm H 3000W
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric BBQ Best Budget Electric Grill Guide price: about £80 1,500cm²; up to 15 portions Single removable grill plate; indoor or outdoor use 28.7 cm L x 28.7 cm W x 39.2 cm H 2400W
Char-Broil Evolve Electric BBQ Best Dual-Zone Electric Grill Guide price: about £143 Suitable for 4–6 people Two independently controlled zones with app control 123.6 cm L x 57.9 cm W x 113.7 cm H 1750W

Buying advice

How to choose an electric outdoor grill

Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.

Start with real cooking capacity

Portion claims are only a guide, so compare the usable grate or plate as well. A compact grill can cover a household meal, while a larger surface or two zones is easier when meat, vegetables and sides need different timings.

Measure the working footprint

Include the lid when open, side shelves, stand and safe clearance—not just the boxed dimensions. Also decide whether you can carry the grill to dry storage after it cools.

Choose smoke deliberately

Electric heat does not taste like charcoal by itself. A pellet box can add real wood smoke, but pellets cost extra and introduce another part to light, empty and clean.

Check heat and control, not just maximum temperature

High headline temperatures help searing, but evenness and controllability matter more across a whole meal. Independent testing found cooler areas on several otherwise strong grills.

Pay for zones, probes and apps only when useful

Two zones help mixed meals, while probes and remote monitoring suit chicken, joints and longer cooks. Simple manual controls are quicker to learn and better value for burgers, sausages and vegetables.

Understand the cleaning routine

Removable plates and drip trays help, but some parts still require hand washing and self-clean cycles do not remove every residue. Check access around the element and smoker box before buying.

Plan the electrical connection

Use a suitable outdoor socket and follow the manufacturer's instructions on extensions, cable routing and wet weather. Keep the lead away from walkways and hot surfaces.

Full verdicts

Why these picks made the shortlist

A closer look at where each pick works best, what it gives up and what to double-check before buying.

Award Best Overall Electric Grill

Weber Lumin Electric Grill Black (92010901)

Key specs

Cooking capacity
242 sq in cooking surface
Cooking setup
Single grate; grill, steam and smoke
Dimensions
59.8 cm L x 49.4 cm W x 31.8 cm H
Power
1560W

Weber Lumin Electric Grill

92010901

The strongest balance of searing, even cooking and useful extra modes.

The Weber Lumin earns first place because it performs the core grilling job well before adding extras. Good Housekeeping recorded even results for corn, sausages and burgers, strong searing and a 315°C peak in its test, while Good Food also found the controls predictable across steak, chicken and vegetables.

Its 242 sq in grate is large enough for a family meal without becoming a full garden workstation. The supplied system can grill, steam, infuse smoke or keep food warm, so it is more adaptable than a single-purpose tabletop grill.

Typical price: £519–£639

Key features

  • 242 sq in porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grate
  • 1,560W electric heating system
  • Grill, steam, smoke and keep-warm configurations
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Split-surface accessory system
  • Integrated carrying handles

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Independent testing supports even cooking and strong searing
  • Steam mode adds useful versatility
  • Straightforward temperature control
  • Handles make repositioning easier once cool
  • Full-size surface suits family meals

Cons

  • Premium guide price
  • Cooler areas can remain around the grate edges
  • Power indicator can be hard to see in bright light
  • Smoking instructions and results are less convincing than Ninja's pellet system

Verdict

This is the best all-round choice if you value dependable cooking more than app control or the strongest smoke flavour. The Ninja OG701UK is smaller and produces more convincing pellet smoke, while the SMART-E offers more working space. The Lumin's edge cool spots, premium price and weaker smoking guidance prevent a clean sweep, but its cooking results and balanced format make it the easiest recommendation for most buyers.

Allow roughly 15 minutes for preheating in normal use and measure for the full-size body before choosing it over the Compact.

Award Best Electric Grill for Smoky Flavour

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker, Portable, Grey/Black, OG701UK,

Key specs

Cooking capacity
Up to 8 burgers or 2 racks of ribs
Cooking setup
Single 28 × 38cm grill plate; 7 modes plus pellet smoke
Dimensions
53.4 cm L x 52.9 cm W x 42.5 cm H
Power
2400W

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

OG701UK · Grey Lid/Black Body

Compact seven-mode cooking with a dedicated real-wood pellet smoker.

See product details

The original Ninja Woodfire has the broadest retained independent support in this guide. Its main distinction is not the number of modes but the small box that burns real wood pellets while electricity supplies the cooking heat. That produced noticeable smoke in several UK tests without the lighting and fuel management of charcoal.

The 28 × 38cm plate fits up to eight burgers or two racks of ribs, while air frying, roasting and baking make the appliance useful beyond barbecue staples.

Typical price: £229–£260

Key features

  • Seven modes: grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate
  • Integrated Woodfire pellet smoke box
  • 28 × 38cm grill plate
  • Capacity for up to eight burgers or two racks of ribs
  • Maximum grill setting up to 260°C
  • Crisper basket and two pellet starter packs included
  • 12kg tabletop body

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

SharkNinja UK Price £224.99 Checked 31 August 2026 01:00 BST View at SharkNinja
Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Pellet box adds genuine wood smoke
  • Very easy to set up
  • Compact enough for constrained outdoor spaces
  • Strong results reported for ribs, steak, pulled pork and halloumi
  • Useful air-fry and roasting modes
  • Body remained cool in independent testing

Cons

  • Short power cable limits placement
  • Pellets add an ongoing cost
  • Pellets must be ignited before the grill becomes hot
  • Some tests found cooler lower corners and weak burger charring
  • Fan operation is audible

Verdict

Choose it for a smaller patio or household that genuinely wants smoke flavour. The cooking area and occasional cool spots make it less suitable for large mixed meals, and the pellet routine is another cost and cleaning job. The OG901UK offers more capacity, probes and remote monitoring, but the OG701UK remains the more focused and affordable smoker-led choice.

It is also the more sensible Ninja for cooks who want the extra air-fry and roast modes but do not need two temperatures or phone guidance.

Award Best Compact Electric Grill

Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill, 43 x 32cm Cooking Area, Portable, Reaches over 315 °C, Versatile - Ideal for Searing, Smoking, Steaming, or Cooking Food - Black (91010974)

Key specs

Cooking capacity
1,166cm² cooking area
Cooking setup
Single surface; grill, smoke, steam, defrost and warm
Dimensions
41.9 cm L x 58.6 cm W x 27.9 cm H
Power
2200W

Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill

91010974

Fast, versatile Weber cooking in a lighter small-space format.

The Lumin Compact keeps the most useful parts of the full-size Lumin in a body that is easier to carry and store. Good Food measured a 1,166cm² cooking surface with room for up to eight burgers and found that it reached 250°C in six minutes 30 seconds. Stuff independently reported the same cooking area and selected it over a larger Napoleon rival for versatility.

Its porcelain-enamelled plates also performed well for release and cleaning, although reaching beneath the heating element makes an occasional deep clean more involved.

Guide price: about £369

Key features

  • Corroborated 1,166cm² cooking surface
  • Capacity for up to eight burgers
  • 2,200W heating system
  • Maximum tested temperature around 315°C
  • Grill, steam, smoke, defrost and keep-warm configurations
  • Integrated carrying handles

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Reached 250°C in six minutes 30 seconds in testing
  • Compact 11.79kg format
  • Strong searing performance
  • Flexible split cooking surface
  • Porcelain-enamelled plates tested as genuinely non-stick

Cons

  • One cooler area was found near the electrical socket
  • Smaller surface restricts bigger gatherings
  • Compatible stand and accessories cost extra
  • Deep cleaning requires access beneath the element

Verdict

It is the strongest option for a balcony or small patio where the full-size Lumin would dominate. The trade-off is capacity rather than core cooking quality: it still sears well and supports steam, smoke and warming accessories. Buyers hosting larger groups should step up to the full Lumin or SMART-E, while smoke-first buyers should choose the Ninja OG701UK.

The separately sold stand and accessories can raise the total cost, so compare the complete setup rather than the grill body alone.

Award Best Smart Electric Grill

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, OG901UK

Key specs

Cooking capacity
Up to 10 burgers or 2 × 3kg chickens
Cooking setup
Two zones; 7 modes, pellet smoke, probes and app
Dimensions
66.4 cm L x 63.8 cm W x 49.8 cm H
Power
1700W

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

OG901UK · Warm Black

Two-zone capacity, temperature probes and app monitoring for longer cooks.

See product details

The Pro Connect XL expands Ninja's Woodfire format with two zones, temperature probes and phone monitoring. Independent tests praised its steak and burger results, and Good Food recorded a 2kg chicken reaching its 74°C target in 70 minutes while the app tracked progress.

Its larger surface can accommodate up to ten burgers or two 3kg chickens, making this a meaningful capacity upgrade rather than a cosmetic smart revision. The clear display and cool controls also make the extra functions easier to manage at the grill.

Typical price: £359–£450

Key features

  • Two independently controlled cooking zones
  • Ninja Pro Connect app monitoring
  • Integrated Smart Cook temperature probes
  • Capacity for up to ten burgers or two 3kg chickens
  • Grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate modes
  • Real-wood pellet smoke box
  • All-weather outdoor cooking design

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

SharkNinja UK Price £389.99 Checked 31 August 2026 01:00 BST View at SharkNinja
Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Excellent steak and burger results in independent testing
  • App and probes reduce repeated lid opening
  • Two zones simplify mixed meals
  • Whole-chicken capacity despite the tabletop form
  • Clear controls and readable display

Cons

  • Considerably more expensive than the OG701UK
  • Large body needs more storage space
  • Stand is sold separately
  • No warming rack or side shelves
  • Removable parts require hand washing

Verdict

This is the right Ninja for households that cook larger meals or want guided doneness during chicken, joints and slower smoke-assisted cooks. It is not automatically better than the OG701UK: the original is smaller, cheaper and delivers the same core smoke idea. Buy the XL only if two zones, probes and remote monitoring solve real cooking problems for you.

Factor in a stand or suitable table because the price does not buy a complete freestanding workstation.

Award Best Large Electric Grill

Char-Broil Electric BBQ SMART-E, 90-370°C Precision Heat & Digital Display

Key specs

Cooking capacity
2,193cm²; suitable for 4–6 people
Cooking setup
Full-width TRU-Infrared grate with digital control
Dimensions
54.5 cm L x 121 cm W x 114.2 cm H
Power
3000W

Char-Broil SMART-E Electric BBQ

140959

A full-size garden-barbecue layout with broad grates and high heat.

The SMART-E looks and works more like a conventional garden barbecue than the tabletop picks. Its 2,193cm² grate, foldable shelves and lower storage give it the preparation space needed for entertaining, while the 3,000W system reached 370°C in 12 minutes during Good Housekeeping's test.

Chicken and corn were its strongest results, and the digital display remained legible in bright sun. TRU-Infrared heat is intended to spread heat across the grate, but the tested surface still demanded normal food turning and cleaning.

Guide price: about £700

Key features

  • 2,193cm² cooking surface
  • 3,000W electric system
  • Temperature setting up to 370°C
  • TRU-Infrared cooking system
  • Foldable side shelves and lower storage
  • Automatic cleaning programme

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Large grate suits group meals
  • Reached 370°C in 12 minutes in testing
  • Strong chicken and corn results
  • Display remained readable in direct sunlight
  • Traditional barbecue layout provides useful preparation space

Cons

  • Took more than two hours to assemble in testing
  • 50kg body is difficult to move
  • Grates were not effectively non-stick
  • Auto-clean still required manual finishing

Verdict

This is the capacity choice, not the universal upgrade. At 50kg it needs a permanent home, assembly is demanding and the cleaning programme does not eliminate manual work. If you have the space and regularly cook for groups, its broad surface and familiar layout are meaningful advantages. For smaller households, either Weber Lumin is easier to live with.

Its roughly £700 guide price makes sense only when the full-size cart, shelves and grate will be used regularly.

Award Best Budget Electric Grill

George Foreman Indoor Outdoor BBQ Electric Grill, 1500cm2, Black

Key specs

Cooking capacity
1,500cm²; up to 15 portions
Cooking setup
Single removable grill plate; indoor or outdoor use
Dimensions
28.7 cm L x 28.7 cm W x 39.2 cm H
Power
2400W

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric BBQ

22460

A simple, affordable grill that can move indoors when the weather changes.

The George Foreman strips the category back to a heated circular plate on a removable stand. Its 1,500cm² surface is marketed for up to 15 portions, while the angled non-stick plate drains cooking liquid towards a tray. Most importantly, it is designed for indoor as well as outdoor use, giving it a practical fallback when British weather changes.

The 2,400W element and variable thermostat keep operation simple, and the stand can be removed when tabletop use is more convenient.

Guide price: about £80

Key features

  • 1,500cm² circular cooking plate
  • Claimed capacity for up to 15 portions
  • 2,400W heating system
  • Removable pedestal for tabletop use
  • Angled non-stick plate and integrated drip tray

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Much lower guide price than the premium grills
  • Approved for indoor and outdoor use
  • Large nominal cooking surface
  • Plates wiped clean easily in independent testing

Cons

  • Browning was less even than the leading picks
  • Some cold spots were reported
  • Thicker chicken cooked slowly
  • Grill plate can be awkward to remove

Verdict

It cannot match the best models for even browning, strong searing or specialist modes, and independent testing found cold spots. It earns its place through price, simple cleaning and indoor-outdoor flexibility rather than headline performance. Choose it for casual burgers, vegetables and straightforward family meals; choose a Weber or Ninja when cooking control matters more.

Its large portion claim should not distract from the circular surface: allow practical space for turning rather than covering every centimetre with food.

Award Best Dual-Zone Electric Grill

Char-Broil Electric BBQ EVOLVE E, 90-370°C Precision Heat with App Control

Key specs

Cooking capacity
Suitable for 4–6 people
Cooking setup
Two independently controlled zones with app control
Dimensions
123.6 cm L x 57.9 cm W x 113.7 cm H
Power
1750W

Char-Broil Evolve Electric BBQ

140993

Independent zones and app control in a substantial full-size grill.

The Evolve's reason for inclusion is its two independently controlled zones. Good Housekeeping found that both meat and plant-based food cooked evenly, while app control covers temperatures from 90°C to 370°C. The substantial cart and side shelves suit regular garden cooking rather than occasional storage.

A core-temperature sensor supports longer cooks, and the push-button cleaning cycle can loosen residue. The retained exact Amazon page was unavailable, however, so this is an alternative to investigate rather than a reliably stocked first choice.

Guide price: about £143

Key features

  • Two independently controlled cooking zones
  • App temperature control from 90°C to 370°C
  • Integrated core-temperature sensor support
  • 1,750W electric system
  • Push-button auto-clean cycle
  • Full-size cart with side shelves

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon UK Price Check retailer Checked - Check availability at Amazon

Pros

  • Dual zones handle different foods together
  • Independent testing found even cooking
  • Remote temperature adjustment is useful for longer cooks
  • Auto-clean reduces some routine residue

Cons

  • Exact UK model was unavailable at the retained Amazon check
  • Controls and temperature terminology take time to learn
  • 49.1kg body needs permanent storage space
  • Limited independent comparative coverage
  • The retained marketplace cooking-area claim is implausible and excluded

Verdict

This is a specialist alternative rather than a default recommendation. Its app, zones and cleaning cycle are useful, but the interface needs familiarisation and current UK availability for model 140993 is uncertain. We also excluded an implausible marketplace cooking-area figure rather than repeat it. Buy only after checking the exact model and seller; the SMART-E has stronger availability evidence for a large Char-Broil format.

Do not substitute a similarly named accessory or different Char-Broil model when comparing price or stock.

Questions

Electric outdoor grill questions

Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.

Is an electric outdoor grill the same as an electric BBQ?

Retailers use both names. This guide covers plug-in appliances intended for outdoor grilling, including models that also smoke, roast, air fry or steam.

Do electric grills taste like charcoal barbecues?

Not by default. They can brown and sear food, but charcoal creates a different smoke profile. A model with a pellet smoker can add real wood smoke while keeping electric heat control.

Can I use one on a balcony?

Only where the building, lease and local rules allow it. You still need safe clearances, a stable surface, ventilation and a suitable socket; electric does not automatically mean permitted.

Can an electric grill stay outside?

Do not assume so. Weather resistance during use is different from permanent outdoor storage. Follow the exact model instructions and use dry storage where required.

How powerful should an electric grill be?

Wattage describes electrical input, not cooking quality by itself. Compare preheat, temperature control, cooking area and independent test results alongside power.

Are two cooking zones worth having?

They are useful when foods need different temperatures or finish at different times. For straightforward single-batch meals, one well-controlled surface is simpler and usually cheaper.

Are electric grills easy to clean?

They avoid ash and gas hardware, but grease, grates, drip trays, elements and smoker parts still need attention. Dishwasher suitability varies and auto-clean modes still require manual finishing.

Can I use an outdoor electric grill indoors?

Only if the manufacturer explicitly approves indoor use. Most outdoor grills must remain outside; the George Foreman model in this guide is an exception designed for both settings.

Buying advice

Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.