Best electric BBQ for safe and easy outdoor cooking in 2024

With a whole load of five-star reviews and a celebrity chef endorsement from none other than Gino DiCampo, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker is constantly selling out for all the right reasons.

Designed to allow users to enjoy authentic Woodfire flavours in any outdoor space using 100 per cent real wood-burning pellets, the innovative new Electric BBQ Grill simply needs to be plugged in and is ready to go, with no need for charcoal, gas or flames.

There is seven functions under one lid: Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate, and the outdoor cooking possibilities are endless, making it a must-have item for summer cooking.

Our review: "I've always loved a gas BBQ, mainly because it just tastes different to what you can produce in your kitchen oven. It screams summer. However, charcoal is messy, hard to control, and weather reliant. The Ninja Woodfire looks a little intimidating, but once you set it all up and turn it on, I was so shocked at how simple and effective it is to use."

"The first function I tried was to smoke a leg of lamb at Easter to really put it through its paces. You simply prepare your meat, add the pellets and press a button. Really, it's almost too easy to believe. Fast forward three hours and I've tucked into the softest and most flavoursome lamb I've ever had. I've since air fried some chips, grilled a few burgers and even charred some vegetables for a Sunday dinner. The opportunities are endless."

Read our full Ninja Woodfire Grill review to find out more.

If you're looking to invest in an outdoor BBQ that you can use on your balcony and beyond, the sleek Weber Lumin Electric BBQ really does offer it all. It reaches temperatures over 315°C for high-quality searing and offers a smoke infusion option that further enhances that grill flavour you crave.

It can also keep food warm so everyone can serve themselves at a time that suits them. The collapsible stand is easy to set up and provides added space and handy built-in tool hooks.

Our review: I cannot wait to continue cooking on the Lumin Electric Barbecue. It's simple to use, easy to clean and can be stored away conveniently when it's not in use. The Lumin itself is simple to set up and even easier to cook on, and the entire experience of grilling in a space-limited garden is delightful.

Read our full Weber Lumin Electric BBQ review to learn more about what we thought.

This Weber Q1400 Electric Grill has been dubbed the original electric BBQ and the one that made grilling simpler and easier than ever. It's a great small-scale choice for anyone who wants to dodge charcoal or gas canisters.

Popular with campers, the grill comes with 2.2kW of power, a cast aluminium body and lid, and cast iron cooking grates. We love the handles on the side that make it super easy to move and carry around.

This comes fully assembled out of the box, so it is a great choice for those whose DIY skills are on the limited side. Despite its diminutive dimensions, this can fit six full-size burgers on its grilling area, so it should cover you for up to four diners easily.

Hungry for more? Read our round-up of the best Weber BBQs.

The Char-Broil SMART-E Electric Barbecue Grill features TRU-Infrared Technology that ensures 50 per cent juicier BBQ food. Enjoy an electric BBQ experience without charcoal or gas – controlled via a dial and digital display for precise temperature adjustments.

The AUTO CLEAN system simplifies cleaning by burning off residues. A stainless steel grate distributes heat efficiently. In addition, there is a spacious cupboard and foldable side shelves provide storage flexibility.

Our review: "The Char-Broil SMART-E BBQ is an impressive testament to electric grilling technology. Striking a balance between convenience and performance, this BBQ showcases its capabilities with even cooking, reliable temperature control, and the invaluable auto clean-up feature."

"Its key strength lies in its consistent performance. Whether slow cooking or searing, the results are uniformly excellent. While it may lack the traditional smoky flavour imparted by charcoal, the option to introduce wood chips directly onto the grills offers a viable workaround for those craving more BBQ taste."

Check out our full Char-Broil SMART-E Electric Barbecue Grill review for more of our thoughts.

If you're short on space, this round indoor and outdoor BBQ from well-respected grill brand George Foreman will easily fit in a corner of your balcony or outdoor space, or, as it can be used indoors, even on your kitchen countertop or dining table.

This features a variable temperature gauge, non-stick, easy-clean removable plates and - as you'd expect from George Foreman - angled cooking plates that drain away fat and grease from foods into an integrated drip tray. Perfect if you fancy cooking more healthy meals.

We like that this grill comes with a removable stand. You can attach it to create a freestanding BBQ that will look authentic in the garden, or simply use the body of the BBQ indoors for a weather-proof cook-out. The stand collapses making it space-saving to store and is quick to assemble when you need it.

This easy-to-use and small Quest Indoor Electric BBQ Grill has been made specifically for indoor and outdoor use. It can be placed straight on your table and even has removable feet, so you don't have to worry about not having the room.

The grill plate is chrome plated and features an innovative water-filled drip tray that helps to reduce odours and smoke, ensuring your home or balcony area can stay smelling fresh throughout the cooking process.

The thermostatic control is comprised of a simple dial positioned in the centre of the unit, so there are no complicated controls to worry about. Reviewers suggest they love this to go in the centre of a table at dinner parties for guests to cook their own food.

George Foreman grills are famous for helping you cook delicious food without all the grease, and the Smokeless BBQ Large Health Grill is no different. With a cooking surface that's 16cm by 27.9cm this can cover you for family meals and even cooking for a small crowd.

As well as the drip tray that collects fat and grease, the Smokeless Open Grill Technology eliminates up to 80% of smoke and greasy smells so that you can effortlessly bring the outdoor cooking experience indoors.

This has a die-cast aluminium cooking surface and we love that the non-stick removable plates are dishwasher-safe so therefore are super-easy to clean. This is portable and lightweight at 3.3 kilograms and offers space-saving vertical storage.

Tailored for contemporary lifestyles, the Cadac E-Braai 40 Electric BBQ is your ultimate solution for sizzling BBQ feasts in a small outdoor space. It boasts intelligent auto-temperature control technology, ensuring optimal searing and flavour.

Ideal for urban settings such as patios, balconies or terraces, this barbecue combines convenience with performance. Its features include a dome lid with a built-in thermometer and a stay-cool handle. Also, there's a ceramic Greengrill 36cm BBQ grid plate, a removable pot stand and a porcelain enamelled fat pan.

With a powerful 2kW electric heat coil and rubber feet to prevent slipping, this grill provides both reliability and safety. Additionally, it comes with a storage bag for added portability. Some customers comment that they power theirs with solar panels, so it costs nothing to run.

This Boss BBQ is the business! At just over £100, the Boss Grill Compact Electric BBQ Grill offers effortless cooking at the flick of a switch. Adjust the heat from sizzling to warm instantly using the variable temperature control knob, whilst the built-in thermometer eliminates the guesswork.

Its flameless design makes it perfect for apartment balcony use. There are two built-in side tables for spices, utensils, and other barbecue essentials. Also, there is a removable drip tray for easy disposal of excess grease.

A handy cover is included to protect your grill all year round, so you can leave it on your balcony at all times. Though assembly is required, be prepared to get ready to grill in just 40 minutes.