I bought my Weber Q1400 electric grill two years ago out of pure frustration. My apartment complex banned gas grills, and I was tired of sad indoor cooking. Best decision I ever made for my tiny balcony.
After grilling hundreds of meals on this thing, I’m sharing everything I learned. The good, the bad, and the burnt burgers that taught me valuable lessons.
Why I Chose the Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
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My search started simple: find an electric grill that doesn’t suck. Most electric grills I tested were flimsy toys that barely warmed food. The Weber electric grill Q1400 felt different the moment I lifted it from the box.
This thing weighs 29.5 pounds. That’s not dead weight – its solid construction. The cast aluminum body sits in a heat-resistant frame with built-in handles. Everything feels sturdy and well-made.
The Weber Q1400 dimensions fit my small balcony perfectly: 27 inches wide, 23.5 inches deep, 14.5 inches high. It gives me 189 square inches of cooking space – enough for four burgers or two good-sized steaks.
Those porcelain-coated cast-iron grates caught my attention immediately. Most electric grills use cheap wire racks. Weber went with the same grates you find on their premium gas models. Smart move.
Real-World Performance
Let me be straight about power. The 1560-watt heating element puts out roughly 5,300 BTUs. That’s half what most gas grills produce. Physics limits what any electric grill can do with a standard wall outlet.
But here’s what surprised me: this limitation doesn’t kill the grilling experience. The consistent, even heat actually works better for many foods than the hot spots and temperature swings of cheaper grills.
I’ve cooked everything on this grill. Salmon comes out perfectly every time. Vegetables get proper char without burning. Even thick steaks develop good color and cook evenly, though they won’t get the blazing sear you get from gas.
The exposed heating element creates real smoke and flavor. Add some wood chips in a foil packet, and you get genuine barbecue taste. Don’t try this indoors – it makes plenty of smoke.
Temperature control impressed me most. The infinite control dial gives me exact heat adjustment. Want high heat for searing, then low for gentle cooking? Easy. Need steady temperature for delicate fish? Done. This control beats many gas grills I’ve used.
Daily Life with the Q1400
Setup takes two minutes. Plug it in and wait for heat. No propane tanks to wrestle. No charcoal to light. No waiting for perfect coal temperature. For weeknight dinners after work, this convenience saves my sanity.
Preheating takes 10-15 minutes to reach cooking temperature. Not instant, but predictable. Once hot, temperature stays rock steady. I can walk away for a minute without worrying about flare-ups or temperature drops.
The 6-foot cord gives decent reach, but placement matters. I learned this lesson when my first setup had me doing yoga poses to flip burgers. Consider a heavy-duty extension cord if your perfect spot lacks nearby outlets.
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill Stand
I bought the optional Weber Q1400 electric grill stand six months after getting the grill. Should have done it from day one.
Weber’s Q Portable Cart transforms this tabletop unit into a proper cooking station. The folding design sets up in seconds, then collapses flat for storage. At $125, it’s pricey but worth it.
At proper cooking height, my back doesn’t ache after long grilling sessions. The side tables hold plates and tools. Tool hooks keep everything organized. When the party ends, everything folds flat enough for my car trunk.
The modularity makes sense. Buy the basic grill first, add the cart later if you like the cooking experience. Smart thinking from Weber.
Maintenance and Weber Q1400 Electric Grill Parts
Weber Q1400 electric grill parts are available and reasonably priced. You will need them eventually. Here’s what I’ve learned:
The heating element will fail after heavy use. Mine lasted 18 months with almost daily cooking. Replacement elements cost $28-60 depending on brand. Installation takes five minutes with basic tools.
The GFCI cord failed after two years. These safety devices protect against electrical problems but wear out. Don’t bypass a broken GFCI – replace it. Aftermarket cords cost around $17 and maintain safety features.
Regular cleaning is simple. The removable drip pan catches grease (Weber includes one, extras cost $5). The cast-iron grates need occasional seasoning like any cast iron. The aluminum body just needs soap and water.
Weber Q1400 vs the Competition
Weber Q1200 vs Q1400: My Take on Both
| Feature | Weber Q1200 | Weber Q1400 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Propane (disposable cylinders) | Electric (120V) |
| Price (approximate) | $279 | $329 - $349 |
| Power Output | 8,500 BTU/hr | 1,560 Watts |
| Power Equivalent | ~2,490 Watts | 1,560 Watts |
| Cooking Area | 189 sq. inches | 189 sq. inches |
| Burger Capacity | 8 burgers | 6 burgers |
| Weight | 30 - 31 pounds | 25.32 - 29 pounds |
| Dimensions (Lid Closed) | 15.5"H x 40.9"W x 16.5"D | 14.5"H x 27"W x 16.5"D |
| Grate Material | Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron | Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron |
| Thermometer | Built-in lid thermometer | None |
| Control System | Infinite control burner valve | Infinite heat control settings |
| Ignition | Push button electronic ignition | Electrical (No ignition system) |
| Side Tables | Yes, folding | No |
Weber Q1400 vs Q2400: Size Questions
| Feature | Weber Q1400 | Weber Q2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319 - $449 | $399 - $529 |
| Cooking Space | 189 square inches | 280 square inches |
| Power/Wattage | 1,560 watts | 1,560 watts |
| Voltage | 120V, plugs into a standard outlet | 120V, plugs into a standard outlet |
| Temperature | Heats up quickly, reaching up to 610°F. The smaller size allows for more efficient heat retention and searing. | Reaches similar max temperatures but takes longer to preheat due to the larger cooking surface. May not achieve as intense of a sear as the Q1400. |
| Dimensions | 27" L x 14.5" W x 16.5" H | 31.5" L x 19.5" W x 14.5" H |
| Weight | 28.5 lbs | 44 lbs |
| Key Features | Folding side shelves, compact and lightweight design. | Larger cooking surface, built-in handle for easy lid lifting. Does not include side shelves. |
| Ideal Use Case | Best for individuals or couples grilling on a balcony, patio, or tabletop where space is limited and quick, efficient cooking is a priority. | Best for families or small groups that need to cook a larger quantity of food at once. Ideal for larger balconies, decks, or small yards. |
Weber Q1400 vs Weber Lumin: Old vs New
| Feature | Weber Q1400 | Weber Lumin |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349-$449 | $529-$649 |
| Cooking Space | 189 sq. inches (1,376 cm²) | 242 sq. inches (1,562 cm²) |
| Temperature | Up to 610°F (321°C) | Up to 600°F (315°C) |
| Controls | Infinite control knob (no exact numbers) | Digital controls with modes for searing, smoking, steaming, and boiling |
| Tech Features | None | Bluetooth connectivity for smart grilling |
| Versatility | Primarily for grilling | Can sear, smoke, steam, and boil with included accessories |
| Portability | Lighter at approximately 28.5 lbs (12.9 kg) | Heavier at approximately 36.5 lbs (16.5 kg) |
| Key Advantage | Simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness | Versatility, modern features, and larger cooking space |
Weber Q1400 vs Ninja Woodfire: Different Approaches
| Feature | Weber Q1400 Electric Grill | Ninja Woodfire Electric Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Functions | Grill with infinite heat control. Its design allows drippings to vaporize on the heating element, creating a "grilled" flavor. | Multi-functional: Grill, Smoker, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and more depending on the model. |
| Fuel Source | 100% Electric. Just plug it in and grill. No need for gas or charcoal. | Electric power with wood pellets for flavor. Pellets are for flavor, not for heat. |
| Ease of Use | Very simple. A single dial controls the heat. No complex settings or learning curve. Arrives fully assembled. | More complex due to multiple functions and a digital interface. The user needs to add pellets for the smoky flavor. |
| Cooking Grates | Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates with a slatted design. This allows for excellent heat retention and classic grill marks. | Non-stick grill grates with a more solid, griddle-like surface. This design helps in different cooking modes like air frying. |
| Cleaning | Features a removable catch pan to collect grease. The slatted grates allow for easy cleaning with a grill brush. | Features a removable grease tray. The grates and crisper basket are often not dishwasher safe, requiring more manual cleaning. |
| Versatility | Focused primarily on grilling. Does not have other cooking functions like smoking or air frying. | Highly versatile. Can serve as a grill, air fryer, and smoker all in one. This makes it a kitchen-to-patio appliance. |
| Size & Portability | Compact and portable, often available with an optional stand. Weighs around 29 lbs. | Also compact and portable, but with a more functional, appliance-like design. Weighs around 31-39 lbs depending on the model. |
Real Cooking Results: What Works and What Doesn’t
After two years of daily use, I know exactly what this grill does well and where it struggles.
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Winners: Salmon comes out restaurant-quality with steady temperature control. Vegetables get perfect char without burning. Pizza works great with a stone accessory. Thick pork chops develop a beautiful color and stay juicy.
Losers: Paper-thin steaks that need blazing heat for quick searing. Massive roasts requiring extended high-temperature cooking. The Q1400 has limits – know them and plan around them.
My favorite discovery? Cedar plank salmon. The steady heat and gentle smoke create absolutely perfect results every time. Guests think I’m a grilling genius.
The Urban Grilling Revolution
Electric grills like the Q1400 change how we think about city cooking. Small spaces don’t mean giving up grilling dreams to building restrictions and fire codes.
I’ve helped friends set up tiny balconies into real outdoor kitchens using the Q1400. The key is embracing what electric grilling does well rather than mourning what it can’t do.
You won’t achieve steakhouse searing temperatures, but you will create delicious, properly cooked food with real grilled flavors. For most home cooking, that’s more than enough.
Who Should Buy This Grill?
This grill works perfectly for specific situations. City apartment dwellers with balcony restrictions find it liberating. Couples who want quality grilling without massive size appreciate the right-sized capacity. Anyone tired of propane hassles or charcoal lighting will love plug-and-play convenience.
It’s not ideal for large family cookouts or competitive grillers who demand maximum heat. The $349 price puts it above basic electrics but below premium gas units – fair for the quality delivered.
Read more: Blackstone Flat Top Grill Review
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
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My Bottom Line After 2 Years
The Weber Q1400 electric grill delivers on its promises. Weber built this right – solid construction, smart features, and real grilling performance within electric limits.
Does it replace a full-size gas grill? No. Does it provide legitimate grilling that beats indoor cooking by miles? Absolutely. For urban grillers dealing with space and fuel restrictions, it’s hard to find a better solution.
After 700+ meals on this grill, I’d buy it again tomorrow. Sometimes the best tool is the one that works reliably within your actual limits, not the one that looks impressive in someone else’s yard.
Weber built their reputation on understanding what people actually need from their grills. The Q1400 continues that tradition, bringing real outdoor cooking to spaces that seemed impossible before. In my book, that’s worth celebrating – one perfectly grilled burger at a time.
FAQs
- Can I use the Weber Q1400 indoors?
No, absolutely not. This grill produces smoke and requires ventilation. I learned this the hard way during a rainy day experiment that set off every smoke alarm in my apartment. Stick to covered outdoor areas only.
- How much electricity does the Weber Q1400 use?
It draws 13 amps at 1560 watts. On my electric bill, this translates to about 30-40 cents per hour of cooking. Much cheaper than propane refills over time.
- Can I use wood chips for smoke flavor?
Yes, but use them in a foil packet with holes punched in it. Place the packet directly on the heating element. I use this method regularly for salmon and pork chops with excellent results.
- What’s the maximum temperature the Q1400 can reach?
Mine hits about 500-525°F on the highest setting. That’s hot enough for most grilling tasks but won’t give you steakhouse-level searing temperatures.
- How long does it take to cook a burger?
About 8-10 minutes total for medium doneness. The steady heat cooks more evenly than my old gas grill, so timing is very consistent.
- Can I leave it outside year-round?
I cover mine with Weber’s grill cover during harsh weather. The aluminum construction handles outdoor conditions well, but protection extends its life significantly.
- What extension cord do I need if my outlet is far away?
Use a 14-gauge, 15-amp cord rated for outdoor use. Lighter cords will overheat and create safety hazards. I learned this after my first cheap cord got dangerously hot.
- How does cleanup compare to gas grills?
Much easier. The drip pan catches grease, the grates go in the dishwasher, and there’s no grease management system to scrub. It takes me 5 minutes after each cook.
- Can I cook for more than 4 people?
The 189 square inches limits you to about 4 burgers at once. I’ve done larger groups by cooking in batches, but it’s not ideal for big parties.
- Is the Q1400 worth it compared to cheaper electric grills?
After trying several cheaper options, absolutely. The build quality, temperature control, and parts availability justify the higher price. Cheap electric grills are frustrating toys.
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