After testing over 200 grills and feeding 7 kids countless meals, I thought electric grills were hopeless. Then Weber sent me the Lumin electric grill. Two years later, I own both sizes and use them weekly. Here’s what I learned.
Why I Started Testing Electric Grills
View Deal Here
Check Price on Amazon
Running The Trellis means I test everything. While I’ve heard mixed feedback about electric grills – with some friends expressing disappointment about weaker heat output and difficulty achieving those coveted sear marks, or mentioning that food sometimes tastes more steamed than grilled – I understand that different families have different needs and preferences when it comes to their grilling setup.
Weber’s marketing caught my attention though. “Don’t Sacrifice BBQ for Big City Views” seemed bold for an electric grill. Could they finally crack the code?
I bought the standard Weber Lumin electric grill first. Then added the Weber Lumin compact electric grill for comparison. Both live on my deck year-round now.
What Makes the Weber Lumin Electric Grill Different
Most electric grills heat up to 450°F on a good day. The Weber Lumin electric grill hits 600°F consistently. That’s a real searing temperature.
The cast iron grates heat evenly. No hot spots like cheap electric models. The lid creates an oven effect that cooks food evenly. I get perfect grill marks every time.
But here’s the cool part: this grill does five things. Sear, smoke, steam, defrost, and keep warm. I’ve steamed vegetables while grilling chicken. I’ve smoked salmon using wood chips in the water tray. I’ve even defrosted frozen burger patties while the grill preheated.
Most electric grills just heat up and hope for the best. The Lumin actually thinks about different cooking needs.
Weber Lumin vs Compact: Size Choices Matter
I own both sizes for good reason. The standard Weber Lumin electric grill gives you 242 square inches. The Weber Lumin compact electric grill drops to 180 square inches.
Here’s how that translates to real cooking:
Standard size: 8-10 burgers, 6 chicken breasts, or 4-5 steaks
Compact size: 6 burgers, 4 chicken breasts, or 3 steaks
The compact costs about $130 less and weighs 6 pounds less. For our family of nine, I need the standard size. Couples or small families do fine with the compact.
Both hit the same temperatures. Both offer identical features. Size and price drive the choice.
My Real-World Performance Tests
I’ve grilled over 500 meals on these units. Here’s what actually happens:
- Heat-up time: 15-20 minutes to reach 600°F. Gas is faster, charcoal is slower.
- Temperature control: Precise once you learn the settings. The digital display helps.
- Searing ability: Legitimate grill marks that fool BBQ experts. I’ve served Lumin-grilled steaks to charcoal purists who couldn’t tell the difference.
- Heat retention problem: Opening the lid drops the temperature 150-200°F instantly. Recovery takes 3-5 minutes. This is the biggest flaw.
- Even cooking: The cast iron grates eliminate hot spots. Chicken comes out juicy with crispy skin.
Read more: Weber Summit Kamado S6 Review
What Weber Lumin Electric Grill Reviews Miss
Most Weber Lumin electric grill reviews focus on features. Living with these grills daily reveals different insights.
- Weather performance: I’ve used both units in snow, rain, and 15°F temperatures. Electric operation doesn’t care about the weather like gas or charcoal does.
- Cleanup reality: The heating element lifts out for washing. Cast iron grates go in the dishwasher. Cleanup beats gas grills easily.
- Power requirements: 1,560 watts means 13 amps. That’s most of a 15-amp circuit. Don’t run other appliances simultaneously or you’ll trip breakers.
- Cord length frustration: The 6-foot cord reaches nowhere useful. Quality extension cords become essential accessories.
Weber Lumin vs Q2400
| Feature | Weber Lumin | Weber Q2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 242 sq inches | 280 sq inches |
| Temperature Range | Up to 600°F | Up to 500°F |
| Special Features | 5-in-1 (sear, smoke, steam, defrost, warm) | Basic electric heating only |
| Price Range | $529 | $350-400 |
| Target User | Tech-minded families want versatility | Budget-conscious traditional grillers |
| Heat-up Time | 15-20 minutes | 15-25 minutes |
| Best For | Multi-function cooking, space-constrained areas | Simple electric grilling, larger capacity |
| Warranty | 5 years electrical, 2 years parts | 2 years limited |
Weber Lumin vs Q1400
| Feature | Weber Lumin | Weber Q1400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 242 sq inches | 189 sq inches |
| Temperature Capability | 600°F+ consistent | 450-500°F range |
| Functions | Multi-mode (sear, smoke, steam) | Basic electric grilling |
| Price Point | $529 | $250-300 |
| Design Philosophy | Modern with advanced features | Traditional Weber simplicity |
| Control Type | Digital temperature display | Manual heat control |
| Best For | Feature-seeking families | Weber purists on a budget |
| Value Proposition | Premium features justify the cost | Simple reliability at a low price |
Weber Lumin vs Lumin Compact
| Feature | Weber Lumin Standard | Weber Lumin Compact |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 242 sq inches | 180 sq inches |
| Burger Capacity | 8-10 burgers | 6 burgers |
| Weight | 32 lbs | 26 lbs |
| Price | $529 | $399 |
| Features | Identical 5-in-1 functions | Identical 5-in-1 functions |
| Temperature | 600°F+ | 600°F+ |
| Best For | Families 4+, entertaining | Couples, small households |
| Storage | Requires more space | More compact storage |
Weber Lumin vs Traveler
| Feature | Weber Lumin | Weber Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Electric (1,560 watts) | Propane (1 lb tank) |
| Portability | Requires an electrical outlet | True portable, folds compact |
| Heat-up Time | 15-20 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Heat Retention | Poor when the lid was opened | Excellent gas retention |
| Cooking Functions | 5-in-1 versatility | Basic grilling only |
| Weather Dependence | Unaffected by the weather | Wind/cold affects performance |
| Best Use Cases | RV camping with hookups, patios | Tent camping, tailgating |
| Price Range | $529 | $400-450 |
Weber Lumin vs Pulse 2000
| Feature | Weber Lumin | Weber Pulse 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Level | Manual control with digital display | Smart connectivity with the app |
| Temperature Monitoring | Basic digital readout | Precise app-based monitoring |
| Automation | Manual operation | Automated cooking programs |
| Price | $529 | $800-900 |
| Setup Complexity | Plug and play | Wi-Fi setup required |
| Cooking Functions | 5-in-1 built-in modes | Smart programs via app |
| Target Audience | Practical cooks want features | Tech enthusiasts, gadget lovers |
| Food Quality | Excellent results | Similar excellent results |
Weber Lumin Electric Grill Accessories I Actually Use
View Deal Here
Check Price on Amazon
The Weber Lumin electric grill stand converts the portable unit into a proper cooking station. It’s well-built with a useful side shelf. The collapsible design allows storage.
But it costs $149 extra. That pushes total investment near $700. At that price, decent gas grills become tempting alternatives.
The Weber Lumin griddle is perfect for breakfast cooking. I’ve made pancakes, eggs, and smash burgers with good results. It heats evenly and cleans easily.
Weber also offers a cover and a versatility kit. The cover protects your investment. The versatility kit adds steaming accessories that actually work.
Problems I’ve Encountered
- Heat retention: Opening the lid kills your temperature. You must plan lid openings carefully. This is the single biggest frustration.
- Capacity limits: Ten burgers require careful arrangement. Cooking for crowds means multiple batches.
- Power cord placement: Six feet reaches nothing useful. Quality extension cords become necessary accessories.
- Element replacement: My heating element failed after 18 months. Weber replaced it under warranty, but it required screwdriver work.
- Learning curve: Temperature control takes practice. Gas grill users need time to adjust techniques.
Who Should Buy These Grills
Urban apartment dwellers with fire restrictions represent the perfect customers. I get emails weekly from readers facing HOA rules that ban gas and charcoal. The Lumin delivers real grilling within these limits.
Small families cooking for 2-4 people benefit most. Couples who grill weekly but don’t need massive capacity find the Lumin ideal.
RV owners with electrical hookups appreciate the portability and consistent performance. Campgrounds often restrict open flames but allow electric appliances.
Who Should Skip the Lumin
Large families cooking for 6+ people regularly will hit capacity limits. The cooking area frustrates bigger households.
Budget-conscious buyers should consider basic Weber Q models. The Lumin’s premium features don’t justify the cost for simple grilling needs.
Users expecting gas-grill heat retention will be disappointed. The thermal limitations require technique changes that some people never accept.
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
|
|
View Deal Here
Check Price on Amazon
My Bottom Line After Two Years
The Weber Lumin electric grill solves specific problems for specific people. If you’re stuck with electric-only restrictions but refuse to compromise on food quality, this grill works.
I’ve served hundreds of meals from these units to family and neighbors. The food quality surprises people who expect typical electric grill disappointment.
But understand the limits. Heat retention issues, capacity constraints, and power requirements mean this isn’t a gas grill replacement. It’s the best electric grill available.
The price premium over basic electric models reflects genuine performance advantages. Six-hundred-degree temperatures, even heating, and real grill marks justify the cost for families who value these benefits.
After testing grills for 15 years and feeding my family countless meals, I can recommend the Weber Lumin electric grill to the right customers. Urban families facing fire restrictions finally have a real grilling option.
Just make sure you actually need electric operation. Gas still offers advantages that this technology can’t match. But if your situation demands electricity, this is the grill to buy.
For families who thought electric meant compromise, the Lumin proves you can have your burger and grill marks too.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Weber Lumin and Compact?
Size and price. Standard Lumin: 242 square inches, $529. Compact: 178 square inches, $399. Both hit 600°F and offer identical features. Standard fits 8-10 burgers, Compact fits 6.
2. Does the Weber Lumin get hot enough for real grilling?
Yes, both models hit 600°F consistently. That’s the proper searing temperature. Most electric grills max out at 450°F. Preheating takes 15-20 minutes.
3. How much electricity does it use?
1,560 watts or 13 amps. That’s most of a 15-amp circuit. Don’t run other appliances simultaneously. Expect $10-20 extra monthly on your electric bill.
4. Can I use it in winter?
Yes. I’ve used mine down to 15°F. Electric heating ignores wind and cold. Preheating takes 5-10 minutes longer in cold weather, but performance stays consistent.
5. How well does the smoking function work?
Add wood chips to the water reservoir for moderate smoke lasting 25 minutes. Good for flavor enhancement, not heavy BBQ smoking. Works well for salmon and chicken.
6. Can I use the Weber Lumin indoors?
No. Outdoor use only due to high heat and smoke production. Weber’s safety guidelines are clear on this.
7. How long do these grills last?
Two years in with one heating element replacement under warranty. Weber offers a 5-year electrical warranty a 2-year parts warranty. Expect 5-10 years with proper care.
8. Is the Weber Lumin worth the high price?
Only if you’re restricted to electric grilling. For apartment dwellers with fire restrictions, yes. If you can use gas or charcoal, those offer better value.
9. What are the biggest problems?
Heat retention – opening the lid drops the temperature 150-200°F instantly. The short 6-foot power cord requires extension cords. Small cooking capacity for larger groups.
10. Who should buy it?
Apartment dwellers with fire restrictions. Small households (2-4 people). RV users with electrical hookups. Skip it for large families, budget buyers, or anyone who can use gas/charcoal.
Learn More About Grilling
If you want to learn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources!
Popular Buying Guides
Recently Published Posts
