The day I first switched from gas to electric grilling, I was standing in my small apartment balcony with a bargain charcoal grill that barely fit. The smell of smoke drifted downstairs, and I knew it was time for an upgrade—something cleaner, quieter, and still capable of that perfect sear. That’s how I first tried the Weber Q1400 Electric Grill. Fast forward, after enjoying weekend breakfasts off its grates and dinners under the city lights, I stepped up to the Weber Q2400 when I needed more cooking area and power.
If you’re wondering which of these two electric grills should make its way into your life—whether for urban balconies, patios, or indoor/outdoor hybrid setups—here’s what I discovered after using both deeply.
Key Difference at a Glance: Weber Q1400 vs Q2400 Electric Grills
The Q1400 excels as a compact, plug-and-grill companion—small, simpler, and perfect when space is tight. The Q2400 offers more cooking area (≈ 280 sq. in.), higher build heft, and better capacity for larger meals or entertaining. So your choice really comes down to how many people you cook for and how much space you have.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
- Up to 9 guests
Comparison Table: Weber Q1400 vs Q2400 Electric Grills
| Feature | Weber Q1400 | Weber Q2400 |
| Heater Type / Power | 1,560 Watt electric heating element | 1,560 Watt electric heating element |
| Cooking Area | ~ 189 sq. in. | ~ 280 sq. in. |
| Grate Material | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Same material: porcelain-enameled cast iron |
| Body / Lid Material | Cast aluminum body & lid, infinite heat control, removable catch pan | Cast aluminum body & lid, same catch pan, heat retention liners, larger frame |
| Dimensions & Weight | Smaller footprint, lighter (approx 23.5″D x 27″W x 14.5″H) | Larger footprint, heavier (~44 lbs / ~19–20 kg) |
| Power Cord Length | 6 feet | 6 feet |
| Best For | Single or couple cookouts, smaller spaces | Families, bigger meals, more frequent grilling |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build
From the moment I unpacked the Q1400, its design felt sleek and purposeful. The cooking surface is modest, but the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are heavy and excellent for heat retention. The body and lid are aluminum, which keeps weight manageable while resisting rust and wear. The infinite heat/dial control gives enough range to go from gentle grilling to hotter sears.
Switching to the Q2400, the first thing I noticed was how much more room I had. The cooking area jumps significantly. I could lay out more food without crowding, which matters when you’re grilling vegetables and protein simultaneously. The Q2400 also features interior heat retention liners (in lid and bowl) which help maintain temperature. Its heavier weight feels like quality—less rattling, better insulation.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
- Up to 9 guests
Ease of Use
With the Q1400, I’d plug it in, dial the temperature, wait a few minutes, and it’s grilling. Clean-up was straightforward: the catch pan slides out, grates lift off, and a brush does the rest. Because it’s lighter, I could slide it in and out of a storage spot under a table.
The Q2400, being larger and heavier, is a bit more of a commitment. It takes longer to preheat across the whole surface, especially from cold. But once heated, it delivers more even cooking. I also liked that the grill body’s design felt more refined—less warping, sturdier lid, better stability.
Cooking Performance
On the Q1400, burgers, chicken breasts, and skewers turned out well—nice grill marks, good flavor. But when I tried cooking for more people (4-5), I had to do multiple batches. The smaller surface area and heat dispersion at edges meant I had to rotate food more often.
On Q2400, all that changed. I cooked nearly a full meal at once: burgers, veggies, even a small roast. The larger cooking area and thicker materials meant better retention of heat, less temperature drop when opening the lid. The searing power for steaks was noticeably better. If you often cook larger portions, Q2400 gives you efficiency.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
- Up to 9 guests
Portability & Space Use
Balconies or small patios: Q1400 wins here. Less weight, smaller footprint, easier to store. It fits comfortably in tighter spaces. If you’re limited by budget or storage, this matters a lot.
If you have space (e.g., patio, deck, or stand), the Q2400 is manageable. But you’ll need a sturdy surface. Transporting isn’t impossible, but it’s bulkier—if you move it often, you’ll feel the difference every time.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both models use removable catch pans, which is a big plus after greasy grilling. Grates are the same and resist sticking if preheated properly and lightly oiled. The Q2400’s added liners help trap heat and reduce heat loss through the walls, which also helps with cleaning (less spatter, less heat-driven mess). Over time, I felt the Q2400’s build materials hold up better under frequent use—they’re less likely to warp or degrade than smaller thinner components.
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
Pros:
- Compact, lighter design great for small spaces or travel
- Simpler, faster setup and clean up
- Good power for its size (1560 W) giving solid grill marks
- Lower cost, easier to store
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area means more batches for larger meals
- Less even heat at the edges, more rotation needed
- Limited capacity for bigger items or spread of food
Weber Q2400 Electric Grill
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
- Up to 9 guests
Pros:
- Larger 280 sq. in. cooking surface perfect for family meals or entertaining
- Same durable, quality materials (grates, body) but more robust build
- Better heat retention and more consistent performance across whole surface
- Stronger ability to handle larger cuts of meat or multiple items
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier, less “grab and go” friendly
- Takes up more space and needs a more stable base
- More expensive, and pricier to ship or move
My Recommendation / Conclusion
I spent many dinners switching between the two, sometimes using the Q1400 when I had one or two friends, then bringing out the Q2400 when company came or dinner meant more food. Here’s what I’d pick depending on what you value:
- If you want something simple, plug-in, minimal fuss, and your meals are usually for one or two, go with the Q1400. It gives you strong performance and a clean experience with less bulk.
- If you often grill for more people, enjoy variety (meats + sides simultaneously), or want a more durable electric grill that handles bigger workloads, the Q2400 is worth the investment.
Personally, I now keep the Q2400 permanently set up on my patio—it handles everything I throw at it. But the Q1400 still comes out when I visit friends or for balcony evenings. If I had to choose just one for my home, it would be the Q2400. The extra space and build comfort outweight the inconvenience of its size.
