Electric barbecues have come a long way, and if you have the right set-up, they're one of the most convenient ways to cook outdoors. There are no gas bottles to store and no bags of charcoal to hunt down on a hot day – just plug in, heat up and get grilling. If you're working with a balcony, small patio or space where naked flames aren't allowed, an electric barbecue makes a lot of sense.Our team tested a range of models and shortlisted seven of the best electric barbecues for summer 2026, all chosen for performance, ease of use and value.Not sure which type of barbecue suits you best?

Take a look at our best gas BBQ and best charcoal BBQ guides, too.Our team has tried all of these models with our favourite barbecue recipes, so read on to find the best option for your grilling needs.The most recent additions were tested and reviewed by Helen McCue. Best electric barbecues at a glanceBest electric BBQ for app-connected cooking: Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker, £449.99Best electric barbecue for small spaces: Weber Lumin Compact, £305.40Best electric barbecue for smoking: Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, £299.99Best hybrid electric and charcoal BBQ: Char-Broil Patio Bistro E2Coal, £349.95Best electric barbecue for ease of use: CADAC E-Braai 40, £139.99Best electric barbecue for versatility: Weber Lumin electric BBQ, £570Best electric barbecue for balconies: Morso Balcone, £269Jump to section:Best electric barbecues to buy in 2026How does an electric barbecue work?How to use an electric barbecueHow to clean an electric barbecueHow we tested electric barbecuesBest electric barbecues to buy in 2026Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & SmokerAvailable from Amazon (£399), Ninja Kitchen (£449.99) Best electric BBQ for app-connected cookingPros:Offers a wide array of cooking functionsSmoker setting creates true smoke flavoursIntuitive meat probe with app connectivityCan be used in all weathersCons:ExpensiveRemovable parts are not dishwasher-safeStar Rating: 5/5The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL isn't simply a bigger version of its smaller sibling (the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker): it's the all-singing, all-dancing model and, at £449.99, the most premium electric BBQ in this guide.

Its standout feature is the meat probe that connects to an app, letting you monitor the internal temperature of your food in real time and control the BBQ settings from your phone. I loved it.The app performed brilliantly in testing. I cooked a 2kg whole chicken using the smoker mode with a temperature goal of 74C: it took 70 minutes and the app tracked progress throughout without a hitch.

The result was deeply smoky, perfectly cooked and impressively succulent. The woodfire setting uses small, mess-free wood pellets to create that smoke flavour, though the lid needs to be closed for it to work properly. Without the woodfire function you get a good chargrilled result rather than classic BBQ flavour: still impressive but worth knowing before you cook.The controls are straightforward alongside the app and the variety of cooking modes makes this one of the most versatile electric BBQs on the market.

It's also been safety tested for use in all weathers, making it a genuine year-round option, a meaningful advantage over BBQs that need to be kept dry.Cleaning is easy, though the removable parts aren't dishwasher-safe. A fantastic piece of kit for balconies and outdoor kitchens alike. Available from:Amazon (£399)Ninja Kitchen (£449.99)Weber Lumin CompactAvailable from Amazon (£249), BBQ World (£479) Best electric barbecue for small spacesPros:Simple and intuitive to unbox and put togetherZone-selectable heat controlsTemperature thermometer clear to readQuick to heat – quicker than waiting for coals to burn downMax temp 315°CSear, smoke, steam or boil settingsCons:Definite hot spots while cookingIngredients took much longer to cook than other barbecuesIngredients like halloumi stuck on the grillStar rating: 5/5The Weber Lumin Compact is one of the most convenient electric BBQs I've tested.

Its 1,166cm² cooking surface is split into two halves, which gives you real flexibility - use the whole thing as a grill for up to eight burgers at a time, or convert one half into a smoke, steam or keep-warm station depending on what you're cooking.It was a standout during testing, largely because it feels closer to a gas or charcoal barbecue than most electric models. It hit 250C in six minutes 30 seconds and handled everything I threw at it. There is one cooler spot near the electrical socket, but it's useful for keeping food warm while the rest finishes cooking.The porcelain-enamelled plates are genuinely non-stick, the lid has a built-in temperature gauge and the integrated handles make it easy to carry. If your budget stretches to it, I'd recommend picking up the compatible stand: it's sturdy and includes tool storage.Cleaning is straightforward day-to-day, with a handy disposable drip tray