The smell of grilled food drifting across a balcony on a warm evening has its own charm. For many of us living in cities or apartments, traditional gas or charcoal grills are not always an option, but that doesn’t mean grilling has to be off the table. Electric grills like the Weber Q1400 and Weber Q2400 are designed exactly for this—bringing the outdoor BBQ experience to balconies, patios, and even indoor spaces where other fuel types aren’t allowed.
I’ve had the chance to test both models side by side, and while they share Weber’s signature build quality, there are some key differences that can make or break your decision depending on your cooking space and lifestyle. Let’s break it down.
Key Difference Between Weber Q1400 vs Q2400 Electric Grills
At first glance, the Q1400 and Q2400 look quite similar, but their biggest difference is size and cooking capacity.
- The Weber Q1400 is compact, lightweight, and perfect for small balconies or solo grilling sessions.
- The Weber Q2400, on the other hand, offers a larger cooking surface and higher overall capacity, making it better for families or gatherings.
Both grills run on electricity, eliminating the need for propane tanks or charcoal bags, but the cooking experience slightly changes depending on which one you pick.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
Comparison Table: Weber Q1400 vs Q2400 Electric Grills
Feature | Weber Q1400 | Weber Q2400 |
Cooking Area | 189 sq. in. | 280 sq. in. |
Heating Element | 1560 watts | 1560 watts |
Dimensions | 23.5″D x 27″W x 14.5″H | 47.5″L x 80″W x 26″H (approx) |
Weight | ~29 lbs | ~42 lbs |
Grates | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Porcelain-enameled cast iron |
Frame Material | Aluminum, glass-reinforced nylon | Alloy steel, durable frame |
Cord Length | 6 feet | 6 feet |
Best For | Small spaces, singles/couples | Families, backyard grilling |
Check Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
The Q1400 feels like a compact powerhouse. Its cast aluminum body and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates scream durability, but it’s also designed for portability. I found it very manageable to move around, which is a big plus if you’re working with limited space or planning to store it indoors when not in use.
The Q2400, however, feels like a step up in size and presence. It’s heavier, bulkier, and takes up more space—but in return, you get a much larger cooking surface. For me, the Q2400 feels more like a permanent fixture, something you’d dedicate a spot for on your patio or balcony.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
Ease of Use
Both grills operate on a simple plug-and-play system. Plug in, preheat, adjust the infinite control knob, and you’re good to go.
With the Q1400, preheating is quick, usually within 10 minutes, and perfect for small weeknight dinners. The Q2400 takes a little longer to heat up due to its larger size, but once it’s hot, it maintains the temperature beautifully.
One thing I liked about both models is the removable catch pan, which makes cleaning up grease much easier. That’s a small feature, but trust me, it saves time after every cook.
Cooking Performance
Cooking on the Q1400 is smooth and efficient. With its 189 sq. in. surface, I could grill about 6 burgers at once, or a couple of steaks and vegetables without feeling crowded. It works best for smaller meals and has no trouble holding steady heat.
The Q2400, with its 280 sq. in. surface, is clearly meant for more serious grilling. I managed to cook for 5 people at once—burgers, hot dogs, and veggies—without the need for multiple batches. The food seared beautifully, and I could taste that smoky grilled flavor Weber grills are known for, even though it’s electric.
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
Functions & Features
Both models feature:
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates (great heat retention & easy cleaning)
- Cast aluminum lid and body for durability
- Infinite heat control settings
- 6-foot power cord
The main difference is space and capacity. Functionally, they’re identical—so your choice comes down to how much food you plan on grilling at once.
Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
- 1560-watt electric heating element to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Perfect for small balconies or patios
- Heats up quickly
- Same durable Weber build quality
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Limited cooking area
- Not ideal for families or larger gatherings
Weber Q2400 Electric Grill
- Cooking surface 54 x 39 cm
Pros:
- Larger cooking surface for more food
- Maintains heat well over bigger batches
- Still compact compared to gas/charcoal grills
- Durable, high-quality materials
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier to move
- Takes up more space
- Slightly longer preheat time
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Weber Q1400 and Weber Q2400 comes down to your grilling lifestyle.
If you live in an apartment, often cook for one or two people, and want something that doesn’t take up much space, the Q1400 is the perfect pick. It’s portable, quick to set up, and gives you that authentic Weber grilling experience in a compact size.
But if you regularly cook for family or friends, or want a more permanent grill setup with room to experiment, the Q2400 is worth the upgrade. The extra cooking space really makes a difference when you’re serving more than just yourself.
My personal recommendation: Go with the Weber Q2400 if you have the space. The versatility and larger cooking surface make it the better long-term investment, especially if you plan to host or cook for more than two people at a time.