Sneak Peek: Weber Lumin Electric Grill Review

By: Max Good, Full time grill tester

Weber has been in the electric grill game for some time with their small, portable Q Series grills and recently with the more expensive Pulse that features thermostatic temperature control and sophisticated Weber Connect Wi-Fi technology. Although electric grills aren’t new, interest in all things electric is trending and grill manufacturers view this trend as an emerging new opportunity, much as they did kamados then pellet smokers.

To capitalize on this growth sector, Weber introduces Lumin electric grills. Priced in between Q Electrics and Pulse, Weber describes Lumin as being “designed for those with limited outdoor space and electric-first people who crave barbecue’s authentic, delicious flavors yet desire a grill that fits their lifestyle and reflects their eco-conscious fuel choices.”

Most electric grills have solid, cast iron cook surfaces , much like griddles, and a high temp range of around 500°F. Weber claims Lumin hits 600°F and their standard cooking grates are open, like a gas or charcoal grill, to allow drippings to sizzle on the hot metal below for extra outdoor flavor and aroma.

Weber aims to expand Lumin’s versatility by offering some model-specific accessories, most notably steam trays that can double as braising pans.

Weber claims you can add wood chips to the bottom tray to get a whiff of smoke.

And, I like this idea, with the temp dialed down low, use them to turn Lumin into a chaffing dish to serve hot foods.

A collapsible stand folds up easily when not in use.

Lumin is available in full-size or compact models in a variety of colors, including Ice Blue, Deep Ocean Blue, Golden Yellow, Seafoam Green, Black, and Crimson. Models and colors will vary by geographic region.

Up to now, we have not paid much attention to electric grills, but if the data crunchers are correct, I have a feeling that will change. We’ll test Lumin and publish our full-detailed review soon. Stay tuned.

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Manufacturer:

• Weber-Stephen

  

  Weber-Stephen is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers of BBQ equipment and related accessories in the world. Weber grills and smokers cook beautifully and have great features that are clever, effective and easy to use. As popularity and demand for BBQ gear grows worldwide, Weber continues to earn their long standing reputation for quality, durability and outstanding customer service and support, (7 days a week from 7am to 8pm CST), in an increasingly competitive environment. Even in this crowded marketplace, many consumers are still willing to pay more for the Weber name and they are rarely disappointed. They make a variety of cookers and smokers. Their iconic black charcoal kettles are known throughout the world. Indeed Weber is expanding globally.

  Weber-Stephen was family owned since it was founded in 1952 by George Stephen. At the end of 2010 the Stephen family sold a majority stake to Chicago investment group BDT Capital Partners. In 2012, Weber settled a class action suit out of court regarding their use of the phrase, “Made in USA”. Weber previously qualified the “Made in USA” statement by specifying their products are assembled in the USA with some components that are sourced globally. Here is an excerpt from Weber’s statement “Weber believes that because all Weber grills and the disputed accessories are designed and engineered in the USA, and all grills save for one line [Spirit]* are manufactured and assembled in the USA using component parts primarily made in the USA, it did nothing wrong and therefore has valid defenses to plaintiff’s claims. The court has not held a trial or ruled in favor of either party on any disputed issues. Weber and the plaintiff have agreed to settle the matter to avoid the costs of continued litigation.” As a result of this suit, Weber can no longer claim to be made in America.

  Since then Weber, like many others, has outsourced manufacturing of more product lines. Things change, but we believe Weber’s commitment to quality and innovation has not.

  The biggest barrier for many folks is price. Webers are not cheap, but when you consider that they last decades, the price is easy to justify. Many some cheap grills fall apart after three years or so.

  Our main complaint: All Webers have the obligatory bi-metal dial thermometer in the hood that gives you a ballpark reading of what the temperature is high above the meat. Since we cook on the grates, though, it’s always better to bring your own digital thermometer and place a probe there. It appears this is beginning to change as Weber enters a new era of digital technology and software based products. 

Related reviews

• Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill Review
• Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill Review

Published On: 1/16/2023 Last Modified: 6/22/2023

• Max Good, Full time grill tester - Max Good, AmazingRibs.com's Vice President of Product Reviews & Keeper of the Flame, is the man in charge of finding the best products for the AmazingRibs.com Equipment Reviews section. Max bottles his own barbecue sauce recipes and now sells them around the country.

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