The Weber Q 1400 electric grill is part of the Q series, which started out as a line of small, electric and gas grills.
While they lack the firepower of gas and charcoal-fueled grills, electric grills are sometimes the only alternative for those with restrictive living conditions such as apartments or wishing to grill indoors.
The Q series became a favorite for many due to their convenience. Weber later added a few models that were significantly larger than their predecessors which came with small carts. The Weber Q 1400 electric grill is the smallest model in Weber’s electric line.
The Weber Q 1400 is a mid-range grill as it costs less than $300, and its relatively high price can be justified by its impeccable quality and service.
You will definitely enjoy grilling with the Q 1400, as its small size not only renders it functional with a modern look but also fun to use.
Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill Key Features
Porcelain-coated cast iron grates distribute heat evenly and give meat the sear marks you think about when grilling. The grates are split such that one side is easy to remove and you can replace it with a cast iron griddle if you like. The porcelain coating makes the grates easy to clean.
The cast aluminum lid is easy to clean and retains heat well. Combined with the glass-reinforced nylon frame, the grill does not require a lot of maintenance.
The infinite heat settings allow for a seamless control of the grill’s temperatures, making it easy to adjust depending on your cooking needs.
The aluminum heat liners are designed to retain heat and also reduce the preheat time. They are also useful in reflecting heat inside the grill while you are cooking. Combine this with the cast-iron grates and you’ll get enough heat to cook and sear marks on your steak.
With a voltage of about 120V, the Q 1400 manages to hit over 600°F. Normally, it would take a lot of watts to achieve that temperature, but Weber managed to design a grill that’s able to hit 600°F with just 1560 Watts.
Pros
- High-temperature output
- Small size makes it easy to setup and use
- Heats up very quickly
- Surfaces are quite easy to clean
Cons
- Small cooking area
- Lacks a built in thermometer
- Low profile requires a table or cart to make grilling comfortable
Design and Build Quality
The Q 1400 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Q 2400. Other than that, they have the same design. The Q 1400 is designed with a cast aluminum body that is not only rugged but also features durable porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for easy cleaning and maintenance.
It is designed with a sturdy build that gives you access to 189 square inches of cooking area which can cook up to 8 hamburger patties at once. The use of aluminum heat retention liners not only allows it to retain heat but also to generate the high temperatures needed to sear meat.
The Q 1400 comes with a 6 foot grounded power cord that makes it easy to connect to a power source. However, if you are looking to use it outside, you might need an extension cord to supply power to your grill.
The heavy-duty design allows it to take a beating without succumbing to the everyday use. Its aluminum heat retention liners are designed in such a way that they are easy to replace once they wear out.
The use of cast aluminum and porcelain coatings reduces the Q 1400’s susceptibility to corrosion and rust. It is designed to be durable and can withstand rigorous usage without rusting or the paint peeling off. Some users who have used it for several years now have cited that even now it still looks as good as new.
The Q 1400 is relatively light at 30 pounds, making it portable to use at events where an electrical plug-in is available.
An optional portable cart for the Q series of grills is available. The Q 1400 mounts to the cart which has 2 wheels making it easy to move around.
Ease of Assembly
The Q 1400 is actually quite easy to assemble as most of its parts are shipped fully assembled.
The remaining parts will not take more than thirty minutes to get ready for use.
Ease of Use
The Q 1400 is easy to use.
It is equipped with the infinite heat control settings that make it easy to control and adjust temperatures of the grill, depending on your preferences.
Its insulated design allows it to retain as much heat in the grill as possible, and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to heat up.
Quality of the Cook
Cooking results with the Q 1400 are good and consistent.
The downside of an electric grill is that you don’t get as much of the smokey flavor you would with a gas and especially a charcoal grill. However, for those that like a “cleaner” flavor to their food, the Q 1400 will not disappoint.
Alternatively, you can look into using a wood chip smoker box which can add some smoke flavor to your food.
The infinite heat control allows you to dial-up the exact temperature you want for your food. The grill is also capable of achieving the very high temperatures needed to sear steaks and chops.
Ease of Cleanup
Cleaning the Q 1400 is straight forward.
The porcelain-coated grates wipe down easily and unlike most electric grills, the Q 1400 is equipped with a removable catch pan for easy disposal of grease drippings. You either discard the pan for a new one after use or clean it if you’d like to use it again.
Also, once unplugged, the entire grill can be soaked in warm soapy water to make cleaning even easier.
Price
The Weber Q 1400 is a great value for its price.
You get the build and cook quality you expect from Weber in a compact and sleek package. The grill is easy to clean and a good solution for those with restrictive living conditions where gas and charcoal grills are not an option.
How Does it Compare?
Let’s take a look at some of the Weber Q 2400’s peers:
Weber Q 2400 Electric Grill
The big brother of the Q 1400, the Q 2400 has 280 square-inches of cooking space, enough to cook for 3-4 people at once.
Read our review here.
Char-Broil Tru-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill
Featuring the Tru-Infrared cooking system and other features like wheels and collapsible side shelves to add to the mobility of this grill, it is above all a functional appliance to have on hand.
Read our review here.
George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor / Outdoor Electric Grill
The George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor / Outdoor Electric Grill has all the features you expect from a Foreman at a very affordable price. Those with a smaller budget should definitely check it out.
Read our review here.
