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The barbecue market is brimming with choices, ranging from traditional charcoal and gas grills to the latest electric models. Over the past few months, I've been putting electric BBQs through their paces, and two models have emerged as crowd favourites: the and the

The innovative is a bit of a game-changer, packed with useful features and boasting a built-in smoke system that adds a touch of drama to your outdoor cooking. On the other hand, the Weber Lumin hails from a well-established name in the barbecue world, promising a top-notch grilling experience.

For those after a new barbecue this season, both these models are currently on offer. It can be hard to decide which one to go for, so I've tested both electric barbecue titans out and have outlined the comparisons below.

The retails at £299, but customers can snag it for £249 at Ninja, while the , originally priced at £369, is now £332.10 on Amazon.

The and Weber Lumin are compact electric BBQs, meaning they operate simply by plugging them in, eliminating the need for fuel. Their compact size and versatility make them a hit among campers and caravanners, allowing for hassle-free outdoor cooking.

Both models arrive almost fully assembled, so shoppers can get grilling in no time too. With the , the user simply needs to attach the handles, while for the Lumin, just connect the power lead and it's good to go, reports

Ninja Woodfire vs Weber Lumin: Size and design

The measures 34 x 60 x 47cm, while the stands at 28 x 59 x 41cm. While the Ninja device is slightly taller, the Weber boasts a wider build.

The grill on the Ninja Woodfire spans 28 x 37cm compared to 28.5 x 43cm, offering a bit more cooking space.

Both models come with an attached lid and deliver excellent build quality, adding a touch of elegance to your garden setup. They also feature handles for easy manoeuvrability; the Ninja's handles are more prominent, while the Weber's are tucked under the sides, making them less conspicuous.

Weighing in at 12kg each, the comes with a 2m cord, just beating the Lumin Compact's cable, which is at 1.8m. Both models can be purchased with a stand and offer a variety of optional accessories.

The Ninja includes a crisper pan and a comprehensive cooking guide and recipe book. Meanwhile the Lumin comes equipped with a steamer/smoker pan for use within the unit.

Ninja Woodfire vs Weber Lumin: Which offers more cooking functions?

The is packed with features controlled by the front dial, including grilling, smoking, air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating.

The wood smoke function is another highlight. This feature allows you to load flavoured wood chips into a hopper on the side of the lid (two sample packets are included in the box).

These chips are ignited by the BBQ, producing smoke that circulates inside while your food cooks. This not only adds a delicious aroma and a touch of excitement to the cooking process, but it can also infuse food with a smoky flavour.

While having numerous functions is advantageous, it does make the cooking process slightly more complex. Customers need to set up the cook, pressing buttons to get everything ready.

With the , the dial needs to be turned and once it reaches the desired temperature, it's ready to use.

The Weber Lumin doesn't boast all the features that the offers, instead providing a straightforward temperature setting that goes up to 315 degrees. The Ninja, on the other hand, only reaches 260 degrees, so it won't sear quite as effectively.

As previously mentioned, the comes with an insert for smoking or steaming. This replaces half of the grill, allowing us to use that pan with wood chips for a smoky flavour, or fill it with water to steam cook food on the tray above.

However, this requires a bit more effort than the Ninja Woodfire.

Those seeking versatility will likely opt for the , which is a fantastic choice. But don't underestimate the Weber Lumin - it has plenty of tricks up its sleeve too.

Ninja Woodfire vs Weber Lumin: Which is most like a traditional barbecue?

The and the are two models that offer different experiences. The Weber Lumin is more akin to a traditional BBQ, with a heating element located beneath the grill, allowing for one-sided cooking.

This design means any fat from the food will drip onto the element, creating natural smoke and flavours reminiscent of a barbecue without the need for additional smoke. However, this also means it can be slightly messier.

While the grills on the are easy to clean and dishwasher safe, the bottom of the unit will also require cleaning.

In contrast, the features two heating elements, one above and one below, along with a fan to circulate the heat. This design supports various other cooking functions.

The grill on the is solid, save for a small drain hole at the back for fats to drip out. There's no natural smoke like with the Weber, but the innovative wood chip system compensates for this.

Weber Lumin vs Ninja Woodfire: Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Weber Lumin and the can be challenging. Having cooked numerous meals with both, it's hard to pick a favourite.

The simplicity of the and its closer resemblance to a barbecue experience make it an appealing choice, not to mention its larger grilling area.

However, the offers a bit more excitement with its smoke system and boasts greater versatility, capable of doing much more.

The is ideal if someone is not keen on having multiple devices, perhaps for those taking it along in a motor home - it provides a plethora of options.

But if it's for using at home, I already have kitchen appliances that perform some of these functions. This is where the comes in handy.

Not only does its sleek design appeal to me, but its simplicity makes it a more natural choice if it's replacing a traditional barbecue.

Regardless of what shoppers choose, both are stellar performers and a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen.

Alternatively, if a fuel powered BBQ is preferred or the cost is a little steep still, despite the sale, the is £159.99 at B&Q, while is £120 and can handle a plethora of cooking styles, from smoking and baking to grilling and searing.

If a larger model is required, in black has £70 off and now costs £99.99.

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