Tested product: Weber Lumin
Taken: SEK 6,990 at Bagaren & Kocken
One of this year’s perhaps most exciting product launches is Weber’s new electric grill. The grill completes the product portfolio, which already consists of the Pulse and Q series, and if we go by their cost, Lumin thus ends up somewhere between these.
Rating 4 out of 5
Opinion
Lumin is an electric grill that really delivers and for you with a balcony or with a patio that is limited in size. It is without a doubt a good alternative to a gas grill and we really like the included steam and smoke insert. It gets a high rating despite the fact that the compact format means a limited grill surface and that the price tag is very juicy.
Positive
- Thermal performance
- The accompanying steam and smoke insert
- Flexible format
Negative
- Taken
- Somewhat rickety stand
The new model comes in two sizes, Lumin (33 x 49 cm and a total grilling surface of 1562 cm2) and the slightly smaller Lumin Compact (28 x 43 cm and a grilling surface of 1166 cm2). Both can be purchased separately or together with a stand. We have chosen to bring in the larger model with the associated stand, a package solution that comes together for just under SEK 8,000 (recommended price).
Perfect for the balcony
A hefty sum, then, but Weber plays in the premium league and has a solid reputation, which means a juicy price tag, regardless of which of the manufacturer’s various grills you choose.
An electric grill, then, could it be anything? Yes, for those of you who live in an apartment, without access to a patio, an electric grill is the only option. While gas grills are certainly allowed by a few landlords, a charcoal grill is, for obvious reasons, frowned upon. An open flame combined with balconies is a combination you are guaranteed to avoid.
The problem with electric grills is the heat. If the temperature is not high enough, the meat will be oven-baked rather than grilled, so to get those grill stripes you need a lot of heat, which experience says that only a few electric grills can deliver.
I have previously had the great pleasure of testing Weber’s most exclusive model in the segment, the Pulse 2000, which is one of the few that actually performs really well, but then we are also talking about a grill that passes the 10,000 kroner mark with flying colors.
Lumin promises well, with a declared maximum temperature of 315 degrees, the heat should in any case not be a limitation. It is with high expectations that I start the assembly – which takes a maximum of 10 minutes as it is only the stand that needs to be screwed together. Smooth!
Poor stand
The stand, as well as the accompanying side table, are both somewhat rickety and do not immediately convey that “premium feeling”. This is largely due to the fact that the construction is collapsible to take up less space when not in use, but the collapsible storage shelf under the grill never lays completely flat so perhaps the fit could have been a bit better?
The grill itself has a significantly higher quality feel. The inside of the grill box is completely smooth and there are holes in the bottom so that the fat can drain into the pull-out drip tray. The heating element can be detached (held with two screws) for easier cleaning and a plastic rubber scraper used to scrape clean the inside is included.
High power, fine grill stripes
Powering the heating element requires a connected temperature control and it is pushed into place on the right side of the grill. Then just connect the cord to a grounded outlet. The control has five temperature settings – from heat retention to full heat (2,200 watts).
Just like with a gas grill, it should be preheated before you put the piece of meat on it. Partly to prevent the food from sticking to the grate, and partly to ensure that the grate gets hot enough to give the meat a lovely grilling surface.
I turn on full power and the grill undeniably heats up quickly. Already after about 10 minutes, I measure a temperature of an impressive 306 degrees, more than enough to give the meat a crispy grill surface with beautiful stripes. The heating element lacks protection (on gas grills so-called flame retardants), so when the meat juices drip down and evaporate, the meat gets that characteristic “grilled taste”.
The grill also comes with a steam and/or smoke insert with a container that is filled with either water or smoke chips. The insert, which can also be used for keeping warm or for defrosting food, is placed on either side and replaces one of the grill grates when it needs to be used. A really smart solution!
Specifications
Model: Lumin electric grill with stand
Tested: Maj 2023
Manufacturer: Weber
Maximum effect: 2200 W
Max grilling temperature: 315 °C+
Number of heating elements: 1
Grillyta: 1562 cm2
Number of heating modes: 5
Dimensions (with side table): 94 (H) x 90(B) x 48.50(D) cm
Main unit weight: About 20.5 kilos
Other: steam and smoke insert included
Taken: SEK 6,990 at Bagaren & Kocken
