Weber Q1400 vs. Q2400 – Comparison review
Food preparation on fire is not only easy and tasty food preparation without chemicals but also entertainment. Many families with backyards have a weekend tradition of gathering for grilling. The choice of grills is enormous; there are not only different Manufactures but also different types of grills with various fuels. They differ in size, flavor, convenience, cooking speed, and heating efficiency.
So, the processing of proper grill choice is complicated and requires a lot of parameters (not limited to the listed above), as each grill has advantages and disadvantages. This article will take a closer look at electrical grills and check their pros and cons. You will check all pros and cons of diverse fuel types. The detailed comparison of Weber Q1400 vs. Q2400 helps to select a perfect grill for your family size.
Weber Q1400 vs. Q2400 – Comparison Table
Main Differences between Weber Q1400 and Q2400
As you can see from the comparison table above, these two Q1400 and Q2400 do not have differences except in size.
- Q2400 is bigger, so it has more significant dimensions, weight, and cooking area.
- The time required for food preparation for Q2400 is slightly bigger, as with the same power input, you need more time to heat the grill.
All other characteristics are similar, including color, power requirements, and cord length. So it would be best if you chose the grill based on the number of meals you want to prepare at one time. Fortunately, sometimes it happens that even the price is the same for both models.
Please read below detailed information about these grill assembling and maintenance procedures; these aspects impact the choice too.
Detailed Product review
Weber has produced grills with revolutionary designs since 1952, when millions of people worldwide spend excellent time outdoors cooking. You can cook on the porch, an open balcony, or in any other place where electricity is available. Weber Q1400 and Q2400 are perfect electric grills for outdoor barbeque (outdoors only) and are constantly rated as one of the best on the market. They need 120 V electricity and are extremely easy to work and clean. No charcoal is required for their work (it is even forbidden to use). The electricity consumption is similar to a microwave oven. These models were restyled in 2014 – Weber Q 240 and Q 140 correspondingly. The restyled models have a different color pattern, ergonomic handles attached to the frame, a bigger and better fitting hand a temperature knob, an aluminum lighter frame, a removable drip pin, and a two-piece cooking grate.
As said above, these models differ only in size; other technical characteristics are the same. With this grill, you can prepare burgers, salmon, pizza, roasted lamb, chicken, and many more. The book with recipes is available on the website. A casting grate consists of two pieces (in previous models Q140 and Q240, it was one solid piece), and one part can be replaced with the flat pan (which can be purchased separately from Weber), for example, for egg preparation.
The grill’s body is made from aluminum to preserve constant grilling temperature. A cast-iron cooking grate ensures even heat distribution and retention for the whole grilling surface. This allows preparing on Q1400 six burgers and twelve on the Q2400 model. The installed heat element in the cook box bottom is made from anti-corrosion steel. All grease from food is collected in the removable aluminum drip pan to simplify the cleaning, which you can clean or change.
Assembling
Grills are supplied almost fully assembled in the box. The grill Q1400 and Q2400 parts are a lid; a handle for the lid, an assembled cook box with front and rear cradles, carrying handles, an installed heat element, a cooking grate, a temperature controller with a sleeve, a disposable drip pan, and a catch pan. You need only to attach the handle to the lid and put a temperature controller, a cooking grate, and a catch pan with a disposable drip pan in the correct place. All connecting details, such as bolts, spacers, and clips, are also included in the package.
There is a 3D instruction in the free BILT application and a manual in the package to simplify assembly. The grill should be connected to electricity via a residual current device (RCD) (purchased separately).
Cooking
The cooking process with Weber grills is easy.
- Put a grill on a stable surface. The grill should not be moved while it is in use.
- Put in place a grease tray. It should be there during the whole operation.
- Plug in the temperature control (the knob should be in the “OFF” position). Connect the grill to electricity.
- Preheat the grill with the closed lid for twenty minutes by turning the control knob into a high position. The red LED light shows that the grill is heating.
- Before you put the food on the cooking grate, turn counterclockwise the control know to the desired temperature. The manual shows approximate cooking times and recommendations on how to cook lamb, beef, pork, etc.
- Please do not spill the oil on the grill parts directly; spray it on the food.
- Grill with a closed lid for safe cooking and better temperature distribution.
- To turn the meal, you need tongs or spatula (can be purchased separately from Weber).
- Check the readiness of your meal from time to time. For ideal doneness, you can use a cooking thermometer; there is a particular spot for it in the lid (Weber sold it separately).
- After the meal is ready, turn off the controller and the power. Take out the food and enjoy!
All food cooks evenly with a unique smoky flavor; it is juicier and healthier than prepared the other way.
Cleaning
It is better to clean the grill after each meal preparation. It is better to use a Weber grill brush (or any other type) before you cook on the cooking grate to ensure that no residues from your last meal are in the food. If you do not clean the grill regularly, the residues, fat, and grease can cause a fire one day.
All castings should be cleaned while still slightly warm, at least after each fourth or fifth cooking procedure. Grease and fat should be removed with a plastic scraper; for that, you need to take out a cooking grate. All leftovers will go to the catch pan. Using abrasive cleaners, acids, mineral spirits, xylene, or citrus products is not recommended to clean the grill. Also, do not clean with scrubbing pads. Weber has a special cleaning solution with gentle properties that can be purchased separately. A cooking grate should be cleaned top and bottom immediately after the cooking with hot soapy water and a bristle brush. The cooking grate is made with the top cover of porcelain to ensure an easy cleaning process. The heating element should be cleaned with a brush too. It has small holes that should be checked and cleaned in case of any blockages. Some users dismantle all grill parts and clean all parts separately.
All parts should be dry before the following usage of the grill. Do not forget to clean the external surface of the grill from time to time.
Useful tips
Please see below some helpful tips essential for regular and safe maintenance of the Weber Q1400 & Q2400.
- You can purchase the portable cart (Q1000/2000 series) to place the grill separately. With this cart, the grill will be at a comfortable height for cooking and can be easily transported.
- For extended storage, it is also recommended to purchase the premium grill cover. Weber proposes several models for grill protection from dust and rain.
- As with any other electrical equipment, all parts should be regularly examined, especially the power cord. Also, do not use the unit if the plug receptacle, the plug, or the temperature controller is damaged. If your temperature controller is broken, replace it only with the original from Weber. Before replacing the temperature controller, do not forget to turn off the power.
- The grill is not designed for operating during rain or close to the water. The grill should not be used with an outside temperature below -25oC (-13oF) or higher 66oC (150oF).
- If you do not use the grill, please turn the temperature control knob into the “OFF” position and unplug the power cord.
- Please do not use the grill indoors; steam and the meal smell spread around during work.
To summarize a detailed review of these models please find below their pros and cons:
- Aluminum casting to preserve the heat
- Removable cast-iron cooking grate
- 3D instruction for assembling
- Only 20 minutes of preheating time
- Removable catch pan
- Easy in cooking and cleaning
- A lot of accessories from Weber are available
- Only electricity for work is required
- Easy assembling
- Several temperature levels (low, medium, and high)
- Compact design
- Available in two sizes, Q1400 and Q2400
- No side tables (shelves) for the plates near the grill
- No thermometer on the lid
- RCD should be purchased separately
- A portable cart is not included in the package
- No choice in color
Buyer’s Guide
There are four types of grill on the market based on the heat source: gas, charcoal, electric, and wood pellets (not so commonly used). Weber produces all four types. To understand which one is better, please see below the table with their pros and cons:
Gas Grill Pros
- Works from natural gas or propane
- Preferable outside
- All sizes available
- Some flavor with the food
- Good temperature control
- Several heating zones are possible
- Heats up quickly
- Little cleaning required
- All parts of the grill can be removed and cleaned
Gas Grill Cons
- Challenging to keep a low temperature
- Possible flare-ups during cooking
- The most expensive type of grill
- Regular maintenance required of gas equipment (change of burners, valves, vents, etc.)
- Additional space is required to store the gas cylinders
The table clearly shows that electrical grills are the most convenient every day. But if you choose a grill for entertainment, like real fire and smoked meat, choose a charcoal or gas grill. Today, our life is fast; the most popular grills are gas and electric.
How to choose the best electric grill?
If, after our grills comparison, you still chose the electric grill, please below the main parameters to determine the best one for your needs. You may also check which one, Weber Q1400 vs. Q2400, to choose.
Based on these parameters, your choice will be thoughtful and comfortable in use for long years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an extension cord for the Q1400 if 6 feet is not enough?
Can I purchase the side tables for the Q2400?
How hot can the Weber Q1400 or Q2400 be?
Can I store Weber Q1400 outside?
Can I clean the Q2400 only once per season?
Conclusion
Electric grills are user-friendly; they need only to be plugged in. They heat up quickly, have easy temperature control, do not need any other fuel type, are available in different sizes, and are easy to clean and cook on. All these features have Weber electric grills Q1400 and Q2400. These grills are a must-have if you do not have substantial outdoor space and want to cook quickly. The taste of the food will be almost the same as with charcoal and gas grills; you can still have a fun time with the family. Weber proposes a wide choice of accessories that makes cooking time pleasant and clean.
On Weber grills, you can prepare meat, fish, or vegetables. The choice of Weber Q1400 vs. Q2400 should be made based on the required cooking space. If you have a large family or a lot of friends, then you need Q2400; it prepares cooking slightly slower, is more expensive, and requires more space for cooking and storage as it is bigger and heavier, but a cooking grate can handle 12 burgers at one time.
For small gatherings and everyday use, Q1400 is just fine; all other usage parameters for both grills are the same. You will have the same clean and healthy electric flavor for your meal. Before buying a grill, do not forget to check local laws for placing electric grills indoors and outdoors.
