Ninja FlexFlame BBQ Review – The Ultimate Outdoor Cooking System

Ninja’s latest grill is here, and it’s set to shake things up in the BBQ world.

I got to put this thing through its paces at an exclusive Ninja event in Nashville (13th-15th November 2024), and let’s just say—it’s a game-changer. With its versatility, innovative features, and incredible performance, the Ninja FlexFlame is much more than a grill—it’s the ultimate outdoor cooking system.

Here’s my in-depth review, combining technical insights with real-world experience to help you decide if this is the right BBQ for your setup.

Why the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ Stands Out

The Ninja FlexFlame combines versatility, power, and ease of use. Grill, smoke, bake, sear—whatever you’re in the mood for, this BBQ handles it like a pro:

1. Pellet Smoke System: The smoke box is simple—two scoops of pellets, shut the lid, and let the magic happen.
2. Digital Display: The screen shows you exactly what’s going on—no guesswork.
3. Portability & Build: It’s built like a tank but easy enough to roll around.

How the Ninja FlexFlame Works

The Ninja FlexFlame is a hybrid outdoor cooking system that combines gas, electric, and wood pellet technology to give you maximum flexibility. Whether you’re after quick high-heat grilling, precise temperature control, or rich smoky flavour, this setup has you covered.

The gas function runs on liquid propane (LP) and is designed for instant heat. Hook it up to a standard propane tank, ignite the burners with the electronic start, and you’re ready to cook within minutes.

The electric element powers the pellet ignition system and digital controls. Plugging the grill into a outdoor outlet allows the smoker to operate automatically, lighting pellets without the need for firelighters or manual ignition. The electric system also helps maintain steady smoking temperatures, preventing fluctuations that could affect your cook.

For those wanting a hit of wood-smoked BBQ, the built-in pellet system lets you add a layer of rich, smoky flavour to your food. Load the smoker box with food-grade wood pellets, and the grill will automatically ignite and regulate the burn. Different wood types, like hickory, applewood, or mesquite, can be used to customise the flavour profile of your meats.

This combination of gas, electric, and wood pellets makes the Ninja FlexFlame one of the most versatile outdoor cooking systems on the market. Whether you’re grilling steaks, slow-smoking a brisket, or combining both for a smoked-and-seared (see what I did there, ha) effect, the FlexFlame is designed to handle it all.

Cooking with the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ in Nashville

At the Ninja FlexFlame event, I put this grill to the test with five different dishes, each showcasing its unique capabilities. Here’s how it performed:

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A post shared by Lee Bishop – Smoke & Sear (@smoke.sear)

1. Texas-Style Pork Belly

• Cooking Method: Smoked at 300°F for two hours with no wrap, lightly spritzed for moisture.
• Result: Juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky flavour.
• Insights: The smoke box and fan system ensured even, consistent smoke infusion without any heat loss.

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A post shared by Lee Bishop – Smoke & Sear (@smoke.sear)

2. Tomahawk Steak

• Cooking Method: Grilled to medium-rare with a perfect sear.
• Result: Even caramelisation and juicy results.
• Insights: The digital display made it easy to monitor and control the exact grilling temperature.

3. Birria Tacos

• Cooking Method: Tortillas dipped in consommé, filled with shredded beef ribs, and griddled to crispy perfection.
• Result: Rich, smoky, and indulgent.
• Insights: The griddle function delivered an amazing crispy texture.

4. Smashburgers with Bacon Jam

• Cooking Method: Double-patty smashburgers cooked on the griddle, topped with melted cheese and bacon jam.
• Result: Juicy burgers with crispy edges and bold flavours.
• Insights: The griddle heated up quickly and evenly, making it ideal for high-volume cooking.

5. Birria-Style Pizza

• Cooking Method: Pizza stone heated to temp, topped with birria beef and cheese, finished with a consommé drizzle.
• Result: Crispy, wood-fired-style pizza with perfectly melted toppings.
• Insights: The pizza stone performed flawlessly, and the FlexFlame’s rapid heat recovery kept the process smooth.

Key Benefits of the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ

Quick Temperature Recovery: You can lift the lid, check your food, and it doesn’t kill the heat—way better than most grills.

Smoke Infusion: The smoke box and fan system deliver deep, rounded smoky flavours you won’t get from smaller grills.

Build Quality: This thing is built solid—no flimsy parts, no faffing about, just proper quality that feels like it’ll last.

Versatility: From brisket to pizza, the Ninja FlexFlame can handle any challenge you throw at it.

The Ninja FlexFlame+ Black Edition

For those looking for something extra, the FlexFlame+ Black Edition offers a premium matte black finish, bonus accessories, and a sleeker, more fingerprint-resistant design. Exclusive to Home Depot (for now), it’s a stunning option that combines aesthetics with performance.

Things to Improve

No grill is perfect, and the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ has room for refinement in a few areas:

1. Lighting: Adding an internal light for evening cooks would be a fantastic upgrade.
2. Temperature Units: Allowing users to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit would make it more versatile for international users.
3. Grease Management: Some grease didn’t flow perfectly into the designated griddle holes—something to monitor during long cooks.
4. Grate Removal: Switching between the grates and griddle could be smoother with dedicated tools.
5. Dishwasher Compatibility: None of this stuff is dishwasher safe, so be ready to get your hands dirty.

Ninja FlexFlame vs. Ninja Woodfire

I’ve been a long-time fan of the Ninja Woodfire, but the FlexFlame takes things to another level. While the Woodfire is perfect for quick, hands-off cooks, the FlexFlame offers a much larger cooking area, richer smoke infusion, and unmatched versatility. If you’re serious about BBQ, the FlexFlame is the upgrade you need.

Final Thoughts: Is the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ Worth It?

This isn’t just a BBQ, it’s an outdoor kitchen in one box. Whether you’re smoking brisket, searing tomahawks, or baking pizza, it delivers competition-level results with ease.

For me, the FlexFlame redefines what’s possible in outdoor cooking. Its speed, precision, and versatility make it the ultimate tool for any BBQ enthusiast. If you’re ready to elevate your grilling game, the Ninja FlexFlame is worth every penny.

Update on UK Launch

As of February 2025, Ninja has informed me that the FlexFlame is scheduled to launch in the UK in 2026. While this means UK enthusiasts will have to wait a bit longer, rest assured that this information comes directly from Ninja, and I’ll keep you updated with any new developments.