Back in the summer of 2022, I had the privilege of being among the first in the UK to test the Ninja Woodfire Grill. At a top-secret event in London, I joined a select group to explore every inch of this innovative grill, from its features to its design. Since its release, I’ve been putting it through its paces at home, and now, after months of use, I’m ready to deliver a no-holds-barred review of this compact BBQ marvel.
So, grab a drink, and let’s dig into why the Ninja Woodfire Grill has earned a top spot in my BBQ lineup.
The Ninja Woodfire Grill: A Technical Marvel
Designed for outdoor use and fully weather-resistant, the Ninja Woodfire Grill combines the convenience of an electric grill with the rich flavours of traditional woodfire cooking. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Woodfire Technology: A built-in smoke box powered by just one scoop of wood pellets creates an authentic smoky flavour.
- Pellet Innovation: Unlike traditional pellets designed as fuel, Ninja’s pellets focus purely on flavour, using a blend of premium hardwoods.
- Convection Power: A high-power fan ensures even cooking and rapid smoke absorption.
- Compact Design: Perfect for small spaces and portable enough for camping trips or cozy backyard gatherings.
With this grill, you’re getting a seamless fusion of modern technology and classic BBQ flavours, all in a compact package.
Performance: Fast, Smoky, and Flavourful
When it comes to speed, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is in a league of its own. I’ve never cooked beef short ribs faster, and the results were stunning—tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. Its efficient design doesn’t sacrifice taste for speed, making it ideal for those who want great BBQ without the long wait times.
Versatility: Your BBQ Swiss Army Knife
This grill is more than just a smoker or a grill—it’s a multi-functional powerhouse. From air frying to smoking and grilling, the Ninja Woodfire handles it all with ease. Here are some standout recipes I’ve tried so far:
- Bavette Cheesesteak: Smoky, tender steak in a flavour-packed sandwich.
- Baby Back Ribs with Bacon Jam BBQ Glaze: Sweet, sticky, and smoky perfection.
- Woodfire Cheeseburgers: A classic with a bold twist.
- Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked to tender, juicy goodness.
- Asian-Style Sticky Chicken Wings with Air-Fried Pak Choi: A delightful mix of sweet and savoury.
- Shredded Beef Cheeks and Cheese-Loaded Fries: The ultimate indulgence.
The range of dishes you can whip up on this grill is nothing short of impressive.
Ease of Use: Plug, Play, and Grill
With a straightforward interface, the Ninja Woodfire is beginner-friendly while offering plenty of options for seasoned BBQers. However, I’d love to see a built-in thermometer with remote monitoring in future models for true set-and-forget convenience.
Weather Resistance: Built for the UK’s Mood Swings
British weather can be unpredictable, but the Ninja Woodfire Grill is tough enough to handle it. Mine has been living outside in an uncovered shack, and it’s still going strong months later.
The Downsides: A Few Minor Quirks
No grill is perfect, and the Ninja Woodfire has a few quirks worth mentioning:
- Power Switch Location: It’s placed underneath the unit, which isn’t the most convenient spot.
- No Outdoor Cover: You’ll need to buy a separate cover if you’re leaving it outside.
- Cooking Guide: A more detailed guide for heat source and fan speed settings would make experimenting easier.
- Size: It’s a bit compact for larger gatherings and struggles to fit a full rack of St. Louis cut ribs.
- Pellets: While Ninja recommends their own pellets, I’ve found options like Exstream BBQ offer better performance.
- No Cold Smoking: The lack of a cold-smoking option limits versatility for some users.
- Cleaning: The grates and basket aren’t dishwasher safe, making cleanup more labor-intensive.
Conclusion: A Must-Have for Busy BBQ Enthusiasts
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is a game-changer for anyone who loves BBQ but doesn’t have hours to spend managing a traditional smoker. Its speed, versatility, and ease of use make it perfect for modern BBQers who want quick, consistent, and delicious results.
Whether you’re grilling up burgers or slow-cooking pulled pork, the Ninja Woodfire Grill delivers flavour in spades. It’s not a replacement for a larger smoker, but it’s an invaluable addition to your BBQ arsenal.
Check out the Ninja Woodfire Grill here.
