Today, I’m excited to bring you an in-depth review of the Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven. This isn’t just any review, folks. I’m one of the lucky few in the UK to have this appliance, testing it for Ninja UK and helping produce some internal content.
Over the past week, I’ve been putting the Woodfire Oven through its paces, exploring its versatility and pushing its capabilities. From smoking low and slow, high heat roasting, gourmet roasting, baking, to cooking artisan-style pizzas directly on the pizza stone, this oven has been a game-changer in my outdoor cooking routine.
Now, after a week of extensive use, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on this versatile outdoor cooking companion. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of the Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven.
First Impressions
Unboxing the Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven was a treat. The packaging was well-branded and did an excellent job of introducing the oven’s features and versatility. The setup was effortless, and I was ready to start cooking within 15 minutes. The oven’s design is impressive, with a higher-end look compared to the original Woodfire.
The pop of colour is a welcome addition, and I’m hoping to see a range of colours in the future (if anyone at Ninja reads this . . . I’m quite partial to a nice vibrant orange, ha)
Design and Build Quality
The build quality of the Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven is impressive. It feels sturdy and well-made, and the design is eye-catching. It’s the first outdoor oven I’ve used, but I’ve used other outdoor appliances from Ninja, and the quality is consistent.
Key Features
The Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven stands out for its range of cooking functions and temperatures. It’s amazing what this oven can accomplish. From smoking low and slow, high heat roasting, gourmet roasting, baking, to cooking artisan-style pizzas directly on the pizza stone, this oven can do it all.
However, it’s worth noting that the oven-style opening isn’t ideal for standard grilling or cooking smash burgers, where you’d typically just lift a lid to manage the cook.
Ease of Use
Despite the range of functions, the oven is easy to use. The controls and settings are straightforward, and once you get the hang of the more advanced functions, it’s a breeze. The oven heats up quickly, and temperature control is as simple as a touch of a button and a rotation of a dial.
However, the oven gets really hot, and I’ve had a few close calls with burns. You’ll need good quality gloves and a tool for pulling out the rack. Longer tools for moving food around would also be beneficial.
Performance
The Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven performs exceptionally well. The temperature control is spot on, and the oven heats up in just a couple of minutes. I’ve cooked a variety of dishes in it, from a Southern Comfort Feast with ribs, corn, and cornbread, to a High-Heat Mediterranean Feast with charred lamb chops, blistered bell peppers, and crispy potatoes. The oven handled all these different cooking methods without a problem. However, the cooking space is limited. I managed to cook a rack of pork ribs, a couple of sweetcorns, and bake some cornbread at the same time, but the tray was 100% full. A multi-level accessory rack would be a great addition for cooking for larger groups.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the oven is fairly straightforward. The tray and accessory rack can be washed in warm soapy water, and the inside of the oven can be quickly wiped with a soft damp cloth.
It’s a BBQ / smoker, so it doesn’t need to be pristine inside.
Value for Money
As I received the oven from Ninja UK for review purposes, it’s not fair for me to rate its value for money. However, considering the look, quality feel, range of temperatures, and cooking functions, I believe it’s one of the best outdoor cooking appliances on the market.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja Woodfire™ 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven is a versatile and reliable outdoor cooking companion that I would highly recommend. It’s not as “fun” to use as managing a live fire cook, but it brings so much more to the table. It’s versatile, easy to use, and the food it produces is excellent. The oven is pretty silent during operation and portable enough to move around as needed.
However, there are a few areas for improvement. The oven really needs an accessory / tool for sliding the tray in and out due to the high heat. A temperature probe for true low and slow cooking temperature control and monitoring of the food would be a great addition. A cover should also be included, considering the UK weather.
But which Woodfire should you pick? The grill or the oven? Both are great for that everyday BBQ and cooking outdoor experience when you don’t necessarily want to manage the cook itself. I use both more than my other BBQs as time is my greatest barrier. However, people will need to decide which is best for them. The Woodfire Grill is better for standard grilling, while the Woodfire Oven is like a multifunction oven you can use outside with the addition of adding smoke. If I had to choose one or the other, the oven wins for me. The fact that I can smoke, grill, bake, and finally cook decent pizzas, well, it wins hands down.
The Final Result
Disclaimer:
The Ninja Woodfire Oven was provided to me for testing and internal content creation in July 2023. However, this review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal experiences and opinions after using the oven.
