Today, I’m thrilled to share an exclusive, in-depth review of the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This isn’t just any review, folks. Back in the summer of 2022, I was part of a select group invited to a top-secret location in London to be among the first to test and review this innovative grill. Over two intense days, we delved into every aspect of the Woodfire Grill – its features, design, instructions, manual, packaging, and even had the opportunity to sit down with the innovation team to discuss future directions.
Since December 2022, I’ve been putting the Woodfire Grill through its paces at home, shaking up my BBQ routine in ways I never expected.
Now, after months of extensive use, I’m ready to serve up a no-holds-barred review of this compact powerhouse. So, grab a cold one, sit back, and let’s dive into the smoky world of the Ninja Woodfire Grill.
The Ninja Woodfire Grill: A Technical Marvel
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is a unique beast, designed for outdoor use and weather resistant, it’s perfect for the unpredictable British weather. It’s powered by electricity, but flavoured by real burning wood pellets, giving your food that authentic Woodfire flavour.
The high-power convection fan rapidly circulates air and woodfire smoke around food for fast, even cooking and smoke absorption. The integrated smoke box needs only one scoop of pellets to give your food that authentic Woodfire flavour. It’s like having a secret sauce that makes everything taste better!
The grill is a marvel of modern technology, combining the convenience of an electric grill with the flavour of a traditional woodfire grill.
The pellets are engineered for flavour instead of fuel, made from the perfect blend of premium hardwoods. This ensures that every dish you cook on the grill has a fully developed woodfire flavour.
The Honest Review
Performance: Fast, Furious, and Flavourful
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is the Usain Bolt of BBQ grills – it’s ridiculously fast. I’ve never cooked short ribs quicker than on this grill, and they were a hit with the family. But don’t let its speed fool you. This grill is not about rushing; it’s about delivering delicious, smoky flavours in record time. It’s like having your own personal fast-food joint, but with food that’s actually good!
Versatility: The Swiss Army Knife of Grills
One of the standout features of the Ninja Woodfire Grill is its versatility. This grill can do it all, from smoking to grilling to air frying. And the results? Absolutely mouth-watering. I’ve cooked everything from beef short ribs to bacon jam (yes, you read that right) on this grill, and each dish has been a hit.
Here are some of the delicious recipes I’ve tried:
Ninja Woodfire Bavette Cheesesteak: A smoky, flavourful sandwich that’s sure to be a hit at any BBQ.
Tender and Flavourful Woodfire Smoked Beef Short Ribs: These ribs are so tender, they fall right off the bone.
Ninja Woodfire Cheeseburger: A classic cheeseburger with a smoky twist.
Fall-off-the-Bone Bacon Jam BBQ Glazed Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are glazed with a homemade bacon jam BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavour.
Perfect Pulled Pork in the Ninja Woodfire: This pulled pork is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, flavourful meat.
Chicken Shawarma with Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A fresh and flavourful dish that’s perfect for summer.
Asian-Style Sweet and Sticky Chicken Wings with Air Fried Pak Choi: These chicken wings are glazed with a sweet and sticky Asian-style sauce and served with air fried pak choi.
Shredded Beef Cheeks and Cheese Loaded Fries: This indulgent dish features tender shredded beef cheeks served over cheese loaded fries.
Ease of Use: So Simple, Even a Caveman Could Do It
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is incredibly user-friendly. There’s a small learning curve when it comes to understanding the different cooking functions, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing. However, a built-in thermometer with remote monitoring would be a great addition for a truly set-and-forget cooking experience.
Weather Resistance: Built for the Great British Weather
Living in the UK, you never know what the weather’s going to throw at you. Luckily, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is built to withstand the elements.
Mine has been living outside, uncovered in a small shack, and it’s still as good as the day I got it.
A Few Quirks: Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Now, no grill is perfect, and the Ninja Woodfire is no exception. There are a few quirks that I’ve noticed during my time with it. For starters, the power switch is located under the unit, which can be a bit annoying. Also, it doesn’t come with an outdoor cover, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you plan to keep it outside.
. . . also:
Cooking Guide:
While the Ninja Woodfire Grill is fairly straightforward to use, it could benefit from a detailed guide explaining what each cooking function does in terms of heat source, fan speed, etc. This could help creative cooks experiment with different cooking methods.
Size:
While the grill is compact and perfect for smaller gatherings, it might be a bit small for larger families. It’s just a hair too small to accommodate a full rack of St. Louis cut spare ribs.
Pellets:
While Ninja recommends using their branded pellets, some users have found other brands, like those from https://exstreambbq.co.uk, to offer a better burn and flavour profile.
Ignition:
There have been instances where the pellets don’t ignite on the first try, which can be problematic if not noticed early in the cooking process.
Cleaning:
The grates and basket are not dishwasher safe, which could make cleaning a bit more challenging.
Flavour:
While the smoke flavour is present and palatable, it’s not as intense or deeply penetrated as what you might get from a traditional BBQ.
Cold Smoking:
The grill does not offer an option for cold smoking.
Conclusion: A Must-Have for the Busy BBQ Enthusiast
In conclusion, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast, especially those of us who are always on the go. It’s fast, versatile, and easy to use, making it the perfect addition to any BBQ arsenal. So, if you’re looking for a grill that can do it all, look no further than the Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Remember, the key to great BBQ is not just the equipment, but also the love and effort you put into it.
So get out there, fire up your Ninja Woodfire Grill, and start creating some delicious memories!
The Final Result
Disclaimer:
The Ninja Woodfire Grill was provided to me for testing and content creation during its launch week back in February. However, this review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal experiences and opinions after using the grill extensively since then.
You can explore the Woodfire Grill for yourself at Ninja’s official website. As of my experience, this grill has become an integral part of my outdoor cooking kit, and I continue to use it to this day.
So, fellow BBQ enthusiasts, that’s my honest and in-depth review of the Ninja Woodfire Grill. If you’re looking to elevate your BBQ game with a versatile and efficient grill, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I reckon you won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, keep those fires burning and those grills smoking! Cheers!
