Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker Review

Stepping into the realm of outdoor cooking has always been something of a curiosity for me. The smokey, flame-kissed flavours always seemed to be an elusive art, reserved for the barbeque masters with their charcoal-stained aprons and innate ability to withstand the heat of a grill. That is until I encountered the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker. From the first moment of using it, I realized this was no ordinary outdoor cooker. It's an all-in-one BBQ grill, smoker, and even an air fryer that gives food an authentic woodfire flavour. And in my book, this is a game-changer.

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker Review

Unpacking the Ninja Grill, its size was quite impressive, and it came with a bit of minor assembly required - attaching the handles on the sides with an Alan key. Admittedly, the handles don't quite fit flush, which does make you question the overall build quality. However, it was a minor inconvenience that did not impact the cooking performance. Once set up and ready to go, the grill comes with a handy grease tray slotted at the very bottom, designed to catch all the run-off oil and residue.

One aspect that could be improved upon is the positioning of the On/Off button - tucked away behind the right leg, under the unit. Quite a hassle to access and somewhat counter-intuitive. However, once you've found it, the grill springs into life with a satisfying purr.

This Ninja Grill is all about versatility. There are seven outdoor cooking functions, including the ability to grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and even dehydrate. I first tested the air fryer, attempting some simple chicken wings. They came out with a beautiful golden hue, albeit a little less crispy than I'd have liked. But the taste was there - juicy and flavourful. With a bit of tweaking in the timings and temperatures, I am confident of achieving that perfect, crispy exterior in no time.

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker Review

Next up was the real test - the smoking function. After having browsed through the recipe guide, which unfortunately did not include a recipe for smoked chicken wings, I decided to go for a slow and low approach. The integrated smoker box, designed to burn 100% real wood pellets, was loaded and ready. With the first whiffs of the aromatic smoke, my anticipation grew. The result was a beautiful blend of smoky and savoury flavours that can only be achieved through the magic of smoking.

This gadget even comes with a crisper basket for the air fryer function. A trial run with some sweet potato fries resulted in a delightful crunch on the outside, with the inside perfectly soft and sweet. All without the excess oil often associated with deep-frying.

One noteworthy feature of the Ninja Grill is its portability. Whether you want to use it on a patio, balcony, or even for camping, it's designed to be transported with ease. I have enjoyed multiple cookouts in different settings, and the grill has held up admirably.

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker Review

Another major plus point is how easy the grill is to clean. With its non-stick cooking plate and removable grease tray, maintenance is a breeze. All it takes is a quick wipe down of the main unit, and you're good to go for the next cookout.

One point to keep in mind, however, is that Ninja specifies that only their wood pellets should be used in this grill. From my personal experience, I've found that any food-safe wood pellets work just as well, giving you more flexibility and options to explore different flavours.

Despite its few quirks and teething problems, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker has been a revelation in my outdoor cooking experience. The versatility, ease of use, and the flavours it can achieve make it a worthy addition to any cooking arsenal. That said, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the build quality and user interface. However, considering the overall experience, I'd rate this grill a solid 8/10.

Recipes wise, I've used it to prepare everything from a traditional barbeque of burgers and sausages to roasting a full chicken, and even baking mini egg custards. The results were consistently pleasing, and the cooking times provided in the book proved to be accurate.

So, whether you're an outdoor cooking novice or a seasoned grill master, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker offers a new avenue to explore and experiment with flavours. My journey with it has just begun, and I can't wait to uncover more possibilities. However, as with all purchases, consider the pros and cons before diving in. The Ninja Grill is a robust tool but comes with a price tag to match. But, if you're after a multifunctional grill that can smoke, air fry, and more, this could be the grill for you.