Our Ninja Woodfire Grill Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
Grilling enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next big thing in BBQ technology, and the Ninja Woodfire Grill has certainly sparked a lot of interest. Known for their innovative kitchen appliances, Ninja has ventured into the outdoor cooking arena with this versatile grill. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of the Ninja Woodfire Grill to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your BBQ arsenal.
What Is the Ninja Woodfire Grill?
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is a multi-functional outdoor cooking device designed to bring the flavors of woodfire grilling to your backyard. It’s compact, user-friendly, and packed with advanced features that cater to both novice and experienced grillers. The grill is marketed as a versatile appliance capable of grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, and even dehydrating food. With a sleek design and promise of woodfire flavors, it’s poised to compete with traditional grills and smokers.
Key Features of the Ninja Woodfire Grill
1. Woodfire Technology
One of the standout features of the Ninja Woodfire Grill is its woodfire technology, which aims to infuse your food with rich, smoky flavors. The grill uses wood pellets as a fuel source, which are known for imparting a distinct and desirable taste to grilled food. The combination of gas and wood pellets ensures consistent heat and smoky flavor without the hassle of managing a traditional wood fire.
2. Multi-Functionality
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is designed to be more than just a grill. It offers multiple cooking functions, including:
- Grilling: High heat for searing and grilling meats, vegetables, and more.
- Smoking: Low and slow cooking to infuse food with smoky flavors.
- Roasting: Even heat distribution for roasting meats and vegetables.
- Baking: Capability to bake bread, pizzas, and desserts.
- Dehydrating: Perfect for making jerky, dried fruits, and more.
This versatility makes the Ninja Woodfire Grill an all-in-one outdoor cooking solution.
3. Digital Controls
Ease of use is a major selling point for the Ninja Woodfire Grill. It features a digital control panel that allows for precise temperature adjustments and cooking settings. The LED display is easy to read, and the intuitive interface makes it simple to switch between cooking modes.
4. Compact Design
Despite its range of functions, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is compact and portable. It’s designed to fit comfortably on a patio or balcony, making it a great option for those with limited outdoor space. The lightweight build also makes it easy to transport, whether you’re moving it around the yard or taking it on a camping trip.
Performance Evaluation
Grilling and Smoking
The Ninja Woodfire Grill excels in both grilling and smoking. The wood pellet system provides a consistent smoky flavor that’s difficult to achieve with gas or charcoal alone. The grill heats up quickly and maintains an even temperature, which is crucial for achieving perfect grill marks and juicy interiors.
Smoking on the Ninja Woodfire Grill is equally impressive. The temperature range allows for low and slow cooking, ideal for ribs, briskets, and other cuts of meat that benefit from prolonged exposure to smoke. The wood pellets contribute a genuine woodfire taste, setting this grill apart from many electric smokers on the market.
Baking and Roasting
Baking and roasting are areas where the Ninja Woodfire Grill shines. The consistent heat distribution ensures that meats are roasted to perfection, with crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Baking bread and pizzas yields excellent results, with a nice crust and even cooking throughout.
Dehydrating
While not a common feature in many outdoor grills, the dehydrating function is a nice addition for those who enjoy making homemade snacks. The Ninja Woodfire Grill can efficiently dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and meats, providing a versatile option for health-conscious grillers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatility: The Ninja Woodfire Grill’s ability to grill, smoke, roast, bake, and dehydrate makes it a versatile addition to any outdoor kitchen.
- Flavor: The use of wood pellets ensures a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the taste of your food.
- Ease of Use: The digital controls and intuitive design make the grill accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Compact Size: Ideal for small outdoor spaces and easy to transport.
- Build Quality: Sturdy construction ensures durability and long-term use.
Cons:
- Pellet Availability: Depending on your location, finding the right wood pellets might be a challenge.
- Price: The Ninja Woodfire Grill is on the higher end of the price spectrum for compact grills, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
- Learning Curve: While the grill is user-friendly, mastering all its functions may take some time for beginners.
Comparison to Competitors
When comparing the Ninja Woodfire Grill to its competitors, several points stand out:
- Traeger Grills: Traeger is a well-known name in the wood pellet grill market. While Traeger grills are excellent for smoking and grilling, they tend to be larger and more expensive than the Ninja Woodfire Grill. The compact size and multifunctionality of the Ninja Woodfire Grill provide an edge for those looking for a versatile, space-saving option.
- Weber Smokey Mountain: The Weber Smokey Mountain is a popular choice for smoking enthusiasts. It offers a traditional charcoal smoking experience, which some purists prefer. However, the Ninja Woodfire Grill’s ease of use and additional functions (like baking and dehydrating) make it a more versatile option for casual grillers.
- Kamado Joe: Kamado-style grills are known for their excellent heat retention and versatility. They can grill, smoke, and bake, similar to the Ninja Woodfire Grill. However, Kamado grills are often more expensive and require more skill to master. The Ninja Woodfire Grill offers a more user-friendly experience with its digital controls and straightforward design.
User Experiences
User reviews of the Ninja Woodfire Grill are generally positive. Many users appreciate the convenience of the digital controls and the consistent results across different cooking methods. The smoky flavor imparted by the wood pellets is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Some users, however, note that finding the right pellets can be a bit of a hassle, and there is a learning curve associated with mastering all the grill’s functions.
Is the Ninja Woodfire Grill Worth It?
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their outdoor cooking capabilities. Its versatility, ease of use, and compact design make it suitable for both novice and experienced grillers. The ability to infuse food with woodfire flavor without the complexities of managing a traditional wood fire is a significant advantage.
While it comes with a higher price tag and some minor drawbacks, the overall performance and multifunctionality justify the investment for many users. If you’re in the market for a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that delivers on flavor and convenience, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Ninja Woodfire Grill offers a blend of innovation and practicality that can elevate your outdoor cooking game. Its woodfire technology, multi-functionality, and user-friendly design make it a standout choice in a crowded market. Whether you’re grilling a quick weeknight dinner or smoking a brisket for a weekend BBQ, the Ninja Woodfire Grill provides the tools and capabilities to achieve delicious results with minimal hassle.
Interested in getting one? You can buy one here.
Happy grilling!
