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The Sun
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Ninja Woodfire review: I love this versatile outdoor cooking gadget
LIVING in the city but craving that smoky BBQ flavour? The struggle is real when balancing outdoor cooking dreams with limited space. Enter the Ninja Woodfire – the compact cooking powerhouse that has become my absolute summer essential since its launch, and we've had the chance to update our Ninja Woodfire review. Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, £299.99 BUY HERE This clever little gadget packs seven cooking functions into one portable unit, allowing you to grill, smoke, air fry, and more without needing a massive traditional barbecue. What makes it brilliant is how it delivers proper smoky flavour from a unit barely bigger than a carry-on suitcase. Perfect for balconies, small gardens, or even taking to a mate's place for the ultimate cookout. The results? Juicy, flavour-packed food that genuinely rivals traditional BBQ methods. Want to know if it's worth the investment for your summer cookouts? Read my review below to see why this space-saving marvel continues to impress. Ninja Woofire: Key stats Cooking functions 7-in-1 (grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate) Power source Electric (120V) with wood pellet smoke flavouring Cooking area 141 square inches – enough for 2-4 servings Maximum temperature 371°C Wattage 1760 watts Smoke generation 45 minutes from 1/2 cup of wood pellets Preheating time 20+ minutes to reach max temperature Dimensions H34 x W46 x D46 cm Weight 12 kg Pros Compact Versatile Easy to set up Easy to clean Intuitive Smoker function takes BBQ food to the next level Cons Rating: 9/10 Ninja Woodfire: The Nitty Gritty The Ninja Woodfire essentially stands alone on the market, but the best way to describe it is as a multicooker geared towards summer. You get many of the same features as air fryer/grill hybrids like the Salter AeroGrill Pro or the Ninja Foodi Health Grill, but with one summery addition: a smoker function, which allows you to impart your food with wonderful, woodsy flavours. There are a total of seven functions, including Grill, Roast, Air Fry, and Bake. The BBQ grill and smoking function indicate that it's an outdoor gadget, and Ninja states explicitly that it's for outdoor use only. Delivery and first impressions The Woodfire is a compact gadget, measuring 34cm x 46cm x 46cm. That means it's great for those with small gardens, or those who only want to make enough food for a couple of people. It's actually small enough that you could feasibly take it away camping, as long as you had a power source. However, its portability does mean it's not suited to cooking for a crowd. It's also a really nice gadget to look at, with a sleek black, silver and gunmetal grey design, and a smart digital display. Setup is an absolute breeze; the only sort of assembly you need to undertake is attaching the side handles, which is easy thanks to the inclusion of an Allen key. All you need to do then is plug it into a socket, and you're ready to go. The only complaint our reviewer had about the design was that the side handles and feet are made of cheap hard plastic rather than something smarter and rubberised; it doesn't match up with the rest of the build quality, which is as sturdy as you'd expect from a Ninja gadget. A nice touch is the inclusion of a recipe booklet, which provides inspiration for cooking with a range of the device's functions; a recipe we're particularly looking forward to trying is the smoked tear-and-share garlic bread. Gino D'Acampo has even teamed up with Ninja to produce a trio of recipes for the Woodfire. It's worth noting that the Woodfire doesn't come with a cover, but it is water resistant to rating IPX4, meaning light splashes won't affect it. If you'd rather be safe and get a cover, there is one available on Amazon for £16.99. Ninja also does a bundle comprising a Woodfire, a cover and a stand for £499.97, although at the time of writing, it's out of stock. Does it deliver? The Ninja Woodfire comes with seven cooking functions: Smoke BBQ Grill Air Fry Roast Bake Dehydrate Reheat To achieve these functions, the device comes with a BBQ grill like you'd get on a standard BBQ, which can reach temperatures of 260 degrees. You can also remove the grill and replace it with an air fryer basket. The headline features here are obviously the smoking and BBQ grill abilities, which are what separates the Woodfire from the huge selection of other multicookers on the market. Included with the Woodfire is a Wood Pellet Starter Pack, which allows you to get to grips with the smoke function. There are two types of pellets included: Robust, which imparts a stronger BBQ flavour more suited to meats, and the All-Purpose Blend, which is suited to meat, fish and vegetables. Ninja includes enough of each pellet for six smoking sessions. Both pellets imbue your food with a wonderful, discernable smoky flavour that is undoubtedly a cut above the food you usually eat in people's back gardens — we made some smoked ribs for a family party and were showered with compliments. 2 Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker, £299.99 BUY HERE At 28cm x 37 cm, the cooking area isn't the biggest in the world, but we found that it's more than enough to smoke a 1.5kg joint of meat (enough for six or so people) or grill a full meal for two. And we were happy to give up some of the cooking area in exchange for the Woodfire's portability. The air fryer functions also work perfectly and efficiently (sweet potato fries took us 12 minutes, as a yardstick), and we loved the fact that it beeps to remind you when to turn your food. A factor that often puts people off barbecuing is the cleanup, which can be greasy, messy and a bit off-putting. However, the Woodfire is extremely easy to clean; thanks to the non-stick properties of both the grill and the air fryer basket, all you really need to do is give them a wipe. However, these components aren't dishwasher-friendly. Where to buy the Ninja Woodfire It's a testament to the Ninja Woodfire's immediate popularity that several retailers have already sold out of their stock of the gadget. However, there are still plenty of places you can buy it, and you'll usually find it at one of these retailers: Ninja Lakeland Very Argos Currys Studio Robert Dyas Ninja Woodfire alternatives It's also worth noting that, to the best of our knowledge, there are currently no other devices that can do that; the closest alternative is probably the Landmann Fryton BBQ, which features an integrated air fryer but lacks smoking capabilities. However, if you aren't too bothered about the Woodfire's BBQ and smoking capacities, then there's a whole host of indoor multicookers that cost a lot less. We're fans of the Salter AeroGrill Pro, which can grill and air fry and is over £200 cheaper than the Woodfire.
CNET
16-07-2025
- CNET
I've Never Seen a Grill Quite Like Ninja's 5-in-1 FlexFlame. Here's What I Thought of It
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. 8.3 / 10 SCORE Ninja FlexFlame $1,000 at Ninja Kitchen Pros Built-in smoker can add smoky flavor to food with the push of a button Convection fan provides fast preheating and heat recovery, and even cooking Feels well built and includes a 10-year warranty Griddle attachment offers mess-free cooking of flaky fish and vegetables Large 424 square-inch grill top Cons A big grill means a lot of grill to clean Must be plugged in to operate, and the power cord is short Accessories are sold separately Expensive Ninja FlexFlame 8.3/10 CNET Score $1,000 at Ninja Kitchen Grills have come a long way from the basic box of coals and metal grates. These days, you'll find smart grills with app connectivity, top-down infrared broilers, and precision-controlled pellet systems that let you slow-smoke a brisket without ever leaving your patio chair. The Ninja's clean appearance hides a dynamic grill top that can turn into a griddle, smoker, roaster or pizza oven. David Watsky/CNET Now, Ninja -- known for its high-performance kitchen appliances -- is entering the outdoor arena with its first-ever full-size gas grill. The $1,000 Ninja FlexFlame Grill isn't just a backyard cooker, it's a multifunctional culinary platform. This feature-loaded grill boasts a spacious cooking surface, a built-in smoker box for infusing low-and-slow flavor, and a convection fan that brings the kind of even heat distribution you'd expect from a high-end indoor oven. It also includes modular attachments that quickly convert it into a flat-top griddle or pizza oven, making it one of the most versatile grills we've tested to date. Whether you're searing steaks, baking pies, or smoking ribs low and slow, the FlexFlame is made to handle it all -- no flame-wrangling required. So is the Ninja FlexFlame really worth $1,000? I tested it for weeks and was wholly impressed with the form and function but a grill this expensive only makes sense for someone who takes advantage of all it has to offer. Here's everything you need to know about the flashy new Ninja FlexFlame. What's different about the Ninja FlexFlame? The FlexFlame looks like your average outdoor three-burner gas grill but unique features include: A convection fan for even cooking and precise temperature control. A built-in pellet smoker allows you to impart smoky flavor into any food. The dynamic grill top transforms into a flat-top griddle, roaster and pizza oven with attachments (sold separately). The built-in smoker box sets the FlexFlame apart from most of the grills we've tested. David Watsky/CNET Design and build quality The FlexFlame is sturdy and designed for easy cooking. All the add-on attachments, including the roasting rack, cast-iron griddle top and pizza stone, fit squarely in their places and are well-made. The grates and griddle are enameled cast iron and the under-cabinet space is roomy. Similar to industry leader Weber, it has a 10-year limited warranty. The grill is solid, once assembled. Adding pellets to the hopper is slightly awkward but there are no other obvious design flaws. David Watsky/CNET The stainless steel and porcelain-coated finish looks nice, but the aesthetics are nothing special. If smudgy stainless steel isn't your thing, there's a matte black edition available from Ninja or The Home Depot. Assembly and setup Assembling the grill should take one hour or more. The instructions are user-friendly and include video tutorials. In most regions, a white-glove service is available to have the grill delivered already set up for an extra cost. Cooking performance A built-in convection fan helps with evenness and efficiency The CyclonicHeat fan helps distribute air evenly over food and keeps the temperature consistent. David Watsky/CNET Once the grill is set up and plugged in (yes, it requires electricity to operate) and ignited using the ignition system, all the burners are ignited, and a built-in convection fan begins to pump away, I was able to choose a cooking method ranging from a precise low and slow cook or roaring high heat as hot as 600 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for pizza. Preheating the oven to its hottest 600 degrees Fahrenheit takes about 10 minutes, which is fast for a grill. A temperature readout on the dial lets you know when it is ready. The CylonicHeatIQ -- aka a convection fan and heat sensors -- circulates heat evenly throughout the chamber and keeps the temperature consistent. I saw this feature on display when I roasted a whole chicken with a can of light lager up its rear. It was done in less than 45 minutes and the skin was crispy and the bird was evenly cooked. Lightning-fast temperature recovery Even if the lid was opened, the FlexFlame recovered the set temperature much faster than other grills. David Watsky/CNET The convection fan also gives this grill quick temperature recovery via powerful burners and a convection fan. If I opened the lid to check cooking progress, I typically returned to temperature within a few seconds of closing it again. Grilling: This grill gets screaming hot and the temperature readout helps determine when it's ready for action. I found it easy to get a great sear on the burgers, salmon and chicken I cooked on it. Grilling on the FlexFlame wasn't much different from grilling on other quality grills I've used. The Ninja FlexFlame's smoker and a low, slow heat from the burners combined to make some mighty tasty ribs. David Watsky/CNET Smoking: The FlexFlame's marquis feature is the built-in smoker box. All it takes is to drop a cupful of wood pellets into the hopper. Once the grill is fired up, either on low/slow mode or a higher heat, you close the hood and tap the woodfire flavor button and the system starts pumping smoke inside. These were some of the better ribs I've made and it couldn't have been easier. David Watsky/CNET I used the smoker to cook a rack of pork ribs at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. They were tender and juicy with a pleasant, light smoky flavor. I then cooked beef ribs at a lower temperature but for a longer time and the smokiness was more pronounced. I let the beef ribs smoke for even longer and it totally paid off. David Watsky/CNET Griddle: As much as I enjoyed the smoker, the feature I found myself using most was the half or full griddle insert and I recommend buying those add-on accessories. While beef and chicken are often the stars of a barbecue menu, I love cooking the whole meal out there. That often includes veggies, potatoes or flaky fish that can break apart and fall through the grates onto the burners and into a wretched mess. If you get the Ninja FlexFlame, the half griddle attachment is a must. David Watsky/CNET The FlexFlame griddle sits firmly next to the grill grates, so you can use both surfaces at the same time. Chicken and beef get kissed by the flames and attractive grill marks, while salmon enjoys a fierce sear yet stays intact on the griddle side. Toss broccoli or diced mushrooms drizzled with olive oil with them, and you've got a meal in less than 15 minutes. You can grill flaky fish or make a diner-style breakfast on the FlexFlame's griddle. David Watsky/CNET Pizza: Because the oven can reach 600 degrees Fahrenheit and hold its temperature consistently, it's an ideal grill for making pizza, especially if you order the pizza stone attachment ($50). Precision heat for expanded outdoor cooking The grill cooked my beer can chicken evenly in less than 45 minutes. David Watsky/CNET Along with the griddle insert and option to smoke, a feature of the FlexFlame I fell for was the digital control panel with precision temperature settings ranging from 200 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. With most grills, the temperature inside the grill is a guessing game and it often doesn't correspond directly to the setting on the dials. FlexFlame's precision allows you to use it like a traditional convection oven, even in summer, a great foil for keeping the kitchen cool on lasagna night. Perfect grill for steaks and thick cuts of meat The FlexFlame allows you to cook using different methods and surfaces at the same time. David Watsky/CNET Fussy carnivores know that the best way to cook a thick cut of meat like ribeye, filet or pork chop is to sear the outside on both sides and finish it with indirect heat in the oven. Because this grill can imitate an oven with more precise convection cooking, you can do both right in the FlexFlame's cooking chamber. Simply move the seared steak up to a roasting rack to finish and stick it with a meat thermometer to nail the doneness. It's a beast to clean A grill big enough to accommodate all those features and functions means there is a lot of real estate to clean afterward and maintain. That's especially true after a long, slow, low cook such as ribs, brisket or pork shoulder. None of the grill's components are advertised as dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning. Slow cooking combined with convection heat can result in a good deal of mess to clean up after. David Watsky/CNET Fatty foods ooze grease and the convection fan blows air around so things can move more than in a typical grill. There's a grease trap and management system, which is particularly useful when griddling, but it can only do so much. All grilling requires cleanup but expect a relatively robust cleaning session after each use of the FlexFlame. Read more: How to Clean Your Grill like a Pro It must be plugged in to work, which is kind of annoying This is my first grill to require electricity, and there were times I wished it didn't. The power cord attached to the grill is short -- I assume for safety -- so you'll need an extension cord. My home doesn't have outdoor outlets, so running a cord out the back meant I could not close the storm door. Within a few minutes of using the smoker feature, much of that smoke had snuck its way into the house. Not exactly where you want it. Conclusion: The pricey FlexFlame is worth it for the right person The new Ninja FlexFlame has all the makings for a delicious summer. David Watsky/CNET The Ninja FlexFlame offers more than most gas grills, including impressive temperature control, a dynamic grill top and the option to smoke your food with the push of a button. At $1,000 for the grill only, it costs more than most, especially if you nab the add-ons. (I like the half griddle pan best.) Because of this, you'd be wise to consider all that the Ninja offers and whether you'll use these features regularly to justify the cost. If you're smoker- or barbecue-curious or have been considering an outdoor pizza oven or flattop grill, the FlexFlame can stand in valiantly for all three outdoor cooking appliances. Plus, it delivers all the trappings of a sturdy and high-functioning gas grill. If you're not in the market for those other tools, just a great grill; the exceptional Weber 3-Burner Spirit E-33 or E-321 can be yours for roughly half the price.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sorry Amazon, our favourite Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker deal is at eBay this summer
IF you're hoping to upgrade your al fresco dinners during the heatwave, the coveted Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker has a major discount. While the Ninja appliance is on sale at Amazon, we have spotted a better deal on eBay that will save you 40%. Refurbished Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Oven, now £209 (was £349.99) + save extra 10% with code IRIS10 BUY HERE EBay has slashed over £140.99 off the normal £349.99 RRP of a refurbished model of the Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Oven, which is now £209. The incredible saving is part of the online retailer's huge summer sale that features up to 50% off all outdoor heating and BBQs until 30 September. Shoppers can also currently save a further 10% off selected items (on top of any discounts) by using the code IRIS10 at checkout. The extra savings are valid on items from selected sellers until 11:59 pm on 14 July, so the Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Oven will be £188.10 with the coupon code. Perfect for summer garden parties, this versatile outdoor oven from Ninja offers seven different cooking functions. BUY HERE You can cook pizza, roast, bake or smoke your favourite foods, making it one of the most flexible outdoor cookers around. It's powered by electricity, so there's no need to faff about with gas bottles or charcoal, and also boasts built-in woodfire technology for an authentic smoky flavour. The clever cook modes can be used on everything from your favourite cuts of meat and fish to veggies and flatbreads. Other BBQ highlights in the eBay sale include the Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Oven, which is slashed to £249, from £349.99. The Deluxe Kamado BBQ is also on sale for £314.99, reduced from £461.99. The hybrid Dellonda kamado-style BBQ is the perfect addition to your outdoor setup, and you can wow guests with the option of cold smoking, searing, grilling, baking and slow cooking. Whether you're after a speedy electric oven, a traditional charcoal BBQ, or even a portable pizza oven for alfresco nights, there's plenty to pick from in the eBay summer sale. But remember, the discounts are on limited stock or refurbished models from official outlet stores, so it's worth checking item descriptions before buying.
CNET
04-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
July 4th Grill Deals: Save Up to $799 and Take Your BBQ to the Next Level
Summer is here, which means that barbecue season is in full swing. And if you're looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup, the Fourth of July is the perfect opportunity to grab a new grill, smoker or griddle at an amazing price. Major retailers like Home Depot, Amazon and Walmart have slashed prices on tons of top brands like Traeger, Genesis, Char-Broil and more, and we've rounded up some of the best offers you can shop today below. We'll be regularly updating this page as sales continue throughout the weekend (along with Prime Day shortly after), so be sure to check back often. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Best July 4th grill and smoker deals Kamado Joe Pellet Joe: $1,000 Although they're pretty pricey, these wood-burning Kamado Joe grills are some of the best grills on the market right now and this nearly $800 discount is a great chance to get one on your patio for less. This 18-inch model features 250 square inches of cooking space with ceramic insulation for precise temperature control. Plus, the hopper can hold about 10 pounds of wood pellets for up to 14 hours of smoking. Details Save $799 $1,000 at Kamako Joe Close Char-Broil Grill2Go X200: $144 Char-Broil's tabletop gas grill is perfect for car camping or lakeside cookouts. It's a single-burner propane model with 9,500 BTUs of power and a 200-square-inch grill grate. The grill is less than 2 feet long and weighs about 25 pounds, so it's easy to transport, and it has a durable cast aluminum firebox and lid. Details Save $106 $144 at Amazon Close Costway 3-in-1 vertical smoker: $85 Charcoal barrel smokers are perfect for getting a good, even cook on your food and adding delicious smoky flavors. Even better, these cookers take up very little room so they're perfect for smaller patios. This Costway three-in-one smoker and grill has two grill racks, offering 400 square inches of cooking space. You can also set up the smoker to act as a regular grill or as a fire pit, so at just a little more than $80, it's hard to pass it up. Details Save $44 $85 at Walmart Close More grill deals: Should you shop July 4th grill deals or wait until Prime Day? With Prime Day kicking off just a few days after the Fourth of July, the line between these two events will likely be pretty hazy. The Fourth of July is practically synonymous with cookouts and barbecues so you can expect that most of the very best discounts will coincide with Independence Day. We'd recommend shopping the initial wave of deals, rather than holding out for additional bargains later in the event. Where are the best July 4th grill and smoker sales? Grills and smokers have reached the point where you won't just find them at big box stores or hardware stores. Aside from the multitude of brands making cookers now, the inclusion technology makes these items available at more retailers than ever. You'll find great savings on grills and smokers of all kinds at Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Walmart and much more. Several brands like Weber and Monument are offering some direct deals of their own. What else is on sale for July 4th? You can find nearly anything and everything getting some great discounts for the Fourth of July. From top tech like TVs and laptops to mattresses and appliances, you'll find plenty of ways to save money. Don't forget to pick up some helpful grilling tools during the sales for that new grill you bought as well. How we choose the best grill and smoker July 4th deals Our team of expert shoppers and deal-hunters spent years helping buyers understand which major sales and deals are legitimately good and which are more routine. That includes Black Friday, Prime Day, July Fourth and countless other shopping events. We've become very good at weeding out scams and superficial deals so you see only the best grills and smokers from retailers all over. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing a deal to show you. Real discounts mean exactly that. We look at the price history for all of the grills to make sure no manufacturers are inflating prices to make the discount seem more substantial than it is. Quality reviews are important for any product but especially for deeply discounted grills. If it breaks the first time you use it, the discount isn't really worthwhile. Remaining sale time is a huge part of our vetting process. If a grill deal seems like it will only be around for a short while or will only be available for the remaining stock, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL BBQ is reduced by £185 this weekend - it can cook 40 hotdogs at once (hurry, it's sure to sell out!)
Shoppers cooking for a crowd this summer can score a massive £185 off the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker. But hurry, this is a limited time deal only. Helping you cook confidently in the heatwave, Ninja's all singing all dancing Woodfire Pro is a large-capacity outdoor electric BBQ grill, smoker and air fryer in one. Powered by electricity but giving you authentic smoky BBQ flavours, 'obsessed' users have hailed it a 'must have for any family'. Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker with Stand & Cover Hello summer! The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker is now £185 off in a limited time deal on Ninja. The built-in BBQ thermometer gives you perfectly cooked meat, fish, and vegetables every time, and with four ways to cook, you'll get more for your money - including an impressive air fryer. Conveniently, it's powered by electricity, so it's hassle-free and quick to heat up, too. You'll get the top-notch flavouring from the 100 per cent natural woodfire pellets for authentic smoky flavours. £389.99 (save £185) Shop The current heatwave has us all longing for al fresco dinners, and if you're prepping for a BBQ over the heatwave then this Ninja deal is not to be missed. Shoppers are rushing to buy Ninja's large-capacity outdoor electric BBQ grill, smoker and air fryer for a massive £185 off. That's free pellets, side table and rib rack worth over £60 too. Ideally suited for larger families and hosting, the all-in-one outdoor cooker can fit up to 10 burgers, 40 hotdogs, two full racks of ribs, up to six steaks, or two 3kg chickens. In short, the supersize BBQ grill has all you need to wow any visitors over the summer, no matter how many friends or family get wind of your hosting plans. It also offers several features that set itself apart from traditional models. Conveniently, it's powered by electricity so it's hassle free and quick to heat up but you'll still get the covetable smoky BBQ flavours from the 100 per cent natural woodfire pellets. And if being in control of the BBQ makes you slightly nervous then the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker has your back. If you've never been too confident of getting the temperature right on a BBQ then the thanks to the Ninja build-in probe there's no need to worry about undercooking chicken or overcooking steaks. Simply insert the digital probe into your food, then select your food type and perfect finish, from rare to well done. Easy. 'Fantastic BBQ' raved one impressed Ninja shopper. 'And all the other things it does. All singing, all dancing. We haven't used the oven since it arrived!'. Shoppers have also agreed the Woodfire Pro XL trumps gas barbecues too, with one writing: 'Received my grill a couple of weeks ago, have grilled burgers, roasted a pork joint in both occasions cooked perfectly. Smoker works really well and the probe is terrific. Always had gas barbeques in the past but this grill is clean and convenient to use loving it so far.' And it doesn't have to be used for meat. Shoppers have praised the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker for cooking all kinds of foods, and in different ways thanks to the smoke, air fry and roast settings. 'The best jacket potatoes I've ever tasted have come from this' added a third. 'So soft inside and lovely crisp outside. So easy to use and the pellets just add the most delicious flavour. The whole family are obsessed with this.'
