The scent of wood smoke on a crisp evening is something truly special. For years, I’ve cherished those moments, whether at a friend’s backyard barbecue or watching seasoned grill masters work their magic. It always seemed like a complex art, requiring specialized equipment and a lot of patience.
Recently, I kept hearing buzz about the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill. Friends who usually stick to traditional methods were raving about it. They talked about incredible flavors and surprising versatility, all without the usual fuss. It piqued my interest, especially for someone who loves the idea of smoked food but isn’t a seasoned pitmaster.
I even saw it in action at a neighbor’s gathering. They were effortlessly switching between grilling burgers and smoking a pork shoulder. The results spoke for themselves – juicy, tender, and infused with that unmistakable woodfire taste. It made me wonder if this product could truly bridge the gap between convenience and authentic flavor for everyone.
Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL Outdoor Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker, Wifi & Bluetooth, App Enabled:
Product Specs
* Model Name: Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker (OG900 series)
* Dimensions: Approximately 22.2 inches (56.4 cm) D x 20.2 inches (51.3 cm) W x 16.2 inches (41.1 cm) H
* Weight: Approximately 37 lbs (16.8 kg)
* Cooking Area: 180 square inches (1161 square cm) grill grate, XL capacity
* Power: Electric (1760 Watts)
* Temperature Range: Up to 500°F (260°C)
* Functions: Grill, Smoker, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate (7-in-1 functionality)
* Woodfire Technology: Integrated smoker box for wood pellets
* Smart Features: Built-in thermometer with Ninja ProConnect app integration
* Included Accessories: Grill Grate, Crisper Basket, Grease Tray, Woodfire Pellet Scoop, Ninja Woodfire Pellets (Starter Pack)
This Product is Best For:
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill is an excellent choice for anyone who loves the taste of grilled and smoked food but doesn’t want the hassle of traditional charcoal or gas setups. It’s perfect for urban dwellers with limited outdoor space, like a small patio or balcony, where open flames might be restricted.
It also caters wonderfully to busy individuals or families who desire delicious, wood-fired meals without the long commitment often associated with smoking. If you appreciate convenience, versatility, and authentic smoky flavor from a single, easy-to-use appliance, this grill is designed with you in mind.
Features Overview/Summary
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill stands out as a true multi-functional outdoor cooking powerhouse. It merges the convenience of electric grilling with the authentic flavor of wood smoke, offering a unique hybrid experience that caters to a wide range of culinary desires.
Its “XL” designation isn’t just for show; it boasts a larger cooking capacity, perfect for feeding a family or a small gathering. Beyond grilling and smoking, this versatile product also includes air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating functions, making it a comprehensive outdoor kitchen.
Feature Explanations
Woodfire Technology
At the heart of the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill is its innovative Woodfire Technology. This system uses a small, integrated smoker box where you add Ninja’s proprietary wood pellets. These pellets ignite with an electric heating element, producing real wood smoke.
This smoke infuses your food with authentic, rich flavors, whether you’re grilling a steak or slow-smoking ribs. It’s a game-changer for electric grills, delivering a taste profile typically reserved for traditional smokers, but with far greater ease and consistency.
XL Capacity
The “XL” in its name signifies an enhanced cooking area. With a 180 square inch (1161 square cm) grill grate, you can comfortably cook up to 10 burgers, 4 racks of ribs, or a substantial 10-pound (4.5 kg) pork shoulder. This expanded size makes it ideal for entertaining.
It eliminates the need for multiple batches when feeding a family or a small group of friends. The larger crisper basket also accommodates more food for air frying, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy their crispy favorites together.
7-in-1 Versatility
This grill is not just a grill and smoker; it’s a complete outdoor cooking system. The seven functions – Grill, Smoker, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate – mean you can prepare almost any dish outdoors. Imagine crispy wings, perfectly roasted vegetables, or even homemade jerky.
This versatility significantly reduces the need for multiple appliances, saving space and simplifying your outdoor cooking setup. It truly enables you to explore a vast menu right from your patio or balcony, making it a valuable product for diverse culinary adventures.
Built-in Thermometer with ProConnect App
One of the most impressive features for precision cooking is the integrated smart thermometer. You simply insert the probe into your food, and the grill monitors the internal temperature. This ensures your meats are cooked to perfection, every single time.
Even better, the Ninja ProConnect app links directly to this thermometer via Wi-Fi. You can monitor your food’s progress, receive alerts when it’s done, and even adjust settings from your phone, giving you freedom to mingle while your meal cooks. This smart feature enhances convenience and quality.
Wide Temperature Range and Electric Power
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill operates on electric power, reaching temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). This wide range allows for high-heat searing, perfect for achieving those coveted grill marks and a delicious crust on steaks and burgers.
Yet, it also maintains lower, consistent temperatures essential for slow smoking and roasting. The electric power ensures stable heat distribution, eliminating hot spots and providing a more predictable cooking experience compared to charcoal or even some gas grills.
Durable Construction for Outdoor Use
Designed specifically for outdoor environments, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill boasts robust construction. Its materials are built to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring longevity and reliable performance season after season.
The non-stick grill grate and removable grease tray are also designed for easy cleanup, a major benefit for any outdoor cooking appliance. This thoughtful construction contributes to the overall quality and user-friendly nature of the product.
Pros
* Authentic Woodfire Flavor: Delivers genuine smoky taste without charcoal or propane.
* Multi-functional: Offers 7 cooking options (grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate) in one unit.
* XL Capacity: Larger cooking area accommodates more food, great for families or entertaining.
* Electric Convenience: Plugs in easily, no charcoal lighting or gas tank worries.
* Precise Temperature Control: Electric heating ensures consistent and accurate temperatures.
* Smart Thermometer & App: Monitor cooking progress remotely with the integrated probe and ProConnect app.
* Quick Start-up: Heats up faster than traditional smokers.
* Easy to Clean: Non-stick surfaces and removable grease tray simplify post-cook cleanup.
* Outdoor Safe: Designed and rated for outdoor use on patios, balconies, or decks.
* Compact Footprint: Relatively small size compared to full-sized smokers and grills.
* Versatile Fuel Source: Uses only a small amount of wood pellets for smoke, not for primary heat.
* Less Mess: No ash from charcoal, minimal cleanup from wood pellets.
* Great for Beginners: Intuitive controls make wood-fired cooking accessible to everyone.
* Excellent for Small Spaces: Ideal for homes where traditional grilling methods are restricted.
* High Quality Build: Feels sturdy and durable for outdoor conditions.
* Reduces Odor Indoors: Keeps cooking smells outside where they belong.
* Less Monitoring Needed: Set it and forget it, especially with the smart thermometer.
* Consistently Good Results: Helps achieve perfectly cooked food every time.
* Great Value: Combines multiple appliances into one product, potentially saving money.
* Widely Available: Easy to purchase from retailers like Amazon.
Cons
* Pellet Dependency: The grill requires specific Ninja Woodfire pellets for smoking. While readily available for purchase, you can’t use just any wood chips or pellets. This is a minor inconvenience, but Ninja offers various flavor options, and a small amount goes a long way.
* Limited Smoke Production: While it produces real smoke, it’s not a heavy, thick smoke like a traditional offset smoker. For those seeking extremely intense smoke flavor, this might feel a bit light. However, it’s perfect for infusing a pleasant, noticeable smokiness without overpowering your food.
* Requires Power Outlet: As an electric grill, it needs to be near an outdoor power source. This limits portability compared to a small charcoal grill. However, for most backyard or patio setups, this isn’t an issue, and extension cords (rated for outdoor use) can extend its reach.
Comparison with Similar Products
When considering the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill, it’s helpful to compare it to a couple of popular alternatives: a traditional pellet smoker and a high-end electric indoor/outdoor grill. Each offers a different set of advantages and compromises.
Vs. Traditional Pellet Smoker (e.g., Traeger or Pit Boss):
Traditional pellet smokers are renowned for their low-and-slow smoking capabilities. They offer a vast cooking area and produce a very consistent, deep smoke flavor over many hours. They are often larger, heavier, and primarily designed for smoking and roasting.
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill, while offering smoking, does so in a more compact and versatile package. It heats up much faster and excels at direct grilling and air frying, which most traditional pellet smokers don’t do well, if at all. For a true pitmaster focused solely on heavy smoke, a dedicated pellet smoker might be preferred.
However, for someone who wants to grill, air fry, and get a noticeable smoke flavor without the immense footprint, cost, or complexity of a large pellet smoker, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill is a compelling product. It offers a quicker, more convenient entry into wood-fired cooking.
Vs. High-End Electric Indoor/Outdoor Grill (e.g., George Foreman or Weber Lumin):
Electric grills are known for their convenience, quick heating, and ease of use. Many can be used indoors or outdoors, offering smokeless grilling. They are typically lighter, more portable, and ideal for quick meals.
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill shares the electric convenience but adds a crucial dimension: authentic wood smoke. While other electric grills might offer great searing, they lack the ability to infuse food with that distinct smoky flavor. The Ninja also often provides more versatile cooking functions beyond just grilling.
If you strictly need an indoor-capable, smokeless electric grill, then a dedicated indoor electric grill might be better. But if you want the electric convenience for outdoor use, plus the significant bonus of real wood smoke and multi-functionality, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill offers a superior outdoor cooking experience. It’s a unique product that blends the best of both worlds.
User Comments
Overall, users consistently praise the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill for its versatility and the authentic smoky flavor it imparts. Many are surprised by how easy it is to achieve results typically associated with much larger, more complex smokers. The convenience of electric power combined with real wood smoke is a recurring highlight in reviews.
Here are a few individual user comments:
- “I was skeptical about an electric smoker, but this Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill blew me away! The food tastes genuinely smoked, and it’s so easy to use. I grilled some chicken thighs and then smoked a brisket, both came out perfectly. The app is a lifesaver for monitoring.”
- “This product is fantastic for our small patio. We can’t have a charcoal grill, but this gives us all the flavor. The air fryer function is surprisingly good for fries and wings. Cleanup is a breeze too, which is a huge plus after a long day.”
- “The XL capacity is exactly what I needed. I can fit enough food for my family of four without doing multiple rounds. The built-in thermometer is accurate, and I love getting notifications on my phone. Definitely worth the purchase.”
- “My only gripe is needing Ninja’s specific pellets, but they’re not expensive and a bag lasts a while. The quality of the food far outweighs this minor point. I’ve been experimenting with different pellet flavors, and each one adds a unique touch. This grill is a game-changer for backyard cooking.”
- “I bought this Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill on Amazon after seeing a friend’s. It’s incredibly versatile. I’ve grilled steaks, smoked salmon, and even baked a small pizza on it. The flavor is incredible, and it’s so much less effort than my old gas grill.”
- “For the price, the features you get with this product are unbeatable. It’s durable, easy to operate, and consistently delivers delicious results. I particularly enjoy the roasting function for vegetables alongside my grilled meats.”
- “I was looking to buy a new grill, and this came up. The review section convinced me. It’s not just a grill; it’s an experience. The smoky flavor on even quick-cook items is amazing. Highly recommend it if you want convenience and quality.”
- “This grill has made me a hero at family gatherings. The pulled pork I made was a huge hit, and everyone thought I spent hours tending to it. Little did they know, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill did most of the work!”
Read More User Reviews for this product on Amazon
Our Final Verdict
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill truly represents a significant evolution in outdoor cooking appliances. It successfully marries the convenience and precision of electric grilling with the coveted, authentic flavor of wood smoke. This product is more than just a grill; it’s a versatile outdoor kitchen that simplifies complex cooking methods.
Its expanded XL capacity, coupled with the 7-in-1 functionality, means you can tackle a vast array of dishes, from quick weeknight meals to impressive weekend feasts. The smart features, like the integrated thermometer and app connectivity, elevate the user experience, making wood-fired cooking accessible to everyone.
While it has a few minor considerations, such as its reliance on specific pellets and needing a power outlet, these are easily managed. The quality of the results and the sheer convenience it offers far outweigh any small drawbacks. For anyone looking to enhance their outdoor cooking without the fuss of traditional methods, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Grill is an exceptional product to consider. It’s an investment in flavor, convenience, and culinary exploration that you can easily purchase from Amazon.
Buy Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL Outdoor Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker, Wifi & Bluetooth, App Enabled on Amazon:
About the Author
I dig until I hit truth, then I write about it. Diane here, covering whatever needs covering. Rock climbing clears my head; competitive Scrabble sharpens it. My engineering background means I actually read the studies I cite. British by birth, Canadian by choice.