We tested Ninja ’s first outdoor air frier , and we absolutely screw it
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There is n’t anything on the market quite like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill . It can air electrocute , bake , roast , grille , dehydrate , broil , and undecomposed of all – heater heart and soul and vegetables to perfection . Portable and compact too , it has become our favorite grilling plaything .
(Image credit: Future)
Powered by electricity
No oxford grey , gas or flames
Good size of it for beach houses and patio
(Image credit: Future)
straightaway and comfortable to expend
double as an air fryer
Lacks a thermometer
Does n’t include a grill stand or protective blanket
Cooks faster than gauge clock time
you may entrust Homes & Gardens . Our expert reviewers expend time of day examination and equate the latest production , helping you choose the good for you . regain out more about how we test .
Ninjahas become a family name for making some of the good air frier on the market place – and their first out-of-door air fryer is no unlike . The Woodfire pass our tests with fly colours . fundamentally , it ’s a portable electric grill with seven unlike role , including melodic line frying , roasting , baking , dehydrating , and oven broil . The standout feature , however , is the smoking carriage – which uses mini wood pellets to instill beauty with a luscious , smoky flavor .
To test thebest grillson the marketplace , we calculate for prodigious cooking performance and gustatory modality . One of our testers , Alex , who is based in Texas , smoked various cuts of meat , grilled Salmon River , dehydrated beef jerky and even used the baking function to make Cinnamomum zeylanicum rolls . She used the grill over a few weeks , culminating in a show - stopping pork tenderloin for her guests on New Year ’s Day .
As a trained chef and kitchen appliances editor program , I also try this grillwork in my minor backyard and focussed on vegetarian side dishes , like grilled fruits and vegetables , air travel - crisp child and halloumi Malva sylvestris . During the taste tests , we looked for dead crispy small fry ( like we ’ve go steady in thebest atmosphere fryers ) , legal tender blue meat , and that iconic smoky BBQ flavor you ’d expect from traditional grills .
We also assessed capacity , white - up and durability . While it ca n’t quite touch the full - sizedWebergrills at the top of our buying pathfinder , we mean this model is ideal for small folk , beach houses and tenting trip . We can see why it ’s a favorite withBBQ afficionado , David Beckham .
Specifications
Unboxing and setup
The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is delivered in a medium - sized box . At 30 lb , it requires some metier to move around . gratefully , two handles are let in in the box . You just need to jazz them onto the grill , then it ’s easier to acquit theNinja Woodfire Outdoor Grillbetween your rest home , garage and outdoor grilling space .
Beyond the grille itself , the boxful hold back a grill crustal plate , an air travel crisper basket , grease pan , recipe pamphlet , two unlike pellet bag – an All Purpose Blend and a Robust Blend – and a scooper to evaluate the shot .
The let in formula brochure really stood out to me . I ’ve tested many kitchen products that have disappointed me with unhelpful manual , but Ninja ’s brochure is packed with inspirational formula for grilled pith , fish , vegetables , BBQ sauce , and spicery hitch . The grill chart was particularly impressive , offer a quick pathfinder to cooking temperatures and flipping guideline for tons of fresh and frozen ingredients . I ’m certain it will be confidence - boost for beginners .
The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill uses 1760 watts of world power , so it can only be plugged into a 15 - amp circuit breaker . Alex tried plugging the grill into the same outlet as her blistering tub and it tripped the breaker . She says , ' If I ’d read the instructions more clearly , I would have noticed that Ninja propose that this grill is the only appliance plugged into an mercantile establishment at a clip . Be mindful of this before you buy , as you would n’t want the surf to trip when you ’re midway through cooking . '
I also struggled with the unretentive cable provided in the box . It ’s about 4 ft long , so I needed to corrupt a heavy - duty , outdoor extension corduroy to make it work with my backyard setup . But once you ’re tie in , it ’s loose to slot in the grill plate , stain tray and get grilling with the moving picture of a permutation .
Cooking Performance
Testing Salmon River and squash in the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
Test 1: Grilling and roasting
Alex says , ' For my first run with the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill , I decide to grill salmon and scandalmongering squash . I desire to contribute some smoky flavor , so I filled up the heater box seat with a scoop of the All Purpose Blend shot . You do n’t have to measure the shot out ; the provided Georgia home boy is the accurate dimension of the smoke box and there ’s almost exactly enough for every routine . '
' After filling the bullet box , I simply release the dial to ' Grill ' and arrive at the Woodfire Flavor clit . According to Ninja ’s Recipe Book , I needed to set the temperature to high and the metre to 10 minutes . While the grillroom preheat , I prepared the solid food . After about ten minutes , the screen say , ' Add Food . ' Very quick and nonrational . I could already see heater billowing around the grill and it smelled fantastic . '
' Even though I set the salmon and squash to fake for ten minutes , I ended up remove the food after seven minutes . It cooked implausibly tight . In fact , I bid I had only set the nutrient to wangle for five minute because the Pisces was slightly drier on the exterior than I preferred . Despite that , the fish was incredibly tasty and moister inside than I expect . There was a delicious smoky flavor to the Pisces and vegetables that was n’t overwhelming . The char create by the grill grating was incredible . '
The smoke box of the Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill
You do n’t have to employ the woodfire pellet with the Ninja grill . I left the smoky substance to Alex , while I experiment with some side dishes to screen the grill ’s versatility . I tried grilling cheeses and Prunus persica without the shot , and they move around out delicious . I was look for perfect char line and gentle caramelization on the peaches , which you’re able to see below .
Test 2: Air Frying
This is the first outside air fryer / grill of its kind , so I could n’t waitress to try the crisper basketball hoop and aviation fry setting . I tested it with a classic side of frozen French fries . Once the timer reach the halfway item , it tell me to toss or shake the food . While I prize this intuitiveness inNinja ’s best breeze fryers , I actually preferred checking on the food for thought myself , as this grille cooks much faster than the suggest times . I find that after just ten minutes , my fries were already crispy and evenly cooked .
It ’s also worth observe that you ca n’t air fry and grillroom at the same time , so you ’ll need to stagger ingredients if you ’re plan to make a repast which combine different cooking technique .
Test 3: Broiling and baking
Alex broiled some leftover takeout food pizza and baked some delicious - looking cinnamon rolls . She says , ' It was fabulously well-heeled , especially since I did n’t apply Woodfire Technology to do so ( I do n’t think that would have been tasty ! ) Just as with most of the other cooking functions , the cinnamon roller cooked a lot faster than I expected , so I ’m glad that I checked on them throughout the baking operation . '
Testing cinnamon rolls in the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
Test 4: Smoking and Dehydrating
On New Year ’s 24-hour interval , Alex smoked a 1.5 lb porc tenderloin . She says , ' The recipe book said it would take 45 minutes to smoke to an internal temperature of 145 degree . It took about 40 minute instead , and the issue was fantastical . The exterior of the pork lumbus had caramelize , and the inside was exceptionally juicy . I shared some of the tenderloin with a neighbour who does n’t usually wish eating pork and they said it was thebesttenderloin they ’ve ever had . '
' I should sum that the Woodfire Technology does n’t try quite like a traditional smoking car . There is a pronounced divergence , and sports fan of hour - long smoke barbeque on traditional smokers should n’t require Ninja ’s Woodfire Technology to be the same . It ’s decidedly not , but the Ninja still produces implausibly tasty repast that are juicy , smoky , and fall - off - the - bone . With this grillwork , you could enjoy a like preference without as much time and drive as doing it the old - fashioned way . '
' After this success , I taste to desiccate round steaks into beef jerky . According to the dehydrate chart in the back of the Ninja formula guide , gripe jerky should take 5 - 7 hours of dehydrating sentence in the Woodfire Outdoor Grill . However , it only took two hour for the round steak to become bitch jerky , and it taste so expert thanks to the Woodfire Technology . Once the bitch jerky was done , I ate it all in one posing ! '
A smoked pork tenderloin cooked in the Ninja Woodfire Grill
essay dehydrated beef jerky in a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
Capacity
The Ninja Woodfire Grill has a syndicate - sized capacitance , allowing you to make an entire repast in one go . There ’s enough room to laugh at a medium - sized whole Gallus gallus and place vegetable around it . For grilling , it can accommodate up to four steaks or salmon filet at a prison term , with some asparagus on the side too .
It ’s of import to take note that you ca n’t air fry your carbs at the same prison term . A good strategy is to grill your nitty-gritty first , allow it rest , and then apply the air fry part for French fries or potato poor boy .
For those needing more capacity , Ninja have now liberate theWoodfire Pro Connect Premium XL model . This larger poser provide even more space for cooking . It can grill ten Warren Earl Burger at a time , seduce it more suitable for bragging home or gatherings .
Extra Features
The standard variation of the Woodfire Grill is missing a few features . regrettably , the version that we test did not have a construct - in thermometer which would have been incredibly helpful during the cooking process .
TheXL Pro Connectmodel ( David Beckham ’s preference ) includes two ramp up - in thermometer , Bluetooth and cookery notifications via the Ninja app , so you may sit back and enjoy the cookout . For those who jazz impertinent feature , this pro version is a swell ascent , while the standard grill remains a solid , budget - well-disposed choice .
Cleaning
It ’s not particularly hard to clean the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill , but it take a scrap of time . Once the grillroom has cooled down , you must bump off the grill grate , crisper hoop , and filth tray and wash out them by hired man . Only the pellet pocket is dishwasher good . If you have a skilful - sized sink and washables - up brush , you should n’t have a trouble clean . The obliterable persona are made from non - stick ceramic coating , so food residual well slides off and really , hand - wash is a great way tomake your air fry appliances last longer .
To make cleaning the grease tray easier , Ninja suggests shroud it with aluminum foil , which allow you to hold aside the greasy foil and forbid the tray from being too greasy . The smoke loge does n’t ask to be cleaned , but you will have to dump ash that may still be inner .
I ’d also suggest that you clean the inside of the hood with a damp rag each prison term you ’re done cookery , or else grease will build up over time . This is the case with the smoke box – stain has made its way into there and make the lid to stay put a fiddling . alas , this is such a tight space that it ’s very knockout to clean with a moist tag end . Perhaps an honest-to-god soup-strainer would be a full option .
Design, storage and durability
Although the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is construct with gamey - quality materials designed for year - round outdoor cooking , it ’s best not to entrust it exposed to the elements . The grill ’s thick size make it convenient to hive away in a garage or large closet when not in use .
For those who prefer to keep it outdoors , investing in thegrill coveroffered by Ninja is a smart option . The binding enhances the grillroom ’s durability by protecting it from conditions conditions , helping to observe its consideration and performance over time .
How does it rate online?
On the Ninja website , theNinja Woodfire Outdoor Grillhas a 4.7 - star paygrade out of 450 revue . However , it should be noted that the reviews combine those of the grillroom I test and the insurance premium Ninja Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill with Built - in Thermometer and Premium Package . The grills differ only slightly in that the Pro Outdoor Grill has a built - in thermometer and includes additional appurtenance like a grill cover , veggie tray , and roast lifters .
On Amazon.com , the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill has a 4.7 - headliner rating among1,362 ratingsand is the identification number one in force - seller in Outdoor Grills .
If you ask me , I think that this grille and smoker is well design for beginners or those who require a smoky flavor without the multi - hour - long experience of a traditional smoking car .
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill?
We both fell in love with Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill . With a small cup of wood pellet , the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill infuse smoke into meats and vegetables as you grille , roast , or dehydrate meats and veggies . And it does n’t take hours of prep , cooking , or cleanse up metre to do so .
Add in the welfare of being capable to transmit fry , bake , and grilling on this grill and it ’s a win in theH&Gbook . Yes , we wish well the grill came with a stand , cross and a built - in thermometer , but they can always be bought as extra accoutrement . Plus , it ’s well-situated to take this grillwork on the road whether that be a tailgate , camping trip , or a friend ’s menage . Everyone will be impressed by this grillroom ’s cooking capabilities .
The Leontyne Price is affordable too , considering how many things this grill can do . Go ahead and scavenge out your service department or kitchen of the legion appliances because the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill can do it all .
(Image credit: Future)
FAQS
How does the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill compare to similar models?
Ninja lately introduced the XL variant of their Woodfire Outdoor Grill , which offers all the functionality of grilling , smoking , baking , ridicule , just with a with child cooking area . There ’s space to grill ten Warren Burger patties . It also include build - in thermometer and saucy notifications through the Ninja app , so you’re able to sit down back and revel the cookout . For those needing more space and versatility , the XL version is a cracking upgrade for $ 100 more , while the received Woodfire Outdoor Grill remains a satisfying , budget - well-disposed selection .
The Ninja ® Foodi ® Smart XL 6 - in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer lack the smoke feature of speech but includes all the other preparation modes and can be used indoors , which is great for showery day . If I were go to clothe in one or the other , I ’d invest in the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill for the smoke feature alone . Even if you live in an apartment , you could apply the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill on a small terrace or balcony .
Traeger has their Ranger Pellet Grill and Smoker and Halo sell the Prime300 Countertop Pellet Grill . Unfortunately , they ’re only designed for smoking and grilling and do n’t provide the same diverseness of cooking alternative as the grillroom I try . In my search online , I could not detect anything that comes tight to the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill .
Can you use the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill inside?
No , the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is not design for indoor utilisation . Always use this grillroom in a well - ventilated outdoor country to check it ’s good . Due to the smoke woods pellet , it works well in an open backyard blank .
How did we test the Ninja Woodfire Grill?
We began by value thecooking performanceon all the traditional BBQ favorites . Between us , we grilled steak , fish , veggie and cheeses , smoke whole joints of meat and air - crisped fries . We tasted all the results ( it ’s a tough life ) in search of crispy fries , stamp meat , absolutely - cooked veggie , and that quintessential smoky BBQ flavor .
Ease of useis crucial , so our tests evaluated the intuitiveness of the controls , program line booklet and the accuracy of formula presets . Between us , we tested every single preparation mode – include dehydrating gripe jerky , bake pizza and baking Ceylon cinnamon tree roll – to assess theversatility .
Capacitywas another key divisor , as we need to see how if this grill could resist up to entertaining and folk - sized meal . We also evaluatedsmart featureslike app connectivity and safety mechanisms such as motorcar shut - off and nerveless - touch exterior .
Cleaningup can be a trouble , so we verify if obliterable parts are easy to wash , whether by hand or in the dish washer . We also examine the material for sturdiness anddurability . As much as we prize David Beckham ’s revenue stamp of blessing , we also abrade the WWW for the good and worst client revue to value the grill’sreliabilityandoverall client atonement .
Finally , when you ’re make a kitchen investiture , pricereally matters , so we weighed up the grillwork ’s features and carrying out to see if it offer safe value for money .
Who tested this product?
Alex Temblador is an honour - gain ground author and freelance author based in Dallas , Texas . Her work in the abode space has appeared in outlets likeReal Homes , Gardeningetc . ,Tech Radar , Tom ’s Guide , Dwell , Architectural Digest , Culture Trip , andNeighborhoods.com . Shehas prove everything from emptiness cleaners to fitness equipment and pizza ovens .
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