Although we count down to BBQ season all winter long, one thing I’m sure no one looks forward to is the laborious admin that goes alongside it. From the set-up to the cleaning, to the coal-buying to the maintenance, it’s a whole process we could all do without.
Well, thanks to Ninja’s brand new Woodfire Outdoor Grill, which boasts an impressive seven cooking functions as well as the ability to smoke using wood pellets, it seems that summer party faff could become a thing of the past. When compared with a traditional barbecue, it’s been heralded as easier to use and clean, more convenient and versatile, faster, and even the food is better.
As someone’s who’s both partial to a BBQ and most certainly averse to unnecessary admin, I was intrigued to see if it lived up to the hype - so we put it to the test.
Specs
- Product Dimensions (cm) H:34 x W:46 x D:46
- Grill Size (cm) 28cm x 37cm
- Weight 12kg
- Cord Length 1.6m
- Wattage 2400W
- Timer Yes
- Temperature Range LED Thermostat up to 260°Câ
- Programs Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Coating Ceramic coated
- Weatherproof Yes
- Cleaning Instructions Handwash only
- Extra equipment included in the box A grill plate, an air crisper basket, grease pan, a fat tray, two different pellet bags, a pellet scoop, and a quick start guide recipe book
Functionality
Ninja certainly weren’t lying when they said it was easy. Once it’s unpacked and everything’s accounted for, all you need to do is screw in the handles on either side which allows for portability (although, at 12kg, it’s a rather hefty unit), find a spot outside to plug it in, and you’re good to go.
First things first, if you want whatever you’re cooking to have the glorious smoky flavour that is inherent with traditional barbecueing, you’ll need to fill the woodpellet section to the side using the handy scoop that’s included - and one full scoop is all you need. Then, it’s time to start cooking with one of the seven functions available.
Test
We tested the grill to cook a pack of chipolata sausages. Set it to your desired temperature, which can be low, medium, or high, and you can inject smoky flavours at the press of the large ‘Woodfire Flavour’ button. According to the recipe book, for sausages, you need to set the temperature to low and the time to 10 minutes before pressing ‘Start’.
Then, the preheating process begins and lasts for about 10 minutes - giving you time to prepare your food. By this point, smoke had started to billow frrom the grill creating a delicious barbecuey aroma, and then, with a loud beep, the LED display instructs you to ‘Add Food’. Being the obliging chef that I am, I followed the command, and added the chipolatas to the grill plate.
The griddle easily fit the entire pack of 12 - and they were sizzling away in an instant. Half way through, the machine sends out another beep, alongside another instruction to ‘Flip Food’. Again, I obliged, and the classic griddle lines had already appeared on the underside of the meat.
After the full 10 minutes were up, the sausages were cooked to perfection with an ideal barbecuey level of crispiness.
Having tried many of the Ninja family in the past, from the Speedi to the Foodi, we’re familiar with the other functions on offer - and are sure they live up to the market leader’s rep.
Verdict
If you’re someone who, like me, enjoys a BBQ but doesn’t actually enjoy the cooking process, it’s perfect for you. Easy to use, super quick and convenient, you’ll have deliciously smoky food in the fraction of the time when compared to the traditional coal setup - you may even become the host as opposed to sticking to your preferred role as guest.
However, if you’re someone who likes their BBQ station as the focal point of the party, it’s not so good. The instructions, beeps and formulaic process takes all creative enjoyment away. But, you’d definitely be left with food that’s just as tasty.
