Barbecue season is here, bringing the promise of smoky flavours, outdoor dining, and social gatherings. Yet, the hassle of lighting charcoal often puts a damper on the fun. Enter Ninja, the kitchen-tech brand famous for its air fryers, which has expanded into outdoor cooking with its innovative Woodfire electric barbecue and smoker.
Priced at £299.99, currently discounted by £50 to £249.99, Ninja’s Woodfire offers an impressive range of cooking functions, merging convenience with authentic smoky taste. The grill features intuitive controls—a dial and buttons—to preheat and cook with precision.
Chris Hall of Chronicle Live put the Woodfire to the test and was impressed. Unlike traditional charcoal grills that can be time-consuming to light, Chris said, “You’ll be ready to cook in roughly 15 minutes.” The standout feature is a side hopper for flavoured wood pellets, which ignite and circulate smoke throughout the grill. This adds deep aroma and flavour, creating a barbecue experience closer to charcoal than typical electric grills.
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While its compact size comfortably feeds a family of four, Chris notes that the grill’s capacity might be limiting for larger groups, holding about 16 sausages at once. For bigger gatherings, a larger grill could be necessary.
The Woodfire stands out with dual heating elements—one at the base and one inside the lid—plus a fan that circulates heat and smoke evenly. This design ensures consistent cooking and an authentic barbecue flavour. A built-in griddle plate delivers ideal searing for steaks and burgers without the fuss of open flames.
Set-up is quick and simple. Although there’s a stand option, the grill also works well on a garden table. Included is a handy recipe book with cooking tips for ribs, wings, vegetables, and more, helping users get the most out of its features.
Beyond grilling, the Woodfire functions as a smoker using provided wood pellets, excels at slow cooking at low temperatures, and offers versatility by roasting, baking, dehydrating, or reheating meals. It requires only a power outlet—no gas or charcoal—and promises minimal mess. The removable cooking plate makes cleaning straightforward, though it requires manual washing as it’s not dishwasher-safe.
In summary, Ninja’s Woodfire electric barbecue and smoker skillfully combines convenience with authentic smoky flavour, making it a compelling option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts seeking ease without compromising taste.