Ninja’s new grill impresses outdoor cooks

The Ninja Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill bills itself as a 7-in-1 compact cooker, promising to handle grilling, smoking, air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating in a single unit. At around $400, it’s not cheap—but after nearly a month of daily testing, one reviewer found it delivered on nearly every claim.

Performance that surprised even skeptics

The reviewer, who initially expected weak results from a multi-function appliance, said the Woodfire Pro defied expectations. Burgers, steaks, chicken kabobs, wings, and even frozen burritos came out with dark, defined sear marks and crisp textures. The 141-square-inch nonstick cooking surface is smaller than dedicated grills, but the high-heat electric coils compensated by producing consistent heat distribution.

Smoking capabilities stood out as a highlight. Despite using only a half-cup of pellets in its side hopper, the grill generated intense smoke flavor in a fraction of the time required by full-size smokers. A rack of ribs smoked with Ninja’s Robust pellet blend developed a deep, almost overpowering taste in just a few hours—an unusual result for such a compact unit.

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The built-in thermometer probe and timer prevented overcooking by automatically shutting off the heat when food reached the target temperature. That feature alone saved multiple meals from ruin, according to the tester, who noted that even a teenage family member used the grill independently to reheat pizza and sandwiches without supervision.

Design choices that prioritize convenience

Weighing 30.6 pounds, the Woodfire Pro is light enough to move but sturdy enough to handle outdoor use. Nonstick coatings on the grill grate and air fry basket made cleanup quick, though the reviewer cautioned against using metal tools, which scratched the surface. A removable grease tray on the back, while small, held enough waste to require emptying only every few cooks.

The power cord is just four feet long, which could limit placement options, but the reviewer found it easy to extend with an outdoor-rated cord. The unit’s weather-resistant construction allows for indoor or outdoor use, and its compact size makes it viable for camping or small storage spaces.

One limitation is the cooking surface. While sufficient for small families or couples, it may feel cramped for larger gatherings. The reviewer compared it to other portable grills and found it scored highest in overall performance, but the trade-off for versatility is less space than a dedicated grill.

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For those who value flexibility over specialization, the Woodfire Pro offers a compelling compromise. It won’t replace a full-size smoker or grill for serious pitmasters, but for urban dwellers, renters, or anyone with limited outdoor space, it packs an unusual amount of functionality into a single appliance. The fact that the tester immediately started shopping for a replacement after a brief scare—thinking they’d ruined it in a thunderstorm—speaks to how quickly it became a kitchen staple.

The sample pellet blends included with the grill are a nice touch, though users may eventually want to experiment with third-party options. The Robust blend, in particular, delivers a bold, almost aggressive smoke profile that might not suit every dish. Those who prefer milder flavors may need to adjust cooking times or pellet quantities.

At its price point, the Woodfire Pro competes with standalone air fryers, portable grills, and even some full-size smokers. Its ability to switch between cooking methods without requiring separate appliances could justify the cost for buyers who lack the space or budget for multiple tools. It’s not perfect—no multi-function appliance is—but for a product that could have been a gimmick, it comes closer to living up to its promises than most.