Ninja – Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL Outdoor 7-in-1 Grill & Smoker, App Enabled, Air Fryer, 2 Built-In Thermometers – Blue

Customer Reviews (34)

1. 

   djfr – October 16, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Good packaging for the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO XL Grill however the extras in the packaging rec’d damage. No noticeable damage to the outside of the packaging yet the air fry basket was bent in multiple places and one of the packages of pellets was broken open and half of the pellets were spread out in the box. The pellet package looked as if it was but with a knife.

   Set up appeared to be simple until the connection to the internet was lost, re-connecting was not easy. There is no place in the app that I could find to re-connect to the internet. I deleted the Woodfire Pro and started over, I had to complete this task twice before I was able to get connected to our network.

   Once connected to the internet we were set to cook. Washed all the appliance parts as directed and set up to try the Ninja Smoked Baby Back Ribs recipe per the accompanying recipe. The NINJA WOODFIRE PRO recipe ingredients appear to be enough to cover two racks of ribs however the recipe does not specify how many racks of ribs. I was smoking 1 rack and had excessive ingredients remaining after one good coating.

   I was a little apprehensive with the time given on the recipe for the ribs. The recipe called for 250 degrees and 2 hours of cooking time. I generally smoke ribs, on our large smoker, at 225 for 6 hours. When I fired up the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO, set it to the Smoker setting, it automatically came on at 250 degrees and 4 hours. I chose to leave the cooking time at 4 hours and monitor the cook. I pressed the START button and the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO started an ignition process to fire up the pellets, this took approximately 5 minutes and then the cook time began. You don’t need to press the Woodfire Flavor button when using the Smoker setting. There is no preheat time when using the Smoker function.

   At the 2 hours mark the ribs were at 165 degrees, the targeted temperature was supposed to be 203 degrees. The outside weather temperature was 66 degrees during the rib cooking time. This will generally add time to your cooking time, but I would not have thought it would add 1 hour. Just prior to the completion of the 2 hour cook I added additional pellets to the smoker. We like a lot of smoke flavor; we did use the NINJA WOODFIRE PELLETS ROBUST BLEND for this cook.

   Removed the ribs when the thinner end of the BABY BACK ribs was at 200 degrees and the fatter end was 190, ribs had pulled back nicely on the bone. The ribs were set out to rest for 10 minutes prior to cutting. Total cooking time was 3 hours.

   The COOK MODE settings on the Ninja Smoker app would not change the COOK MODE settings on the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO and vice versa, changing the COOK MODE settings on the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO does not change the setting that appears on the app.

   As a result, the ribs came out excellent, moist, tender, and flavorful. Cooking time was longer than suggested, however this will happen with most smokers/grills depending on the outside climate.

   Looking forward to using the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO for a lot of smoking. We fire up our large smoker for cooking many of our meals and it does use a great deal of pellets. Using the NINJA WOODFIRE PRO will cut way down on the pellet use with the same cook results.

2. 

   Techuser – October 16, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   I had the pleasure of using the Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL Outdoor 7-in-1 Grill Smoker over the weekend. It was my first time EVER using a smoker. This grill truly impressed me on many levels. I made a 2 lbs tri-tip that was REALLY REALLY easy to make. I trimmed some of the fat and seasoned the tri-tip over night (dry rub). It was really good.

   Design and Build (4/5):
   The design is a modern and practical, with ample cooking space. The build quality is robust and looks like it’s built to withstand the sun, rain and snow, however think it will still buy a cover for it. The grill feels well-constructed and solid. However, I’m not sure if smoke was supposed to come out of the pellet feeder. (see picture)

   Ease of Use (5/5):
   Using this grill was a breeze, even for someone like me, who’s not a professional chef. The setup was straightforward, and the app connectivity made it extremely convenient to monitor the cooking process remotely. The pre-set cooking programs for various dishes, including tri-tip, made it very simple. Cant wait to try something else. Maybe ribeye =)

   Cooking Performance (5/5):
   I cooked a tri-tip to perfection – it was juicy, tender, and had a delicious smoky flavor. The two built-in thermometers ensured I could keep track of the meat’s internal temperature, preventing overcooking. I used my external thermometers to “test” the temperature and make sure the two built in was accurate.

   App Integration (4.7/5):
   The app connectivity was a handy feature. It allowed me to control the grill remotely, set timers, and access recipes. I couldn’t find the option or if it was an option to stop cooking when the meat reached a temperature. I hope they add this option soon.

   Overall (4.8/5):
   The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL Outdoor Grill Smoker is a fantastic investment for outdoor cooking. It made my tri-tip experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a novice, this grill is an excellent choice easy cooking. Definitely recommended to anymore looking for a new grilling experience.

3. 

   RobWLINY2 – October 17, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL premium grill does a very good job at cooking meat to the desired temperature, and with the app makes it easy to set the desired temperature (as well as fully control and monitor the cooking process). We cooked once to temperature and once to time, time is good when you don’t want to use the thermometer, but the thermometer is easy and helps ensure things are cooked right. We cooked one batch of meat with the woodfire flavor mode (with the robust blend wood pellets), and one batch without. Ultimately, we decided as a group that we didn’t like the smoky taste/smell of the woodfire mode pellets — but the meat was otherwise cooked perfect (medium rare, 135 degrees), and almost none was left when we were done eating (so it couldn’t have been that bad). App control was easy, but you may want to make sure Wi-Fi reaches wherever you will place the grill. It has air frying capabilities, but don’t expect to grill and air fry at the same time (if you want to prepare meat and French fries, expect one of them to be cold while you’re cooking the other). After receiving this grill, I opted to purchase (not yet received) accessories like drip trays (only one included), a grill cover, and a stand — which shows that I am intending to keep using it, and would recommend it.

4. 

   internetuser – October 18, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   After receiving the Ninja – Woodfire ProConnect I read the instructions, cleaned all the cooking surfaces, plugged it in and prepared to connect it to WIFI so I can use all the cooking options on my phone. That was the first problem. My backyard which is only 50 feet from my router and where the Ninja – Woodfire ProConnect was would not connect. I brought it inside to the kitchen which is only 20 feet from my router and still no connection. I literally had to move the grill about 5 feet from my router before it would connect. I know it wasn’t the router because I have a TV and speakers in my backyard that receive the WIFI signal with no issue. Once connected it stayed connected after moving it to it’s position on the back porch.

   Now it was time to try it out. I bought 2 big New York steaks, seasoned them , and let them rest to room temperature. I wanted to use the thermometer method so I chose the “beef” selection and the “med” setting. I also pushed the Ninja Woodfire Tech button to get that smoke flavor on my steaks. Within a minute the (included) pellets fired up and the grill started to preheat. When preheated I pushed the thermometer into the middle of 1 steak and put them on the grill and closed the lid. This is where problem 2 arose. Within a minute my phone and the grill beeped and said my food was done. It had to be operator error right? Well the thermometer was directly in the middle of the steak but the temperature reader on my phone and grill said 75 degrees. So I’m not so sure what happened there. I will say the temperature that the included thermometers were showing was the same as my digital thermometer.

   For the quality of the food… It was excellent. Nice smoky flavor, nice pinkish inside when cooked to 240 degrees and great grill marks. Also the last 5 minutes of the cook there was plenty of room to throw some sliced zucchini on the grill so everything would be done at the same time.

   I tried some chicken breast the following night and once again after 1 minute of cooking the app and grill told me the food needed to be flipped. Then 2 minutes was told the meat was done. I will keep trying to use the included thermometers in case it is operator error. I really do love the smoky flavoring that this Ninja – Woodfire ProConnect produces. It’s not overwhelming so you can still taste the seasonings or marinades you use. I can’t wait to try more proteins and vegetables on the grill as well as air frying and broiling.

   Cleanup is very easy. The removeable grill or fry basket clean up easy with soap and water and the grease trap is amazing with a disposable tray that you just throw out and replace with a new one when full.

   I really love this Ninja – Woodfire ProConnect and hope to fix the issue I have had with it.

5. 

   Dustmaker – October 19, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker is the latest rendition of Ninja’s outdoor grills. What makes this one different, is the inclusion of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, something I never realized I needed. When I first heard of this feature, I thought it was somewhat silly. But after my first experience with it, I think it is brilliant. How many times have you experienced flareups or just unpredictable behavior and cooking times with your outdoor grill?
   The Ninja Pro Connect app allows you to completely control the cooking temperature, time, preheating and shut off using either Bluetooth for close-range control or Wi-Fi (2.4-GHz band) for around the house range communication. In addition, you can designate using this device to grill, smoke (utilizing two varieties of cooking pellets), air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate. You can determine whether to cook via time or utilize the included thermometers (2) to monitor and determine when your feast is finished. When the deed is done, the handy little app notifies you that it’s time to eat. Another nice feature is that there is a large selection of cooking charts suggesting temperatures and times for a given quantity of foods such as poultry, beef, pork, seafood, bread/cheese, fruit, lamb/veal, and vegetables. To top it off, all of the cooking chart items only need to be clicked on the app on your phone to direct the powered-on grill to engage the proper temperature and time.
   In addition to the grill, there are a number of other items in the package including a crisper basket, a removable smoke box for wood pellets, a scoop for the pellets, a grease tray and liner, an onboard dual thermometer storage unit with thermometers, and two bags of sample woodfire pellets good for 3 cooking sessions each. Some optional items to consider are a foldable stand designed for the Ninja grill that puts the grill at just the right height and two different covers, one for the grill when it is used on a larger surface, and the other that is used by the grill and the Ninja stand. I think the stand is a bit overpriced compared to the grill, but the appropriate cover is a necessity if leaving the grill outside.
   In use, this grill and smoker is so far, predictable and easier to run, clean, and use than our current traditional grill. The removable grill in the Ninja is very easy to clean and the drain at the back of the grill for grease evacuation empties into the grease tray and disposable liner that are available in quantity from Ninja. Easy cleanup and ease of use with this grill makes outdoor cooking a joy. In fact, when I first started using the app, it was so novel and useful I couldn’t believe it. Our first several times cooking with this grill turned out great! Can’t wait for more experiences with some of the other features. I recommend this product!

6. 

   mdh4pennstate – October 22, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   This is my review of the Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL Premium Outdoor Grill & Smoker upon which I rate at 5 out of 5 stars! For full disclosure, I received this product in exchange for this unbiased review. Out of the box, and what a BIG box it is the product is well packed and surrounded by Styrofoam. The product comes with all sorts of accessories to include the grill grate, crisper basket, smoke box, grease tray w/ liner, two temperature probes, pellet scoop, and two types/flavors of wood pellets. The Quick Start Guide is your key to navigating this product. Scan the QR code to download the NinjaProConnect app. The app is used in lieu of or in addition to the control settings on the product face. There are plenty of cooking modes to include, grill, smoker, air crisp, roast, bake broil, and dehydrate. The smoker setting is specifically engineered for low and slow cooking along with wood pellets to provide the smoke. This product does not use pellets for fuel. The product in best terms of description is a convection oven and broiler with the addition of wood pellets for enhanced smoke flavor.

   For my first cook, I decided to make my Cajun Pork Tenderloin. This dish uses a proprietary dry-rub blend of 8 herbs/spices. I set the product to roast, 400-degrees using a temperature probe, and woodfire flavor technology enabled along with the use of the robust blend of wood pellets. I preheated the product and added the wood pellets per instructions and when the unit beeps and instructs you to add the food per the LED display. I inserted the pork tenderloin and closed the lid and let the Ninja grill and smoker do its thing!

   Upon cooking the wood pellets begin to smoke with light bellows of smoking goodness rolling up along the grill sides and into the air. In approximately 12-minutes it beeped to indicate the completed cook. I took the internal temperature with an instant meat probe and it registered 150-degrees, it couldn’t be more perfect. I wrapped the tenderloin twice in aluminum foil to rest for 15-minutes. I steamed some vegetables for the side dish. Upon opening up the foiled tenderloin, I smelled an amazing piece of meat. There was a nice smoke ring and deep rich flavor from the combined Cajun spices and robust blend wood pellets. I could not believe how tender and moist this meat was. This was the best turnout of this dish that I have prepared for many years. I highly recommend the product for those who want to have great smoke flavor in your foods without having to spend $1,000+ for a smoker grill plus occupying much real-estate on your patio.

   I hope you enjoyed reading my review and it helps you in your purchasing decision.

7. 

   ZachC – October 23, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   When they say XL they mean it, this thing is big! Immediately opening the box it comes packed up with all the accessories you need to be up and cooking in less than 30 minutes. I have cooked on charcoal, gas, electric griddles and smokers before so this being 7 cooking appliances in 1 seems like a great way to go!

   Set up was simple, unboxing and organizing the items that this unit ship with. I washed the main cooking plate and the air crisp basket before powering up the unit for the first time. This particular appliance comes with an app that allows you to control the unit remotely via Bluetooth or WiFi. High Five to Nijna for providing their customers with a VERY EASY set up process through the app, set up was less than a few minutes and I was already controlling my grill from my phone to start the first burn in before cooking for the first time. I will advise to read the included quick start guide and instruction manual just to get a feel for all the options and neat things this grill can do.

   One HUGE call out when setting up the grill, if you sync with your wireless internet you can monitor temps and cook times from anywhere via the app! I ran to get the kids from school and while in the pick up line, I could see exactly what the internal temp was of my tenderloin and how much cook time was left. Pretty slick to have technology assisting you when life causes you to multi-task.

   There is this intimidation factor when it comes to smoking meat or grilling that is completely eliminated with this grill. Because its so easy to use, experimenting with different proteins and seasoning will be tons of fun! I first cooked a pork tenderloin using the woodfire smoke feature and it turned out incredible, the included temperature probes and the app helped me ensure I cooked it perfectly to approx. 180 degrees. In the app, there are presets by meat and cut or you can fully customize depending on your level of expertise.

   I wanted to try the air crisp feature by cooking chicken wings, so on they went after checking out a few online recipes. What changed the game for me when cooking these wings is the addition of a subtle amount of smokiness! The air crisp feature is similar in design to an air fryer BUT you can raise the bar by adding the wood fire feature and add some smoke while cooking. This was fun to play around with because traditional grilling doesn’t naturally add so much smoke flavor.

   Clean up was fairly easy with the one exception of how the air crisp basket is designed, it did take some elbow grease to get totally clean. The primary cooking surface is non stick and is removable from the grill unit so cleaning that is pretty straight forward.

   Storage can be kinda tricky due to the dimensions of this cooker, and once you use the woodfire smoke feature it will for sure smell like smoked food so storing inside might not be an option for everyone.

   There are TONS of videos on YouTube to get ideas of what to cook next and with the versatility and increased size over the original the sky is truly the limit on how many amazing meals you can make with this grill. Essentially the Swiss Army knife of outdoor grilling appliances!

8. 

   GagetGuy – October 24, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker

   This is one of Ninjas newest models that have a 30% larger grilling space than the Original Woodfire grill. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity and an App for your phone. Like others, I first thought the App was overkill and would this really be needed? Well, I have to eat my words! I have used this grill at least 4 times and I have to say, three of those were using the App! Yes, you can use the controls on the grill and do the same. However, I really like the App. I find myself looking at the whole grilling session on the App and I don’t have to be right in front of the grill. The App walks you through the type of cooking you want to do, the temperature you want to cook at, and the amount of time for cooking or use the probes and cook to internal temperature. This model includes 2 probes and you can even set each one to different temperatures (Ex: Cooking chicken and Beef at the same time). You also activate the “Smoking” feature via a button on the grill or on the App when you are setting the other parameters. Smoking is accomplished by adding Ninja pellets to a small hopper on the right side of the grill. That hopper has an electric igniter built in and will create the smoke which is pulled into the cooking chamber and circulated by the convection fan in the top of the grill.

   This grill will do Air Fry and includes an open basket that is placed on the grill surface and you can put a lot of wings or fries in that basket. I did some Tatar Tots and it worked as well as my counter top Air Fry device but will hold so much more. I can envision a full bag of wings cooking, just perfect for a casual party!

   You can also grill, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. You have the option to add smoke to most of those settings except for dehydrate. The smoker setting automatically activates the smoke feature. Since this is the XL grill, the cooking surface is 180 Sq.-Inch. That’s enough for 2 x 7 lb. chickens, 2 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, or a 10 lbs. brisket. Compared to the original Ninja, this one does have more space. I’m happy about that.

   I found the grill easy to set up with great instructions from Ninja. I have air fried Tatar Tots, smoked a large rack of ribs, and I roasted a small beef roast. I have used the probes for the ribs, and the beef roast. For testing purposes I used both probes in the beef roast. I placed the probes into each end centered into the roast. Surprisingly, each probe registered within 1-2 degrees of each other throughout the cooking process. Set to 125 degrees (Med Rare) the grill shut down and told me the food was ready both on the grill and on my app. When I inserted my digital fast reading thermometer into the roast, its temperature read within 2 degrees of what the app was telling me the probes had read. That’s right on! Roast came out nicely browned on the outside with a warm red center with a small amount of blood. That’s Med Rare! I’m anxious to try some NY Strip steaks and see how they come out.

   WHAT I LIKE:

   I like the build quality. It’s solid and robust looking. I like the placement of the drip pan on the back with a straight shot down from the rear drain off the grill surface. NO drips on the deck and easy clean up with the disposable aluminum drip pans. I like the lower storage tray that holds the 2 probes. They are handy but won’t get misplaced. The grill surface is ribbed for making good sear marks, but is easily removable for washing in the kitchen sink. The Pellet dispenser is easily filled and emptied. I like the Air Fry tray/basket as its big and easily added and removed. It sits right on top of the grilling surface. It’s fairly easy to clean but it is not coated and likely will darken with use. The WIFI connected easily and quickly and reconnected on its own with each power up when you hit the power button on the grill. You do need to download the app and register with Ninja to use it.

   WHAT I DON’T LIKE:

   The power cord is short! It’s only about 40-42 inches long and has a large GFI module about 8 inches from the plug. Most people will have to use a heavy duty outdoor cord to reach most outlets. The instructions give you good recommendations for the wire size (14 -12 Gauge) based on the length. The GFI module will require a large hole on my installation to go through the counter to the plug below. For those used to their gas or charcoal grills, you likely didn’t wash the grates after each use. You either scrapped them after or before the next use or heated the grill to burn it off. With this grill, you will need to wash the grill plate in the sink after each use. Might be a small issue for some, but I wanted to bring it up. This grill package came with starter pellets, the air fry basket, probes, and pellet scoop, but NO cover. Somewhat disappointing, but they can be ordered from Ninja. Be sure to get the one for the XL model.

   CONCLUSION:

   It’s a very high tech grill that works very well. For the griller, you will get into the whole experience. For the tech person, you will get into the app and being able to do everything from the kitchen of in front of the TV. It’s versatile for other cooking projects a regular charcoal or gas grill can’t do. It’s great for the apartment or condo dweller that can’t use charcoal or gas on their decks. The results are better than I expected. That’s a big statement coming from me. I would recommend this grill to a friend. I will definitely be showing it off to my friends as it is technologically and operationally impressive.

9. 

   91preludesi – October 24, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   I’ve used a vertical electric smoker for years. It was an earlier model from when Bluetooth first became an option. It constantly dropped connection, requiring complete shutdown and pairing again. Not great when you’re trying to maintain temperature. I’ve been wanting to get a replacement, but I didn’t want another piece of massive outdoor cooking equipment. The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL was exactly what I was looking for.

   The packaging was great. Everything arrived in perfect condition. Out of the box, the first thing that you notice is that it is well built and sturdy. I immediately downloaded the app, set it up and plugged it in to pair it to my phone. Setup was simple and worked the first time. For the first run, I smoked a 10 lb pork shoulder. I applied the rub the night before to give it 12 hours before putting it on. I placed the Woodfire on a fold-out table to give myself enough room to wrap the shoulder when it was time. I filled the pellet hopper with the robust blend pellets, placed the shoulder in it and used the app to set my parameters. (You can also use the controls on the front as well). I set the temperature to 225 degrees, and set it to alert me at 175 degrees, at which point I would wrap the shoulder. The smoker setting automatically sets the Woodfire setting for the pellets and ignites them. You do not have to preheat it on the smoker setting. Initially, it goes through the ignition setting. This takes a few minutes and starts the pellets. You’ll notice it start to smoke rather quickly. Once the shoulder reached my initial target temperature of 175 degrees, the front screen read, “GET FOOD” and the app alerted me as well. I then removed the shoulder, wrapped it and placed it back in the Woodfire. I then set the target temperature to 203 degrees. The last hour I raised the smoker temperature to 250 degrees to speed it up a little. Overall, it was on for 11 hours. I did attempt to add more pellets after about three hours. I added them, pressed the Woodfire Flavor button and it never started smoking again. I pulled out the instructions and it said to add more pellets you need to hold the button for three seconds. I did this and again, nothing happened. I tried several more times and never got it to relight. Each time “IGN” (ignition) showed on the screen with the dashes to indicate that it was igniting. The app also showed ignition progress each time. I’m not sure if this is a fault with mine, or if I’m missing something. The smoking didn’t last very long and I wish that I was able to get a second session of smoking in. I will say, after smoking roughly 15 shoulders over the years, this one was by far the best. The bone pulled out easily and clean. I couldn’t pick it up off the butcher paper because it was falling apart. It came out perfectly.

   It comes with an air fry/crisper basket, two types of pellets (robust and all-purpose blends), a pellet scoop that holds the perfect amount for the hopper, a grease tray with one disposable liner and two temperature probes. The grease tray goes in the rear and works great. The two temperature probes have a storage case that slides in under the front. The cord is very short, you will need an extension cord unless you are within a couple of feet of an outlet. Cleanup was very easy. The grill grate is nonstick and cleans easily. Once cooled, you can just dump out the pellet hopper and rinse it off.

   The pictures show the shoulder before going on, ignition cycle, 3 hours into the cook, temperature screen, “GET FOOD” screen, final results and a screenshot of the app.

   I would absolutely recommend the Ninja Woodfire Proconnect Premium XL. It’s well-built, compact, feature rich and versatile. The ability to grill, smoke, air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate can’t be beat.

10. 

    IBEWSuper – October 24, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I started off with this grill mainly with the intention of taking it camping but I just could not wait that long. I have been testing it out beforehand, and so far I have been blown away. This appears to be another great product from Ninja, they have thought of everything, with 7 cooking options, and you can use the smoke feature with any of them. The crisper basket works amazingly, especially for my absolute favorite, chicken wings, they come out crispy, smokey and juicy. I cooked the wings at about 380 in the crisper basket for 20 mins turning after 10 mins., this grill cooks unbelievably fast. I am not sure 100% sure but i think several of the recipes in the recipe book may have some of the cook times listed incorrectly. Be aware that this could be a problem and check recipes on line. If you follow the recipes you may be disappointed in the outcome, no fault of the grill. Some people have stated that the food did not taste smokey enough, i did not find that at all. We have a famous brand full size smoker and BBQ, so am not a newbie and it produces plenty of smokey flavour for the 1/2 cup of pellets that you use. I also find the digital thermometers very handy, the wifi connection was easy to setup and the app seems to work very well so far. I love everything about this grill except that I have not recieved the new stand that I ordered yet or everything would be perfect. This thing is a must have for tailgating by the way.

11. 

    BryBryJ – October 24, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Ninja’s new Woodfire ProConnect XL Grill/Smoker is awesome. I like all my Ninja products, like my blender and cookware set, so I had very high expectations for this grill/smoker.

    Aesthetically, it looks real nice with the matte color, polished steel, digital display, and easy to read cooking modes. Despite it saying XL in the name its not a ridiculously oversized grill, just eyeballing it I’d say its about the same size as a 1.1 CuFt microwave. It only weighs about 40lbs so its not heavy to move or transport. It definitely looks better than my little Old Smokey pit.

    Controls are incredibly simple. You can cycle through all 7 cooking modes and get to cooking with the control panel on the face of the grill/smoker. Or you could do this through the Ninja ProConnect app which is a great tool for newbies like myself. The app has so many options and recipe choices for just about anything you wanna cook up, based on the type of meat or veg, cooking mode, or time you want to spend actually cooking. Once you’re all set up to get cooking, you can keep track of the temperature, the time needed to cook, and even use the included meat thermometers to plug into the grill and check the internal temps of your food. For smoking there is a small side hatch for the wood pellets.

    The grill comes with a nice little bevy of items that will get you started in whatever you want to start cooking. It comes with a crisper basket, two meat thermometers, two sample packs of wood pellets (all purpose blend and robust blend) which gets you 3 uses each bag, and a scoop for the pellets.

    Now for my test run I used the grill function and grilled me up some chicken drumsticks I had marinated in a honey siracha seasoning. They came out perfect and I look forward to using it on weekends for burgers, steaks, and ribs. Also if you haven’t got a table or stand for the grill to sit on or a covered grilling area you will probably have to buy the Ninja grill stand and outdoor grill cover like I did, since those arent included and as nice as my grill is I want to make sure it lasts for a long time.

    Overall I’m calling The Woodfire ProConnect XL Grill/Smoker another great product from Ninja.

12. 

    LSNerd – October 25, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Talk about no hassle grilling! Before I get to this lets start at the beginning. Unboxing the grill you will quickly find that it is a sturdy piece of equipment that has been well designed and planned. The bonus with the grill is it comes with small packages of pellets for when you want to use it as a smoker. A couple things to note, this was designed for outdoor usage so keep that in mind. You might be able to use it indoors as long as you’re not using the smoker function. Also keep in mind you will need an electrical outlet. If an extension cord is needed the manual provides recommendations. Once you have the grill setup and plugged you will want to download the app to your mobile device. This will allow you to receive alerts from the grill and monitor progress. You can even setup your cooking mode and times from the app! My first attempt on the grill was smoked ribs. For this there was no preheating of the grill, simply put the ribs on (I did two slabs at once) close the lid, fill the pellet tray up, select smoker, set the time and temp then press start. After the first few minutes the smoke pellets were ignited and there was an amazing aroma coming from the grill. During the entire cooking cycle, I was able to monitor time an temp of the grill. At the end I received a notification that the cooking was complete. The results were very good! Cleanup was simple, remove the tray and put it in the dishwasher. I have yet to use a Ninja product that didn’t meet or exceed expectations and this is no exception. Next up, I think I’m going to roast a chicken using the temperature probes!

13. 

    HUNTER – October 25, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL outdoor grill is a game-changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With its innovative design and advanced features, it’s a top-tier addition to any backyard or patio.

    The first thing that stands out is the build quality. It’s sturdy and well-constructed, showcasing Ninja’s commitment to durability. The XL size offers ample cooking space, perfect for large gatherings and family barbecues. It’s ideal for grilling, smoking, and even roasting.

    One of the standout features is the ProConnect technology, which allows for effortless and customizable cooking experiences. The interchangeable grill grates make it easy to switch between various cooking styles, from direct grilling to smoking. The versatility is unmatched and caters to both beginners and seasoned grill masters.

    The wood pellet system is a revelation. It imparts a rich, smoky flavor to your food, elevating the taste to a whole new level. The temperature control is precise, thanks to the digital control panel. You can set and maintain your desired temperature, ensuring consistent results every time.

    The grill also comes with a variety of cooking modes, such as low and slow smoking, high-temperature grilling, and even a searing option. The sear zone is a fantastic addition for achieving those perfect grill marks and caramelization on your steaks and burgers.

    Cleanup is a breeze due to the easy-to-empty ash cup and the non-stick grates. The grill is also equipped with a grease management system, making it relatively mess-free.

14. 

    ravedave – October 25, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I have a gas grill and an indoor grill. Neither smoke by default. So this opportunity was pretty welcome.
    This is big, the box is big and it’s heavy. So be prepared. The box is designed for easy setup. Lots of tape kept that from happening. You should use the app for this grill. You don’t have to I think. This does not come with the grill stand or a cover. Keep that in mind.
    I have some decent knowledge on how to cook. But a new grill is always a learning curve. My first thing to try was ribs. I followed oke of the online grilling videos. I baked them first in aluminum foil then grilled them. Mine did get over cooked so no pics.
    The app has several modes and recipes. Follow them and not me. Always undercook. You can cook it more if you want after.
    My next attempt Is going to be a whole chicken, i want to use the temperature probe. This is not tall enough for beer can chicken.
    The wood chips have a decent smell, I want to try them with the chicken for this weekend. There is a grilling plate I am not sure what to do with it,but it’s a learning curve

15. 

    joshspfld – October 26, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    This grill is a game changer. It has all the functions of an air-fryer, grill, and smoker.
    As an air-fryer, it does a great job and has a nice basket you can fit a lot of food in–nearly 3 times larger than my indoor unit.
    When grilling, the thermometers are revolutionary to the cooking process. Simply set the temp (or select the protein and doneness), and it does the rest–you can even add wood pellets to get a smoked flavor. I had my doubts about this because of poor experiences with other grills, but Ninja gets it right. I tossed a couple of 1-inch t-bone steaks on it and set it to medium rare. In a matter of minutes, they were perfect! The Woodfire PrConnect uses convection, like an air fryer, to get an even cook with no flair ups. It even had me pull them just a bit early to allow them to rest to the perfect finish.The next night, we cooked chicken and had the same flawless experience.

    There’s a lot to love about this:
    I really like this device, it does an amazing job as a grill.
    The cooking surface is decent sized for a family of 4.
    Cleaning it is easy, so far.
    The temp probes are accurate and easy to use.
    Adding pellets for smoking is simple.
    The app makes it a breeze to manage your cook.
    It’s FAST, like really fast.

    Now, here’s why I didn’t give it 5 stars.
    Form factor: It’s a little small to be be a party grill. It’s a table top unit, so it doesn’t really fit into my outdoor set up. Ninja sells stands for them, which is probably a worthwhile investment.
    The cord is short: It’s only a few feet long. You need a heavy duty extension cable to run this anywhere that you don’t have an outlet immediately next to a table.
    Smoke pellet clean-up: After using pellets, it still had smoking pellets in the smokebox. I had to wait for them to burn out to clean the hopper. It’d be nice to have a way to do this and dispose of the pellets without waiting.
    App: I had some trouble adjusting the temp on the second probe once I started a cook cycle.

    Overall, I think this is the perfect device for a small space or someone who wants to grilled flavor without having a propane or charcoal grill. I could see this being a great grill to take to the campground or tailgate, when a full grill might be too cumbersome.

16. 

    dustinw – October 26, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Ninja Woodfire Grill is an excellent addition to our home, and I think it will likely be a great addition to anyone else’s. It is easy to use and the different functions of it make it very versatile. In our time with the grill so far, we’ve tried smoking, grilling, air frying and dehydrating. The Ninja makes each of these easy and having the app to help keep track of your cooks just makes things even easier. I think my favorite thing that we’ve tried so far on this grill was some St. Louis style ribs. We started by prepping the ribs and seasoning them. We then started smoking them on the grill, which took about an hour. Using the built-in thermostats to measure the temperature is helpful and getting a notification from the app that the ribs had come up to temperature. We pulled them from the smoker and then wrapped them in foil with some more sauce and then set the Ninja to grill, to let the ribs braise for about an hour as well. Finally, removing the foil and adding a little more sauce before putting them back on the grill to set. They turned out very nice. The Ninja made each step so easy to do and keep track of, and the ability to do it all in one place was convenient. I really like the built-in thermostats, especially having two of them so you can monitor two temps at once. Using the Ninja to air fry some chicken was very easy as well. The included air fryer tray is much bigger than any other air fryer we’ve used. The preheat time was fast and cooking the chicken went exactly as expected. We prepped the rest of the meal (a sauce and some veggies) as the chicken was cooking. It just makes things so very easy. We also tried making some beef jerky using the dehydrator option. While the jerky didn’t quite come out as we would have liked, that was no fault of the Ninja. We need to experiment with how we marinate and season the meat a little more. We added the smoke to the jerky along with other seasoning and it tasted good but wasn’t quite how we like our jerky. Speaking of which though, the smoking works very well on the Ninja. It’s impressive how well everything works in such a small footprint. I do wish that it came with a stand (though you can buy one separately) and a longer power cable. The cable is pretty short, and if your outlets are lower, like ours, you won’t be able to set it on anything without an extension.

    As someone who has never smoked anything before, I can’t believe how easy the Ninja made things for me. I’ve never made beef jerky before either. Again, the Ninja made the process very simple too. The Ninja woodfire is a great addition for us and will be seeing plenty of use. It’s ease of use and ability to tackle different cooking types make it well worth the small space it takes.

    Pros: Very easy to use, excels at all it attempts, smart features and app
    Cons: Short power cord, would be nice to have a stand included

17. 

    EngineerMom – October 26, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I was surprised at how much time I saved and how perfectly the meats were smoked using the Ninja Woodfire ProConnect 7 in 1 Grill & Smoker. After a week of grilling, smoking, and air crisping, I find this to be a quick and efficient alternative to using a grill, smoker, or air fryer, now that I have one grill combo that does it all.

    In the box is the grill, nonstick grate, fryer basket, 2x built in thermometers, drip pan with disposable liners, pellet scoop, and 2x pellet samples (Robust & All purpose). To get started you will need to install the Ninja ProConnect app, which walks you through the full setup. After installing the app, you’ll be able to connect via both Bluetooth and wifi, app setup takes less than 5 minutes and from there you can control everything from your phone.

    Once the app is installed, cooking is wholly automated unless you opt for manual control. In the app there are three primary tabs: charts, cook, and settings. The charts tab provides cooking settings based on meat and cooking method. Clicking on one of the charts will send all settings (grill temp / time / meat thermometer goal temp) directly to the grill, once sent you can then update if your preferences vary. The cook tab allows for full control of time, temp, and method. The app allows you to select if you want to cook based on time or internal thermometer, cook method (grill, smoker, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate), if you want to turn on the Woodfire flavor (smoker activation), and then cook time and grill temperature. The last tab is settings which includes your account information, connected appliances, help, app control settings, and notifications.

    The overall build of the grill is based on ease of use. There are two temp probes that tuck into a storage slot on the bottom of the grill and are easy to access. There is also a removable drip tray that slides in from the back side of the grill. The disposable trays sit directly under the grill, with a gentle slope to guide all excess liquids into the tray. So far I have had zero issues with clean up, everything goes straight into the tray for quick disposal. The grill plate is removable and is nonstick so after I let it cool off I give it a quick rinse in the sink, then dry and put back on the grill. One note is that the cord is short with a built-in GFCI module, if you are grilling near a wall outlet this won’t be a problem, but if you are further away, you will need an outdoor heavy duty rated extension cord to supply the correct power required.

    As far as actually using the grill, I’m impressed with the versatility and capacity. My first test was smoking ~3 lbs of pork tenderloin and veggie skewers. I originally started mid day, as normally smoking the tenderloin would have taken a few hours. This grill did it in 45 minutes, the meat was tender, juicy, and highly flavorful using basic pork seasoning and the Ninja sample of all purpose smoking pellets. Since it finished so early in the day, later that night I threw the pork back on the grill to reheat for dinner alongside the skewers. I was able to reheat in ~20 minutes without drying the meat and adding in just enough smoke to give the veggies a hint of flavor. I’m a huge fan of being able to smoke a quick dinner for the family in under an hour.

    A few things to know, the cooking surface looks small compared to the average gas grill, but after I started attempting various meals, I found that it can handle family of four portions with ease. I can fit 3 whole chickens (for meal prepping) or 4 steaks and potatoes or 5+ lbs of pork tenderloin with veggie skewers and get juicy flavorful meat every single time. If you cook two different proteins there are two separate probes that can be configured to alert at the specific temperature based off of that meat (see photo). With any of these proteins, I can choose if I want to add smoke to the grill, the smoke box is a small box on the side that accepts ~1/2 cup of pellets. For all of my testing I have used the enclosed samples, and still have some left. While I haven’t tried it yet, I’m excited to try the cold smoke option to make smoked Gouda. This is done by igniting the smoker box but not activating the grill portion. I can see this being a fun experiment for smoking fruits, veggies, and cheeses during the holidays. Next, the air crisper, the surface area is much larger than my air fryer, so I can do more in less time. I was able to air crisp and smoke ~4 lbs of wings/dumbs in the crisper basket, which takes them to a whole different level from grilling or baking. The broil, bake, and roast features are as expected, they do heat faster than the average oven and the temp probes ensure that I always hit the desired temperature. For dehydration, this was my first time making a smoked jerky, but it was fantastic. You are limited to one layer, but can turn on the smoker as you dehydrate and give the meat a different flavor profile from dehydrating alone. Also the mess is much easier to clean up.

    In summary, I don’t know if this will replace my large smoker or gas grill for family get-togethers, but for quick, quality family meals, 100% this is my new go to. The Woodfire ProConnect makes everything fast, automated, with real time temp readings, while still providing that slow smoked flavor. If you’re space constrained, this would be my top recommendation for grilling and / or smoking.

18. 

    Justin – October 27, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL is the latest version of their popular Woodfire Grill & Smoker with 30% more capacity than before. The grill promises the ability to grill, smoke, and air fry all-in-one with little input from the user and ap integration to seamless monitor and control the unit. This is all done via electricity and without all the maintenance of traditional gas or wood burning smokers. Does it live up to its promise? Actually, I think so!

    In The Box:

    – Grill & Smoker
    – 2x Thermometers
    – Cripster Basket
    – Pellets & Scoop (3x Use Per Blends)
    – Grease Tray w/ Liner
    – Quick Star Guide

    Setup:

    After getting everything installed within the unit and taking all of the plastic off, you can plug it in and start the setup via the app. Now this is not 100% necessary, but I would highly recommend it as you get a lot of additional control and can monitor your session in real time among other things. This unit is large so make sure to find a suitable spot and make sure to grab a heavy-duty extension cord because you’ll need it.
    Going through the app setup, it connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The network should be 2.4gHz capable. I tried connecting it to a 5 gHz network and it errored out. Tried with the dedicated 2.4 gHz and it also errored out. Then went back into the app and it was connected and working so I am not sure which it connected to, but everything works.

    Usage:

    So, after getting it set up, I started my first session with two 3lb Pork Butts. These fit inside the smoker without issue and plenty of room to spare. I chose to use the All-Purpose blend of pellets. We used one thermometer in each just to see how even the temperature was between them. Within the app we followed along the instructions for this type of smoke session and hit go and the machine turned on and started igniting and preheating. Within minutes we were smoking, and the meat started to cook. Now one would think if cooked too quickly that the meat wouldn’t be a nice texture but after roughly 3.5 hours of smoking the unit turned off as each piece of meat was up to recommended 205-degree internal temperature and told me to remove the meat from the grill. We chose to let the meat rest inside for about an hour before removing it and pulling it for pork sandwiches. The meat didn’t exactly fall apart but it wasn’t hard either. The outside had a great crust and had a noticeable smoky taste throughout. Overall, this session went very well, and cleanup was a breeze with rinsing the drip try, washing the grill plate, and emptying the couple leftover pellets just so it’s ready to go next time.

    Likes:

    – Ease (Cooking Modes)
    – App Integration
    – Build Quality
    – 2 Thermometers

    Dislikes:

    – SHORT Cord
    – No Included Cover

    Overall:

    I would highly recommend the Woodfire Grill & Smoker XL as a replacement or easy to get into smoking meat at home. This unit provides ample cooking space for a family or larger pieces of meat (or sides) and is easy to maintain/clean. With the built in Wi-Fi, monitoring is a breeze, and the features are great. I would highly recommend this grill to anyone in the market for such a device.

19. 

    BernardSC – October 29, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I really wish I had received this earlier when we were in the middle of grill season and not at the turn of fall because I would have had such a better summer of eating FLAVORFUL food than I did. Long story short, the Woodfire Grill is a FANTASTIC Outdoor appliance, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it and I WISH I could have had it years and years ago! I am a happy customer….to say the least! I have not used my propane grill once since getting this machine! If you knew me that speaks volumes!!!

    I have wanted a smoker for nearly a decade now. There was always one reason or another why I didn’t buy one every time I was in the mood to buy one, so when I had the opportunity to pick up this Ninja Woodfire it was a no brainer! I am so happy I decided to order this! This appliance is AMAZING! The Bluetooth/WIFI controls and the thermometer(s) make it SO EASY to work with and no need to stand around it or go out and check on things every 10-30 minutes. 2 thermometers and an on board storage tray are included, a drip pan with liner as well as an air fry basket and 2 pouches of pellets to get started. EVERY. SINGLE. THING. I have put into this grill has come out of it spectacularly! Even a simple burger can be elevated with this appliance. Keep in mind, even with the learning curve of this being a new appliance to me, I have not destroyed any food and everything I have put on this grill has come off of it delicious! Speaking of “amazing” the grill plate must be made of some sort of technology that is not known to the rest of the manufacturing world because I have NEVER owned something that CLEANS UP THIS EASILY! Even burned on sugar-based rubs and sauces just wipe off with a paper towel and no pressure! I have made some really nasty messes on this grill plate and I have NEVER had to soak it or scrub it to get it cleaned up. I wish all my cookware had this coating! That being said, I am used to a regular grill, and having to remove that grill plate and clean it every time I use the appliance is kind of annoying. Now I know I have been singing the praises of this machine but there are a couple of cons that I will note here in a minute but before I do let me just mention the size of this machine. The size is AWESOME, for me. I like that it can handle a big ole Boston Butt of 9 pounds with no issue of it fitting. I have also done a family pack of chicken legs without the legs touching each other and an entire rack of ribs with room for another rack. There is plenty of cooking area on this to do almost anything you want to do, including whole chickens…yes…chickens with an “s” will fit just fine. For most people this will be enough cooking area to do whatever you want to do on a regular basis. BUT for a large “smoke” of a lot of meat at the same time for a family BBQ or to precook/smoke and freeze this will not be the choice for that kind of cook. If you need multiple racks and want to cook multiple briskets, a chicken, some ribs and a pork shoulder all at the same time this is not the appliance you need. I thought it was worth a mention even though most people I know are not looking to cook for a tailgate party on the regular. For people considering the Woodfire vs this Woodfire XL, I would wholeheartedly say to them to get this one, the XL. It is much better to have the space and not need it, than not have it and need it. Compared to the the original version that I looked at in person on a store shelf, the XL is 100% the one I would choose if looking to order again…plus it has the “ProConnect” features!!! The 30% more cooking space they claim feels a little bigger than “30% more” sounds. I really like the space available on the unit. The grill can be picked up and moved around but it is not something I want to be doing regularly with this particular version. I am happy with finding a spot for it and leaving it there, with the option of taking it with me to an event or outing once in a while.

    SMOKE: The main feature I was really interested in was the ability to smoke foods. How good could it actually be? Answer: REAL Good! I was amazed at the amount of smoke this puts out and for how long it puts out that amount of smoke! For most cooks a half a cup of pellets, which is the capacity of the hopper, is all you will need. At most you might have to refill it once if you are smoking something LARGE. One Cup Of Pellets Is The Max ever needed for any cook. THAT IS INSANE! And that “tiny” ½ cup of pellets imparts a great smoke flavor on the food. I did chicken legs, on the smoke setting, at 225°F for 45 minutes and they were smoked awesomely and I still had ¾ of the ½ cup hopper full with unburned pellets! Same for burgers. I did 4 burgers on the grill setting of LOW with smoke on and the burgers were done, with a smoke crust before the “preheat” even completed and they tasted great! Most I ever used was ½ cup, twice on a Boston Butt that was almost 9 lbs. and to be honest, I don’t think I even needed the second ½ cup refill, but the machine was new and I liked seeing it smoke.

    This machine shines as an EVERY DAY SMOKER for 1-6 people! It cooks fast but with slow cooking results and with the app and wifi/bluetooth it is literally just “set it and forget it” and the app will notify you when you need to remember to do something or when it is finished.

    OTHER THAN SMOKING, this machine also GRILLS, ROAST, BAKE, AIR CRISP, BROIL and DEHYDRATE!!! These are all functions that with long term ownership, I will be happy to have access to. I have only used Grill, Air Crisp and Broil to cook and finish a cook so I cannot speak for the others but with what I have seen in the abilities of what I have used, I am willing to bet that the functions work great.

    CONS:
    -There is no place on the machine to “lock” it up or bolt it down. I would like to see this included in future models due to the cost of the appliance and I would like to keep it where I last left it.
    -Second, it is an outdoor machine and the “cover” is not included in the box! I feel that is a HUGE MISS on the part of NINJA. Especially considering the price point of the appliance. This is an “accessory” that SHOULD BE INCLUDED as Standard Equipment instead of making people spend again after they just shelled out for this big purchase.
    -Third, the “Preheat” Takes FOREVER and a day to complete! You do have the ability to skip it on the unit itself and in the app but it takes a long time to preheat and that can be annoying if you are coming home late, in a rush and hungry …and you forget to turn it on to preheat right away. Ask me how I know.
    -Last, I wish I could either turn the volume of the beeping down on the unit or turn it off completely. I can see this being annoying in an apartment complex setting as it is annoying to me how loud it is and I am semi rural. I can hear the machine beep outside when I am inside, through walls and distance.
    -Last, again, “Cold Smoke” is kind of a hidden feature and one has to go into the “smoke” setting and turn the temp to “CLD” to cold smoke. I wish the cold smoking function was a little easier to find but that is more a nit pick.

    Overall, I LOVE THE UNIT and I would replace it immediately if it were to go missing on me. I would HIGHLY recommend it and I personally thank NINJA for making a “goldilocks” size smoker and grill that works so wonderfully! This one hits on all cylinders and I don’t know how I lived without it! I am so happy to own such a nice unit that works this well! It has surprised me, exceeded my expectations and impressed me multiple times and continues to do so. 10 Starts, 2 Thumbs Way Up!

20. 

    KusMoG – October 30, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I live in an apartment building and in New York City, gas grills are illegal to have on a balcony or terrace, so electric grills are my only way to go. But you should also be aware of the rules of your building as it still may not be allowed. If you live in a building and are unsure if an electric grill is allowed, you should confirm with the building owner or landlord first before purchasing.

    With that said, the Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL was a great choice for me! I’m not much of a cook so anything so I’ll take any help I can get when it comes to cooking. I loved the app features and how I’m able to cook while I’m away from the grill and not have to babysit it. Connecting the app to the grill was easy with the guided instructions. With the app it’s almost like microwave cooking simplicity. It will tell me when preheating is done and to add food. When to flip the meat. When it’s done cooking. It allows me to set the temperate and the cooking time. It even has presets for meats.
    There are 2 thermometers included to allow you to cook and monitor 2 different things at the same time.
    The display on the grill is bright enough outdoors and easy to read.

    Besides grilling, it’s also a smoker, which I’m completely new to, as far as wood flavoring goes. It comes with wood pellets, so that was nice to get me started because otherwise I’m not sure I would’ve ever tried the smoking feature if they didn’t include it and I was left to my own devices. The smoked chicken I made tasted great and was flavorful. Best of all, it was easy to make. You just put the wood pellets in the grill’s separate pellet box, and set the grill to smoke.

    The Woodfire ProConnect XL is also an outdoor air fryer. It’s pretty cool that I can make fried chicken with the same machine as well when I want to eat outdoors, instead of using my air fryer in the kitchen then bringing it out. I can even cook fries and fried chicken at the same time.
    Cleaning is relatively easy. You remove the grease and grill tray from the grill and wash them with dish detergent and water in your sink or from a hose. The trays are non-stick, which helps with the cleanup. You can’t use abrasive pads, as tempting as it may be to remove stubborn stuck on food, or else it will scratch the tray and probably the non-stick coating along with it. You’ll also need to wipe down the inside of the hood. And that’s it.

    The cooking surface of the Woodfire ProConnect XL measures at 17.25” x 11”. This fits 8 of the 1/3 lbs Bubba Burger patties that you can buy from the supermarket.
    The base isn’t flat. It’s supported by 4 legs on its corners, so you will need to put it on a flat surface that’s wide enough to support the legs. So you will need about 23” x 21” of flat surface space.
    Unfortunately, the grill does not come with a cover, which is disappointing, since it’s an outdoor grill. Instead the cover is sold separately.

    Another thing I found annoying was that the power cord was short at just 4 feet and 7 inches. Most of us will end up needing a heavy duty outdoors extension cord. The extension cord I went with was a 10 ft 12-gauge outdoors extension cord.

    The ease of cooking with the app connectivity makes the Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL worth it for me. Since I live alone, the size is more than big enough for me, but it’s welcome when my mom comes to visit and cooks for our family of 6 people.

21. 

    vrs99 – November 1, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I have looked at many smokers over the years and have known all along I want one, especially to try my hand at smoking salmon steaks. For all my interest in a smoker the Ninja Woodfire ProConnect as it turns out is my first. Feel that it has worked out that I saved the best for last.

    When the Grill & Smoker are unboxed first impression is it looks fantastic. Quality build is evident, the style of design and engineering speak volumes of Ninja’s commitment to delivering their customers with the best cooking and practical appliances in the market. It is apparent that the Ninja listens to the consumer, the latest Woodfire is I believe 30% larger than the previous model. Grill cookers spoke and Ninja listened and delivered an exceptionally spacious cooking area in the new Woodfire Premium XL Grill & Smoker!

    The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL Outdoor 7-in-1 Grill & Smoker (that’s a long name) is the latest in the line of our Ninja kitchen cooking wonders that we enjoy in our kitchen at home. We have had the pleasure of cooking with Ninja home products for years with the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill and Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 Deluxe XL 8 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer. I can tell you that each Ninja appliance on our kitchen counters has delivered excellence of flavor and ease of use remarkably well.

    Our new Woodfire grill provides the means to take that same experience of cooking outside to round out our repertoire. We love cooking and always welcome innovative means to lift our cooking talents to new heights of enjoyment. Ninja continually delivers on that note, and the newest addition to the Ninja Family of cookware is a Winner. Just asked my wife how she feels about our Ninja appliances including our new Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL, her simple answer “it’s the best.” That simply is true, that is why Ninja populates our kitchen counters and now is available outside on the deck.

    Where there is smoke there is fire, not necessarily as the Ninja Woodfire puts only a small amount of smoke. Primarily when you ignite the wood pellets you see decent puff, but for the most part it’s rather clean burning. Frustrated my wife a little as she wanted to take a picture of the smoke pouring out of the grill.

    Where the rubber meets the road, we have a well-known propane grill that runs about $1200 that we have used for years for countless meals. It is an excellent grill and has severed us quite well, but fact is we have not used in while and have been preparing steaks and burgers on our inside Ninja grill, along with sides of vegies, even have cooked ribs on the grill. That was then…

    And now we have made the leap to the new Woodfire and will not be looking back. The first meal for us had to be rack of ribs, smoked with Sweet Baby Ray Original sauce. Hands down, I had never matched the smoked ribs as well as they came out of our Ninja first try on my propane grill. Really. For most Grill Masters it would appear to be completely counterintuitive that superb smoked grilling would come from an electric cooker. It does.

    Amazing cooking system, that monitors and maintains proper temps all the while hitting the smoke level bang on. Hooked up with the well-designed Ninja ProConnect APP which checks all the boxes for “Control, Monitoring and Receiving Real-Time Notifications” all in the palm of your hand. Ninja ProConnect APP shines and provides a long list cooking charts, which are quite informative. Seems about all you are required to do is place your meal into the grill and let Woodfire grill do the rest.

    Notes:
    – Easy to operate – simple clear instructions
    – Two built-in thermostats that display temps in real-time
    – Built-in convection fan – great for even cooking
    – Ability to select your preferred level of doneness for beef and other meats
    – Air Fryer – throw on some fries and chicken wings together
    – Shrimp on the barbie cooks well
    – New York Strip Steaks – cooked to perfection with grill marks
    – Reliability
    – Smoker, Electric Grill, and Air Fryer
    – Griddle Grate non-stick – simple cleanup
    – “10 burgers – 40 hotdogs – 2 racks of ribs – 2-7lbs chickens – 10lbs brisket – 4lbs wings”

    The Woodfire Grill is a master of grilling/smoking with the performance of larger gas grills. An extraordinary electric grill, that seems to break the rules of grilling.

    Bottom-Line – my wife loves it. She is an excellent cook and knows her craft, giving the Ninja Woodcraft Grill a big thumbs up.

22. 

    Jack – November 5, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Premium XL Outdoor Grill is a perfect machine for someone new to the whole outdoor grilling/smoking game, and also a great addition to traditional gas/charcoal smokers and grills in general. Even though the weather has turned sour in the Pacific Northwest in the last few weeks, I was able to use it for some grilling and smoking parties to great satisfaction.

    Pros:
    Totally electric solution makes the unit small, easy to use and more importantly clean. Getting it up and running takes just a few minutes
    The built in 2 thermometers makes cooking a breeze
    App is very well organized and intuitive. Until I used the app to monitor a smoking job, I didn’t appreciate it much and thought of it more as a gimmick. Boy was I wrong. Now using my regular gas grill feels like using stone-age tools
    Included grill-pan feels sturdy and very usable. Cleaning is quite easy due to the non-stick coating
    Ninja Woodfire technology actually works. I used the included sample pallets (and got some other ones), and the flavor really did get into the mix. It won’t replace a traditional charcoal smoker by any means, but it comes pretty close. For newcomers this makes things so much convenient
    Control for the different functions via the front panel (or the app) is easy to understand
    Includes Air crisp, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate functions on top of grilling and smoking options, making it more versatile compared to traditional grills
    A grill catcher with removable liner makes cleanup easier

    Cons:
    Even though this is the ‘XL’ version, the cooking surface is not the largest. Due to the way the unit closes (it has a fan and heater inside the lid), I had to plan ahead and had to make sure the meat does not touch anything. Grilling can be done with the lid open, but then the woodfire cooking option is unusable
    Non-stick grilling pan means it is not the most durable/robust out there. I had to take some care on what tools I’m using (had to get wooden spatulas etc. so as not to scrape the surface)
    The grill catcher can get full if you’re cooking large batches. Can get messy if not kept in check
    Fan can feel a bit noisy

    After grilling a bunch of burgers, sheekh kabobs, chicken breast, and chuck roasts, this has become my go to grill when I’m not entertaining a large crowd. It’s easy to use, setup, clean, etc. compared to my gas grill. And the app based control is a game changer.

23. 

    GoGoGomez – November 14, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Ninja Grill & Smoker is one of the easiest ways I’ve ever cooked. Not only is it versatile but its convenient with the easy to use Ninja Pro Connect app. The grill connects to your Wi-Fi and phone with Bluetooth to allow you to monitor it with the app across the yard or in the house.

    I’ve grilled hamburgers and fillet mignon several times now with the woodfire flavor technology turned on and loved the smokey flavor. The one downside of using smoke is that it takes quite a while for the ignite and preheat process to complete. However, once that is done, its so easy to use. For both items I used the guide in the app. It starts the timer and you get a beep at the grill and a push notification on your phone when its time to flip them. On the fillets, I also used the two temperature prongs and they worked perfect showing me the temps on the app. It was particularly handy when one of my fillets was thicker than the other. I was able to watch the temperature and get the thinner fillet off the grill before it got over cooked. The smoke flavor was fantastic and I have attached a picture of one of the fillet’s that I cooked to145 degrees, medium.

    When done cooking what is convenient about this grill is how the grease heads back and down the drain into the drip pan. You then take the grate out to clean and you are done and ready for next time.

    The grill does not come with the optional stand, but it does sit on any surface you want to use if you opt not to buy the stand. I think I will eventually get the stand and cover so I can leave it outside on the patio.

    Now that I have experimented with some easy to make items, I am ready and can’t wait to tackle larger smoking projects with the help of the Ninja app! If you like smoked food, this is an easy to use product to get tasty results.

24. 

    TheTruQ – November 15, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I’m one of those guys that really likes outdoor grilling – both cooking and eating. Sadly, I my lifestyle doesn’t afford me the time or resources to be as dedicated as some. I have one gas grill that was used to grill all meats and veggies desired and cover my simulated smoking efforts through jerry-rigging and skill. Well, all that has changed now with this new Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Grill & Smoker – I’m a double outdoor grill/smoker+ guy now!

    I’m really big on packaging. When I purchase anything of worth, and/or technology that I am depending on functional integrity, the packaging gives me confidence it has been safely transported. It also lets me know what the manufacturer thinks of their own product. The Woodfire ProConnect comes well packaged in a sturdy box with more than adequate foam and protection – very tight fit. Upon opening the box, the thing I loved most was that there is really no assembly required. Seriously, you could give the plate and innards a quick washup and be up and cooking in minutes. The next thing that stood out was that there were 2 bags of woodfire pellets – an all-purpose blend and a robust blend. That’s plenty to get anyone started with creating that off the grill flavor you are yearning for from an electric grill. Also in the box, you have everything needed to get started – drip pan, grill plate, rack, etc. You also have a thermometer spindle with 2 wired leads. This slides in under the control panel which has a place for you to plug them in for 2 separate temperature readings. Lift the grill hood and you will see a convection fan at the very top. The cooking surface is also a lot bigger than I thought. I can easily fit 2 slabs of ribs on the cooking surface – a welcome sight! Overall, it was an impressive showing out of the box. Now, how does it perform?

    Well, my wife had these ribs, you see. She wanted me to do my usual – a 2-3 hour simulated smoke, followed by about an hour or so on the grill. Amazingly, the Woodfire ProConnect shows up right when I needed to cook these up. I prepared them as normal and got the grill ready for action. For smoking, you have to put the pellets in the smoke box located on the right side of the hood. If I have one design complaint or request, it’s about this smoke box. I would have loved it to be larger – more on that in a moment. Once everything was ready, I selected smoke on the mode selector, set my temperature to 225 and my timer to 3 hours. When started, the control panel indicates that it’s igniting the pellets. One thing I like about the smoker function is there is no need for preheating. After ignition and a start up period, the control panel displays the temperature and the remaining time. Not sure if this needs to be said, but definitely avoid using this indoors – it will probably set off a smoke detector. That’s not to say the grill hood isn’t sealed enough, it definitely is. The areas designed for ventilation really put out smoke because it is very effective at generating and circulating smoke. I must say, I was very reluctant to open the hood after the grill got going. I normally baste my ribs with a mopping sauce every 20-30 minutes or so, but I didn’t do so during the first hour or more during this process. I think the thought of convection and the control you have over the environment had me feeling like I should just let it do its thing. I felt that after about an hour or so, there wasn’t much smoke left. For this reason, I feel the smoke box could be bigger. I was reluctant to refill the box because I felt the igniter lit the pellets in the box at the start of the cooking cycle – I need to investigate that more. Other than that, after my smoke period, I crank the heat up a bit for the last 30-45 minutes, and voila! And that’s not an exaggeration. The Woodfire ProConnect is the real deal! My ribs were perfectly cooked. There was a definite smoky flavor as well – outstanding job, and for what it’s worth, clean up was a breeze.

    I must say, this thing really isn’t hard to sell – yes, it’s that good. It’s easy to use, does an excellent job cooking your meal, is very well built, is feature-rich (double thermometer, 7-in-1, built-in WiFi with app integration), and is big enough for decent portions while having a small footprint. This is the proverbial no-brainer. One of the best cooking devices I’ve seen in quite some time.

25. 

    Justjohnne – November 15, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    The Ninja Woodfire™ Pro Outdoor Grill & Smoker with Built-in Thermometer might be the answer to the mess and fuss of a smoker. I was a skeptic at first taking the “short cut” and using this. I was very pleasantly surprised in its ability to smoke.

    First start by downloading the app, a cool feature that has directions on how to do just about everything. Almost, almost makes it fool proof. You can name your Ninja-Woodfire and have some fun, I named mine Smokin Hot. The app will ask if it is ok to pre-warm the unit and will even tell you if the lid is open. I started with a pork shoulder and followed the timed cooking charts in the app. You can search the app for just about any food or any mode of cooking. The app pre-heats, starts the smoker ignition and will notify you when the unit is ready for you to add your meat. You can start, stop and adjust the unit from anywhere you have a internet connection.

    I checked the pork shoulder at the recommended finish time, which was 5 hours later. I prepared the pork shoulder and added the woodfire pellets per the directions. Just an observation, don’t try and use this inside or in or near the garage….it is a smoker and it does smoke…I would adjust the cook time a bit and here is where the first issue is. This unit has an “optional” thermometer which in my opinion should come with, after all the temp in the cooking process is the most important thing. It would really prevent over cooking, which is an easy mistake particularly when using a new appliance. Anyway, the shoulder came out pretty good, fell apart and had awesome smoky flavor. Which leads me to my second fault, this unit says it is only compatible with the Ninja Woodfire pellets. Again in my opinion, this may be a problem down the road when/if Ninja stops making Woodfire pellets. I’ll be investigating this to see if off brand pellets will work, I suspect they will.

    For my next endeavor I tried the grille feature and cooked some hamburgers, unfrozen. There is no recipe I could find, but who really needs a recipe for that. The grill works as it should for an electric grille. Cook time was very similar if not less than my gas grill.

    Next I tried the air fryer feature with some pizza rolls. The initial time listed for 1.5 bags seemed about right as compared to what my small air fryer would take so I adjusted the time based on only cooking a dozen or so. Worked like a charm.

    All things considered this is a great electric grill, smoker, air fryer unit. A couple issues, it does not come with the thermometer which in my opinion is absolutely necessary, the woodfire pellets and lack of a stand or base as a standard accessory are not deal killers but consideration as to the over all cost to really make this unit shine.

    Even though there are a couple down falls, I would absolutely recommend this to a friend.

26. 

    Unknown – November 24, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I Owned a lot of grills in my lifetime and by far. This is the best one ever, use it every day. Love the smoking Capability It adds an awesome flavor to all kinds of food.

27. 

    WilliamA – November 26, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Really easy to set up and use. Smoked a brisket and it cooks way to fast so it wasn’t tender. Set up for well done and it came out medium. Will know better next time to cook longer. Clean up was very easy, but pellet tray wouldn’t come out after it got hot. Over all i think it’s worth the money. Just have to learn by trial and error.

28. 

    RaifordJ – December 8, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I live in an apartment, and this works great as I can’t have an open flame grill within 25 feet of my apartment. This grill and smoker combination is a lifesaver. It’s very versatile in its ability to cook multiple items. This is a gamechanger for those who desire grilled and smoked food that live in apartments.

29. 

    RossB – December 23, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    This things is fantastic at dehydrating meats, all other food has been good too. The smoke feature is really cool

30. 

    chappmaster – December 29, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    this is a very good smoker if u dont want to have a real big smoker laying around its easy to setup and very easy to clean the grill grate u have to use a 14ga or lower power cable anything higher then 14 will trip the breaker this does smoke and cook meat faster then a normal smoker/grill

31. 

    jason – January 5, 2024

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I love this versatile grill. It’s by no means a set-and-forget; using it as a smoker is still a labor of love and I take full credit for my barbecue, but it’s so much more reliable than a charcoal fire with smoking chunks in a kamado grill like I’ve been using for years. Any pork butt or large brisket needs to be started the night before so it can cook, rest and be ready for dinner. I’ve suffered the defeat of having to place an emergency order to the local bbq joint because I’ve got guests coming and I slept through my alarm and the fire went out and my pork dropped below 140º. This Ninja Woodfire grill uses electricity for the heat and pellets just for the smoky flavor, so it’s more failsafe.

    I’ve done 3 cooks, had great results from each and here’s my notes if you feel like reading a long review:

    First, a brisket – I put a lot of faith in this thing because I received my Ninja on Dec 22nd, planned a brisket for Christmas Eve, and the only thing they had left in the grade I wanted was a huge 20lbs. This obviously wasn’t going to fit in the Ninja XL, so I cut about 6″ off the flat and wrapped and froze it for another dinner. The flat cooks too fast when you have to wait for the point to finish anyway. I bought the separate rack accessory, which is not necessary but I don’t want my brisket making direct contact with the solid grill plate. There was enough clearance inside the Ninja XL to fit the massive brisket even elevated by the rack, and the deep drip pan and non-stick surface make cleaning very easy.

    I set it up the night before with a target temperature instead of time. I filled the pellet basket, programmed it to cook to 202ºF with one of the built-in probes in the thick part of the brisket, and hung around admiring the smoke until it popped the circuit breaker! I had to get an extension cord and move to another plug (non-LED outdoor lighting uses a lot of juice).

    Then the second problem – the BBQ Gods awakened me at 3am (5+ hours into the cook) and I checked the app and the grill was offline… I ran out there and the thing was completely powered down, but still warm and there was no sign of any power outage or tripped circuit. My stomach dropped!! I probed the meat and I was right at 141ºF after I’d seen it hit 160º before going to bed. I turned it back on and started a new cook urgently. It got hot again and the temperature started climbing nicely but I definitely did not sleep very much after that. I switched it to a timed cook and just monitored the temperature until it finished. I wrapped it and rested it for 2 hours and then refrigerated it to wait for dinner. It ended up being the best brisket I’ve done.

    Next, smash burgers – I also bought the griddle plate accessory and I wanted to try quick and easy smash burgers on buttery toasted buns. I did grill mode with pellets and woodfire enabled. I smashed the burgers and then closed the lid and let them have some smoke for few mins and then flipped them (don’t use a metal spatula, it’s non-stick), added cheese and closed the lid for more heat and smoke. They came out great and it was so easy to clear all the fat and butter away with the deep drip pan this thing has. I did two rounds of burgers and the griddle plate needed some time to reheat between rounds.

    Finally, I tried the pork butt again for New Year’s. I set it up late the night before as a 12 hour cook at 225º. I did wake up worried once or twice, but the grill never shut itself off like it did for my brisket. I’m speculating that if you do a temperature cook and the meat stalls (temperature doesn’t budge for a while), the grill must be giving up and turning off. I’m not counting on that overnight again. The pulled pork came out perfect and delicious. Being able to keep the temperature stable for a long period of time is crucial.

    Cleaning this thing is easy. It’s got a very good non-stick coating so I just use my grill rescue which is a wet sponge wrapped in some kind of durable heat-resistant fire-fighter material, Everything sizzles away and runs down the drain into the deep drip pan that I can just dump in the trash.

    When I’m not cooking, this thing can just be stashed on a shelf in the garage, it doesn’t have to live outside and be exposed to the elements. I love this grill.

32. 

    Jeron – January 6, 2024

    Rated 5 out of 5

    By far the best grill I’ve ever purchased or had. Being electric makes it even better because you don’t have to worry about buying propane or charcoal or even have to clean up charcoal. This grill cooks food evenly and makes the idea of smoking a brisket or turkey very simple and easy. Very much worth the price of admission lol!

33. 

    KirtM – January 12, 2024

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Love it love it love it .. I smoke EVERYTHING with this machine I love it lol

34. 

    JenS – January 20, 2024

    Rated 5 out of 5

    We love it. You can cook anything in n this grill. It’s smokes food that tastes delicious