Electric grills were often considered as a subpar option for outdoor cooking, mostly due to their inability to replicate the rich flavors that come naturally with charcoal or propane grilling. I also looked for an outdoor electric grill for years and couldn’t find a good one. However, the game has changed with the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG951, which introduces wood pellets into the mix. By integrating pellet smoking technology, the grill now offers the convenience and ease of use that comes with electric power while adding the deep, flavorful smoke that was once exclusive to traditional grills. I have used the Woodfire heavily for a few months and have been really impressed with its performance.
Design and Build
The Ninja Woodfire looks quite modern and compact. It measures 22 x 20 x 16 inches and weighs nearly 39 lbs, it is much more portable than most outdoor grills on the market. I tried it with different stands and outdoor prep tables; Finally I ended up using the official Ninja’s stand because it fits the grill perfectly and it is also easy to clean. The stand has a large opening on top, so I don’t need to wipe away water after rains.
One of the few drawbacks of the Ninja is the short power cord. At just over 4.5 feet, the cord isn’t removable and must be plugged directly into a grounded 3-prong outlet, which can limit where you can place the grill. If you are not close to any outlet, you will need to buy a SJTOW 15-Amp extension cord like the Southwire AGRIPRO.
The Ninja Woodfire operates similarly to the Ninja Foodi that I tested last year; It is essentially an electric air fryer and a griddle, but with the added feature of a pellet tray to produce smoke. This design allows it to function as an all-in-one outdoor cooking appliance. The electric heating element on the base provides consistent heat for grilling while the convection fan and second heating element on top circulate hot air to ensure even cooking.
The control panel on the front is intuitive with buttons and a knob to set the cooking mode and adjust temperature. It offers 7 cooking functions: grill, smoke, roast, bake, dehydrate, air crisp, and broil. You can also find a smart thermostat storage tray underneath.
The grill features IPX4 water resistance, so you can use it outdoors even in light rain. For better protection against heavy rains and snows, I highly recommend using a cover after you finish cooking and cleaning.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Fortunately, cleaning the Ninja Woodfire is quite quick and easy, thanks to its non-stick grill grates and removable parts. The grill grate, which is about as heavy as a cast-iron skillet, can be easily removed and cleaned with a quick rinse, a bit of soap, and a few scrubs with Scrub Daddy sponges. The grease tray and disposable tray liners also simplify the cleaning process, although the liners are sold separately. I often empty and reuse the liner multiple times before replacing it. And to save money, you can use aluminum foil as a more economical alternative.
Performance and Functionality
Where the Ninja truly excels is in its cooking performance. It uses 100% real wood-burning pellets to infuse a rich smoky flavor into your dishes, offering a grilling experience that rivals traditional methods without the hassle of managing charcoal or propane. This grill is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of smoke in their food but don’t want to deal with the complexities of a traditional smoker.
The display and buttons on the front are sometimes confusing and I don’t know how to adjust the temperature. Therefore, the NinjaProConnect app becomes super useful and it allows me to control the grill remotely in a much more intuitive way. I can monitor cooking status in real-time, make adjustments as needed, and access a range of recipes and cooking tips. This hands-off approach is particularly appealing for those who prefer to spend time with guests rather than being tied to the grill.
The grill’s cooking capacity is another improvement, offering 30% more space than the original model. This allows me to cook burgers, 2 whole chickens, a 10-lbs brisket, or 2 full racks of ribs for my family of 4. This is more than enough for larger families or small gatherings. However, it’s important to note that while the grill is spacious, it might still be limiting for those looking to cook larger cuts of meat like a large turkey.
The Taste
I’ve tried different dishes with the Ninja grill, like Teriyaki chicken, smoking ribs, lamb leg, or brisket, it delivers consistent and delicious results. During testing, the grill function produced evenly cooked chicken thigh, Boston butt, lamb leg with those desirable grill marks that everyone loves. I love the Smoker function as I can slow cook the meat and have more time to get it smoked. A half cup of pellets can last up to 30 minutes and you can refill the tray when they burn out. I use the cheap Pit Boss pellets from Walmart and they still give amazing results for every cooking session.
The result is a beautifully smoked piece of protein with a slightly crisp exterior, a tender, juicy interior, and smoky aroma. If you’ve never tried your own smoked meat before, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much the smoke enhances the natural flavors of the meat, adding layers of taste that transform a simple dish into something extraordinary that you can only experience at some high-end restaurants.
Final Verdict
The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Grill is going on sale quite often at this time. You can get the bundle of the grill with a stand and a cover for just over $400. This is undoubtedly the best outdoor electric grill on the market; I’m totally satisfied with all the dishes made with the grill. While it may not entirely replace a dedicated smoker or larger grill, it is still a great addition to any outdoor kitchen. You might even use it more often than a larger grill because it cooks foods faster and easier to clean. In the meantime, it is still big enough for your whole family. We at TechWalls highly recommend the Ninja Woodfire XL.
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