How to clean a Ninja Woodfire grill

Before you start

Always unplug the grill and wait until it is completely cool. The heating element, lid and smoke box stay hot for a while after cooking. Clean outside or on a protected worktop, as grease and ash can be messy.

You will need a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush, warm soapy water, a dry cloth and a bin bag for ash. The Ninja cleaning brush or a nylon brush helps with the grill plate's ridges. Avoid metal scourers, wire brushes and harsh oven cleaners on any non-stick part.

Quick clean after every cook

Doing this while the grease is still soft, but the grill is cool, saves a lot of scrubbing. Grease tray liners, sold by Ninja and others, make the tray quicker to empty.

1. 1

   Unplug the grill and let it cool fully.

2. 2

   Lift out the grill plate or crisper basket and soak in warm soapy water.

3. 3

   Remove the grease tray, pour cooled fat into the bin, not the sink, and wash the tray.

4. 4

   Wipe splashes from the inside of the lid with a damp cloth.

5. 5

   Dry every part thoroughly before refitting, so nothing rusts or stays damp.

Cleaning the smoke box

The smoke box burns a small scoop of wood pellets for flavour. After each smoking session, wait until it is cold, then open it and tip the ash into a bin. Leaving ash in the box can stop new pellets lighting properly, which is a common cause of the problem covered in Ninja Woodfire pellets not igniting.

Do not use water inside the smoke box or around the electrics. A dry brush is enough. Make sure no pellet fragments are stuck in the vents before your next cook.

Note:Never immerse the main unit, lid or control panel in water, and never hose the grill down. Water near the element or electrics is a shock and fire risk. Only wash the removable cooking parts.

Deep clean every few uses

Every few cooks, or after a very greasy session, give the whole grill a fuller clean. Soak the grill plate for longer to loosen baked-on residue, then use a nylon brush along the ridges. Clean the crisper basket mesh with a soft brush.

Wipe the inside of the lid and the area around the heating element with a damp, soapy cloth, then a clean damp cloth, then dry. Do not scrape the element. Wipe the outside housing and the splatter shield if your model has one.

Dishwasher, storage and weather

Ninja lists some removable parts as dishwasher safe on certain models, but hand washing tends to protect non-stick coatings for longer. Check the manual for your model before using a dishwasher.

The Woodfire is IPX4 rated for splashes, not heavy rain. Store it dry and covered between uses, and bring it into a shed or garage over winter if you can. A clean, dry grill is far less likely to suffer from mould or rust. Our can you use a BBQ in the rain article covers wet-weather cooking.

If you are choosing between Ninja models, our Ninja Woodfire models compared guide sets out sizes and extras.

Compare Ninja Woodfire models →

Frequently asked questions

Can I put the Ninja Woodfire grill plate in the dishwasher? Some parts are listed as dishwasher safe, depending on the model. Hand washing is gentler on non-stick coatings.

How do I get burnt grease off the grill plate? Soak it in warm soapy water for a while, then use a nylon brush. Avoid metal tools.

How often should I empty the smoke box? After every smoking session, once it is fully cold.

Can I use oven cleaner on the Woodfire? It is best avoided on non-stick parts and near electrics. Mild washing-up liquid works for most residue.