How to use a Ninja Woodfire grill

The cooking modes

Ninja's listings name seven outdoor functions on both grills: Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate and Reheat. The Woodfire pellet smoke can be added in several of these, not only in Smoker mode, for a smoky flavour in a short cook.

Grill uses the grill plate for direct, high-heat cooking of burgers, steaks and vegetables. Smoker is a low temperature mode for longer cooks such as ribs and pork. Air Fry uses the crisper basket for wings and chips. Roast and Bake work like an outdoor oven.

Using pellets in the smoker box

The pellets are for flavour, not fuel, so you need only a little. Each grill comes with a scoop and Woodfire pellet starter packs. Overfilling the box is a common reason the pellets smoulder poorly or produce too much ash.

1. 1

   Open the smoker box lid on the grill.

2. 2

   Fill it with one level scoop of Woodfire pellets, unless the manual says otherwise for your mode.

3. 3

   Close the smoker box lid.

4. 4

   Select the mode, temperature and time on the control panel.

5. 5

   Press the Woodfire Flavour button if your model and mode use it, then start the cook as the manual describes.

6. 6

   Wait with the lid closed while the pellets ignite and the grill preheats; the display shows when to add food.

Note:Use the Woodfire grill outdoors only, on a stable, heat-resistant surface with the clearances in the manual. Do not open the smoker box during or straight after a cook; the pellets and ash are very hot. Let the grill cool before emptying the box.

Lid, preheating and cooking tips

Keep the lid closed during preheating and most of the cook. The grill and the smoke work best when the heat and smoke stay inside. Open it only to add, turn or check food. The display will indicate when preheating is done.

Use a probe thermometer for meat. The Pro Connect XL has a built-in probe; for the original, use a separate one. The Food Standards Agency advises cooking chicken, pork, sausages and burgers until steaming hot throughout, with no pink meat; see our core temperature table.

Space food out on the grill plate rather than packing it tight, so heat and smoke reach every side, and cook in batches for bigger groups. Pat meat dry and oil it lightly rather than oiling the plate. For a stronger smoke flavour on a longer cook, Ninja's manual explains when a second scoop of pellets may be added; do not top up the box during a cook unless the manual says so.

After cooking

Let the grill cool, then empty the smoker box of ash and remove any unburnt pellets. Empty and clean the grease tray. The grill plate and crisper basket can be washed; check the manual for which parts are dishwasher safe.

Both grills are rated IPX4 for water resistance, but a cover helps keep the controls and smoker box clean and dry. If the pellets will not light or produce little smoke, see Ninja Woodfire pellets not igniting.

Choosing the right Woodfire

The original OG701UK suits two to four people and small spaces; the Pro Connect XL adds capacity, a probe and app control. Our Ninja Woodfire vs XL comparison covers the differences, and Ninja Woodfire models compared adds the Woodfire Outdoor Oven.

If you mainly grill and do not need smoke, the Weber Lumin and Pulse grills in best electric BBQs for balconies are alternatives.

Compare Ninja Woodfire models →

Frequently asked questions

How many pellets do I put in a Ninja Woodfire? Usually one level scoop in the smoker box; check the manual for your model and mode.

Do I need pellets every time? No. Pellets only add smoke flavour. You can grill, roast or air fry without them.

Can I use other brands of pellets? Ninja recommends its Woodfire pellets; other pellets may burn differently. Check the manual and warranty terms.

Should the lid be closed when smoking? Yes, keep it closed so the smoke stays around the food.