Ninja Woodfire pellets not igniting or not smoking

Check 1: damp or old pellets

Wood pellets soak up moisture. Damp pellets swell, crumble and smoulder poorly, if they light at all. In the UK this is common when an opened bag is kept in a shed, garage or outside. Signs are pellets that look dull, soft or broken into sawdust.

Store pellets in a sealed, airtight container indoors, and use a fresh scoop from a dry bag. Ninja supplies its own Woodfire pellet blends with the grills; the manual explains which pellets it recommends.

A simple test is to break a pellet in half. A dry pellet snaps cleanly with a crack; a damp one bends or crumbles. If a whole bag has got damp, it is better to replace it than to keep fighting poor ignition, and to move future bags somewhere dry and off the floor.

Check 2: how many pellets

The box is designed for a small amount. Ninja's listing for the original grill includes a pellet scoop, and the manual gives the amount for each mode, usually one level scoop. An overfilled or heaped box can stop air reaching the pellets, so they smoulder poorly or leave unburnt pellets behind.

Use the supplied scoop, level it off and do not pack the pellets down. If a longer smoke is needed, the manual explains whether and when to add more.

Check 3: ash and leftovers in the smoker box

Ash and part-burnt pellets left from previous cooks block the airflow and the heat that lights the new pellets. Once the grill is completely cool, empty the smoker box fully and brush out the ash before adding fresh pellets. Make this part of the routine after every smoked cook.

1. 1

   Unplug the grill and let it cool completely.

2. 2

   Open the smoker box and tip out all ash and unburnt pellets into a metal container.

3. 3

   Brush out remaining ash with a dry brush.

4. 4

   Check the box lid closes properly and nothing blocks it.

5. 5

   Add one level scoop of dry pellets and close the lid.

Note:Never open the smoker box during a cook or straight after; pellets and ash are very hot. Unplug the grill before cleaning, and dispose of ash only when completely cold.

Check 4: the start sequence and the lid

The pellets light from the grill's heat during the start of a Woodfire cook. Depending on the model and mode, you may need to select the mode, set the temperature and time, and press the Woodfire flavour button before starting. If the flavour function is not selected, the pellets may not be lit at all. Follow the sequence in the manual exactly.

Keep the main lid closed during ignition and preheating. Opening it lets heat escape and can stop the pellets catching. In cold or windy weather, ignition can take a little longer; shelter the grill from strong wind as the manual allows.

Smoke but little flavour

If the pellets light but food tastes only lightly smoky, remember the Woodfire is designed for a gentle wood flavour. Smoker mode and longer cooks give more flavour than a quick grill. Fattier meat and food with a rough surface take smoke better than lean, smooth items.

If problems continue with dry pellets, a clean box and the correct sequence, contact Ninja support with your model number, as there may be a fault with the smoker box heater. If you are choosing a grill, compare Ninja Woodfire models and other options in best electric BBQs for balconies.

See Ninja Woodfire models compared →

Frequently asked questions

Why are my Ninja Woodfire pellets not burning? Usually damp pellets, an overfilled or ash-filled smoker box, or the Woodfire flavour step being missed. Work through each check.

How long do the pellets take to light? A few minutes during preheating, with the lid closed. Ninja's manual describes what the display shows.

Can I add more pellets during a cook? Only as the manual allows. Do not open the smoker box while hot.

Is it normal to have unburnt pellets left? A few can remain, but lots of unburnt pellets point to damp fuel, overfilling or a missed step. Clean the box before the next cook.