Ninja Woodfire vs a gas BBQ

Two compact grills compared

Both are among the most popular small outdoor grills on amazon.co.uk. Figures come from the listings.

Flavour and cooking style

The Ninja's selling point is real wood smoke from a small scoop of pellets, which you can add to grilling or use for slow smoking at low temperatures. It also air fries, so chips and wings cook alongside the grill food. It works more like a powerful outdoor countertop oven with a grill plate than a traditional BBQ.

A gas BBQ cooks over an open flame with a heavy cast iron grate. It gives clearer sear marks and a classic BBQ char, heats up quickly and recovers fast when you open the lid. With the lid down it roasts well. It does not add wood smoke unless you use a smoker box with chips.

Where you can use each one

This is often the deciding factor. Many flats and leasehold blocks ban gas bottles and open flames on balconies but allow electric grills. Check your lease or tenancy and the building's fire rules before buying. Our can you use a Ninja Woodfire indoors article explains why it is still an outdoor appliance.

A gas BBQ needs open air, a stable base and somewhere to store the bottle outside. The Ninja needs an outdoor socket with RCD protection, and its IPX4 rating means it resists splashes, not heavy rain or standing water.

Note:Never use a gas BBQ or a Ninja Woodfire indoors, in a garage or under a closed roof. Run the Ninja from a properly protected outdoor socket and avoid extension leads lying in wet grass.

Capacity, fuel and cleaning

Capacity is similar at the small end: eight burgers on the Ninja against up to nine on the Q 1200N. If you need more, the Ninja Woodfire models compared guide covers the larger XL and Pro Connect XL, and Woodfire vs Woodfire XL explains the step up.

The Ninja runs on electricity plus small amounts of pellets. A gas BBQ runs on a refillable propane bottle; our gas bottle burn time tool estimates how long one lasts. For cleaning, the Ninja's non-stick plate and grease tray come out for washing; see how to clean a Ninja Woodfire. The Q's cast iron grates need a brush and an occasional tray clean.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Ninja Woodfire if you live in a flat or have a balcony where gas is banned, want air frying and smoking in one box, and cook for up to four. Choose a compact gas BBQ if you want flame-grilled char, faster heat and recovery, and have space to store a gas bottle outside.

Our best electric BBQs for a balcony guide compares the Ninja with Weber's Lumin and Pulse, and the small gas BBQs for a patio guide covers compact gas options.

Compare electric BBQs for a balcony →

Frequently asked questions

Does a Ninja Woodfire taste like a real BBQ? It adds genuine wood pellet smoke, which many people like. It does not give the same open flame char as gas or charcoal.

Is a Ninja Woodfire cheaper to run than gas? Running costs depend on your electricity tariff and gas price. Both use modest amounts of energy for a typical cook.

Can the Ninja Woodfire stay outside? It is IPX4 rated for splashes, but Ninja recommends covering and protecting it. Store it dry when not in use.

Which is better for a family of five? A larger gas BBQ or the Woodfire XL. The standard Woodfire and Q 1200N suit up to four people.