Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill – Experience Versatility and Authentic Flavor

The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, also known as the Ninja Grill, is a versatile 7-in-1 cooking appliance called the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker that promises to deliver the authentic smoky flavor of a woodfire grill. With its multiple functions and convenient portability, it aims to be a go-to option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. In this review, I will share my personal experience with the Ninja Grill and provide insights into its performance, usability, and overall value.

As someone who enjoys grilling and smoking food, I was excited to try out the Ninja Grill. Upon unboxing, I found it to be well-packaged with clear instructions and included accessories such as woodfire pellets and a recipe book. The grill itself appeared sturdy and well-built.

Using the Ninja Grill was a mixed experience for me. On the positive side, it heated up quickly and provided consistent heat for grilling and smoking. The 1760-watt electric power eliminated the need for charcoal or propane, making it convenient for apartment or balcony use. I was impressed by the versatility of the grill, as it could easily handle a variety of cooking tasks, from grilling steaks to air frying wings.

However, I found the user interface to be less intuitive than expected. The knob for the mode selector was sensitive, and I accidentally changed settings mid-cooking, leading to frustration. The woodsmoke button also required specific steps to activate, which was not immediately clear. Additionally, I missed having a temperature reading on the interface or grill shell, which would have been helpful for monitoring the cooking process.

Despite these usability challenges, I must highlight that the Ninja Grill delivered excellent results in terms of taste and flavor. The smoky flavor infused into the food was remarkable, and it added a new dimension to my outdoor cooking experience. The grill’s capacity was also sufficient for cooking for a small group, making it suitable for gatherings or family meals.

Unboxing the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker

Let’s begin by examining the unboxing experience of the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker in this section. Upon opening the box, you will find a recipe book and quick start guide, along with safety instructions. The grill also comes with wood fire pellets, so you don’t need to purchase any separately. As you unpack the grill, you will notice various accessories and parts that are needed for assembly. Once fully unwrapped, you will see the massive size of the grill, which is wrapped securely to ensure its safety during shipping. Overall, the unboxing process is straightforward, and the grill itself looks clean and fresh.

User Experience and Design of the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker

While the cooking performance of the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker is impressive, there is room for improvement in terms of user experience and design. As a product designer myself, I couldn’t help but notice some design choices that can be frustrating. For example, the mode selector knob is sensitive and can easily reset if accidentally touched while cooking.

The woodsmoke button is also not intuitive, requiring specific steps to enable it. Additionally, there is no temperature reading on the interface or the grill’s shell, which would be helpful for monitoring the air temperature inside. The grill also includes certain features like a “flip food” beep and the use of internal fans, which can be annoying and messy, especially when cooking certain foods. Lastly, the excessive beeping of the grill can become bothersome. Despite these design flaws, the grill still delivers excellent cooking results and versatility.

Review: Great Results, but Annoying User Experience

Customer reviews indicate that the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker excels in terms of cooking performance. However, many users have expressed frustration with the user experience of the grill. Some have found the design choices to be nonsensical and annoying, such as the sensitive mode selector knob that can easily reset and the non-intuitive woodsmoke button.

The lack of a temperature reading on the interface and the excessive beeping of the grill have also been mentioned as downsides. Despite these user experience issues, many reviewers still appreciate the grill’s cooking capabilities and the real smoky flavor it adds to their dishes. It’s important to consider both the positive and negative aspects when deciding whether to purchase the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker.

Review: Not a Smoker, but Excellent Grill

Expectations of the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker primarily functioning as a smoker have led to disappointment for some customers. However, they have found that the grill excels in its

Pros:

• Versatile Cooking Options – The Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker offers 7-in-1 functionality, allowing you to grill, smoke, air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and broil. This versatility gives you the ability to cook a wide range of dishes and experiment with different cooking techniques.
• Real Smoky Flavor – Powered by Ninja Woodfire Technology, this grill and smoker uses real burning wood pellets to create a rich smoky flavor that can be seen and tasted in your food. The use of wood pellets adds an authentic touch to your cooking, giving you the experience of a traditional wood-fired grill.
• Weather-Resistant and Portable – The Ninja OG701 is designed to be weather-resistant, allowing you to cook and store outdoors year-round. Its portable design makes it convenient to take with you on camping trips, picnics, or tailgating events, so you can enjoy delicious grilled and smoked food wherever you go.

Cons:

• Annoying User Experience – Some users have found the user experience of the Ninja OG701 to be frustrating. The mode selector knob can easily be changed during cooking, causing everything to reset. The woodsmoke button is not intuitive, and the temperature reading is not displayed on the interface or the grill shell. These design choices can make using the grill more complicated and less user-friendly.
• Limited Smoking Time – While the Ninja OG701 can produce a thick smoke for a short period of time, it is not ideal for long smoking sessions. The pellet basket tends to burn out in about 1-2 hours, and refilling it during the cook can result in over-smoked food. This limitation may not be suitable for users specifically looking for a small smoker.
• Excessive Beeping – Some users have complained about the excessive beeping of the grill. The grill sings beeps constantly, which can be annoying unless the preheat is done or the timer is done. The constant beeping serves no purpose and can be disruptive to the cooking process.

Read also:

• Experience Instant Ambiance with the Portable Tabletop Fireplace
• Endless Summer Fire Pit – Experience Safe and Convenient Lighting with Enido Flameless Candles
• Radio Flyer Go Kart – Experience Thrilling Fun
• Outdoor Kitchen Table – Enhance Your Outdoor Cooking with the Versatile Grill Cart
• Stay Protected and Convenient with the SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ninja Grill offers a convenient and versatile option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. While it has some usability quirks that could be improved, its ability to deliver authentic smoky flavor and its versatility in cooking different types of food make it a worthwhile investment. If you are willing to navigate the learning curve and appreciate the taste of woodfire cooking, the Ninja Grill could be a valuable addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Can I use my own wood pellets with the Ninja OG701?

Answer: Yes, you can use your own wood pellets with the Ninja OG701. However, it comes with two blends of 100% real hardwood Ninja Woodfire Pellets that pair well with any dish you make. These pellets are used for flavor, not fuel, so you only need 1/2 cup.

Question: Is the Ninja OG701 suitable for small outdoor spaces like balconies or apartments?

Answer: Yes, the Ninja OG701 is balcony and apartment-friendly. It is powered by electricity and does not require charcoal or propane, making it safe and convenient to use in small outdoor spaces.

Question: How many steaks or hot dogs can I grill at once on the Ninja OG701?

Answer: The Ninja OG701 can grill up to 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs at once. It also has the capacity to air fry up to 3 lbs of wings or BBQ smoke a 9-lb whole brisket, allowing you to cook for a crowd.