There was a time when getting that authentic outdoor grilling experience felt like a distant dream for me, living in a place with limited space and strict rules against traditional methods like charcoal or propane. The frustration of not being able to easily smoke a brisket or get those perfect grill marks on a steak was real. Without a versatile outdoor cooking solution, I was missing out on flavorful meals and the sheer convenience of cooking outside, especially during warmer months. Finding an appliance that could genuinely deliver would have made a huge difference back then.
- MASTER GRILL, BBQ SMOKER, & AIR FRYER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor..Voltage: 120 volts
- MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing.
- FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
Key Considerations for Your Outdoor Cooking Investment
Considering an outdoor cooker opens up a world of possibilities, from achieving that perfect sear to infusing your food with rich smoky flavor. People seek these appliances to overcome limitations posed by living situations, such as apartments or townhouses that restrict charcoal or propane, or simply for the convenience of cooking outside without heating up the kitchen. The ideal candidate for a versatile outdoor cooker is someone with a patio, balcony, or small yard who craves authentic grilled and smoked tastes but needs an electric solution. It’s perfect for busy individuals or small families wanting quick, flavorful meals with minimal fuss. This type of appliance might not be the primary choice for someone dedicated to traditional low-and-slow offset smoking large cuts of meat for competitive BBQ, as its size and smoking method differ. Before buying, ponder your available space, the types of cooking you want to do (grilling, smoking, frying, etc.), the power source requirements, portability needs, how well it handles different weather conditions, and importantly, how straightforward cleaning is. These factors are key to finding the right fit for your specific needs and lifestyle.
- 12 PLUS SERVINGS - It’s tailgate time! The 200 square inches of rectangular grilling surface lets you make over 12 servings for large groups of people
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: Enjoy the flexibility to use this electric grill on the stand for outdoor cooking or remove it for tabletop grilling indoors. Ideal for kitchens, balconies, patios, and more....
- ELECTRIC GRILL: This grill is powered by electricity to give you the convenience of grilling without the hassle of gas or charcoal. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and...
Introducing the Ninja Woodfire OG701 Outdoor Grill
Let me introduce the Ninja Woodfire OG701, a truly innovative appliance designed to bring versatile outdoor cooking to just about anywhere you have an electrical outlet. This isn’t just a grill; it’s billed as a 7-in-1 master grill, BBQ smoker, and outdoor air fryer, also capable of roasting, dehydrating, broiling, and smoking. Its main promise is delivering authentic, wood-fired flavors and char using nothing but electric power, thanks to its unique Woodfire Technology. When you get the Ninja Woodfire Grill, the box includes the nonstick grill grate, a crisper basket for air frying, a pellet scoop, starter packs of two different Ninja Woodfire Pellet blends (Robust and All-Purpose), and a quick start guide with recipes. This specific Ninja OG701 model is perfect for individuals or small families in apartments, condos, or houses with limited outdoor space who want a do-it-all outdoor cooker. It’s less suited for someone needing to feed a very large crowd regularly or a purist seeking the specific nuances of traditional offset smokers.
Here’s a quick look at the main pros and cons:
* Pros:
* Incredibly versatile (7 functions in one).
* Delivers real wood-fired smoky flavor electrically.
* Excellent grilling performance with great sear.
* Fast cooking times, especially for smaller items.
* Easy non-stick grill grate cleanup.
* Weather-resistant for year-round outdoor storage/use.
* Cons:
* Control knob can be finicky, potentially resetting cooks if bumped.
* Inner lid is challenging to deep clean.
* The power cord is quite short.
* Achieving a deep smoke ring like traditional smokers is difficult.
Exploring the Ninja Woodfire OG701’s Impressive Features
After spending considerable time with the Ninja Woodfire OG701, I can confidently say its capabilities go far beyond typical outdoor electric grills. The combination of functions powered by its unique Woodfire Technology really sets it apart.
Master Grilling Performance
The core grilling function is where this appliance truly shines, delivering results I frankly didn’t expect from an electric unit. It gets hot surprisingly fast and maintains temperature consistently. I’ve used it for everything from steaks and burgers to chicken and vegetables. The nonstick grill grate provides excellent heat transfer, giving you those coveted grill marks and a satisfying char, much like a traditional gas grill. The intense, even heat ensures that meats cook through properly while staying juicy inside. For steak lovers like myself, achieving a perfect medium-rare with a nice crust outdoors was always a challenge without a full-size grill, but the Ninja OG701 makes it incredibly accessible. It handles flare-ups well because there’s no open flame from a fuel source, making it safer in tighter outdoor spaces.
Foolproof BBQ Smoking
This is arguably the most exciting feature for many: the ability to BBQ smoke without propane or charcoal. The Ninja Woodfire Grill uses a small amount of real hardwood pellets in a built-in smoke box. It’s not low-and-slow smoking in the traditional sense – you won’t get a deep smoke ring like from an offset smoker over many hours – but it absolutely infuses food with genuine smoky flavor quickly. You only need about half a cup of pellets per cook. I’ve smoked chicken, ribs, and even attempted smaller cuts like brisket (which turned out fantastic and flavorful). The process is simple: add pellets, select your cook function (Grill, Roast, Air Fry, etc.), and then engage the Woodfire Technology button. The integrated fan circulates the smoke, ensuring it gets to every part of the food. It’s perfect for adding a smoky layer to grilled chicken or quickly smoking fish fillets. It solves the problem of wanting that authentic BBQ taste without needing a dedicated large smoker or dealing with fire management.
Outdoor Air Frying
Bringing air frying outdoors is genius, especially during hot weather. Using the included crisper basket, you can air fry all your favorite foods – chicken wings, french fries, vegetables – right on your patio. This keeps the heat and cooking smells out of your kitchen. The air frying function works just as well as dedicated indoor air fryers, producing crispy exteriors and tender interiors. I’ve air fried wings multiple times, and they come out wonderfully juicy with perfectly crispy skin, especially when the Woodfire Technology is added for a hint of smoke. It’s incredibly convenient for cooking sides while your main dish is grilling or smoking. One minor observation is that the powerful fan can sometimes cause very lightweight items to shift in the basket, but for most foods, it works perfectly.
More Than Just Grill, Smoke, and Air Fry
The 7-in-1 designation means the Ninja Woodfire Series grill is remarkably versatile. Beyond the main three, you also get Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate functions. Roasting outdoors is fantastic for whole chickens, potatoes, or other vegetables, providing even cooking and a nice finish. The Broil function is great for things like finishing nachos or getting a final crisp on food. While I haven’t used the Dehydrate function extensively outdoors, its inclusion means you can make jerky or dried fruit without using up counter space inside. This multi-functionality means this single appliance can replace several others, saving space and simplifying your outdoor cooking setup.
Woodfire Technology: The Flavor Secret
The heart of this grill is the Woodfire Technology. It’s the integration of an electric heating element with a small, controlled pellet burner and a convection fan. This design allows the grill to reach high grilling temperatures or maintain consistent cooking temperatures while simultaneously producing smoke from real wood pellets. The electric power source means it heats up quickly and is easy to control, eliminating the variables of charcoal or propane levels. The pellets provide the authentic flavor profile that’s often missing from purely electric grills. You don’t use the pellets as fuel; they are purely for flavor, which is why you only need a small amount. This technology truly delivers on the promise of bringing real wood-fired flavor to an electric outdoor setting.
Ease of Use and (Mostly) Easy Cleanup
Getting started with the Ninja OG701 is straightforward. Assembly is minimal – just attach the handles. The controls are intuitive, primarily a dial for selecting functions and buttons for temperature, time, and Woodfire Technology. The preheat function lets you know when it’s ready, which is helpful. However, one minor annoyance, as noted by other users and experienced myself, is that bumping or accidentally turning the mode dial during cooking can sometimes reset your cook settings, which can be frustrating.
Cleanup of the nonstick grill grate is remarkably easy. Cooked-on bits usually slide off with a little warm, soapy water and a sponge after it cools down. The drip pan at the back is also simple to remove and clean (lining it with foil is a pro tip!). The main challenge lies in cleaning the inner lid, especially if you’re using the smoke function regularly. Grease and smoke residue accumulate, and it requires dedicated effort with a good degreaser to keep it spotless. It’s not impossible, but it’s more involved than the grate or drip pan. Despite this, the overall cleaning effort is significantly less than managing a charcoal grill or cleaning greasy propane grates.
Portable and Weather-Resistant Design
The Ninja Woodfire OG701 is designed for outdoor use, featuring weather-resistant materials that allow you to store it outside year-round. This is a major plus for convenience. While not feather-light (around 30 lbs), it’s portable enough to move around your patio or deck easily, especially if paired with an optional stand. It’s also compact enough that some users even find ways to take it on trips, though the relatively short power cord means you’ll almost certainly need a good outdoor-rated extension cord for flexibility in placement. Its size and portability make it ideal for those who can’t have a permanent, large grill setup but still want robust outdoor cooking capabilities.
Real-World Experiences: What Users Think
Curiosity led me to see what other users were saying online, and the feedback largely mirrors my own positive experience. Many people who were initially skeptical, perhaps already owning traditional grills or smokers, were genuinely impressed by the Ninja Woodfire OG701‘s performance. Reviewers frequently highlight the ease of achieving authentic smoke flavor and perfectly cooked results on everything from steaks and chicken wings to briskets and vegetables. While some users noted minor points like the effort required to deep clean the lid, the finicky nature of the control knob, or the brief power cord, the overwhelming sentiment is positive regarding its versatility, cooking speed, and the quality of food produced, making it a favorite outdoor appliance, especially for those with limited space or restrictions on other fuel types.
Final Verdict: Is the Ninja Woodfire OG701 Right for You?
In conclusion, if you find yourself limited in how you can cook outdoors, missing that craveable smoky flavor or the simple joy of grilling on your patio, the Ninja Woodfire OG701 stands out as a compelling solution. It directly addresses the problem of restricted outdoor cooking access by offering a powerful electric option. Its standout features are the ability to infuse food with real wood smoke using Woodfire Technology, its remarkable 7-in-1 versatility combining grilling, smoking, and air frying, and its weather-resistant design perfect for balconies or small yards. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into a versatile cooking hub and enjoy authentic outdoor flavors without the hassle of charcoal or propane, this appliance is definitely worth considering. Click here to learn more and see the Ninja Woodfire OG701 for yourself!
Last update on 2025-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API