Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill vs the alternatives
The Ninja Woodfire is one of the most talked-about outdoor cooking gadgets on social media. It promises grilling, smoking and air frying in one compact unit that plugs into a normal power point, which appeals to balcony dwellers and small-backyard households. But a barbecue is a personal purchase, and the Woodfire isn't for everyone. Here's how it stacks up.
What the Ninja Woodfire actually is
The Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill is an electric grill with a lid. The heat comes from an electric element, not from burning fuel. Smoky flavour comes from a small hopper of wood pellets, which smoulder to produce smoke rather than acting as the main heat source. That distinction matters: you get smoke flavour without managing a fire, and you don't need gas bottles or charcoal.
Most versions combine several modes, typically grilling, smoking, air crisping and baking or roasting. Larger variants and the newer Ninja Woodfire Pro models add features such as a built-in thermometer. Check the listing for the exact modes, cooking area and included accessories, as these vary between models sold in Australia.
What to look for
Cooking area vs your household
The Woodfire's grill plate is compact. It suits a couple or small family, or a few mates over for burgers. If you regularly cook for eight or more, or you like doing a whole spread of sausages, steaks and veggies at once, you'll find yourself cooking in batches.
Power and placement
Because it's electric, you need an outdoor-rated power point or an appropriate outdoor extension lead. Check the manufacturer's guidance on clearances, covered areas and weather exposure. A cover is worth buying if it'll live outside, since Aussie sun and coastal salt air are hard on any appliance.
Pellet supply
You'll need compatible wood pellets. Owners commonly report they go further than expected, since each cook uses only a small scoop. Store them somewhere dry; damp pellets don't smoke well.
Cleaning
Look at how the drip tray and grill plate come out and whether parts are dishwasher-safe. Easy cleaning decides how often you'll use any grill.
Who it suits
- Apartment and balcony cooks. Many strata bylaws restrict charcoal or open flame, and some restrict gas. An electric grill is often the easiest option to get approved. Always check your building's rules first.
- Smoking beginners. You get a smoky result without learning fire management or babysitting a firebox for hours.
- Small households who want one appliance for weeknight grilling and the occasional low-and-slow cook.
- People who hate swapping gas bottles.
Who should skip it
- Anyone feeding a crowd most weekends.
- Serious barbecue enthusiasts who want long brisket cooks, big cuts and full control over fire and smoke. A dedicated smoker will suit you better.
- People without easy outdoor power access.
- Anyone who loves the ritual of cooking over real flame. An electric element simply doesn't deliver that experience.
Fire bans and safety
Total fire ban rules in Australia vary by state and territory, and they can cover more than open fires. Some jurisdictions allow certain electric or gas barbecues on fire ban days under specific conditions, while others are stricter. Because the Woodfire burns pellets for smoke, check with your state fire authority (CFA, RFS, CFS, DFES and so on) before using smoke mode on a fire ban day. Keep it on a stable, non-flammable surface, away from dry vegetation, and never leave it unattended while cooking.
Ninja Woodfire vs the alternatives
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja Woodfire | Balconies, small yards, beginner smoking | Smaller cooking area, needs power |
| Gas barbecue | Feeding a crowd, classic Aussie barbie | No real smoke flavour, gas bottle refills |
| Pellet smoker | Long, low-and-slow cooks | Bigger, needs power, steeper learning curve |
| Charcoal kettle | Real fire flavour, versatility | More time, mess and fire management |
Gas barbecue
The hooded gas barbecue is still the default Aussie backyard setup. It heats quickly and handles a big load of food, but smoke flavour isn't its strength. For feeding the extended family at Christmas, gas wins on capacity.
Pellet smoker
A full-size pellet smoker burns pellets as its fuel, fed by an auger. It's built for brisket, pork shoulder and ribs, with far more space than the Woodfire. The trade-offs are size, price and time; it's a hobby appliance more than a weeknight one.
Charcoal kettle
The classic Weber kettle grill gives you genuine fire flavour and is remarkably versatile once you learn indirect cooking. It needs more time, produces ash to clean up and isn't allowed in many apartment buildings or on fire ban days.
Indoor alternative
If outdoor space is the real problem, an indoor grill or air fryer covers some weeknight jobs, minus the smoke. For slow cooking, see our Dutch oven guide.
Bottom line
The Ninja Woodfire makes the most sense for people with limited outdoor space who want smoky flavour without the fuss of charcoal or gas. It's a clever, convenient appliance, not a replacement for a big barbecue or a dedicated smoker. Check your strata and local fire rules, measure your outdoor space, and check current price, as it's a popular item during spring and pre-Christmas sales.
FAQ
Is the Ninja Woodfire a real smoker?
It produces genuine wood smoke from pellets, so you get smoky flavour. However, the heat comes from an electric element, and the cooking space is smaller than a dedicated smoker, so it suits shorter cooks and smaller cuts better.
Can I use it on an apartment balcony?
Often yes, but check your strata bylaws and lease first. Electric grills are more widely permitted than gas or charcoal, but some buildings restrict any smoke-producing appliance.
Can I use it on a total fire ban day?
It depends on your state or territory's rules, which differ. Check your local fire authority's guidance before using it, particularly in smoke mode.
Does it need special pellets?
Ninja recommends its own pellet blends. Some owners use other food-grade pellets, but check the manual and warranty terms before doing so.
Is it big enough for a family?
It suits a couple or family of four comfortably. Larger groups will usually need to cook in batches.