Latest news with #FlexFlame
CNET
16-07-2025
- CNET
I've Never Seen a Grill Quite Like Ninja's 5-in-1 FlexFlame. Here's What I Thought of It
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. 8.3 / 10 SCORE Ninja FlexFlame $1,000 at Ninja Kitchen Pros Built-in smoker can add smoky flavor to food with the push of a button Convection fan provides fast preheating and heat recovery, and even cooking Feels well built and includes a 10-year warranty Griddle attachment offers mess-free cooking of flaky fish and vegetables Large 424 square-inch grill top Cons A big grill means a lot of grill to clean Must be plugged in to operate, and the power cord is short Accessories are sold separately Expensive Ninja FlexFlame 8.3/10 CNET Score $1,000 at Ninja Kitchen Grills have come a long way from the basic box of coals and metal grates. These days, you'll find smart grills with app connectivity, top-down infrared broilers, and precision-controlled pellet systems that let you slow-smoke a brisket without ever leaving your patio chair. The Ninja's clean appearance hides a dynamic grill top that can turn into a griddle, smoker, roaster or pizza oven. David Watsky/CNET Now, Ninja -- known for its high-performance kitchen appliances -- is entering the outdoor arena with its first-ever full-size gas grill. The $1,000 Ninja FlexFlame Grill isn't just a backyard cooker, it's a multifunctional culinary platform. This feature-loaded grill boasts a spacious cooking surface, a built-in smoker box for infusing low-and-slow flavor, and a convection fan that brings the kind of even heat distribution you'd expect from a high-end indoor oven. It also includes modular attachments that quickly convert it into a flat-top griddle or pizza oven, making it one of the most versatile grills we've tested to date. Whether you're searing steaks, baking pies, or smoking ribs low and slow, the FlexFlame is made to handle it all -- no flame-wrangling required. So is the Ninja FlexFlame really worth $1,000? I tested it for weeks and was wholly impressed with the form and function but a grill this expensive only makes sense for someone who takes advantage of all it has to offer. Here's everything you need to know about the flashy new Ninja FlexFlame. What's different about the Ninja FlexFlame? The FlexFlame looks like your average outdoor three-burner gas grill but unique features include: A convection fan for even cooking and precise temperature control. A built-in pellet smoker allows you to impart smoky flavor into any food. The dynamic grill top transforms into a flat-top griddle, roaster and pizza oven with attachments (sold separately). The built-in smoker box sets the FlexFlame apart from most of the grills we've tested. David Watsky/CNET Design and build quality The FlexFlame is sturdy and designed for easy cooking. All the add-on attachments, including the roasting rack, cast-iron griddle top and pizza stone, fit squarely in their places and are well-made. The grates and griddle are enameled cast iron and the under-cabinet space is roomy. Similar to industry leader Weber, it has a 10-year limited warranty. The grill is solid, once assembled. Adding pellets to the hopper is slightly awkward but there are no other obvious design flaws. David Watsky/CNET The stainless steel and porcelain-coated finish looks nice, but the aesthetics are nothing special. If smudgy stainless steel isn't your thing, there's a matte black edition available from Ninja or The Home Depot. Assembly and setup Assembling the grill should take one hour or more. The instructions are user-friendly and include video tutorials. In most regions, a white-glove service is available to have the grill delivered already set up for an extra cost. Cooking performance A built-in convection fan helps with evenness and efficiency The CyclonicHeat fan helps distribute air evenly over food and keeps the temperature consistent. David Watsky/CNET Once the grill is set up and plugged in (yes, it requires electricity to operate) and ignited using the ignition system, all the burners are ignited, and a built-in convection fan begins to pump away, I was able to choose a cooking method ranging from a precise low and slow cook or roaring high heat as hot as 600 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for pizza. Preheating the oven to its hottest 600 degrees Fahrenheit takes about 10 minutes, which is fast for a grill. A temperature readout on the dial lets you know when it is ready. The CylonicHeatIQ -- aka a convection fan and heat sensors -- circulates heat evenly throughout the chamber and keeps the temperature consistent. I saw this feature on display when I roasted a whole chicken with a can of light lager up its rear. It was done in less than 45 minutes and the skin was crispy and the bird was evenly cooked. Lightning-fast temperature recovery Even if the lid was opened, the FlexFlame recovered the set temperature much faster than other grills. David Watsky/CNET The convection fan also gives this grill quick temperature recovery via powerful burners and a convection fan. If I opened the lid to check cooking progress, I typically returned to temperature within a few seconds of closing it again. Grilling: This grill gets screaming hot and the temperature readout helps determine when it's ready for action. I found it easy to get a great sear on the burgers, salmon and chicken I cooked on it. Grilling on the FlexFlame wasn't much different from grilling on other quality grills I've used. The Ninja FlexFlame's smoker and a low, slow heat from the burners combined to make some mighty tasty ribs. David Watsky/CNET Smoking: The FlexFlame's marquis feature is the built-in smoker box. All it takes is to drop a cupful of wood pellets into the hopper. Once the grill is fired up, either on low/slow mode or a higher heat, you close the hood and tap the woodfire flavor button and the system starts pumping smoke inside. These were some of the better ribs I've made and it couldn't have been easier. David Watsky/CNET I used the smoker to cook a rack of pork ribs at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. They were tender and juicy with a pleasant, light smoky flavor. I then cooked beef ribs at a lower temperature but for a longer time and the smokiness was more pronounced. I let the beef ribs smoke for even longer and it totally paid off. David Watsky/CNET Griddle: As much as I enjoyed the smoker, the feature I found myself using most was the half or full griddle insert and I recommend buying those add-on accessories. While beef and chicken are often the stars of a barbecue menu, I love cooking the whole meal out there. That often includes veggies, potatoes or flaky fish that can break apart and fall through the grates onto the burners and into a wretched mess. If you get the Ninja FlexFlame, the half griddle attachment is a must. David Watsky/CNET The FlexFlame griddle sits firmly next to the grill grates, so you can use both surfaces at the same time. Chicken and beef get kissed by the flames and attractive grill marks, while salmon enjoys a fierce sear yet stays intact on the griddle side. Toss broccoli or diced mushrooms drizzled with olive oil with them, and you've got a meal in less than 15 minutes. You can grill flaky fish or make a diner-style breakfast on the FlexFlame's griddle. David Watsky/CNET Pizza: Because the oven can reach 600 degrees Fahrenheit and hold its temperature consistently, it's an ideal grill for making pizza, especially if you order the pizza stone attachment ($50). Precision heat for expanded outdoor cooking The grill cooked my beer can chicken evenly in less than 45 minutes. David Watsky/CNET Along with the griddle insert and option to smoke, a feature of the FlexFlame I fell for was the digital control panel with precision temperature settings ranging from 200 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. With most grills, the temperature inside the grill is a guessing game and it often doesn't correspond directly to the setting on the dials. FlexFlame's precision allows you to use it like a traditional convection oven, even in summer, a great foil for keeping the kitchen cool on lasagna night. Perfect grill for steaks and thick cuts of meat The FlexFlame allows you to cook using different methods and surfaces at the same time. David Watsky/CNET Fussy carnivores know that the best way to cook a thick cut of meat like ribeye, filet or pork chop is to sear the outside on both sides and finish it with indirect heat in the oven. Because this grill can imitate an oven with more precise convection cooking, you can do both right in the FlexFlame's cooking chamber. Simply move the seared steak up to a roasting rack to finish and stick it with a meat thermometer to nail the doneness. It's a beast to clean A grill big enough to accommodate all those features and functions means there is a lot of real estate to clean afterward and maintain. That's especially true after a long, slow, low cook such as ribs, brisket or pork shoulder. None of the grill's components are advertised as dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning. Slow cooking combined with convection heat can result in a good deal of mess to clean up after. David Watsky/CNET Fatty foods ooze grease and the convection fan blows air around so things can move more than in a typical grill. There's a grease trap and management system, which is particularly useful when griddling, but it can only do so much. All grilling requires cleanup but expect a relatively robust cleaning session after each use of the FlexFlame. Read more: How to Clean Your Grill like a Pro It must be plugged in to work, which is kind of annoying This is my first grill to require electricity, and there were times I wished it didn't. The power cord attached to the grill is short -- I assume for safety -- so you'll need an extension cord. My home doesn't have outdoor outlets, so running a cord out the back meant I could not close the storm door. Within a few minutes of using the smoker feature, much of that smoke had snuck its way into the house. Not exactly where you want it. Conclusion: The pricey FlexFlame is worth it for the right person The new Ninja FlexFlame has all the makings for a delicious summer. David Watsky/CNET The Ninja FlexFlame offers more than most gas grills, including impressive temperature control, a dynamic grill top and the option to smoke your food with the push of a button. At $1,000 for the grill only, it costs more than most, especially if you nab the add-ons. (I like the half griddle pan best.) Because of this, you'd be wise to consider all that the Ninja offers and whether you'll use these features regularly to justify the cost. If you're smoker- or barbecue-curious or have been considering an outdoor pizza oven or flattop grill, the FlexFlame can stand in valiantly for all three outdoor cooking appliances. Plus, it delivers all the trappings of a sturdy and high-functioning gas grill. If you're not in the market for those other tools, just a great grill; the exceptional Weber 3-Burner Spirit E-33 or E-321 can be yours for roughly half the price.
CNET
03-07-2025
- General
- CNET
No, You're Not Cleaning Your Grill Enough. Here's How to Do It Right Ahead of July 4th
With the biggest grilling weekend of the year here, it's a good time to show your grill a little love. Sure, those char marks look great on a steak, but leftover grease and gunk from your last cookout can do more harm than you think, and not just to your dinner. A dirty grill isn't just gross, it's a health risk. Built-up grime can harbor bacteria that may contaminate your food. And while a little smoke adds flavor, no one's asking for last week's burnt chicken thigh to crash this weekend's burger party. It's also a safety issue. All that crusted-on grease and food residue can spark flare-ups or even a full-on grease fire -- not exactly the fireworks you want on the Fourth. On top of that, regular cleanings will help your grill last longer and perform better. For gas grills, clogged burners can block propane flow and mess with heat distribution. And if you let the bottom of your grill turn into a grease trap, rust is coming for it fast. So before you fire it up for hot dogs, ribs or veggie skewers, take a few minutes to clean out the crust. Your tastebuds -- and your grill -- will thank you. For this article, I used a propane-fueled model to illustrate the best grill-cleaning techniques, but this routine can work for charcoal grills, pellet smokers and kamado grills, too. (For more cleaning tips, check out how to clean a cast-iron skillet and how to clean your kitchen in less than 15 minutes.) How often should you clean your grill? Ninja's new FlexFlame is one of our favorite grill launches in years. David Watsky/CNET How often you'll need to clean your grill depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets when you do. Most experts suggest deep-cleaning your grill at least twice per year, with lighter, maintenance cleaning after each use. If you're a heavy griller (or not as good with the post-dinner clean), three times per year would be a better cadence. If you're a seasonal griller, you'll definitely want to give your grill a good clean before you put it away for winter and likely again in the middle of peak season. How to properly clean a grill 1. Open up the grill and pull it apart First, you'll need to open the grill and remove its various parts. This way, you'll be able to access the main grill chamber. Typically sitting below the grates, this is where heavy food particles tend to fall and grease drippings land. CNET Start with a cold grill. Open the hood, remove the grill grates and set them aside. Some propane gas models also have one or multiple metal heat diffusers that rest over the burners. If your grill has them, take those out too. 2. Clean the inside of the grill A lot of grease and food particles tend to collect inside the grill's interior, also known as the "grill box." Use a cheap putty knife (metal or plastic) or an old spatula to scrape the sides of the grill chamber free of as much gunk as you can. Any thin, flat tool will do. Just make sure it provides a good surface or handle to grip. You also might want to consider getting a pair of work gloves, too, since this is bound to be a dirty job. On charcoal and wood pellet grills, ash will accumulate within their coal trays and fireboxes. That in turn limits airflow, and ultimately affects cooking performance. And in the case of pellet grills, ash can cause misfiring of the pellet system. Sometimes this situation leads to a precarious over-firing condition when too much fuel ignites at once. Avoid that by regularly clearing your grill of ash deposits. Just be sure to do so when the ash has cooled completely. Now Playing: Here's how to clean your grill safely 01:42 3. Clear the burner tubes If you have a gas grill, one part that often gets clogged are its burner tubes. One symptom of dirty burners is reduced flame size. They may also burn with an orange color instead of the usual blue. Both indicate abnormally low temperatures and an underpowered grill. Typically a gas grill has multiple burner tubes, though some may have only one. Use a nylon or steel wire brush to gently clean the small holes on the tubes. Be sure to brush from the center of the tube outward, moving sideways (not up and down). Otherwise you may push debris into the tube or holes themselves instead of clearing them. Enlarge Image Use a metal scraper instead of a steel brush with bristles. Chris Monroe/CNET 4. Clean the grill grates Reassemble the grill, then turn it on to its highest temperature setting and close the hood. There may even be a cleaning level on your burner dials. After a few minutes, open the lid and scrape the grates vigorously. I recommend using a nonbristle metal grill brush, like the $21 Kona Safe Clean Grill Brush. It's made out of stainless steel and is bristle-free so it's safe for use on porcelain, ceramic, steel and cast iron surfaces. You can also use a nylon brush, but make sure to do this only when the grill is cold. Other options are the $17 GrillArt Grill Brush and Scraper or the $10 Char Broil Nylon Bristle Grill Brush. A time may come, at the start of grilling season perhaps, when deep cleaning is required. To loosen stubborn, carbonized grime, soak your grates in soapy water overnight. Another option is to hit grates with an aerosol grill cleaner like Simple Green. Enlarge Image A metal scraper removes debris without leaving dangerous bristles behind. Chris Monroe/CNET 5. Prevent future buildup Certain practices can help discourage deposits of dirt and grease from forming in the first place. One method is to grease the grates of your hot grill with a little cooking oil right before you start cooking. In the same vein, scrubbing your grill grates with a raw onion is another tactic you can try. If you do have a grill brush without bristles, it's a good idea to scrape your hot grates both before and after grilling. Another tactic is to scrub hot grill grates with the open side of a sliced (in half) onion. The thinking here is that it seasons the grates while adding moisture. Organic compounds supposedly are released, too, which break down stubborn grease and dirt. I've found that it's not as effective as scrubbing, but it certainly creates a wonderful smell. Performing a full cleaning every few months is the best method to enjoy a grill that's spick-and-span. A little elbow grease goes a long way. For more cleaning tips, check out how to get that organized TikTok fridge look, and how to kill mold in your washer and keep it away.
CNET
17-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
The Ninja FlexFlame Grill and Smoker Is Now Down to a New Low of $900, Just in Time for Summer
Summer is officially with us in just a few days, and if you're into barbecuing, grilling, smoking and other forms of outdoor cooking, the right outdoor appliance is key to having a great grilling season. We've spotted the Ninja FlexFlame grill and smoker for just $900 right now at Amazon -- a new low that saves you $100 over its usual asking price. Ninja is also selling this innovative electric and propane grill for the same price if you prefer to go that route. The Ninja FlexFlame grill and smoker can achieve temperatures ranging from 200°F and 600°F so you can grill, bake, roast, smoke and barbecue delicious treats. It can be open or closed depending on what you'd like to make, and it can even make grilled pizzas, if that's your summer jam. When closed, its convection fan disperses heat to allow for faster roasting, grilling or outdoor baking. Ninja equipped the FlexFlame with three master burners for even heat distribution and precision. It also has space for wooden pellets (sold separately) you can use to smoke your favorite treats. The FlexFlame weighs 130 pounds and has four wheels for smooth transportation. Keep in mind that it must be plugged in to work, and requires a separate propane gas tank hookup to heat correctly. Other accessories, such as a pizza stone or griddle are sold separately, but Amazon also has a few bundles to choose from. The pizza bundle includes the FlexFame, a pizza stone and a pizza peel for $1,020, which saves you $100. Looking for a new summer grill but not sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best gas grills so you can compare before you shop. Why this deal matters The Ninja FlexFlame can grill, smoke, roast, bake and barbecue your favorite summer foods outdoors for a smoky, charred flavor you can't get with indoor appliances. This Amazon deal is its first ever discount and gives you the opportunity to grab the FlexFlame grill for $100 less than its original asking price. Keep in mind that if you buy at Ninja you'll also get 2 free 2-lb. bags of wood pellets so you can start smoking right away. Regardless of which route you choose, there are plenty of ways to save on this fantastic grill.
Tom's Guide
30-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I cooked everything on the Ninja FlexFlame — and the results surprised me
I can safely say the Ninja FlexFlame is unlike anything the brand has released before. And at $999, not only is it Ninja's most expensive product yet, but it's also its most ambitious. Propane-powered but digitally controlled, this outdoor cooker isn't just a grill: it's also a smoker, a griddle, a pizza oven, and a roaster all built into one setup. It's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide, so I've spent a couple of weeks grilling, smoking and baking with the FlexFlame, trying to gauge whether it falls into the 'jack of all trades but master of none' category by trying to do too much. I went into testing thinking it was a gamble for Ninja to introduce its convention technology into the equation, touting a grill that can reach 600 degrees in as little as 7 minutes. Without spoiling too much of my full Ninja FlexFlame review below, I'll tell you it earned a permanent place in my outdoor cooking setup for the summer — but not without some important caveats that will determine whether it's the best grill for you. Ninja FlexFlame Price $999 Dimensions 59.57 x 48.31 x 25.08 inches Weight 130 pounds Electrical 400W watts, 120v-60hz volts Fuel Propane Total cooking area 544 square inches I've built a lot of grills in my time, and this was easily one of the most pain-free setups I've done. You attach the grill to the base, screw in the control panel, pop on the doors, slide in the grease trap, and that's basically it. I love how Ninja splits all the screws and smaller parts into individual bags that correspond with the assembly steps. Even though this is one of Ninja's most advanced outdoor products, it doesn't make you work for the first cook. You can be up and grilling in under an hour. I would recommend giving the grates and cooking surfaces a good wash before your first use, and pay attention to whether your surface needs to be seasoned. For example, the full and half griddle accessories both require you to know how to season a flat top griddle first. One of the most impressive things about the Ninja FlexFlame is how quickly it heats up. Thanks to a powerful built-in convection fan that circulates hot air from the flames around the cookbox, the grill can reach 600 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 7 minutes. The temperature is tracked in real-time on the digital control panel, and during my tests, it hit target temps faster than most grills I've used, including some much higher-end models. Now, let me set expectations: it's loud. Not leaf blower loud, but not far off. The convection fan has an industrial whirr that's very noticeable when the lid is closed and the heat is circulating. That said, the fan smartly pauses whenever you open the lid, and as soon as you close it again, the fan kicks back on to quickly bring the grill back up to temp. I wouldn't call it dealbreaker by any means, unless of course you're worried about a noise complaint from close-proximity neighbors. The FlexFlame isn't just about grilling. You can: I tried every mode, and all of them worked as advertised. I grilled kebabs and steak, smoked beef ribs with a real bark and smoke ring, roasted a whole chicken to golden perfection, and cooked breakfast bacon on the griddle. Every feature felt purposeful. I'm certain some people will purchase this and never use at least a few of the settings, but with the help of the comprehensive user guide that comes with the FlexFlame, there's guidance on how to get started. I know I've already outlined the cooking modes, but there is one that surprised me the most. When I've tested Ninja's Woodfire products that have small smoke boxes, I've enjoyed the subtle touches of smoky flavor but I wouldn't say something like the Woodfire Outdoor Oven can genuinely smoke big cuts of meat. But with a 2-pound pellet box, the FlexFlame doesn't just flavor your food with smoke, it actually smokes it. I got bark, smoke rings, and fall-apart ribs in three hours. Yes, you'll need to refill the smoke box during longer cooks, but the fact that this kind of performance is coming from a gas-powered grill is seriously impressive. Just be ready to stock up on pellets because their sampler bags will run out quickly (and no, you don't have to use Ninja's brand). The FlexFlame may be a propane grill, but it still needs to be plugged in. The electric power runs the digital controls and the internal fan (which is a key part of its performance). If you're grilling off-grid, tailgating without a generator, or just don't want cords on your patio, this could be a dealbreaker. A lot of people don't think about needing electrical power when buying a gas grill, so I wouldn't be surprised if Ninja sees a majority of returns related to those expectations. Out of the box, you get the basics: the main grill, a solid set of grates, and an average-sided elevated top rack. But to unlock all the modes I outlined above, you'll need accessories. Some are more essential than others (like the cover), but if you want the full FlexFlame experience with smoking, griddling and pizza-making, expect to tack on another couple hundred bucks. As with any 'system,' your experience will be elevated based on how much you're willing to spend. Considering the grill already costs $999, I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for 'just a grill.' If I had no interest or need in combining smoker or griddle functionality, I'd personally opt for the $799 Weber Spirit EP-425 for an appliance with basically the same amount of cooking area. The Ninja FlexFlame is a serious cooking system for people who want serious outdoor cooking versatility. If you're just making burgers every weekend, this might be more of a system than you need, and the Weber Spirit I mentioned is still a better pick among the best grills for simpler needs and tighter budgets. But if you're ready to cook a variety of meals outside, and like the idea of combining all outdoor cooking appliances into one system, the FlexFlame is worth the investment. It's not just a 5-in-1 appliance, it's five really good appliances in one.
CNET
15-05-2025
- CNET
Ninja's First Full-Size Gas Grill Is 4 Appliances in 1. Here's My Review
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. 8.3 / 10 SCORE Ninja FlexFlame $1,000 at Ninja Kitchen Pros Built-in smoker can add smoky flavor to food with the push of a button Convection fan provides fast preheating and heat recovery, and even cooking Feels well built and includes a 10-year warranty Griddle attachment offers mess-free cooking of flaky fish and vegetables Large 424 square-inch grill top Cons A big grill means lots of grill to clean Must be plugged in to operate, and the power cord is short Accessories are sold separately Expensive Ninja FlexFlame 8.3/10 CNET Score $1,000 at Ninja Kitchen Ninja is unabashedly one of our favorite producers of kitchen gear and gadgets. The innovators recently blessed us with our new favorite air fryer, complete with a show-offy glass cooking chamber. Then they dropped an upgraded version of their viral ice cream maker that had our New York office melting faster than a scoop in July. Now, Ninja's crashing the full-size grill party with the FlexFlame Grill, a beast of a BBQ that's as multitasking as your group chat on a Friday night. And just in time for May, a.k.a. the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. Coincidence? Not a chance. The Ninja's clean appearance hides a dynamic grill top that can turn into a griddle, smoker, roaster or pizza oven. David Watsky/CNET The five-in-one outdoor cooker is a powerhouse when it comes to grilling and roasting, easily converting into a sleek griddle and featuring a handy built-in pellet smoker to infuse meat, fish, and vegetables with rich barbecue flavor. To find out how well Ninja's bold entry into the large grill market holds up, I donned my best barbecue gloves and put the FlexFlame to the test for a month. So is it worth your $1,000 to take this feature-heavy grill home? Here's everything you need to know about the flashy new Ninja FlexFlame. What's different about the Ninja FlexFlame? The FlexFlame looks like your average outdoor three-burner gas grill, but unique features include: A convection fan for even cooking and precise temperature control. A built-in pellet smoker allows you to impart smoky flavor into any food. The dynamic grill top transforms into a flat-top griddle, roaster and pizza oven with attachments (sold separately). The built-in smoker box sets the FlexFlame apart from most of the grills we've tested. David Watsky/CNET Design and build quality The FlexFlame is sturdy and designed for easy cooking. All the add-on attachments, including the roasting rack, cast-iron griddle top, and pizza stone, fit squarely in their places and are well-made. The grates and griddle are enameled cast iron, and the under-cabinet space is roomy. Similar to industry leader Weber, it has a 10-year limited warranty. The grill is solid, once assembled. Adding pellets to the hopper is slightly awkward but there are no other obvious design flaws. David Watsky/CNET The stainless steel and porcelain-coated finish looks nice, but the aesthetics are nothing special. If smudgy stainless steel isn't your thing, there's a matte black edition available from Ninja or The Home Depot. Assembly and setup Assembling the grill should take one hour or more. The instructions are user-friendly and include video tutorials. In most regions, a white glove service is available to have the grill delivered already set up for an extra cost. Cooking performance A built-in convection fan helps with evenness and efficiency The CyclonicHeat fan helps distribute air evenly over food and keeps the temperature consistent. David Watsky/CNET Once the grill is set up and plugged in (yes, it requires electricity to operate) and ignited using the ignition system, all the burners are ignited, and a built-in convection fan begins to pump away. I was able to choose a cooking method ranging from a precise low and slow cook or roaring high heat as hot as 600 degrees F, perfect for pizza. Preheating the oven to its hottest 600 degrees Fahrenheit takes about 10 minutes, which is fast for a grill. A temperature readout on the dial lets you know when it is ready. The CylonicHeatIQ -- aka a convection fan and heat sensors -- circulates heat evenly throughout the chamber and keeps the temperature consistent. I saw this feature on display when I roasted a whole chicken with a can of light lager up its rear. It was done in less than 45 minutes, and the skin was crispy, and the bird was evenly cooked. Lightning-fast temperature recovery Even if the lid was opened, the FlexFlame recovered the set temperature much faster than other grills. David Watsky/CNET The convection fan also gives this grill quick temperature recovery via powerful burners and a convection fan. If I opened the lid to check cooking progress, I typically returned to temperature within a few seconds of closing it again. Grilling: This grill gets screaming hot, and the temperature readout helps determine when it's ready for action. I found it easy to get a great sear on the burgers, salmon and chicken I cooked on it. Grilling on the FlexFlame wasn't much different from grilling on other quality grills I've used. The Ninja FlexFlame's smoker and a low, slow heat from the burners combined to make some mighty tasty ribs. David Watsky/CNET Smoking: The FlexFlame's marquis feature is the built-in smoker box. All it takes is to drop a cupful of wood pellets into the hopper. Once the grill is fired up, either on low/slow mode or a higher heat, you close the hood and tap the woodfire flavor button, and the system starts pumping smoke inside. These were some of the better ribs I've made and it couldn't have been easier. David Watsky/CNET I used the smoker to cook a rack of pork ribs at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. They were tender and juicy with a pleasant, light smoky flavor. I then cooked beef ribs at a lower temperature but for a longer time, and the smokiness was more pronounced. I let the beef ribs smoke for even longer and it totally paid off. David Watsky/CNET Griddle: As much as I enjoyed the smoker, the feature I found myself using most was the half or full griddle insert, and I recommend buying those add-on accessories. While beef and chicken are often the stars of a barbecue menu, I love cooking the whole meal out there. That often includes veggies, potatoes or flaky fish that can break apart and fall through the grates onto the burners and into a wretched mess. If you get the Ninja FlexFlame, the half griddle attachment is a must. David Watsky/CNET The FlexFlame griddle sits firmly next to the grill grates, so you can use both surfaces at the same time. Chicken and beef get kissed by the flames and attractive grill marks, while salmon enjoys a fierce sear yet stays intact on the griddle side. Toss broccoli or diced mushrooms drizzled with olive oil with them, and you've got a meal in under 15 minutes. You can grill flaky fish or make a diner-style breakfast on the FlexFlame's griddle. David Watsky/CNET Pizza: Because the oven can reach 600 degrees Fahrenheit and hold its temperature consistently, it's an ideal grill for making pizza, especially if you order the pizza stone attachment ($50). Precision heat for expanded outdoor cooking The grill cooked my beer can chicken evenly in under 45 minutes. David Watsky/CNET Along with the griddle insert and option to smoke, a feature of the FlexFlame I fell for was the digital control panel with precision temperature settings ranging from 200 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. With most grills, the temperature inside the grill is a guessing game, and it often doesn't correspond directly to the setting on the dials. FlexFlame's precision allows you to use it like a traditional convection oven, even in summer, a great foil for keeping the kitchen cool on lasagna night. Perfect grill for steaks and thick cuts of meat The FlexFlame allows you to cook using different methods and surfaces at the same time. David Watsky/CNET Fussy carnivores know that the best way to cook a thick cut of meat like ribeye, filet or pork chop is to sear the outside on both sides and finish it with indirect heat in the oven. Since this grill can imitate an oven with more precise convection cooking, you can do both right in the FlexFlame's cooking chamber. Simply move the seared steak up to a roasting rack to finish, and stick it with a meat thermometer to nail the doneness. It's a beast to clean A grill big enough to accommodate all those features and functions means there is a lot of real estate to clean afterward and maintain. That's especially true after a long, slow, low cook such as ribs, brisket or pork shoulder. None of the grill's components are advertised as dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning. Slow cooking combined with convection heat can result in a good deal of mess to clean up after. David Watsky/CNET Fatty foods ooze grease, and the convection fan blows air around so things can move more than in a typical grill. There's a grease trap and management system, which is particularly useful when griddling, but it can only do so much. All grilling requires cleanup, but expect a relatively robust cleaning session after each use of the FlexFlame. Read more: How to Clean Your Grill like a Pro It must be plugged in to work, which is kind of annoying This is my first grill to require electricity, and there were times I wished it didn't. The power cord attached to the grill is short -- I assume for safety -- so you'll need an extension cord. My home doesn't have outdoor outlets, so running a cord out the back meant I could not close the storm door. Within a few minutes of using the smoker feature, much of that smoke had snuck its way into the house. Not exactly where you want it. Conclusion: The pricey FlexFlame is worth it for the right person The new Ninja FlexFlame has all the makings for a delicious summer. David Watsky/CNET The Ninja FlexFlame offers more than most gas grills, including impressive temperature control, a dynamic grill top and the option to smoke your food with the push of a button. At $1,000 for the grill only, it costs more than most, especially if you nab the add-ons. (I like the half griddle pan best.) Because of this, you'd be wise to consider all that the Ninja offers and whether or not you'll use these features regularly to justify the cost. If you're smoker- or barbecue-curious or have been considering an outdoor pizza oven or flattop grill, the FlexFlame can stand in valiantly for all three outdoor cooking appliances. Plus, it delivers all the trappings of a sturdy and high-functioning gas grill. If you're not in the market for those other tools, just a great grill; the exceptional Weber 3-Burner Spirit E-33 or E-321 can be yours for roughly half the price.
