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Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- 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.
CNET
08-05-2025
- CNET
Ninja's FlexFlame Grill Can Smoke, Griddle and Cook Pizza. Is It Worth $1,000?
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 on a roll. Not only has the brand given us our new favorite air fryer with a genius glass cooking chamber, but the next-gen version of its viral ice cream maker also had our New York office swooning. Ninja, famous for smart spins on classic kitchen tools and appliances, has entered the full-size grill chat with its monster, multipurpose FlexFlame grill. As we roll into May and outdoor cooking season, Ninja's timing is no accident. The Ninja's clean appearance hides a dynamic grill top that can turn into a griddle, roaster or pizza oven. David Watsky/CNET The five-in-one outdoor cooker grills and roasts like a beast, transforms into a slick griddle, and sports a nifty built-in smoker powered by pellets to add barbecue smoke flavor to meat, fish, and veggies. To see how Ninja's ambitious large grill debut performs in real life, I put on my best BBQ gloves and tried the FlexFlame for about a month So is it worth your $1,000 to take this Franken-grill home? Here's everything you need to know about the 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 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, griddle top, and pizza stone, fit squarely in their places. The attachments are also 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 a few different methods 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.
CNN
05-05-2025
- CNN
I tried the new Ninja FlexFlame. The 5-in-1 outdoor grill turned me into a pitmaster
The Ninja FlexFlame — the brand's first propane grill — is a shortcut to the backyard of my dreams. When I finally have a home of my own, stepping out onto the patio will reveal an arsenal of outdoor cooking appliances. There's a grill for burgers and hot dogs in one corner; a smoker, where all-day cooks produce heavenly ribs, in another. Don't forget the griddle, where I'll flip pancakes in the morning, then chop cheesesteaks at night. Oh, and every Friday, my pizza oven produces artisanal pies that are simply *chef's kiss.* Let me come back to reality, though. I don't have the space — or the budget — for all of those machines, and that's what made testing the FlexFlame intriguing. It's Ninja's new 5-in-1 unit that can grill, smoke, roast, griddle and cook pizza. The not-so-secret to it is a combination system that burns propane for heat and uses electricity to cycle air, monitor temperature and — if you want it to — infuse smoky flavor into your food. Cooking on the Ninja FlexFlame made me feel like the pitmaster I most certainly am not. But is it the best grill to gift your dad on Father's Day or invest in as a new homeowner? Can it replace Weber, Traeger, Blackstone and Ooni, all of which are stalwarts in their respective categories? I've been chefin' with the recently released grill for about two months, and I have thoughts. Let's dig in. Ninja FlexFlame Propane Grill & Outdoor Cooking System Ninja FlexFlame, the brand's first foray into propane, is a ticket to various cooking methods for any grillmaster short on space. It's not cheap, but it's worth it if you're committed to an all-in-one barbecue behemoth. Propane meets electronics The Ninja FlexFlame looks like a regular old grill at first glance. Its controls are a little less traditional, and they're what enables a simplified, versatile approach that takes the guesswork out of cooking. Once the grill is on and ignited, you don't set individual burners to high or low. Rather, pick one of four functions — Grill/Pizza, 2-Zone, Roast/Bake or Low & Slow — which deploy a different combination of three horizontal burners. You'll next set a temperature, and your work is done. The grill's electronic sensor will adjust a motorized propane valve to quickly reach and maintain that temperature. It sounds like a lot of hoopla for cooking a cheeseburger, right? Wrong. You don't have to worry about tracking a small thermometer dial's slow climb, because that progress is displayed on a screen. And gone are the days of wondering if you need to blast the burners after opening the lid, because the FlexFlame will recover to that exact temperature on its own. A convection fan under the FlexFlame's hood is another key element to this formula. Built into the right side of the main cavity and turned on whenever the lid is shut, the fan circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking. Ninja calls it CyclonicHeat-iQ. We probably shouldn't be surprised that the folks behind the best air fryer we've tested found a way to put a similar concept in a grill. It's a technology that opens the door to precise temps and, in turn, all those different cooking methods. Smoking is the best feature Knowing the differences between each mode makes it easier to grasp what it's capable of. Again, they are: Grill/Pizza: all three burners, 450 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit 2-Zone: middle and front burners, 350 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit Roast/Bake: back and front burners, 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit Low & Slow: middle burner only, 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit Each function brings something to the table (literally), but Low & Slow is the one worth looking at most closely. I deployed that single-burner mode to smoke ribs and brisket with no prior experience, and both came out mouthwateringly good. But while the low temps help create a tender and juicy result with charred bark, a steady propane burn isn't going to produce smoke. That's where Ninja's Woodfire pellets enter the fold. Though optional, they add a layer of flavor to extended cooks that a regular grill can't match. It's important to note that these are for flavor only. While some smokers burn wood for a heat source, that's not the case here (which is a good thing for beginners, as cooking with live fire takes skill and practice). The pellets are added to a small hopper on the right exterior of the grill and ignited with an electronic element. The hopper is adjacent to the fan, which circulates the smoke. Cooking for hours? Add more pellets when you stop seeing (and smelling) the evidence. This feature can even be applied to cold items without any cooking. Smoked cheeses, cocktails and raw fish are all fair game. I smoked my meals in the backyard, and the aroma was so heavenly that family arriving in the front of the house got a delightful whiff. They were equally satisfied with the resulting taste several hours later. (Yes, masquerading as a real barbecue boss was one of the most satisfying experiences I've had testing products.) It's easy to build A great product falls down a few rungs if it's a pain to build. That wasn't the case here. Every tool needed to put the FlexFlame together is included in the box. If you've ever lost precious time deciphering confusing instruction manuals, you'll appreciate the easy-to-follow 3D instructions in the Bilt app. Instead of flipping through pages and trying to make sense of illustrations, the app lets you pinch and drag on your phone's screen to visualize each step from any angle, not just flat on a piece of paper. For example, when positioning the electronic unit under the right side table, the app shows you exactly what it's supposed to look like as if it were underneath that table with you. It's sort of like the Google Street View of assembly. The process took two hours for two people to fully build the grill, though we weren't in a hurry. It could've been done faster. A few other details helped make acclimating to the FlexFlame fairly seamless. A 39-page booklet littered with explainers, tips, recipes and cooking recommendations (and ads to buy more Ninja stuff) eased the transition from traditional grilling. 5-in-1 … if you pay extra There's a catch, and it's a pretty big one. The FlexFlame is already $1,000. That price does not include any griddles or pizza accessories. So, while you're getting a 'cooking system,' the components that bring out its best are add-ons. Ninja offers a $1,275 package that bundles the grill with a half-griddle, a pizza stone, a pizza peel, two 2-pound bags of pellets, an expanded smoking rack and a grill cover. That's solid value, but I wish more was possible in the base price. The real argument exists in your alternatives. Our most recent grill testing pegs the Weber Genesis E-325s as the best propane grill, and it's $949. Our top pellet smoker, the Traeger Ironwood 885, is $1,400. Want the best gas pizza oven? The Ooni Karu 2 starts at $399. The quick math puts Ninja ahead, though you're sacrificing niche specialties for a jack of all trades. It's a bang-for-your-buck arrangement that's worth it to me, but seasoned grillers with deeper pockets might prefer devices that have perfected their dedicated task. It lacks storage solutions I tested every FlexFlame accessory I could get my hands on, but they can't all fit on the grill at once. If the standard grill plates are installed, that means I have a half griddle and a full griddle with no home. The pizza stone sits on top of the grills when I'm slinging dough, but it has nowhere to go the rest of the time. Considering the FlexFlame is a sturdy, tall grill, a dedicated storage system for these heavy accessories would have been a welcome convenience within the lower cabinet. As it is now, you have to stack parts in there and hope they don't fall over or look elsewhere for storage. The best setup is probably keeping the half griddle installed except when you need additional grill plate space. It's easy to overcook your food Ninja wasn't kidding: The convection element really does speed up cook times. But that means you need to pay attention and accept that you might overcook things if you're not careful. The first batch of wings I grilled had a mean char on the outside (it was actually kind of good). My inaugural steaks were horrifically well done. Part of that is on me, but part of it is a learning curve that took me a few sessions to get used to. The right side of the grill, where the fan and a vertical ignition burner are, tends to run hotter. The included booklet I praised above has recommended cooking times and temperatures for all kinds of food items in every mode of the FlexFlame. Those times were generous. I'd treat them as a starting point and not a definitive goal. Investing in a reliable meat thermometer will help you more accurately reach your required doneness. Prev Next The Ninja FlexFlame has a lot to offer. Smoking is a unique feature for an otherwise basic propane grill. Its controls are intuitive and a great help to anyone who doesn't have the patience to dial in just the right temperature. Using this grill as a pizza oven makes a lot of sense because the huge lid grants more access than a narrow opening, and the convection cooking can crank the heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The list of pros goes on — just as the digits in the price do, too. So, who is the Ninja FlexFlame really for? If you've already got the setup I aspire to — smoker, grill, pizza oven, etc. — this one probably isn't worth it unless you have plans to downsize. That said, anyone looking for a first grill or an upgrade from a budget purchase will be enthused by the FlexFlame, because being able to grill chicken, cook brisket and bake legit pizzas on the same cooktop while blessing them with smoky flavor will make your backyard the destination your guests dream about, too. Is the Ninja FlexFlame gas or electric? Is the Ninja FlexFlame gas or electric? Yes, and I know that wasn't a yes or no question. While propane is the main fuel source for the Ninja FlexFlame, an electric connection is required to run the electronic components — the control panel, temperature sensor, convection fan and pellet ignition — that help the grill maintain a steady temperature. Can the Ninja FlexFlame use third-party wood pellets? Can the Ninja FlexFlame use third-party wood pellets? Yes. Ninja doesn't explicitly say so, but considering its pellets are rebranded Bear Mountain pellets, I wouldn't worry about experimenting with other flavors. Just follow the guidance for emptying your hopper when the cooking is done, so that too much ash doesn't build up. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate testing writer Joe Bloss tested every cooking function of the Ninja FlexFlame. Though he's not a professional chef, Bloss has extensive experience with product testing in the cooking appliance and kitchen space, including the best pizza ovens, slot toasters and coffee makers. Now, it turns out he's really good at smoking ribs.
CNN
05-05-2025
- CNN
I tried the new Ninja FlexFlame. The 5-in-1 outdoor grill turned me into a pitmaster
The Ninja FlexFlame — the brand's first propane grill — is a shortcut to the backyard of my dreams. When I finally have a home of my own, stepping out onto the patio will reveal an arsenal of outdoor cooking appliances. There's a grill for burgers and hot dogs in one corner; a smoker, where all-day cooks produce heavenly ribs, in another. Don't forget the griddle, where I'll flip pancakes in the morning, then chop cheesesteaks at night. Oh, and every Friday, my pizza oven produces artisanal pies that are simply *chef's kiss.* Let me come back to reality, though. I don't have the space — or the budget — for all of those machines, and that's what made testing the FlexFlame intriguing. It's Ninja's new 5-in-1 unit that can grill, smoke, roast, griddle and cook pizza. The not-so-secret to it is a combination system that burns propane for heat and uses electricity to cycle air, monitor temperature and — if you want it to — infuse smoky flavor into your food. Cooking on the Ninja FlexFlame made me feel like the pitmaster I most certainly am not. But is it the best grill to gift your dad on Father's Day or invest in as a new homeowner? Can it replace Weber, Traeger, Blackstone and Ooni, all of which are stalwarts in their respective categories? I've been chefin' with the recently released grill for about two months, and I have thoughts. Let's dig in. Ninja FlexFlame Propane Grill & Outdoor Cooking System Ninja FlexFlame, the brand's first foray into propane, is a ticket to various cooking methods for any grillmaster short on space. It's not cheap, but it's worth it if you're committed to an all-in-one barbecue behemoth. Propane meets electronics The Ninja FlexFlame looks like a regular old grill at first glance. Its controls are a little less traditional, and they're what enables a simplified, versatile approach that takes the guesswork out of cooking. Once the grill is on and ignited, you don't set individual burners to high or low. Rather, pick one of four functions — Grill/Pizza, 2-Zone, Roast/Bake or Low & Slow — which deploy a different combination of three horizontal burners. You'll next set a temperature, and your work is done. The grill's electronic sensor will adjust a motorized propane valve to quickly reach and maintain that temperature. It sounds like a lot of hoopla for cooking a cheeseburger, right? Wrong. You don't have to worry about tracking a small thermometer dial's slow climb, because that progress is displayed on a screen. And gone are the days of wondering if you need to blast the burners after opening the lid, because the FlexFlame will recover to that exact temperature on its own. A convection fan under the FlexFlame's hood is another key element to this formula. Built into the right side of the main cavity and turned on whenever the lid is shut, the fan circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking. Ninja calls it CyclonicHeat-iQ. We probably shouldn't be surprised that the folks behind the best air fryer we've tested found a way to put a similar concept in a grill. It's a technology that opens the door to precise temps and, in turn, all those different cooking methods. Smoking is the best feature Knowing the differences between each mode makes it easier to grasp what it's capable of. Again, they are: Grill/Pizza: all three burners, 450 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit 2-Zone: middle and front burners, 350 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit Roast/Bake: back and front burners, 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit Low & Slow: middle burner only, 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit Each function brings something to the table (literally), but Low & Slow is the one worth looking at most closely. I deployed that single-burner mode to smoke ribs and brisket with no prior experience, and both came out mouthwateringly good. But while the low temps help create a tender and juicy result with charred bark, a steady propane burn isn't going to produce smoke. That's where Ninja's Woodfire pellets enter the fold. Though optional, they add a layer of flavor to extended cooks that a regular grill can't match. It's important to note that these are for flavor only. While some smokers burn wood for a heat source, that's not the case here (which is a good thing for beginners, as cooking with live fire takes skill and practice). The pellets are added to a small hopper on the right exterior of the grill and ignited with an electronic element. The hopper is adjacent to the fan, which circulates the smoke. Cooking for hours? Add more pellets when you stop seeing (and smelling) the evidence. This feature can even be applied to cold items without any cooking. Smoked cheeses, cocktails and raw fish are all fair game. I smoked my meals in the backyard, and the aroma was so heavenly that family arriving in the front of the house got a delightful whiff. They were equally satisfied with the resulting taste several hours later. (Yes, masquerading as a real barbecue boss was one of the most satisfying experiences I've had testing products.) It's easy to build A great product falls down a few rungs if it's a pain to build. That wasn't the case here. Every tool needed to put the FlexFlame together is included in the box. If you've ever lost precious time deciphering confusing instruction manuals, you'll appreciate the easy-to-follow 3D instructions in the Bilt app. Instead of flipping through pages and trying to make sense of illustrations, the app lets you pinch and drag on your phone's screen to visualize each step from any angle, not just flat on a piece of paper. For example, when positioning the electronic unit under the right side table, the app shows you exactly what it's supposed to look like as if it were underneath that table with you. It's sort of like the Google Street View of assembly. The process took two hours for two people to fully build the grill, though we weren't in a hurry. It could've been done faster. A few other details helped make acclimating to the FlexFlame fairly seamless. A 39-page booklet littered with explainers, tips, recipes and cooking recommendations (and ads to buy more Ninja stuff) eased the transition from traditional grilling. 5-in-1 … if you pay extra There's a catch, and it's a pretty big one. The FlexFlame is already $1,000. That price does not include any griddles or pizza accessories. So, while you're getting a 'cooking system,' the components that bring out its best are add-ons. Ninja offers a $1,275 package that bundles the grill with a half-griddle, a pizza stone, a pizza peel, two 2-pound bags of pellets, an expanded smoking rack and a grill cover. That's solid value, but I wish more was possible in the base price. The real argument exists in your alternatives. Our most recent grill testing pegs the Weber Genesis E-325s as the best propane grill, and it's $949. Our top pellet smoker, the Traeger Ironwood 885, is $1,400. Want the best gas pizza oven? The Ooni Karu 2 starts at $399. The quick math puts Ninja ahead, though you're sacrificing niche specialties for a jack of all trades. It's a bang-for-your-buck arrangement that's worth it to me, but seasoned grillers with deeper pockets might prefer devices that have perfected their dedicated task. It lacks storage solutions I tested every FlexFlame accessory I could get my hands on, but they can't all fit on the grill at once. If the standard grill plates are installed, that means I have a half griddle and a full griddle with no home. The pizza stone sits on top of the grills when I'm slinging dough, but it has nowhere to go the rest of the time. Considering the FlexFlame is a sturdy, tall grill, a dedicated storage system for these heavy accessories would have been a welcome convenience within the lower cabinet. As it is now, you have to stack parts in there and hope they don't fall over or look elsewhere for storage. The best setup is probably keeping the half griddle installed except when you need additional grill plate space. It's easy to overcook your food Ninja wasn't kidding: The convection element really does speed up cook times. But that means you need to pay attention and accept that you might overcook things if you're not careful. The first batch of wings I grilled had a mean char on the outside (it was actually kind of good). My inaugural steaks were horrifically well done. Part of that is on me, but part of it is a learning curve that took me a few sessions to get used to. The right side of the grill, where the fan and a vertical ignition burner are, tends to run hotter. The included booklet I praised above has recommended cooking times and temperatures for all kinds of food items in every mode of the FlexFlame. Those times were generous. I'd treat them as a starting point and not a definitive goal. Investing in a reliable meat thermometer will help you more accurately reach your required doneness. Prev Next The Ninja FlexFlame has a lot to offer. Smoking is a unique feature for an otherwise basic propane grill. Its controls are intuitive and a great help to anyone who doesn't have the patience to dial in just the right temperature. Using this grill as a pizza oven makes a lot of sense because the huge lid grants more access than a narrow opening, and the convection cooking can crank the heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The list of pros goes on — just as the digits in the price do, too. So, who is the Ninja FlexFlame really for? If you've already got the setup I aspire to — smoker, grill, pizza oven, etc. — this one probably isn't worth it unless you have plans to downsize. That said, anyone looking for a first grill or an upgrade from a budget purchase will be enthused by the FlexFlame, because being able to grill chicken, cook brisket and bake legit pizzas on the same cooktop while blessing them with smoky flavor will make your backyard the destination your guests dream about, too. Is the Ninja FlexFlame gas or electric? Is the Ninja FlexFlame gas or electric? Yes, and I know that wasn't a yes or no question. While propane is the main fuel source for the Ninja FlexFlame, an electric connection is required to run the electronic components — the control panel, temperature sensor, convection fan and pellet ignition — that help the grill maintain a steady temperature. Can the Ninja FlexFlame use third-party wood pellets? Can the Ninja FlexFlame use third-party wood pellets? Yes. Ninja doesn't explicitly say so, but considering its pellets are rebranded Bear Mountain pellets, I wouldn't worry about experimenting with other flavors. Just follow the guidance for emptying your hopper when the cooking is done, so that too much ash doesn't build up. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate testing writer Joe Bloss tested every cooking function of the Ninja FlexFlame. Though he's not a professional chef, Bloss has extensive experience with product testing in the cooking appliance and kitchen space, including the best pizza ovens, slot toasters and coffee makers. Now, it turns out he's really good at smoking ribs.
