Ninja - FlexFlame Electric & Propane Grill, 5-in-1 Outdoor Cooking System - Stainless Steel

The grill arrived unassembled on a pallet. It’s mostly the base that is unassembled, the grill part is thankfully one piece. I was relieved to find the rats nest of wires for the gas lines and the electronics carefully tied, bundled and attached. After assembling the base, I borrowed a neighbor to help me lift and finish the assembly. The most awkward part of the experience is lifting the unit. Due to the grills aesthetic the only safe pressure points make it difficult to carry the until. Kuddos to Ninja for clearly marking these with well placed markings explaining exactly where it was safe to apply pressure to the grill without damaging the unit. Ninja deserves a second shout out for how awesome they did with the bag of screws that that unit ships with. I’ve included a photo of this masterpiece of instruction and organization, next to what is now the longest screwdriver in my toolset. The two trays that are included are a great size to rest plates and cooking tools tools on. The extra size is appreciated because there are no hooks on the grill to hang cooking tools from. I love that with this grill to set the temp I just turn the digital knob and the LCD displays the desired temp then maintains it during the entire cooking cycle. The grill trays are reversible, something to pay attention to when following the recipes included with the installation manual. The pork shoulder recipe is amazing. I’m still trying to convince the wife to let me buy the pizza making tray. My mouth is still watering from the filet mignon we grilled last night. 3 minutes on 475, flip once, hold for another 3, and the results were mouth-watering. The pork shoulder was smoked. This is my first grill that supports pellets. While I’m sad to share I overcooked it (not the grills fault) the smoke flavoring that was possible thanks to the pellets was excellent. My wife’s chicken is a family favorite so we tried smoking that next and it came out even better than her non-smoked version. It’s clear we are going to be spending a lot more time this summer experimenting with smoking. The instructions suggest that each smoking session should use 2 cups of pellets. The grill arrived with 4 cups of pellets which we burned through (pun intended) pretty quickly. I think Ninja missed an opportunity with the included LCD screen in that there is no cooking timer functionality included. My other grill uses the weight of the propane tank to illustrate approximately how much propane is left in the tank. The Ninja does not. While it feels like nitpicking, its frustrating that Ninja does not include a grill cover. They make one available for purchase as an add-on. Overall this grill makes cooking a breeze and we are looking forward to making some great bbq memories with our family and friends this summer.

----- SUMMARY ----- Verdict: The Ninja FlexFlame has significantly elevated my outdoor cooking experience. It's a fantastic all-in-one solution that delivers on its promises. As a busy dad and grilling enthusiast, I appreciate its versatility, ease of use, and consistent performance. While it might not replace a dedicated smoker for those seeking intense smoky flavors, it's perfect for anyone who wants a convenient and versatile outdoor cooking system. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Pros: - Easy assembly - Versatile 5-in-1 functionality - Even and efficient cooking with CyclonicHeat-iQ - User-friendly digital control panel - Effective Woodfire Technology for adding smoky flavor - Ample cooking space - Useful storage space Cons: - Short power cord requires an extension cord - Woodfire Technology may not satisfy hardcore smokers - No utensil hooks on side shelves ----- DETAILS ----- Setup & Design: When the Ninja FlexFlame box arrived, it felt like Christmas morning. As a grilling enthusiast, and busy dad, I've been searching for the perfect all-in-one solution, and this looked like it might be it. My excitement was palpable. Even with a toddler occasionally 'helping,' I had the FlexFlame assembled in about an hour. That's a win in my book. As a busy dad, time is precious, and Ninja made this process painless. The instructions were so clear, that I wanted to give Ninja a well-deserved shoutout. The screws and such were even separated into steps, making each step clear and easy. Most of the grill can be assembled with one person but lifting the main unit onto the base is a two-person task. I never got stuck or confused by unclear instructions. The FlexFlame definitely has a modern, next-generation look to it. The LED digital display on the control panel is a standout feature, and the integrated smoke box on the right side hints at the versatility within. Like a standard grill, it’s propane-powered, but the tech requires an electrical outlet. The short cord meant I had to run an extension cord across my patio, which isn't ideal for safety or aesthetics. I have a solution in mind to address this, but it's something to consider when planning your setup. Opening the lid reveals a generous 544 square inches of cooking space, 424 on the bottom, and 120 on the top rack. To put that into perspective, you could fit up to 18 burgers, 3 chickens, 4 racks of ribs, or 14 steaks on the FlexFlame at one time. For food prep, the two side shelves are a blessing, though hooks for utensils would be a nice addition. Underneath, the storage space is handy. I use it to store grilling utensils, wood pellets, and my extension cord when not in use. The chrome handles on the storage cabinet doors are a nice aesthetic touch too. Features & Performance: What truly sets the FlexFlame apart is its 5-in-1 functionality. You can grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make pizza using a combination of gas, electric, and wood pellets. The CyclonicHeat-iQ, with its integrated fan, delivers faster and more even cooking. I noticed a significant difference in cooking times, which means less time standing at the grill and more time with my family. The even cooking also meant less burnt food and more consistent results for family gatherings. The fan automatically turning off when you lift the lid is a thoughtful touch. I'll have to adjust the cooking times that I’m used to, but that’s not a bad trade-off for fast and better results. My first attempt at ribs on the FlexFlame was a revelation. My family devoured them, and even my picky daughter asked for seconds. The smoky flavor, while not as intense as my dedicated smoker, was surprisingly good. The smell of the wood pellets infusing into the ribs was intoxicating. I was genuinely impressed. The sear marks on the meat were picture-perfect. While the Woodfire Technology is impressive, serious smokers might find the pellet hopper too small for long, intense smokes. It's perfect for adding a touch of smoke, but it won't replace a dedicated smoker for those who crave that deep, rich flavor. I prioritize the all-in-one aspect over smoked flavor intensity, and for that, it excels. The digital control panel is a game-changer. It allows you to easily select cooking functions and dial in the exact temperature. The LED screen alternating between current and target temperatures until the target is reached takes the guesswork out of grilling. The precision it offers made me feel more confident trying new recipes, like pizza. The simple controls allowed my daughter to help me make pizza, and we had a blast. Also on the control panel is the Woodfire Flavor button. Whatever you’re cooking, you can add pellets to the integrated smoke box, and press the Woodfire Flavor button. Cleaning the FlexFlame is a breeze thanks to its thoughtful design. The grill grates and flame tamers lift out easily for washing, and the removable grease tray simplifies drippings disposal. To minimize mess and streamline cleanup, consider using grease tray liners, which make the process even more convenient. ----- WHAT’S IN THE BOX ----- 1 x Ninja FlexFlame Outdoor Grill 2 x Porcelain-Enamel Cast Iron Grill Grates 1 x Porcelain-Enamel-Coated Steel Indirect Roast & Smoke Rack 2 x Sample Bags of Ninja Woodfire Pellets 1 x Grease Tray 1 x Removable Pellet Box 1 x Assembly Guide 1 x Quick Start and Recipe Guide 1 x Safety Manual

When I think of Ninja kitchenware, the first things that come to mind are air fryers, blenders, toasters, ovens, ice cream makers, slush machines and cookware. I’ve seen a few small grills but this full size grill was a welcoming surprise and, as expected, it’s gas and electric and does more than simple grilling. It can also make pizza, roast, smoke and griddle. I’ve tried them all, and it does a good job at fulfilling all these functions. The most challenging part of the Ninja Flex Flame was to put it together, and it wasn’t much of a challenge. The instructions were among the simplest and clearest I’ve seen so far. It came in a box weighing 200 pounds. I put it together in under 1 hour. This grill is solidly built. I received it on a Monday, and the next day after work, like a child with a new toy, I plugged the electrical connection and connected a propane tank, and I threw in four juicy NY strips and some corn on the top rack and set the temperature at 500 degrees. The electricity powers a convection fan that Ninja calls Cyclonic Heat IQ for optimal heat distribution and recovery. Compared to my old grill that had five burners compared to the three in the Flex Flame, the cooking time was cut by about half. It’s an interesting technology that actually works and the results were unexpectedly great. According to Ninja, once the temperature is set with the temperature control dial, the burners, along with the convection fan, will adjust automatically to maintain that temperature while saving on propane usage. During the next three days, I tried my hand at different things. First on the menu was a smoked salmon fillet that was ready in about 45 minutes, and came out delicious. I set the function to ‘Low & Slow’ and the temperature dial to 300 degrees. I was so impressed that I tried a brisket the next day. Still on the same ‘Low & Slow’ setting at 200 degrees, I took it out after 4 and a half hours and the whole family enjoyed it. It had nice but not perfect smoke rings. You can also add a smoky flavor to pretty much any food you come across. Cold smoking is a welcome discovery with this grill. You only use the pellet box and add the pellet and press the ‘Woodfire Flavor’ button and voila. No propane needed. I tried it with nuts and I was impressed. I bought a few accessories from Ninja designed for the Flex Flame, such as a half griddle that I was quick to use one morning for some pancakes quickly followed by some sizzling bacon strips. Those were quickly done in under 10 minutes. I also got the Ninja pizza stone and baked a prepared fresh pizza, not frozen, from the neighborhood specialty market and the results were impressive. In 6 minutes, it was baked just right with a lightly burned crust. It was my first time using a pizza stone and this grill made me look like a pro. Next will be some roasted prime rib and tenderloins with brussels sprouts and carrots. I really like my Ninja Flex Flame grill for its multi-function and its ease of use. The added technology makes cooking faster and easier than with a traditional grill. After a few days, the Flex Flame won me over and completely replaced my old grill. The Ninja can do so much more plus it makes you look good as it allows you complete control of the multi-function settings and it delivers great performance.

The FlexFlame is a well-built, solid grill with the addition of a temperature control and a convection fan that assists with more uniform cooking around the grill surface. The FlexFlame arrived on a pallet, and did require a bit of assembly. I couldn’t fit the pallet through the front door, and the box was too heavy to haul in at by myself, so I had to break it down and bring the pieces in one at a time. No biggie, just something to keep in mind if you are having this delivered I assembled. It took me probably a little over an hour to put together, and there was one spot in the assembly where I needed to have a second set of hands to lift the upper part onto the stand. The instruction manual was good; there were probably two spots where I had to figure out where certain parts were, but that was about it. All the pieces and parts were in the box that were needed, and the finished product is a really nice looking grill. How does it work? Great! I haven’t been able to do all the cooking I’ve wanted to on it, but the things I’ve used it for have come out really well. The FlexFlame tries to take the guesswork out of outdoor barbecuing. It has several settings, i.e., roasting, grilling, smoking that automatically ignite certain burners. Close the lid, set the temperature, and the convection fan comes on while an LCD display provides you with a real-time temperature measurement. Ninja is nice enough to include a few starter recipes to give you an idea of the grill’s capabilities and how to use it. So far, I’ve cooked a dozen chicken breasts on it (just had it for a few days), and the uniform heating (no hot spots) and lack of flare ups has made for an excellent cooking experience. No issues with parts of the grill getting significantly hotter than others and overcooking some food while undercooking others, or, burning the outside of food while not really cooking the insides. The convection fan is the star here, ensuring that the heating is uniform. Another plus is the wood pellet feeder, which allows the user to provide a smoke aspect to your food. In use, I did note a nice mesquite flavoring to the chicken I made, although I didn’t cook it long enough I suppose to get the pretty smoke ring that lets you know a cut of meat was well-smoked. When I cook a brisket, I am for sure going to try the smoking aspect and see how it works out. All in all, the FlexFlame is easy to assemble, easy to use, and kicks out some amazing food.

I just added the Ninja FlexFlame to my outdoor cooking station, and holy cow, this grill’s a total beast! I broke it in over the weekend grilling and smoking some juicy thick ribeyes, and it absolutely crushed it. I’m already pumped to fire up a few pizzas on this thing over the next couple of weeks. Here’s my rundown on setting it up, building it, and why it’s a great fit for my setup. Setup Was Extremely Easy with the “BILT” App Ninja nailed it with the BILT app for assembly. I’ve wrestled with plenty of grill builds, but this app made it almost too simple. It’s like a 3D guide on your phone. You can zoom in, rotate parts, and it even talks you through each step. No squinting at a lousy manual! The instructions were crazy thorough, covering everything from unboxing to checking the pellet hopper and digital display. I had it built in about an hour, which is nuts for a grill this solid. Add unboxing and cleanup, and I was done in an hour and a half. Ninja threw in all the tools, plus extra screws (nice move). Heads-up: some parts are heavy, so make sure to have a partner to help when putting the main top on the stand. Built Tough, Perfect Size This grill’s a great size. Big enough to be the star of my cooking station but not eating up all my patio space. It sits perfect next to my other outdoor kitchen gear, with a sturdy cart that’s got storage and wheels to move it around. The thing’s well made, no question, beefy grates, tough frame, and slick digital controls that don’t feel cheap. It has a stainless steel finish, and it looks sharp while holding up outdoors (especially with the cover I snagged). For those ribeye’s, it cooked like a dream. I ended up reverse-searing the steaks at the end, and the grill handled it like a pro, with low and slow smoking first, then a quick sear for crisp grill marks and juicy centers. The pellet system added a legit smoky flavor that took it to the next level although I wish the pellet feed was larger. Accessories: Got What Worked for Me I picked up the extended rack, half griddle, drip pan tins, pizza stone, and grill cover separately, since I wasn’t sure what I needed. If you know you’ll use all the extras, you’re probably better off grabbing the bundle with the grill to save hassle and maybe some cash. The half griddle was a total savior. I sautéed bell peppers and onions on it while the steaks smoked and grilled, and it came in handy for reverse-searing the steaks at the end as well. It’s super easy to clean, too. Drip pan tins saved me from scrubbing grease after those fatty ribeye’s. The pizza stone hasn’t seen action yet, but I’m stoked to make some pizzas over the next couple weeks! The grill cover is a must since it’s outside full-time, keeping the rain and dust off. Why I’m Hyped The FlexFlame’s a workhorse that is super versatile! The BILT app made setup a breeze, and the grill’s so far seems built to last. It’s perfect for people like me who want a multi-function cooker, especially if you love switching up cooking styles. It’s literally like having a controlled oven outside. Compared to other brands, it’s got unique tricks like the cyclonic fan and pellet smoke, but it’s not perfect. The pellet hopper’s small for long smokes, so it’s not ideal for all-day brisket sessions. If you’re a charcoal purist chasing that deep flavor or prefer a dedicated pellet smoker, this grill smoke might feel a bit light. But overall, I am super impressed with this new Grill by Ninja. I would definitely recommend it!