The Ninja Woodfire Is the Mini Electric Smoker I’ve Always Wanted, and It’s Out Now

There are certain limitations I tolerate when living in an apartment. One I begrudgingly accept is the lack of an outdoor grill. Apparently, building owners don’t want flames and smoldering embers within 10 feet of their precious buildings—fine. But what if I could smoke meat over real wood pellets without setting my apartment on fire? Well, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker offers that option. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, and it’s finally on sale for Memorial Day.
The Ninja Woodfire Grill and Smoker is an electric grill. I know, I know, many electric grills are essentially glorified waffle irons, but the Ninja uses a combination of convection fan heat and an attached pellet smoker box to give you far more flavor than the Foreman ever could. Unlike other fryers that masquerade as grills or smokers, the Woodfire Grill and Smoker is built for outdoor use. It’s weather-resistant, so you can build a permanent grill setup with a stand and lid to keep it in tip-top condition.
The regular Ninja Woodfire Grill and Smoker is on sale right now for $249.99 , 32% off its regular retail price of $369.99 — it’s the one I was looking for because it has a smoker, which is all I wanted all along. However, the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL is also on sale right now for $399.99 , 20% off its regular retail price of $499.99. It has two attached probe thermometers and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can keep an eye on your smoked duck from your living room using the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect app.
The question is whether you want a few extra inches of space and app monitoring. If you’re cooking for a small family and don’t mind checking the temperature yourself, go with the original. Larger families or those who frequently host backyard barbecues may benefit more from the Pro Connect Premium XL model. Either option would be great for this weekend’s festivities, not to mention all summer long.