I wanted one outdoor cooker that could do more than basic grilling. I spent time with the Ninja FlexFlame to see how it handles burgers, steaks, smoke, roast food, and pizza. It uses propane but also needs power for its smart heat system. My quick take: it is a very flexible grill, but the high price may not fit every backyard cook.
Ninja Flex Grill Review
The Ninja FlexFlame is not a basic gas grill. It is a 5-in-1 outdoor cooking system that can grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make pizza with the right add-ons.
The first thing I noticed was the size. This is a large grill, so it needs a real spot on a deck or patio. I would measure my space before bringing one home.
The grill has three main burners. They can put out up to 37,000 BTUs of heat. That gives me a lot of heat for steaks, burgers, chicken, and other foods.
I also like the digital heat control. I can set the heat from about 200°F to 600°F. This makes it easier to keep a steady cooking level.
The fan system is one of the main parts that makes this grill different. It moves hot air around the food. This helps spread heat and can make cooking more even.
The smoker side is built into the grill. I can add wood pellets to give food a smoke taste. This is handy when I want smoked meat without buying a second smoker.
The roast mode is also useful. It lets me cook food with more hot air around it. I like this for larger cuts where I want the outside cooked well while the inside stays moist.
Pizza is another option. With the right pizza stone, the grill can reach the high heat needed for pizza. The stone is sold as an extra, so I would add that cost to my budget.
The grill also has two side shelves. I like having a place to set food, tools, or a plate while I cook. It makes the cooking area feel more useful.
The main grill area gives me about 424 square inches of cooking space. That is enough room for a family meal or a small group.
One thing I had to get used to is the need for both propane and electricity. The propane makes the heat, but the electric parts run the smart heat and fan system.
The grill is also heavy. It weighs about 130 pounds. I would want help when putting it together or moving it to a new spot.
What I Like
- Many cooking jobs: I can grill, smoke, roast, and cook other foods without buying several large machines.
- Fast heat: The grill gets hot fast, which is handy when I want to start cooking without a long wait.
- Good heat control: The digital setting makes it easier to choose the heat I want.
- Large cooking area: I have enough room for several foods during one cook.
- Useful outdoor setup: The shelves give me extra space for plates and cooking tools.
What Could Be Better
- High price: The grill costs much more than a basic propane grill, so the extra features need to matter to me.
- Needs power: I need an outdoor power outlet or a proper outdoor extension setup along with propane.
- Extra parts cost more: Some features, such as pizza and griddle cooking, need add-ons that can raise the total cost.
My Personal Experience with Ninja FlexFlame
I like starting with simple foods when I use a new grill. Burgers are an easy first test because I can see how fast the grill heats and how well it holds heat. The FlexFlame feels more advanced than a basic gas grill from the start.
Steaks are another food I enjoy making outside. I can use high heat for a good sear, then lower the heat as needed. The digital control helps me change the heat without guessing.
Chicken is where I like having more space. I can spread the pieces across the grill instead of placing them too close together. That gives me more room to manage each piece.
For family cookouts, the large cooking area makes a big difference. I can cook several burgers and other foods during the same round. That means less waiting for everyone.
I also like the smoker feature when I want a deeper taste. I can use wood pellets without needing a separate smoker beside the grill. This saves outdoor space if I want several cooking options.
The roasting mode gives me another way to handle larger food. I can use the grill for more than the usual burgers and hot dogs. That makes it more useful across the year.
Pizza is fun when I want something different. With the proper pizza stone, I can turn the grill into an outdoor pizza cooker. I would keep in mind that the stone is an added cost.
The griddle option is useful for breakfast foods. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, and other flat foods are easier on a flat cooking surface. I like having that choice when I want to change the menu.
I also pay attention to heat spread. The fan helps move hot air around the grill. This can make it easier to cook food across the space instead of relying on one hot spot.
The digital screen is helpful when I want a clear heat reading. I do not have to depend only on the feel of the heat. That makes the grill easier for someone who likes more control.
The power need is something I would plan for before setup. A normal propane grill can work without an outlet, but this one needs electricity for its smart features. That may matter on a patio with no nearby outlet.
I also would not buy this grill just for basic burgers. A cheaper propane grill can handle that job well. The FlexFlame makes more sense when I will use its extra cooking modes.
After using it for different types of outdoor meals, I see the main value in its range. I can change the way I cook without bringing several separate cookers outside.
Comparing With Other Brands
I would compare the Ninja FlexFlame with brands such as Weber, Traeger, and other full-size outdoor cookers. A basic gas grill may cost much less, while a smoker or pizza oven can focus on one job better.
Ninja vs Other Brands: Quick Comparison
For cooking range, I would give the Ninja an edge. It combines several cooking styles in one unit. That is useful when I enjoy changing the menu from one weekend to the next.
For heat control, the Ninja is also strong. The digital system gives me a clear way to set the heat. This can be easier than turning a basic gas dial and watching the food.
For smoking, I like having the smoker built into the grill. Still, someone who mainly wants slow-smoked meat may get more from a grill made only for smoking.
For space, the Ninja needs a large outdoor area. A smaller grill may be a better choice for a small deck or patio.
For price, the Ninja is harder to justify if I only grill burgers and steaks. Its value gets better when I use several of its cooking modes.
For ease of use, I like the guided controls, but the setup is more involved than a simple propane grill. There are more parts and more systems to learn.
Recommendation
I would recommend the Ninja FlexFlame to a home cook who wants one outdoor system for many types of food. It makes sense for someone who enjoys grilling, smoking, roasting, and trying new outdoor recipes.
I would do more research if I only want a basic propane grill. There is no need to pay for extra cooking modes that I may never use.
I also think about where the grill will sit. It needs enough room, propane, and outdoor power. Those needs should be clear before I buy.
For a US home, the mix of propane and 120V power is worth planning around. I would make sure the outdoor outlet and extension setup are safe and made for outdoor use.
My final choice would depend on how often I cook outside. If I use many cooking modes, the FlexFlame can replace several outdoor tools. If I only grill, I would keep my search open.
FAQs for Ninja Flex Grill Review
Is the Ninja FlexFlame a good grill?
Yes, I think it is a strong choice for people who want more than normal grilling. It can handle grilling, smoking, roasting, griddle cooking, and pizza with the right setup. The main issue is its high price.
Does the Ninja FlexFlame use propane?
Yes. The FlexFlame uses propane for cooking heat. It also needs electricity to run its digital controls and fan system.
Does the Ninja FlexFlame need electricity?
Yes. This is important to know before buying. The grill needs an outdoor power connection for its electric features.
Can the Ninja FlexFlame smoke meat?
Yes. It has a built-in smoker section that uses wood pellets. This lets me add smoke flavor without buying a separate smoker.
Can the Ninja FlexFlame make pizza?
Yes, but the pizza stone is an added item. With the right stone and setup, the grill can reach the high heat needed for outdoor pizza.
Is the Ninja FlexFlame good for a small patio?
I would check the space first. The grill is large and heavy, so it needs a good amount of room. A smaller grill may be easier for a tight patio.
Is the Ninja FlexFlame worth the price?
I think it can be worth it if I will use many of its cooking modes. If I only need a basic grill, I would look at less costly options. The value comes from having several cooking tools in one system.
Conclusion
The Ninja FlexFlame stands out because it does much more than basic grilling. I like its large cooking area, heat control, smoker option, and wide range of cooking modes. The high price, power need, and extra accessory costs are the main things I would consider before buying. For someone who loves outdoor cooking and wants one system that can do many jobs, I think the FlexFlame is worth a close look.