Ninja OG705CO Electric Grill Review Mastering Outdoor BBQ Smoking and Air Frying

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Highlights of the Ninja OG705CO 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker

The Ninja OG705CO impressed me with its versatility and convenience, combining a grill, smoker, and air fryer into a single outdoor cooking powerhouse. This 7-in-1 outdoor electric grill uses Ninja Woodfire Technology, which means it’s powered by electricity but flavors your food with real burning hardwood pellets. I loved how easy it was to get that authentic woodfire flavor without the hassle of managing charcoal or propane. The weather-resistant design means I could leave it outside in various conditions without worrying about damage, making it perfect for year-round cooking. Plus, it’s apartment-friendly, so no need to fret about flare-ups or the smell of propane indoors.

• All-in-one versatility: grill, smoke, air fry, roast, dehydrate, and more.
• Authentic woodfire flavor using just a half cup of real hardwood pellets.
• Weather-resistant and portable, ideal for outdoor use in different climates.

Pitfalls to Consider with This Outdoor Electric Grill

Not everything was perfect, though. The dependency on proprietary Ninja Woodfire Pellets can be a bit limiting, especially if you want to experiment with other types of wood or pellets. You’re locked into using their pellets, which might not be as easy to source everywhere. Also, although it’s designed to cook for a crowd, the grill area of 141 square inches felt a bit tight when I tried to grill six steaks and a bunch of hot dogs at once. Managing multiple cooking modes simultaneously required a bit of patience and juggling, especially when switching between grilling and air frying.

• Requires exclusive use of Ninja Woodfire Pellets.
• Cooking surface can feel cramped for larger gatherings.
• Switching between functions isn’t instant; some heating time is needed.

Master Grill Performance and Cooking Experience

The grilling experience with this electric grill was surprisingly close to a traditional propane grill, thanks to the wood pellets’ searing and charring ability. I managed to get a beautiful crust on steaks and an impressive smoke ring on brisket, which really elevated the barbecue experience. The nonstick grill grate made cleanup straightforward, and the included pellet scoop and removable smoke box simplified the smoking process. I found it hassle-free to create authentic BBQ bark with just a small amount of pellets, which felt efficient and eco-friendly. The ability to grill, smoke, and air fry in one device made it my go-to for outdoor cooking experiments.

Outdoor Air Fryer and Additional Features

Adding an air fryer to an outdoor grill is a clever twist. I tried air frying wings and vegetables outside, and the woodfire flavor added an unexpected depth to the usually neutral air fryer taste. The crisper basket worked well to prevent sogginess, and cooking side dishes outdoors freed up indoor kitchen space during gatherings. Other features like the removable griddle plate and grease tray added to the grill’s versatility, accommodating a variety of cooking styles. Cooking a 9-pound brisket was a breeze, and the weather-resistant design meant I didn’t have to stress about rain or dew overnight.

Price to Quality Ratio: Is It Worth It?

Looking at the features, build quality, and performance, this grill offers solid value for money. The combination of electric power with authentic woodfire flavors is unique at this price point, especially considering the convenience of not dealing with charcoal or propane tanks. While some competitors might offer larger grilling areas or simpler pellet options, few match the all-in-one cooking versatility and weather-resistant build of this grill. The inclusion of hardwood pellets in two blends right out of the box also adds to its appeal for beginners wanting to jump straight into woodfire cooking.

Product Competitors and How This Grill Stands Out

Compared to other outdoor electric grills like the Weber Pulse series or Traeger’s electric smokers, this model shines with its woodfire pellet flavoring system. Traeger leans more towards traditional pellet grilling with larger hopper capacities but requires propane or charcoal for some models, while Weber’s electric grills tend to lack that authentic smoke flavor. The Ninja OG705CO’s compact size and portability make it a solid choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited patio space. However, if you need a massive cooking surface or prefer a traditional pellet grill, some competitors might offer better options.

Versatility and User Experience

Using this grill was a joy for anyone who enjoys experimenting with different cooking methods. The seven cooking functions include grilling, smoking, roasting, air frying, dehydrating, baking, and searing, which cover nearly all outdoor cooking needs. The intuitive controls made it easy to switch between modes and adjust temperatures, though sometimes I wished the temperature ramp-up was quicker. My family especially appreciated the ability to air fry foods outdoors, as it kept the kitchen cooler and smoke-free. Overall, the combination of features provided a unique outdoor cooking experience that felt premium without being overly complicated.

Limitations in Design and Usability

On the flip side, the grill’s plastic and metal construction, while lightweight at around 30 pounds, occasionally felt less sturdy compared to heavier, all-metal grills. The power cord length and reliance on a standard 120V outlet might restrict placement options on patios or balconies. Also, the learning curve for mastering the smoking and air frying functions was a bit steeper than I expected; it took a few tries to nail perfect results consistently. The limited warranty coverage might concern those investing in a higher-end electric grill, especially if used heavily or in harsh weather conditions.

Trying out the Ninja OG705CO 7-in-1 Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker revealed a lot about its strengths and some quirks that come with its innovative approach to outdoor cooking. Its ability to combine multiple cooking styles with authentic woodfire flavor is genuinely appealing for adventurous home chefs, but the specific pellet requirements and cooking space constraints might give pause to some. Overall, this grill offers a compelling blend of convenience, flavor, and function that’s hard to beat for electric outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

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