Ninja Woodfire OG701UK Review: Smoky BBQ Flavour With No Gas, No Charcoal, No Flames
Picture smoky, chargrilled burgers on a small patio. No gas bottle. No charcoal chimney. No open flame. Plug it in, drop a scoop of wood pellets in the smoker box and cook.
That is the promise of the Ninja Woodfire OG701UK. Here is whether it stacks up.
30-second verdict Buy it if you have a small outdoor space, or want an easy BBQ with real smoke flavour and no fuss. Skip it if you regularly cook for a crowd, or you want a fully portable, off-grid grill. The numbers: 2,400W · 28 × 37cm grill plate · £229–£300 depending on retailer · 2-year guarantee if you register in time. Check today’s price on Amazon UK →
Prices vary between retailers and change often. Check the live listing.
The specs, at a glance
| Ninja Woodfire OG701UK | |
|---|---|
| Power | 2,400W |
| Cooking area | 28 × 37cm (Ninja says it fits 8 burgers, 16 sausages, 2 racks of ribs or a 2kg pork shoulder) |
| Size | H34 × W46 × D46cm |
| Weight | 14.75kg |
| Weather | Water-resistant to IPX4; Ninja says it’s fine to store outdoors |
| Functions | 7-in-1: grill, smoke, air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate and more |
| Guarantee | 2 years if registered within 28 days of purchase |
| Price | About £229–£300 across UK retailers |
How the “wood” in Woodfire works
The heat comes from an electric element. The pellets are there for flavour, not fuel: they burn in a small smoker box, and Ninja’s listing says one scoop is enough to flavour a cook. Two pellet blends are sold: a classic one for meat, and a sweeter one for fish and vegetables.
There is also a low-and-slow smoker mode for bigger cuts like brisket, and an air-fry mode. Ninja’s claim for air-frying is up to 75% less fat than deep-frying, tested against hand-cut chips. That is the brand’s own test, so treat it as a ceiling rather than a promise.
What does it cost to run?
Ninja’s own running-cost calculation assumes a 45-minute cook at 34p/kWh. At the full 2,400W for all 45 minutes, that works out at about 61p (2.4kW × 0.75h × 34p). That is my arithmetic, and it is a worst case, because the element cycles on and off while cooking. Pellets cost extra.
Where it shines
- Small spaces. Ninja’s listing describes it as safe for gardens, patios and balconies, but check your lease or building rules first.
- Speed. No lighting, no waiting for coals.
- Versatility. It’s a grill, a smoker and an air fryer in one footprint.
The catch (read this bit)
- It needs a power socket outdoors. No mains, no BBQ. It’s not for camping.
- It’s compact. A 28 × 37cm plate is generous for electric, but it is much smaller than a full gas grill. Big parties mean cooking in batches.
- Pellets are an ongoing cost.
- The smoke is a flavour boost, not a charcoal pit. Expect a lighter smoke than you get from a long charcoal cook.
- Outdoors only. Ninja is clear that this is not for indoor use.
Pick it or skip it
| Pick it if | Skip it if |
|---|---|
| You live in a flat or have a small patio | You cook for 8+ people every weekend |
| You want smoky flavour without gas or charcoal | You want a camping grill |
| You want one gadget to grill, air fry and bake | You have no outdoor power socket |
| You like set-and-forget cooking | You love the ritual of lighting charcoal |
Quick FAQ
Does it really taste smoky? Yes, the smoker box burns real hardwood pellets for flavour. Expect lighter smoke than charcoal.
Can I use it on a balcony? It’s listed as safe for balconies and small outdoor spaces. Always check your tenancy or building rules.
How much food will it cook at once? Ninja says 8 burgers, 16 sausages, 2 racks of ribs or a 2kg pork shoulder.
Can I use it indoors? No. It’s for outdoor use only.
Ready to decide? See the Ninja Woodfire OG701UK on Amazon UK → Still comparing fuel types? Read Gas vs Electric vs Charcoal BBQ: Which Should UK Grillers Buy?
