Outdoor cooking has come a long way from disposable trays and bags of charcoal. If you like the idea of proper smoky flavour without the faff, an electric grill and smoker combo can be a smart upgrade. One of the most popular options right now is the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Barbecue Grill & Smoker, a large-capacity electric outdoor oven that promises to make grilling, roasting and smoking far easier for UK patios and gardens.
What makes the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL different?
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Barbecue Grill & Smoker is an outdoor electric grill with integrated smoking capability. Instead of relying on charcoal or gas, it plugs into the mains and uses a built-in system to burn wood pellets for smoke.
That means you get:
- Fast heat-up times without lighting charcoal
- More precise temperature control than a basic kettle barbecue
- Real wood smoke from pellets for flavour
- A lid that allows for roasting, baking and low-and-slow smoking
It’s particularly appealing if you like to cook for a crowd, thanks to the XL-sized cooking area. If you want a closer look at how it performs in real life, you can read our full review of the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Barbecue Grill & Smoker once you’ve finished this guide.
Is an electric outdoor grill right for you?
Before you go all in on a large electric grill and smoker, it’s worth thinking about how and where you cook. An appliance like the Woodfire Pro XL suits certain households more than others.
Ideal for small gardens and smoke-sensitive neighbours
If you live in a terrace or semi with close neighbours, a traditional smoker or charcoal barbecue can feel a bit anti-social. Electric grills create less general smoke and soot, directing smoke through the food rather than billowing from a chimney. You’ll still get aroma, but in a more controlled way.
Electric models are also handy for patios, courtyards and even some balconies where open flames aren’t allowed. Always check local rules and your lease first, but having no gas bottle and no charcoal can make compliance easier.
Good for year-round cooking
In the UK, good weather is a bonus rather than a guarantee. Because the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is electric, it heats consistently even when the air is chilly, and the lid helps retain warmth and smoke. That makes it practical for autumn and early spring cooking, not just high summer.
Understanding the Ninja Woodfire range
The Pro XL isn’t the only model in the Woodfire line-up. Knowing how it compares helps you choose the right size and feature set.
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL vs Pro Connect XL
The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Barbecue Grill & Smoker is closely related to the Pro XL. Both share the large cooking area and wood-pellet smoking system, but the Pro Connect version adds smart connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor cooks from your phone.
That can be a big plus if you enjoy long smoking sessions and don’t want to hover over the grill. If you prefer to keep things simple and hands-on, the standard Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Barbecue Grill & Smoker will suit you fine and may save you money compared with the connected model.
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL vs Portable model
At the other end of the scale is the Ninja Woodfire Portable Barbecue Grill & Smoker. It’s a more compact outdoor oven with similar electric grill-and-smoke principles but in a smaller footprint and at a noticeably lower price.
This portable version is better suited to:
- Balconies and very small gardens
- Weekends away where you have power on campsites
- Couples or solo cooks who don’t need an XL grill plate
If you mostly cook for two and only host the occasional barbecue, it might be a better fit than the Pro XL, and you can still tap into its full capabilities by reading our in-depth portable Woodfire review.
How to choose the right size and style of outdoor oven
Once you’ve decided you like the idea of an electric smoker-grill, size and format are the key decisions. Here’s how to narrow it down.
Think about how many people you cook for
As a rule of thumb:
- Couples and small households: a compact or portable model is usually enough.
- Families who cook most weekends: a mid-to-large unit like the Pro XL is more comfortable.
- Regular hosts: XL makes sense, especially when doing mixed grills and sides together.
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is designed to handle bigger portions in one go, which helps when you want to sear burgers, sausages and veg at once instead of rotating everything in batches.
Consider storage and weight
Outdoor ovens need a home when not in use. An XL electric grill will take more space in a shed or garage and be heavier to move, especially if you plan to wheel it in and out frequently. The Portable version, by comparison, is much easier to lift and store and suits anyone short on storage.
Getting the best from an electric grill & smoker
Whichever model you choose, there are some universal tips that help you get more flavour and better results from an electric outdoor oven.
Use the right pellets
Wood-pellet outdoor ovens work best with the manufacturer’s recommended pellets. They’re designed to burn cleanly at the right rate, helping the appliance hit and hold its target temperatures without clogging or producing harsh smoke.
Different blends give different flavours: some are milder and suited to fish and veg, while stronger woods are better for beef and pork. Keep a couple of varieties on hand and experiment.
Preheat properly
Electric grills can feel quick because they heat at the touch of a button. Even so, allowing a proper preheat gives better searing and more even cooking.
For thick steaks and burgers, wait until the grill is fully up to temperature before putting food on. For low-and-slow smoking, you want the chamber stabilised at your chosen temperature to avoid big swings early in the cook.
Keep the lid closed
One of the biggest differences compared with an open charcoal barbecue is how important the lid is. A closed lid traps heat and smoke, turning the appliance into a mini outdoor oven.
Constantly lifting the lid to check on food lets heat and smoke escape and can extend cooking times. Instead, trust the thermometer, set a timer and only open when you really need to flip or baste.
Cooking ideas for the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL
Because it’s an outdoor oven as well as a grill, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL can handle more than burgers and sausages. Think of it as a second kitchen that lives on the patio.
Weeknight grilling
On busy evenings, you can treat the grill like a powerful electric griddle. Quick recipes include:
- Marinated chicken breasts with charred peppers and onions
- Salmon fillets with a lemon and herb rub
- Veggie skewers and halloumi for a meat-free night
A slight hit of smoke from pellets can make simple ingredients feel more special without adding lots of prep time.
Weekend roasts
Using an outdoor oven for roasts is a nice way to free up your indoor oven and keep cooking smells out of the kitchen. You can roast whole chickens, joints of pork or trays of vegetables under the lid, using a moderate temperature and a mild smoke setting.
This is where an XL model helps, giving you room for a main and a side in the same cook. For more detail on how the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL handles roasting and smoking, you can read our full review of the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL which goes into real-world timings and results.
Low-and-slow smoking
If you’ve always fancied making pulled pork, brisket-style beef or fall-off-the-bone ribs, an electric smoker-grill makes it far more approachable. You set a lower temperature, add the right amount of pellets and let the oven do the work.
The benefit over a basic charcoal smoker is stability. You’re less tied to the barbecue for six hours adjusting vents and adding fuel, which makes long cooks much more manageable.
Practical setup and positioning tips
Electric outdoor ovens are straightforward to set up, but placement and power are worth thinking about early.
Find a safe outdoor socket
Because the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is mains-powered, it needs a suitable outdoor socket or a properly rated extension lead. Use an outdoor-safe, weather-protected socket where possible and avoid running cables where they might be a trip hazard.
Keep the appliance itself on a flat, stable heat-resistant surface and give it plenty of clearance at the sides and back so heat and smoke can vent safely.
Protect it from the elements
Most outdoor ovens are weather-resistant, but leaving them fully exposed all year round is asking for trouble. A simple cover helps prevent rust, keeps the interior cleaner and extends the life of the appliance.
If you’re short on covered space, consider a small gazebo, awning or pergola to give your cooking area some shelter without trapping smoke.
Cleaning and maintenance made simple
One of the attractions of electric grills is that they’re usually easier to maintain than full charcoal setups. Still, a bit of routine care keeps them at their best.
Daily or post-cook jobs
- Let the grill cool fully before cleaning.
- Remove and wash the cooking grates and drip tray in warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the lid and exterior with a soft cloth.
- Empty any grease collection areas as advised in the manual.
Doing this regularly helps prevent stubborn burnt-on residue and keeps smoke flavour clean rather than acrid.
Occasional deeper maintenance
Every so often, check for any pellet dust build-up around the smoker area and clear it carefully according to the instructions. Look over seals and hinges for signs of wear and keep them clean so the lid closes properly and holds heat.
Well-maintained electric grills come up like new with surprisingly little effort, which is a major perk compared with scrubbing out a charcoal barbecue.
Comparing value: when to go XL and when to go smaller
With several models in the Woodfire family, it’s worth asking whether you really need the full-size Ninja Woodfire Pro XL or if a smaller or smarter alternative would serve you better.
When the XL makes sense
The Pro XL shines if you regularly cook for four or more people, love trying different cuts of meat and want enough space to combine mains and sides. Its generous cooking area means you can treat it as a full outdoor oven instead of a one-purpose barbecue.
If that sounds like your household, investing in the bigger model can be good value because you’ll use it as a genuine extension of your kitchen for much of the year.
When to consider other models
If you’re tech-focused and like the idea of app control and remote monitoring, the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL is worth a look. It keeps the XL capacity but adds connected features that can be especially helpful for longer smokes.
If you’re more budget-conscious or short on space, the Ninja Woodfire Portable Grill & Smoker offers similar flavour and versatility in a smaller and more affordable package. You sacrifice some cooking space but gain easier storage and portability.
Final thoughts
Electric outdoor ovens that can both grill and smoke are opening up barbecue-style cooking to far more homes, especially in typical UK gardens where space and neighbour-friendliness matter. The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Barbecue Grill & Smoker is a strong example of this new breed, combining serious capacity with convenient, push-button control.
Whether you ultimately choose the XL, the connected Pro Connect XL or the Portable version, you’ll be able to explore everything from quick midweek grills to slow-smoked weekend feasts with much less hassle than a traditional setup. When you’re ready to dive deeper into performance, features and real-world user impressions, follow up by reading our full hands-on review of the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL and the linked alternatives to find the best fit for your outdoor cooking style.