How This Ninja BBQ's Price Drop Changes Outdoor Cooking

Michael Bennett · 2026-09-11

If you've been eyeing a high-end electric grill that promises to do it all, you might want to check your watch. The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL BBQ Grill & Smoker, a gadget that's been turning heads with its versatility, just got a whole lot more interesting. Its price tag has taken a significant dip, making that four-in-one cooking powerhouse a topic of serious conversation again. We're talking about a $120 price cut. That's not just a little discount; it's a shift that moves this unit from a 'maybe someday' purchase to a 'let's seriously consider this' proposition. It's now sitting at $349, down from its usual $469. For a piece of equipment that grills, smokes, air fries, and roasts, dropping below that $350 mark is a notable event. It's the kind of price point that makes you stop and recalculate. ### What You're Actually Getting For Your Money So, what does $349 buy you? It's not just a grill. It's a compact outdoor kitchen. The 'four-in-one' label isn't marketing fluff. You've got a genuine woodfire smoker, a high-heat grill, a convection oven for roasting, and a full-capacity air fryer all in a single, weatherproof box. The real magic trick is how it manages to keep those functions distinct instead of just being a mediocre jack-of-all-trades. Capacity is another win. The interior can handle ten burgers at once or two whole chickens. We're talking about birds in the 6-7 pound range each. That's a 30% boost over Ninja's previous model, which means feeding a backyard gathering just got a lot less stressful. No more cooking in frantic, small batches while your guests hover hungrily. ### The Tech That Makes It Work Filling that generous space is one thing, but cooking in it efficiently is another. This is where Ninja's Smart Cook System comes into play. It's not just a timer. A digital probe monitors the internal temperature of your food as it cooks. The real convenience? The unit can switch itself off automatically once everything hits the perfect temperature. It takes a lot of the guesswork and babysitting out of the equation, which is a gift when you're trying to manage sides, drinks, and conversation. The woodfire flavor isn't an afterthought, either. A dedicated, self-igniting smoke box sits under the lid. You drop in one scoop of real hardwood pellets—just one—and it generates authentic smoke for the entire cooking session. No need for constant tending or refilling. It's a simple system that delivers a surprisingly robust result. And yes, it's built to live outside. With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, you can confidently leave it on your patio, balcony, or even pack it for a campsite. Rain splashes won't phase it. ### Why The Air Fryer Mode Is A Game Changer Let's talk about that air fryer function for a second. It uses the same chamber, but the results are different from your countertop model. Because it's infusing the hot air with that subtle woodfire smoke, your 'fried' food gets an extra dimension of flavor. Think crispy fries or chicken wings with a whisper of hickory or oak. Ninja claims it uses up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying, which is a nice bonus for anyone trying to balance indulgence with a bit of moderation. To fuel the smoke, Ninja developed their own Woodfire Pellets with Bear Mountain. You can choose an all-purpose blend of cherry, maple, and oak, or go for a heavier hickory-based mix designed specifically for beef, pork, and chicken. It's a small detail, but having purpose-built pellets ensures you get consistent, quality smoke every time. As one grilling enthusiast noted, 'The convenience of having a smoker and an air fryer in one unit, without needing a dedicated outdoor kitchen setup, is a total game-changer for suburban cooks.' - **Four Cooking Modes:** Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Roast. - **Large Capacity:** Fits 10 burgers or two 6-7 lb chickens. - **Smart Cooking:** Digital probe with auto-shutoff. - **Authentic Smoke:** Uses real hardwood pellets. - **Outdoor Rated:** IPX4 rating for all-weather use. At its new price of $349, the calculus has changed. It's no longer just a premium toy for the dedicated enthusiast. It's a legitimate, versatile centerpiece for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking but doesn't have the space or desire for a massive, permanent setup. The price cut doesn't just make it cheaper; it makes the argument for buying it much, much stronger.