Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker OG951

This Ninja outdoor grill and smoker is awesome! I had been contemplating buying a Green Egg for a long time but didn’t know if I would use it enough to justify the cost. I already have an outdoor pizza oven and Blackstone griddle which get a lot of use, but I hate buying too many single-function cooking tools. I found a good deal on this Ninja at Sam’s Club and pulled the trigger, paying a little over $300. I have already used it at least a dozen times and am super happy with it. I have actually used the air fry function more than the smoker but have been pleased with both. I hosted a recent neighborhood party and was able to fit two whole pork butts at the same time! I like to air fry steaks, and I can easily fit three decent sized sirloins. The air fryer doesn’t ... MoreThis Ninja outdoor grill and smoker is awesome! I had been contemplating buying a Green Egg for a long time but didn’t know if I would use it enough to justify the cost. I already have an outdoor pizza oven and Blackstone griddle which get a lot of use, but I hate buying too many single-function cooking tools. I found a good deal on this Ninja at Sam’s Club and pulled the trigger, paying a little over $300. I have already used it at least a dozen times and am super happy with it. I have actually used the air fry function more than the smoker but have been pleased with both. I hosted a recent neighborhood party and was able to fit two whole pork butts at the same time! I like to air fry steaks, and I can easily fit three decent sized sirloins. The air fryer doesn’t get foods as crispy as a small indoor version, but it works well to cook juicy steak, chicken and pork. After a quick air fry, I turn the mode to Grill to give the meats a nice sear. It’s nice that you can remove the grate to clean it, and the air fryer basket is a nice addition. I find the basket a little more difficult to clean than the grate, but with some generous sprays of Dawn Powerwash and some scrubbing, I can get them both fairly clean. The best feature is the pro-connect app. I love that I can stick the built-in thermometers in the meat and watch the temperature climb from anywhere in my house and change the settings accordingly. When I’m done using, I simply cover the unit and leave outside under my covered porch. If I know it’s going to storm, I sometimes bring it inside to be on the safe side, and fortunately it is small enough and light enough to move around easily. I love Ninja products, and this one is definitely no exception! ,

My husband and I really enjoyed trying out this grill. We’ve only done steaks a few different nights so far, but plan to try other proteins/veggies and the smoker function in the future. The app is fairly intuitive and worked well - it contains a good amount of info/helpful guidelines in regards to grill temp and target internal temps based on various proteins/cuts. I like the pan - it creates nice grill marks and a good sear - and the grease tray underneath that can be removed for easy clean-up. It’s the perfect size for two people. The grill does take a fair amount of time to pre-heat (10-15 minutes, like your standard oven), which is much longer than it would take for a cast iron or stainless steel pan that we’d typically use to cook steaks. We like the dual ... MoreMy husband and I really enjoyed trying out this grill. We’ve only done steaks a few different nights so far, but plan to try other proteins/veggies and the smoker function in the future. The app is fairly intuitive and worked well - it contains a good amount of info/helpful guidelines in regards to grill temp and target internal temps based on various proteins/cuts. I like the pan - it creates nice grill marks and a good sear - and the grease tray underneath that can be removed for easy clean-up. It’s the perfect size for two people. The grill does take a fair amount of time to pre-heat (10-15 minutes, like your standard oven), which is much longer than it would take for a cast iron or stainless steel pan that we’d typically use to cook steaks. We like the dual thermometer feature, but unfortunately with thinner cuts it can be difficult to ensure accurate center readings - the grill would instruct us to flip the steaks when they weren’t ready. One other thing I don’t love is that the grill automatically stops heating when the lid is up - know this feature makes sense in most cases, but I feel like this could be bothersome when wanting to grill things that require constant turning, like vegetables. Would’ve preferred that to be a setting option, versus required. The grill comes with sample packs of Ninja’s own wood pellets for smoking and/or adding a smoky flavor to your grilled items - they were also clear in instructions that you’re only able to use their brand (unsurprisingly). Excited to try them! Overall, 4 stars for a very solid and easy-to-use grill that we’ll definitely keep using. :)

Now, I know everyone takes incentivized reviews with a grain of salt… but hear me out on this one. When I found out I was getting the Woodfire XL Pro Connect through Influenster, I immediately went to look through reviews on YouTube and retailer sites. This appliance seemed to have a lot of incentivized reviews, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I tried this electric grill/smoker for the first time yesterday and, well… let’s just say that if it broke tomorrow, I’d go get another one at full price. First things first; at the time of writing this review (Nov 2023), there is one other review here on Influenster that is actually for the wrong appliance. The one in that photo looks like a normal Woodfire, not the XL and not a Pro Connect. The only assembly I had to do was ... MoreNow, I know everyone takes incentivized reviews with a grain of salt… but hear me out on this one. When I found out I was getting the Woodfire XL Pro Connect through Influenster, I immediately went to look through reviews on YouTube and retailer sites. This appliance seemed to have a lot of incentivized reviews, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I tried this electric grill/smoker for the first time yesterday and, well… let’s just say that if it broke tomorrow, I’d go get another one at full price. First things first; at the time of writing this review (Nov 2023), there is one other review here on Influenster that is actually for the wrong appliance. The one in that photo looks like a normal Woodfire, not the XL and not a Pro Connect. The only assembly I had to do was to slide in the drip tray (with included liner) and there is no on/off button on the bottom of the device; it is on the front. The XL version allegedly has 30% more cooking area, while the XL Pro Connect version also has an accompanying app to allow you to control the grill remotely. The grill came with 2 sample bags of Ninja-brand wood pellets + scoop, the grill plate, an air fryer basket, 2 temperature probes and a drip tray with one disposable liner. There were also some recipe cards and a user guide. The Ninja Pro Connect app was awesome for monitoring temperature remotely, and easy to pair and use. Note that you need a 2.4 Ghz network to use the app, which was a slight annoyance since we don’t have split network bands. Our first trial with the Ninja was the tandoori-style grilled chicken legs shown in my photos, using one of the integrated temperature probes. The grill took about 5 minutes to pre-heat, and to my surprise, the chicken was done (perhaps a little over-done at 175F) in under 15 minutes. The fan in the grill must have sped things up; the same recipe in my oven would take 30-45 minutes. The chicken came out delicious — tender with the right amount of flavourful char, while still moist inside. Clean up was easy; we just emptied the drip tray, washed the grill plate, and wiped down the inside of the grill. We spot-checked the temperature probes with a second meat thermometer, and it seemed quite accurate. To be frank, the Ninja Woodfire is never going to give the same flavour profile as a “real” smoker or a charcoal/wood pellet grill. But as an apartment-dweller, I can’t have any of those. The Ninja is a great substitute and I’m excited to try more recipes with it. I would love to see a propane version of this, for camping trips where we don’t have access to electricity. We’re planning to do tri tip this weekend with the smoking feature and I’ll be sure to update this review afterwards!

BEWARE - SCAM

DO NOT buy these products. I purchased the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect™ Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker in early June 2024. I paid for expedited shipping, and the grill arrived within about 9 days, in mid June.From the first use, the grill did not work properly, and the fan was making a very loud noise. Wthin about ten days of using the grill, the fan completely stopped working. Since then, only the elctric grill heats up - no other function operates on this grill. I may as well have just purchased a cheap electric grill, rather than paying nearly $450.00 for this waste of money.I called to report the issue, and they kept me on the phone nearly 50 minutes, asking a bunch of irrelevant questions, and advised they were creating a "report". When the rep. told me she ... MoreDO NOT buy these products. I purchased the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect™ Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker in early June 2024. I paid for expedited shipping, and the grill arrived within about 9 days, in mid June.From the first use, the grill did not work properly, and the fan was making a very loud noise. Wthin about ten days of using the grill, the fan completely stopped working. Since then, only the elctric grill heats up - no other function operates on this grill. I may as well have just purchased a cheap electric grill, rather than paying nearly $450.00 for this waste of money.I called to report the issue, and they kept me on the phone nearly 50 minutes, asking a bunch of irrelevant questions, and advised they were creating a "report". When the rep. told me she needed me to put the call on video so that I could film my operation of the grill, I was out of time, as I had to be at a meeting.I called back several weeks later, when I had free time to video the grill operation.The rep. that took the second call advised they had no record of my purchase, nor any record of the report from the first call I had made.The rep. indicated that he required an "order number", for for him to do anything further.At that stage I could not locate the packing slip that showed the order number, but I had the fed ex delivery tracking information I had received in an email from fed ex.Mysteriously, the account I had created with Sharkninja, when I first purchased the grill online was no longer active, and the email they originally sent me confimring my purchase (with the order number) had been deleted. So I had no way to confirm my online ordering/purchasing the grill.I offered to provide a copy of my credit card statement confoirming the purchase, and the rep. told me that was not acceptable, and that there was nothing they could do for me without their Ninja order number.So I am now stuck with a large machine sitting on a stand on my patio that simply functions as a grill surface that heats up, and nothing more.I spent $450.00 for an alleged multi-funtion electric grill/smoker/airfyrer/roaster, and none of the functions operate, except for the electric grill surface that heats up.This is my fourth purchase of Ninja products, and I assure you it will be my last.Beware of this scam of a company!ro a grill in June, that , since theer was no record of my purchase

Exceptional Outdoor Cooking Experience

I recently purchased the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. This grill has truly elevated my outdoor cooking experience to a whole new level. Here are a few reasons why I give it a five-star rating:1. **Superb Build Quality**: The grill is built to last with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. It feels sturdy and durable, giving me confidence that it will withstand years of use.2. **Innovative Features**: The Pro Connect technology is a game-changer! Being able to monitor and control the grill remotely using my smartphone is incredibly convenient. I love being able to adjust the temperature and cooking settings from anywhere.3. **Versatility**: This grill offers a wide range of ... MoreI recently purchased the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. This grill has truly elevated my outdoor cooking experience to a whole new level. Here are a few reasons why I give it a five-star rating:1. **Superb Build Quality**: The grill is built to last with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. It feels sturdy and durable, giving me confidence that it will withstand years of use.2. **Innovative Features**: The Pro Connect technology is a game-changer! Being able to monitor and control the grill remotely using my smartphone is incredibly convenient. I love being able to adjust the temperature and cooking settings from anywhere.3. **Versatility**: This grill offers a wide range of cooking options, from traditional grilling to smoking and even baking. It's like having a full outdoor kitchen in one appliance.4. **Even Heat Distribution**: The grill heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface. This ensures that my food cooks uniformly and comes out perfectly every time.5. **Sleek Design**: Not only does this grill perform exceptionally well, but it also looks fantastic in my outdoor space. The sleek design and premium finish make it a stylish addition to my backyard.Overall, the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill has exceeded my expectations in every way. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line outdoor grill that combines innovation, quality, and performance, look no further. I highly recommend this grill to anyone serious about outdoor cooking.

Loved my first grill so much I bought a second!

This grill is amazing! I had been wanting a smoker but didn’t need a large one. I had watched the infomercial several times but wasn’t sure it would live up to the promises. I am so happy to report it has exceeded my expectations. It is a great smoker, infusing great smoke flavor in a short amount of time - who would have thought you could do smoked ribs in about 2 hours and have such delicious ribs?I’ve smoked a brisket, tri-tip, steaks and a couple of whole chickens and was not disappointed with any of them and received huge compliments. All were very flavorful and moist. The dual thermometers were perfect when grilling and smoking different types and thickness steaks.But, it gets even better! This is an excellent air fryer and oven. I packed it up for a ... MoreThis grill is amazing! I had been wanting a smoker but didn’t need a large one. I had watched the infomercial several times but wasn’t sure it would live up to the promises. I am so happy to report it has exceeded my expectations. It is a great smoker, infusing great smoke flavor in a short amount of time - who would have thought you could do smoked ribs in about 2 hours and have such delicious ribs?I’ve smoked a brisket, tri-tip, steaks and a couple of whole chickens and was not disappointed with any of them and received huge compliments. All were very flavorful and moist. The dual thermometers were perfect when grilling and smoking different types and thickness steaks.But, it gets even better! This is an excellent air fryer and oven. I packed it up for a recent camping trip and used it exclusively for grilling, air frying and baking and it worked like a charm. When baking and air frying you need to adjust the time and/or temperature and watch closely. The corn bread probably needed to bake at a lower temperature than what was on the directions. I know with experience I’ll get that down. I loved how versatile my Ninja Woodfire Grill was when camping that I bought a second one, a little smaller, to keep in my RV! I’ve decided I’ll get rid of the grill in the RV and go with just a Ninja since it can do it all. And, I’ll be able to ditch the air fryer that is taking up precious storage space.When camping in 100 degree weather the last thing I can do is heat up the interior using a convection oven or air fryer. Now with two Ninja Woodfire Smoker Grills I’ll have be able to smoke, grill, bake and dehydrate food at home and when away from home.If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy this grill, take the leap and buy this 7 in one smoker, grill, oven, I don’t think you’ll have a single regret.

[Rewarded Review] Grilling and Smoking with Technology

The Ninja Grill & Smoker is one of the easiest ways I've ever cooked. Not only is it versatile but its convenient with the easy to use Ninja Pro Connect app. The grill connects to your Wi-Fi and phone with Bluetooth to allow you to monitor it with the app across the yard or in the house.I've grilled hamburgers and fillet mignon several times now with the woodfire flavor technology turned on and loved the smokey flavor. The one downside of using smoke is that it takes quite a while for the ignite and preheat process to complete. However, once that is done, its so easy to use. For both items I used the guide in the app. It starts the timer and you get a beep at the grill and a push notification on your phone when its time to flip them. On the fillets, I also used ... MoreThe Ninja Grill & Smoker is one of the easiest ways I've ever cooked. Not only is it versatile but its convenient with the easy to use Ninja Pro Connect app. The grill connects to your Wi-Fi and phone with Bluetooth to allow you to monitor it with the app across the yard or in the house.I've grilled hamburgers and fillet mignon several times now with the woodfire flavor technology turned on and loved the smokey flavor. The one downside of using smoke is that it takes quite a while for the ignite and preheat process to complete. However, once that is done, its so easy to use. For both items I used the guide in the app. It starts the timer and you get a beep at the grill and a push notification on your phone when its time to flip them. On the fillets, I also used the two temperature prongs and they worked perfect showing me the temps on the app. It was particularly handy when one of my fillets was thicker than the other. I was able to watch the temperature and get the thinner fillet off the grill before it got over cooked. The smoke flavor was fantastic and I have attached a picture of one of the fillet's that I cooked to145 degrees, medium.When done cooking what is convenient about this grill is how the grease heads back and down the drain into the drip pan. You then take the grate out to clean and you are done and ready for next time.The grill does not come with the optional stand, but it does sit on any surface you want to use if you opt not to buy the stand. I think I will eventually get the stand and cover so I can leave it outside on the patio.Now that I have experimented with some easy to make items, I am ready and can't wait to tackle larger smoking projects with the help of the Ninja app! If you like smoked food, this is an easy to use product to get tasty results.

[Rewarded Review] Really good results with less risk

I love this versatile grill. It's by no means a set-and-forget; using it as a smoker is still a labor of love and I take full credit for my barbecue, but it's so much more reliable than a charcoal fire with smoking chunks in a kamado grill like I've been using for years. Any pork butt or large brisket needs to be started the night before so it can cook, rest and be ready for dinner. I've suffered the defeat of having to place an emergency order to the local bbq joint because I've got guests coming and I slept through my alarm and the fire went out and my pork dropped below 140º. This Ninja Woodfire grill uses electricity for the heat and pellets just for the smoky flavor, so it's more failsafe.I've done 3 cooks, had great results from each and here’s my notes if ... MoreI love this versatile grill. It's by no means a set-and-forget; using it as a smoker is still a labor of love and I take full credit for my barbecue, but it's so much more reliable than a charcoal fire with smoking chunks in a kamado grill like I've been using for years. Any pork butt or large brisket needs to be started the night before so it can cook, rest and be ready for dinner. I've suffered the defeat of having to place an emergency order to the local bbq joint because I've got guests coming and I slept through my alarm and the fire went out and my pork dropped below 140º. This Ninja Woodfire grill uses electricity for the heat and pellets just for the smoky flavor, so it's more failsafe.I've done 3 cooks, had great results from each and here’s my notes if you feel like reading a long review:First, a brisket - I put a lot of faith in this thing because I received my Ninja on Dec 22nd, planned a brisket for Christmas Eve, and the only thing they had left in the grade I wanted was a huge 20lbs. This obviously wasn't going to fit in the Ninja XL, so I cut about 6" off the flat and wrapped and froze it for another dinner. The flat cooks too fast when you have to wait for the point to finish anyway. I bought the separate rack accessory, which is not necessary but I don't want my brisket making direct contact with the solid grill plate. There was enough clearance inside the Ninja XL to fit the massive brisket even elevated by the rack, and the deep drip pan and non-stick surface make cleaning very easy.I set it up the night before with a target temperature instead of time. I filled the pellet basket, programmed it to cook to 202ºF with one of the built-in probes in the thick part of the brisket, and hung around admiring the smoke until it popped the circuit breaker! I had to get an extension cord and move to another plug (non-LED outdoor lighting uses a lot of juice).Then the second problem - the BBQ Gods awakened me at 3am (5+ hours into the cook) and I checked the app and the grill was offline… I ran out there and the thing was completely powered down, but still warm and there was no sign of any power outage or tripped circuit. My stomach dropped!! I probed the meat and I was right at 141ºF after I'd seen it hit 160º before going to bed. I turned it back on and started a new cook urgently. It got hot again and the temperature started climbing nicely but I definitely did not sleep very much after that. I switched it to a timed cook and just monitored the temperature until it finished. I wrapped it and rested it for 2 hours and then refrigerated it to wait for dinner. It ended up being the best brisket I've done.Next, smash burgers - I also bought the griddle plate accessory and I wanted to try quick and easy smash burgers on buttery toasted buns. I did grill mode with pellets and woodfire enabled. I smashed the burgers and then closed the lid and let them have some smoke for few mins and then flipped them (don't use a metal spatula, it's non-stick), added cheese and closed the lid for more heat and smoke. They came out great and it was so easy to clear all the fat and butter away with the deep drip pan this thing has. I did two rounds of burgers and the griddle plate needed some time to reheat between rounds.Finally, I tried the pork butt again for New Year’s. I set it up late the night before as a 12 hour cook at 225º. I did wake up worried once or twice, but the grill never shut itself off like it did for my brisket. I'm speculating that if you do a temperature cook and the meat stalls (temperature doesn't budge for a while), the grill must be giving up and turning off. I'm not counting on that overnight again. The pulled pork came out perfect and delicious. Being able to keep the temperature stable for a long period of time is crucial.Cleaning this thing is easy. It's got a very good non-stick coating so I just use my grill rescue which is a wet sponge wrapped in some kind of durable heat-resistant fire-fighter material, Everything sizzles away and runs down the drain into the deep drip pan that I can just dump in the trash.When I'm not cooking, this thing can just be stashed on a shelf in the garage, it doesn't have to live outside and be exposed to the elements. I love this grill.

[Rewarded Review] Smokin' Hot Ninja

The Ninja Woodfire™ Pro Outdoor Grill & Smoker with Built-in Thermometer might be the answer to the mess and fuss of a smoker. I was a skeptic at first taking the "short cut" and using this. I was very pleasantly surprised in its ability to smoke.First start by downloading the app, a cool feature that has directions on how to do just about everything. Almost, almost makes it fool proof. You can name your Ninja-Woodfire and have some fun, I named mine Smokin Hot. The app will ask if it is ok to pre-warm the unit and will even tell you if the lid is open. I started with a pork shoulder and followed the timed cooking charts in the app. You can search the app for just about any food or any mode of cooking. The app pre-heats, starts the smoker ignition and will notify ... MoreThe Ninja Woodfire™ Pro Outdoor Grill & Smoker with Built-in Thermometer might be the answer to the mess and fuss of a smoker. I was a skeptic at first taking the "short cut" and using this. I was very pleasantly surprised in its ability to smoke.First start by downloading the app, a cool feature that has directions on how to do just about everything. Almost, almost makes it fool proof. You can name your Ninja-Woodfire and have some fun, I named mine Smokin Hot. The app will ask if it is ok to pre-warm the unit and will even tell you if the lid is open. I started with a pork shoulder and followed the timed cooking charts in the app. You can search the app for just about any food or any mode of cooking. The app pre-heats, starts the smoker ignition and will notify you when the unit is ready for you to add your meat. You can start, stop and adjust the unit from anywhere you have a internet connection.I checked the pork shoulder at the recommended finish time, which was 5 hours later. I prepared the pork shoulder and added the woodfire pellets per the directions. Just an observation, don't try and use this inside or in or near the garage....it is a smoker and it does smoke...I would adjust the cook time a bit and here is where the first issue is. This unit has an "optional" thermometer which in my opinion should come with, after all the temp in the cooking process is the most important thing. It would really prevent over cooking, which is an easy mistake particularly when using a new appliance. Anyway, the shoulder came out pretty good, fell apart and had awesome smoky flavor. Which leads me to my second fault, this unit says it is only compatible with the Ninja Woodfire pellets. Again in my opinion, this may be a problem down the road when/if Ninja stops making Woodfire pellets. I'll be investigating this to see if off brand pellets will work, I suspect they will.For my next endeavor I tried the grille feature and cooked some hamburgers, unfrozen. There is no recipe I could find, but who really needs a recipe for that. The grill works as it should for an electric grille. Cook time was very similar if not less than my gas grill.Next I tried the air fryer feature with some pizza rolls. The initial time listed for 1.5 bags seemed about right as compared to what my small air fryer would take so I adjusted the time based on only cooking a dozen or so. Worked like a charm.All things considered this is a great electric grill, smoker, air fryer unit. A couple issues, it does not come with the thermometer which in my opinion is absolutely necessary, the woodfire pellets and lack of a stand or base as a standard accessory are not deal killers but consideration as to the over all cost to really make this unit shine.Even though there are a couple down falls, I would absolutely recommend this to a friend.

[Rewarded Review] So good it's like cheating!

I’m one of those guys that really likes outdoor grilling – both cooking and eating. Sadly, I my lifestyle doesn’t afford me the time or resources to be as dedicated as some. I have one gas grill that was used to grill all meats and veggies desired and cover my simulated smoking efforts through jerry-rigging and skill. Well, all that has changed now with this new Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Grill & Smoker – I’m a double outdoor grill/smoker+ guy now!I’m really big on packaging. When I purchase anything of worth, and/or technology that I am depending on functional integrity, the packaging gives me confidence it has been safely transported. It also lets me know what the manufacturer thinks of their own product. The Woodfire ProConnect comes well packaged in a sturdy ... MoreI’m one of those guys that really likes outdoor grilling – both cooking and eating. Sadly, I my lifestyle doesn’t afford me the time or resources to be as dedicated as some. I have one gas grill that was used to grill all meats and veggies desired and cover my simulated smoking efforts through jerry-rigging and skill. Well, all that has changed now with this new Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Grill & Smoker – I’m a double outdoor grill/smoker+ guy now!I’m really big on packaging. When I purchase anything of worth, and/or technology that I am depending on functional integrity, the packaging gives me confidence it has been safely transported. It also lets me know what the manufacturer thinks of their own product. The Woodfire ProConnect comes well packaged in a sturdy box with more than adequate foam and protection – very tight fit. Upon opening the box, the thing I loved most was that there is really no assembly required. Seriously, you could give the plate and innards a quick washup and be up and cooking in minutes. The next thing that stood out was that there were 2 bags of woodfire pellets – an all-purpose blend and a robust blend. That’s plenty to get anyone started with creating that off the grill flavor you are yearning for from an electric grill. Also in the box, you have everything needed to get started – drip pan, grill plate, rack, etc. You also have a thermometer spindle with 2 wired leads. This slides in under the control panel which has a place for you to plug them in for 2 separate temperature readings. Lift the grill hood and you will see a convection fan at the very top. The cooking surface is also a lot bigger than I thought. I can easily fit 2 slabs of ribs on the cooking surface – a welcome sight! Overall, it was an impressive showing out of the box. Now, how does it perform?Well, my wife had these ribs, you see. She wanted me to do my usual – a 2-3 hour simulated smoke, followed by about an hour or so on the grill. Amazingly, the Woodfire ProConnect shows up right when I needed to cook these up. I prepared them as normal and got the grill ready for action. For smoking, you have to put the pellets in the smoke box located on the right side of the hood. If I have one design complaint or request, it’s about this smoke box. I would have loved it to be larger – more on that in a moment. Once everything was ready, I selected smoke on the mode selector, set my temperature to 225 and my timer to 3 hours. When started, the control panel indicates that it’s igniting the pellets. One thing I like about the smoker function is there is no need for preheating. After ignition and a start up period, the control panel displays the temperature and the remaining time. Not sure if this needs to be said, but definitely avoid using this indoors – it will probably set off a smoke detector. That’s not to say the grill hood isn’t sealed enough, it definitely is. The areas designed for ventilation really put out smoke because it is very effective at generating and circulating smoke. I must say, I was very reluctant to open the hood after the grill got going. I normally baste my ribs with a mopping sauce every 20-30 minutes or so, but I didn’t do so during the first hour or more during this process. I think the thought of convection and the control you have over the environment had me feeling like I should just let it do its thing. I felt that after about an hour or so, there wasn’t much smoke left. For this reason, I feel the smoke box could be bigger. I was reluctant to refill the box because I felt the igniter lit the pellets in the box at the start of the cooking cycle – I need to investigate that more. Other than that, after my smoke period, I crank the heat up a bit for the last 30-45 minutes, and voila! And that’s not an exaggeration. The Woodfire ProConnect is the real deal! My ribs were perfectly cooked. There was a definite smoky flavor as well – outstanding job, and for what it’s worth, clean up was a breeze.I must say, this thing really isn’t hard to sell – yes, it’s that good. It’s easy to use, does an excellent job cooking your meal, is very well built, is feature-rich (double thermometer, 7-in-1, built-in WiFi with app integration), and is big enough for decent portions while having a small footprint. This is the proverbial no-brainer. One of the best cooking devices I’ve seen in quite some time.