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Ninja FlexFlame Gas BBQ & Outdoor Cooking System review
- Elaine Lemm - former chef, food writer and reviews expert
Published: April 24, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Our Rating
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
The Ninja FlexFlame is Ninja's first gas BBQ and one of the most versatile we've tested. Serious kit at a serious price but the performance backs it up.
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Pros
- 5-in-1: grill, smoke, roast, griddle and make pizzas
- High-velocity cyclonic fan for even cooking
- Excellent assembly instructions
- Precision burner controls
- Built-in smoke box
Cons
- No griddle, pizza stone or accessories
- Noisy when using the fan
- Heavy to assemble
- Requires electricity
The Ninja FlexFlame is a large, well-built BBQ that means business. It offers 5-in-1 cooking (grilling, built-in smoking, roasting, griddling and pizza) and whether you're cooking for two or a crowd, it's quick and intuitive once you're up and running.
- Available from Ninja Kitchen (£999.99)
For anyone who likes to do more than just grill, there's a lot to explore here.
- Read our full review of the best gas BBQs.
Photography: Elaine Lemm/Good Food
First impressions
The FlexFlame looks the part, with a bright stainless-steel body and a reassuringly heavy lid. Everything about it feels built to last. The large cyclonic fan on the side requires electricity, so you'll need a socket nearby (worth knowing before you decide where to position it). The gas bottle sits neatly inside a cabinet and, once plugged in and connected, it's ready to go.
How easy is the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ to assemble
The FlexFlame is heavy, so two people make assembly much easier. The instructions are excellent and the screws and bolts are packaged in order, which makes the whole process straightforward and easy to follow.
Photography: Elaine Lemm/Good Food
How easy is the Ninja FlexFlame BBQ to use
It's a big machine and can feel a little overwhelming if you're not used to gas barbecuing but the control panel is clear and self-explanatory. The built-in cyclonic fan is noisy but it circulates heat evenly across the grill and kicks in automatically once the lid is closed. The built-in smoker is easier to use than I expected: fill it with pellets, switch it on and it does the work. There's an initial burst of smoke that can be alarming but it settles quickly.
Cooking results
I tested three of the five cooking modes: grilling, roasting and smoking. The griddle and pizza stone aren't included and need to be bought separately, so those modes went untested. Across everything I cooked, the results were consistently good. Roasted potatoes, vegetables and a whole butternut squash all developed good colour without overcooking, and came out tender and full of flavour. Bread buns warmed on the rack came up to an even colour. The standout was a smoked spatchcock chicken: cooked evenly, properly succulent and with a gentle, balanced smokiness. I repeated the smoking test with halloumi, which was just as successful.
Photography: Elaine Lemm/Good Food
Conclusion
At £999.99 with a 10-year limited guarantee, the Ninja FlexFlame is a serious investment but the build quality and cooking performance justify it. It's versatile enough to keep outdoor cooking interesting well beyond a standard grill and, for anyone who wants more from a gas BBQ, it delivers.
Photography: Elaine Lemm/Good Food
Specifications:
Dimensions: L:151.31cm W:63.7cm H:122.71cm
Burners: 3
Warranty: 10 years (limited)
Materials: stainless-steel and some powder coating
Available from:
BBQ recipes and guides
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