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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.

Ninja FlexFlame all set up — 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.

Ninja FlexFlame being assembled — 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.

Ninja FlexFlame cooking chicken — 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.