Quick Verdict: Pick the Ninja FlexFlame if you want fast propane grilling, convection-powered pizza nights, and cold-smoking flexibility. Choose the Weber Searwood 600 if deep wood-smoke flavor, a larger total cooking area, and full app-based control matter most.
Main Difference Between Ninja FlexFlame and Weber Searwood
- Ninja FlexFlame: A propane gas grill that uses electricity only for its controls and CyclonicHeat-iQ convection fan, prioritizing speed, even heat, and versatility.
- Weber Searwood 600: A wood pellet grill focused on traditional barbecue, long cooks, and rich smoke flavor.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle*, and make perfect pizzas.* (*sold separately).
- 5-MINUTE PIZZAS: Unleash your inner pizza chef and create 16’’ artisan pizzas in as...
- PERFORATED DESIGN: Perforations remove excess flour for optimal flavor and prevent dough...
- CYCLONICHEAT-iQ: Faster, even cooking, easier to use, and more flavor.* (*vs. Weber).
- PERFECT PIZZAS ON THE NINJA FLEXFLAME: Even heat from the top down so you get pizzas with...
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to...
- DirectFlame Cooking: Creates flavorful searing, browning, and crisping; With no large...
- Rapid React PID: Heats grill to set temperature in 15 minutes or less* so you don't have...
- SmokeBoost Setting: This setting allows outdoor pellet smoker to maintain temperature at...
- Accessories: Rust-resistant griddle insert transforms smoker into an outdoor griddle;...
Important Apartment & Portability Warning
The Ninja FlexFlame requires both a 20lb propane tank and a power outlet to run its convection fan. Because of this, it is not suitable for most apartments or balconies, where propane tanks of this size are usually prohibited. Both grills are best suited for homes with patios or backyards.
Ninja FlexFlame (2026): Real-World Performance
The Ninja FlexFlame is a full-size 3-burner propane grill rated at approximately 36,000 BTUs. It offers 424 sq. in. of primary cooking space and up to 544 sq. in. total when including the warming rack.
In my testing, I was impressed to see the Ninja reach 600°F in just under 8 minutes. Steaks seared quickly, and the convection fan noticeably reduced hot spots across the grates.
Ninja FlexFlame Pros
- Extremely fast preheat and strong searing power
- CyclonicHeat-iQ convection improves even cooking
- Built-in smoker box enables true cold smoking
- Excellent pizza mode with crisp crust results
- Limited monitoring via Ninja ProConnect app
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle*, and make perfect pizzas.* (*sold separately).
- 5-MINUTE PIZZAS: Unleash your inner pizza chef and create 16’’ artisan pizzas in as...
- PERFORATED DESIGN: Perforations remove excess flour for optimal flavor and prevent dough...
- CYCLONICHEAT-iQ: Faster, even cooking, easier to use, and more flavor.* (*vs. Weber).
- PERFECT PIZZAS ON THE NINJA FLEXFLAME: Even heat from the top down so you get pizzas with...
Ninja FlexFlame Cons
- Noticeable fan noise during cooking (similar to a large air fryer)
- Requires both propane and electricity
- Smoke flavor is lighter than pellet grills during hot smoking
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to...
- DirectFlame Cooking: Creates flavorful searing, browning, and crisping; With no large...
- Rapid React PID: Heats grill to set temperature in 15 minutes or less* so you don't have...
- SmokeBoost Setting: This setting allows outdoor pellet smoker to maintain temperature at...
- Accessories: Rust-resistant griddle insert transforms smoker into an outdoor griddle;...
Who the Ninja FlexFlame Is For
Ideal for homeowners who want gas-grill speed, versatile cooking (including pizza and cold smoking), and modern convection performance.
Weber Searwood 600: Real-World Performance
The Weber Searwood 600 offers a generous 648 sq. in. total cooking area (420 sq. in. main grate + 228 sq. in. warming rack). It’s built for consistency during long, low-and-slow cooks.
During extended smoking sessions, temperature stability remained excellent. The grill runs quietly, with only a subtle fan sound to maintain the pellet fire.
Weber Searwood Pros
- Deep, authentic wood-smoked flavor
- Full WEBER CONNECT app with remote control
- Excellent for brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder
- Larger total cooking capacity for gatherings
Weber Searwood Cons
- Slower preheat compared to propane grills
- No true cold-smoke mode without accessories
- Requires pellet refills and ash cleanup
Who the Weber Searwood Is For
Perfect for BBQ enthusiasts who value flavor depth, capacity, and smart app control over speed.
Cold Smoking vs Traditional Pellet Smoking
The Ninja FlexFlame’s independent smoker box allows cold smoking without igniting the burners—ideal for cheese, fish, and nuts.
Pellet grills like the Weber Searwood must burn pellets to create smoke, which always generates heat. True cold smoking typically requires a separate smoker tube.
Noise Comparison
- Ninja FlexFlame: Audible convection fan while cooking.
- Weber Searwood 600: Much quieter, with minimal operational noise.
Final Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ninja FlexFlame | Weber Searwood 600 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Source | Propane + Convection Fan | Wood Pellets | Tie |
| Primary Cooking Area | 424 sq. in. | 420 sq. in. | Tie |
| Total Cooking Area | 544 sq. in. | 648 sq. in. | Weber |
| Cold Smoke Mode | Built-in | Requires accessory | Ninja |
| Connectivity | ProConnect (Monitoring) | Weber Connect (Full Control) | Weber |
| Warranty | Up to 10 Years (Select Parts) | 3–5 Years | Ninja |
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle*, and make perfect pizzas.* (*sold separately).
- 5-MINUTE PIZZAS: Unleash your inner pizza chef and create 16’’ artisan pizzas in as...
- PERFORATED DESIGN: Perforations remove excess flour for optimal flavor and prevent dough...
- CYCLONICHEAT-iQ: Faster, even cooking, easier to use, and more flavor.* (*vs. Weber).
- PERFECT PIZZAS ON THE NINJA FLEXFLAME: Even heat from the top down so you get pizzas with...
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to...
- DirectFlame Cooking: Creates flavorful searing, browning, and crisping; With no large...
- Rapid React PID: Heats grill to set temperature in 15 minutes or less* so you don't have...
- SmokeBoost Setting: This setting allows outdoor pellet smoker to maintain temperature at...
- Accessories: Rust-resistant griddle insert transforms smoker into an outdoor griddle;...
Quick Buy Guide (3-Second Decision)
- Choose Ninja FlexFlame if: You want speed, pizza nights, cold smoking, and gas-grill convenience.
- Choose Weber Searwood if: You want maximum smoke flavor, bigger capacity, and full app-based control.
Final Conclusion
The Ninja FlexFlame feels like a next-generation gas grill—fast, powerful, and versatile.
The Weber Searwood 600 remains the better choice for traditional barbecue lovers chasing authentic smoke flavor.
Bottom line: Ninja wins on speed and versatility. Weber wins on flavor depth and smart pellet grilling
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle*, and make perfect pizzas.* (*sold separately).
- 5-MINUTE PIZZAS: Unleash your inner pizza chef and create 16’’ artisan pizzas in as...
- PERFORATED DESIGN: Perforations remove excess flour for optimal flavor and prevent dough...
- CYCLONICHEAT-iQ: Faster, even cooking, easier to use, and more flavor.* (*vs. Weber).
- PERFECT PIZZAS ON THE NINJA FLEXFLAME: Even heat from the top down so you get pizzas with...
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to...
- DirectFlame Cooking: Creates flavorful searing, browning, and crisping; With no large...
- Rapid React PID: Heats grill to set temperature in 15 minutes or less* so you don't have...
- SmokeBoost Setting: This setting allows outdoor pellet smoker to maintain temperature at...
- Accessories: Rust-resistant griddle insert transforms smoker into an outdoor griddle;...
