Grilling has always been a passion of mine, and recently I had the chance to put two powerful contenders to the test: the Ninja FlexFlame and the Weber Searwood XL 600. Both of these grills promise next-level performance, combining versatility, precision, and high heat to deliver restaurant-quality results at home.
After weeks of smoking ribs, searing steaks, roasting chicken, and experimenting with accessories, I’m ready to break down the differences, pros, and cons of each model to help you choose the right one for your cooking style.
Key Difference Ninja FlexFlame vs Weber Searwood Grill & Smoker
The Ninja FlexFlame is a dual-powered propane and electric hybrid grill and smoker designed for versatility, while the Weber Searwood XL 600 is a wood pellet grill and smoker built for bold flavor and consistent results. The FlexFlame’s strength lies in its 5-in-1 cooking system and CyclonicHeat-iQ technology, whereas the Searwood focuses on advanced pellet smoking, searing, and wireless connectivity.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to 600°F;...
Comparison Table Ninja FlexFlame vs Weber Searwood Grill & Smoker
| Feature | Ninja FlexFlame PG301 | Weber Searwood XL 600 |
| Fuel Type | Propane & Electric (hybrid) | Wood Pellets |
| Cooking Surface | 424 sq. in. | 600 sq. in. |
| Max Temperature | 600°F | 600°F |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Smoke, Roast, Griddle, Pizza | Smoke, Grill, Roast, Sear |
| Technology | CyclonicHeat-iQ & Precision Burner Control | DirectFlame Cooking, SmokeBoost, Rapid React PID |
| Connectivity | None | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (Weber Connect App) |
| Accessories | Optional pizza stone & griddle plates | Optional griddle insert, rotisserie, crafted grates |
| Size (Dimensions) | 59.57″D x 25.08″W x 48.31″H | 23″D x 50.5″W x 45.75″H |
| Best For | Multi-purpose cooking, hybrid convenience | Flavor-focused pellet smoking and searing |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality
The Ninja FlexFlame immediately feels like a high-end piece of outdoor cooking equipment. Its stainless steel finish is sleek, and I appreciate its thoughtful layout. The control knobs are precise, and the CyclonicHeat-iQ fan gives it a professional touch. It’s slightly larger and heavier, but this grill screams versatility.
The Weber Searwood XL 600, on the other hand, is built with pellet smoking in mind, and its design reflects that. The full grate sear zone is impressive, and the craftsmanship is exactly what you’d expect from Weber. The digital display and app connectivity give it a modern, tech-forward vibe, which I loved when fine-tuning my cooking.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to 600°F;...
Ease of Use
The FlexFlame has a learning curve because of its dual-fuel setup, but once I got the hang of using propane for heat and electricity for the fan system, it became a joy to cook with. Temperature adjustments are straightforward, and I love how quickly it heats up. Switching between grilling and smoking feels seamless.
The Searwood XL 600 wins in simplicity. Fill the hopper with pellets, choose your temperature, and let Weber’s Rapid React PID controller do the rest. The Weber Connect app is a game-changer, allowing me to monitor everything from my phone. For beginners, this level of guidance makes it hard to mess up a brisket or ribs.
Cooking Performance
Here’s where these grills truly shine in different ways.
- Ninja FlexFlame: The CyclonicHeat-iQ fan creates incredibly even heat, making it easy to get perfect sear marks or crisp chicken skin. The roasting function was a standout, producing tender meat faster than traditional methods. I also tried the pizza stone accessory, and it turned out an artisan-style pizza in under 6 minutes.
- Weber Searwood XL 600: Pellet smoking is unmatched for flavor, and this Weber delivers beautifully. SmokeBoost at 180°F infused my brisket with a rich, smoky aroma that’s hard to beat. The direct flame searing feature lets you achieve steakhouse-quality crust, which makes it more versatile than many pellet grills.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to 600°F;...
Accessories & Versatility
FlexFlame’s modular accessories make it a true multi-tool. The griddle plate delivered perfect smash burgers, while the pizza stone turned out crisp, bubbly pies. If you love experimenting with different cooking methods, this grill encourages creativity.
Searwood’s add-ons are more specialized. The rotisserie accessory made perfect whole chickens, and the Weber Crafted system lets you swap out grates for advanced setups. It’s a pellet smoker first, but it doesn’t limit your cooking options.
Ninja FlexFlame, Grill and Smoker
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
Pros √
- Hybrid propane and electric system for precision cooking
- Versatile 5-in-1 functionality
- Even heat distribution with CyclonicHeat-iQ
- Great for roasting, grilling, smoking, griddling, and pizza-making
Cons x
- Requires both propane and electricity (extra setup)
- Slightly bulky for smaller patios
- No app connectivity
Weber Searwood XL 600 Wood Pellet Smoker Grill
- The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Smoker Grill has a full temperature range from 180° to 600°F;...
Pros √
- Exceptional pellet flavor infusion
- Wide sear zone and direct flame access
- Weber Connect app for remote monitoring
- SmokeBoost feature for enhanced smoke flavor
Cons x
- Larger footprint despite narrower depth
- Pellet consumption can be high for long cooks
- Accessories can get expensive
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After testing both grills, it’s clear that the Ninja FlexFlame is the ultimate choice for anyone who wants a versatile, all-in-one grilling station. If you love switching between smoking, searing, roasting, and baking, this hybrid system makes it easy. It’s ideal for adventurous home chefs who want maximum flexibility.
The Weber Searwood XL 600 is a dream for those who prioritize pellet smoking and crave that authentic wood-fired flavor. It’s incredibly consistent, and with Weber’s app support, it’s also more beginner-friendly. If you want flavor depth and tech integration, Searwood is a winner.
For me, the FlexFlame won because I value its multifunctional design. But if pellet smoking is your passion, you can’t go wrong with Weber. Both are exceptional, and choosing between them really comes down to your cooking style and flavor preferences.
