Outdoor cooking has changed a lot in recent years. What used to be a simple choice between gas or charcoal grills has now expanded into high-tech, multifunctional machines that can grill, smoke, roast, and even bake pizzas. Two names that have been standing out lately are the Ninja FlexFlame and the Weber Searwood XL 600.
I spent the last few weeks testing both of these grills in real backyard cooking sessions—everything from ribs and burgers to pizzas and smoked brisket. Both promise versatility, high heat, and modern tech features, but they deliver them in very different ways. If you’re torn between the two, this breakdown should help you figure out which one fits your cooking style better.
Key Difference: Ninja FlexFlame vs Weber Searwood Grill
The Ninja FlexFlame is a hybrid propane + electric grill and smoker that offers five cooking styles in one system. It’s highly versatile, fast, and designed for anyone who wants precision control with propane convenience.
On the other hand, the Weber Searwood XL 600 is a wood pellet grill with smart connectivity. It’s all about flavor, authentic wood-fired smoking, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-enabled temperature control.
In short:
- Ninja FlexFlame = Versatility & Speed
- Weber Searwood = Flavor & Smart Pellet Grilling
- 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; Lets you smoke, sear, and roast on the same grill; A full grate...
Comparison Table: Ninja FlexFlame vs Weber Searwood Grill
| Feature | Ninja FlexFlame (PG301) | Weber Searwood XL 600 |
| Fuel Type | Propane + Electricity | Wood Pellets |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Smoke, Roast, Griddle, Pizza | Grill, Smoke, Roast, Sear |
| Cooking Space | 424 sq. in. | ~600 sq. in. |
| Temp Range | 200°F – 600°F | 180°F – 600°F |
| Heat Tech | CyclonicHeat-iQ, convection fan | DirectFlame Cooking, PID Control |
| Accessories | Griddle plates, pizza stone (sold sep.) | Griddle insert, rotisserie (sold sep.) |
| Smart Features | Digital control panel | Weber Connect app (Wi-Fi + BT) |
| Preheat Speed | Very fast (Cyclonic Heat) | ~15 minutes with Rapid React PID |
| Build | Stainless steel, 3 burners | Heavy-duty steel, pellet hopper |
| Portability | Requires propane tank + outlet | Pellet hopper + power needed |
| Price Range | Mid-to-high | High-end |
| Check Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
The Ninja FlexFlame feels like a futuristic outdoor cooker. The stainless steel finish, three burners, and digital controls make it look like something designed for versatility rather than tradition. It’s big but not bulky, and flipping between grill grates, a smoker setup, or even the optional pizza stone feels natural.
The Weber Searwood XL 600, on the other hand, leans into the classic pellet smoker aesthetic—black, sturdy, and serious about flavor. It’s heavier, with a larger pellet hopper, and gives off a more “traditional pitmaster” vibe compared to the FlexFlame’s “modern multitool” look.
Both feel premium, but if you want something sleek and multi-functional, Ninja wins. If you want rugged, no-nonsense pellet power, Weber takes it.
- 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; Lets you smoke, sear, and roast on the same grill; A full grate...
Ease of Use
With the Ninja FlexFlame, there’s a short learning curve, but once you understand how propane provides heat while electricity powers the tech, it’s smooth sailing. The digital precision burner control makes it easy to dial in exact temps, and I liked how quickly it responds.
The Weber Searwood shines for tech lovers. The Weber Connect app (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth) lets you monitor and adjust temps remotely, and the Rapid React PID keeps temps consistent even in cold weather. It’s straightforward if you’re used to pellet grills, but slightly more setup-heavy than Ninja if you’re new to the style.
Cooking Functions & Performance
This is where things really split.
- Ninja FlexFlame gave me flexibility: grilling burgers, smoking ribs, roasting chicken, using the griddle for breakfast, and even testing the pizza stone (sold separately). It feels like having five appliances in one. The CyclonicHeat-iQ fan ensures even heat, and the QuickCrisp roasting did a great job of keeping chicken juicy while crisping the skin faster than my oven.
- Weber Searwood is all about authentic wood-fired flavor. The DirectFlame Cooking feature creates perfect sear marks and a smoky depth you just can’t get with propane. I loved the SmokeBoost setting at 180°F, which infused brisket with a deep, rich flavor that Ninja couldn’t quite replicate.
So: Ninja wins on versatility, Weber wins on flavor.
- 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; Lets you smoke, sear, and roast on the same grill; A full grate...
Heat Range & Speed
Both max out at 600°F, which is excellent for searing.
The Ninja FlexFlame heats up noticeably faster. I was cooking in minutes, which made it great for weeknight meals.
The Weber Searwood takes around 15 minutes to preheat with its PID system—not slow by pellet grill standards, but definitely longer than Ninja. However, it holds temps extremely well, even after opening the lid.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning the Ninja FlexFlame was easier for me. The grease tray slides out smoothly, and porcelain-enamel grates wipe down quickly.
The Weber Searwood requires more effort. You’ll be dealing with pellet ash and grease cleanup, which isn’t bad but definitely adds steps compared to Ninja.
Accessories
Both offer extras, but they’re sold separately.
- Ninja’s pizza stone and griddle plates add major versatility.
- Weber’s griddle insert, rotisserie, and Weber Crafted grates are perfect for those who want more smoker-style cooking techniques.
Ninja PG301 FlexFlame, Grill and Smoker, Electric and Propane Grill
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
Pros:
- 5-in-1 versatility (grill, smoke, roast, griddle, pizza)
- Faster preheating than Weber
- Digital precision burner control
- Compact but spacious enough for families
- Easier cleanup
Cons:
- Requires both propane + electricity
- Doesn’t deliver the same smoky flavor as a pellet grill
- Accessories cost extra
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; Lets you smoke, sear, and roast on the same grill; A full grate...
Pros:
- Authentic wood-fired flavor
- Large cooking area (600 sq. in.)
- DirectFlame searing with perfect grill marks
- Smart Wi-Fi/Bluetooth controls
- Consistent temps even in bad weather
Cons:
- Slower preheat time than Ninja
- Requires pellet cleanup and ash disposal
- Bigger, heavier, less portable
- Accessories also sold separately
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
Both grills are impressive but designed for different types of cooks.
- If you want a versatile, fast, and easy-to-use outdoor cooking system that can handle grilling, smoking, griddling, and even pizza nights, the Ninja FlexFlame is the smarter choice. It’s basically a Swiss Army knife for backyard cooking.
- If your top priority is authentic smoky flavor with high-tech pellet control, and you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for preheat and cleanup, the Weber Searwood XL 600 delivers unbeatable results.
Personally, if I had to pick just one for my backyard, I’d lean toward the Ninja FlexFlame because of how much flexibility it gives me for everyday meals. But when it comes to smoking brisket or ribs for special occasions, Weber still holds a special place.
Either way, you’re getting a premium outdoor cooker—you just need to decide if you value speed and versatility (Ninja) or flavor and tradition (Weber) more.