The Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle promises convenient and versatile indoor cooking, and we put it to the test. This review delves into the build quality, ease of use, and actual smokeless performance of this popular appliance. We explored its functionality as both a grill and a griddle, cooking everything from juicy hamburgers to fluffy pancakes, to determine if it lives up to the hype. From initial unboxing to final cleanup, we assessed every aspect of the user experience.We examined the Ninja Sizzle's temperature control, non-stick surfaces, and the effectiveness of its grease trap. Did it truly minimize smoke as advertised? How easy was it to clean? This comprehensive review provides an honest assessment of the Ninja Sizzle's strengths and weaknesses, offering a clear picture of whether this indoor grill is a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to clean (grill and lid are dishwasher safe)
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- Simple temperature control knob
- Includes grill plate and flat griddle plate
- Grease trap effectively collects grease
- Compact size when lid is closed
- Versatile cooking surface for various foods (hamburgers, eggs, pancakes)
- Good for small spaces or camping
- Produces some smoke and odor, despite being marketed as "smokeless"
- Some grease splattering may occur
- Requires a 7-minute preheating time
- No fan to assist with smoke removal
- Temperature fluctuates during cooking
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Ninja Sizzle arrived in its packaging, and right away, the quality felt premium. The build is sturdy and feels like it will last. It comes with both a grill plate and a flat griddle plate, offering versatility for different cooking styles.
Both plates are easily removable for cleaning, and the manufacturer advertises that the entire unit, including the lid, is dishwasher-safe, which is a significant advantage. This significantly reduces the post-cooking cleanup time and hassle.
The grill and griddle are coated with a non-stick ceramic coating, promising effortless food release and easy cleanup. The perforated lid allows for even cooking and heat circulation.
Design and Features
The Ninja Sizzle features a simple control knob for adjusting the temperature, with increments of 25 degrees from low settings to a maximum of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. A power light indicates when the unit is turned on.
The unit sits on four sturdy feet, providing stability during cooking. The griddle features an upward-sloping grease trap to collect excess oil and grease for easy disposal. This design prevents messy spills.
It's important to note that there's no fan or other smoke-reduction mechanism beyond the design of the lid. The included cookbook provides helpful tips and recipes.
Cooking Performance: Hamburgers
The seven-minute preheating time is recommended, and the manufacturer suggests 325°F for hamburgers. During cooking, a small amount of smoke was observed, despite the 'smokeless' claim. The amount of smoke was minimal and not overly bothersome.
The non-stick surface allowed for easy flipping, and the hamburgers cooked evenly, achieving grill marks. The grease trap effectively collected the rendered fat from the meat.
Cooking time was approximately 18 minutes, including the preheating stage, achieving an internal temperature of 160°F. While some grease splattering occurred, it was manageable.
Cooking Performance: Eggs and Pancakes
The griddle plate was used for cooking eggs and pancakes, with a preheating time of seven minutes at 400°F. A light coating of canola oil was applied to prevent sticking.
Both eggs and pancakes cooked beautifully, with minimal to no sticking, allowing for easy flipping. The cooking process generated minimal smoke.
The versatile cooking surface is suitable for various foods; this is ideal for small kitchens, where versatility is a must.
Overall Conclusion
The Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill and Griddle offers a convenient and versatile solution for indoor cooking. The non-stick surfaces, removable plates, and dishwasher-safe design are significant advantages.
While not entirely smokeless, the amount of smoke produced was minimal, especially when cooking eggs and pancakes. The grease trap functions well, containing the majority of excess grease.
The compact size and versatile cooking capabilities make it suitable for small spaces. Overall, while there is some smoke produced, it is an excellent device that makes indoor cooking very easy.
