Design
The Ninja FlexFlame PG301 isn’t just a grill—it’s a modular heat machine disguised as backyard gear. We tested it ourselves at Gadget Review, and here’s the deal: Ninja went all-in on this propane-electric combo that redefines what outdoor cooking can look like. You get three burners, 37,000 BTUs of total heat output, that are horizontal not vertical, a convection fan that actually makes a difference, and five distinct cooking modes—all in one unit.
The Ninja feels solid at nearly 80 pounds and glides smoothly on its wheels. Side shelves are sturdy and practical, and the LED-lit controls keep it usable at night. Just remember: it needs an outdoor power outlet to run the convection fan and digital ignition.
The wood pellet tray is integrated neatly, adding light smoke flavor with no extra accessories needed. All this comes together in a clean, compact footprint offering 544 square inches of total cooking space (424 main + 120 warming rack).
Dimensions and Build
- Width: 59.6 inches
- Height: 48.3 inches
- Depth: 25.1 inches
- Weight: 130 lbs
The Ninja FlexFlame PG301 sports a medium-large footprint for a backyard grill but retains easy mobility thanks to smooth-rolling wheels and a balanced cart design. Its double-walled stainless steel hood, powder-coated base, and sturdy side shelves make it feel more premium than other grills in this price range. While the base is coated steel (not full stainless), it’s thick and resilient, during our testing the outside Lid temp. stayed below 97 degrees with the the internal Temp set at 500 degrees plus LED-lit dials, and convection fan integration are rare at this level.
Performance
This is where the FlexFlame earns its name. During our preheat test, the grill hit 500°F in just 6 minutes and 22 seconds, with all burners set to high and the lid closed. That’s one of the fastest heat-up times we’ve recorded in this category, and it’s thanks in part to the built-in convection fan.
Heat distribution across the grates was mostly even. Our bread test revealed a slight cool spot in the rear section, but it stayed within a 10°F margin—solid performance overall. We recorded excellent searing results on burgers after just 3 minutes and cooked chicken thighs to a perfect 165°F in 23 minutes using the smoker mode at 400°F.
The grill recovered quickly during lid-open tests: when the lid was opened at 450°F, it dropped to 344°F and regained full temp in just 1 minute 20 seconds. At 350°F, it recovered in under a minute. That kind of rebound keeps food cooking efficiently and evenly.
Ease of Use
From unboxing to burgers, this grill keeps things simple. Assembly instructions were straightforward, and while build took about an hour, the result felt premium. The ignition system scored a 9/10—quick, reliable, and responsive. The knobs are intuitive and the LED lighting adds style without gimmickry.
Cleaning is about average. The grease tray is effective but slightly awkward to remove, especially when hot. That said, the grates cleaned up easily, and the pellet ash was minimal after a smoke session.
The digital interface and fan system are easy enough for beginners but precise enough for backyard perfectionists.
