The ninja grill is expensive . I always clean mine when I use it . I mix a part of water , a part of vinegar and half of dish soap put in a spray bottom , spray on it after cook off let sit for 10 minutes and wipe it down with paper towel . It is amazing
i been using the Oven, Grill, and Fryer cleaner from the "Members Mark" brand and clean it every 3-5 uses with a Scrub Daddy. Take me about 10-15 minutes. Afterwards i let it run for 10 minutes to burn any residual chemical off. Looks ALMOST new till this day
Yes, routine cleaning to remove grease and gunk buildup is absolutely necessary, but if you're using this as a smoker, it will get a smoke film. It should, it's what's referred to as seasoning. Trying to keep it "like new", imo, is a road to heartbreak.
Ordered the Ninja Woodfire XL yesterday on HSN. Did a mountain of research on its use, but never thought of how to clean it. This video will definitely help out on trail & error methods of cleaning it. Who knew, a Degreaser was the answer. LoL. Simple enough & thx's for the video!!!
I bought the today’s special on HSN too! I grilled chicken breast last night with the smoke. Definitely a learning curve. My model xl one doesn’t have dehydrating feature.
Thanks for the tips. I haven't had mine as long as you have, so maybe the cleaning will be easier and take less time. And I bought a different degreaser, since your video just came out and I was already preparing to clean mine. I hope it works just as well as your does.
I just cleaned it by: Placing a baking tray with a cup of lemon juice and water. Baked it for 15 min (bake settings). After that things started coming right off with a basic scrubber. Added vinegar to the cloth and it started to work really well Perhaps a spray degreaser would help reaching into the fan so thank you for the tip
I can’t wait for mine to arrive: I’m going to buy the flat tray insert, place a container on top and my plan is to fill it with water, squeezed lemons whole, vinegar and a drop of dishwashing liquid then set it to air fry or similar function. I do this with my Ninja Foodie 15-1 every week, on steam function and it has worked absolutely beautifully. The important thing is that the ingredients are all food safe, I use no harsh chemicals and I’m desanitising which leaves the machine odour free. Highly recommend this approach.
Thanks for this awesome video! I was worried about the caked on resin on the smoke box and spring-action cover. I started looking for replacement parts! I used a steel skewer and screwdriver with a little elbow-grease and it did the trick in about 15 minutes! It's worth mentioning that some of the bits of fouling fall BEHIND the screen where the heating element is. There is a little channel on the interior of the grill where these fall harmlessly out, with a little shaking and opening and closing the hood. The improvement in smoke flow was drastic!
I would've taken the grill grate plate out first lmao 🤣 Awesome video ! I've been looking for something to clean mine with . Thanks for the help brother
Great and comprehensive video covering all the (worse to best) options to deep clean the Ninja Woodfire Grill so thanks a lot 💯from Stockholm/Sweden 👏👍 B/c I didn't clean it after each session, the part beneath the resistance gathered some nasty +1cm thick gunk -> I'll try to soften it first by "steaming" it with a pot of boiling water for 30mins.
I just watched Web Spoon, the Russian kitchen hacks guy. He cleaned his oven with a dish washing tablet on a cookie sheet with boiling water poured on it, and then running the oven for 15 minutes. Mess seemed to wipe off easily. Also made spray cleaner from dishwasher tablets, too.
Did you get it cleaned? Mine was totally blocked! I fixed it and it's now back to GREAT again! I removed the pellet holder/basket and turned the unit upside down. I was able to look thru the bottom part of where the pellet basket goes and could see it was totally blocked with soot. I use a long, thin diameter flathead screwdriver and removed the soot. The mesh up there was blocked and the screwdriver fit well between the openings. Then I had to clean and clear to passage that runs from there and under the hood to the fan. I used a flat flexible piece of metal from a green hanging file folder. It worked great. While cleaning both sections I used Easy-Off Degreaser along the way to help. Ninja should think about making an access panel to make it easier to clean out. It was one heck of a job. I'll be cleaning that area out maybe like after 20 times or so of usage so it never gets blocked again.
Thank you very much for the explanation, why didn't they put a net on it that protects the fan on top like in other Ninja grills? Doesn't it damage the fan with all the oil that splashes on it while cooking?
What about the side area where the pellet smoke goes? I’ve had mine since March 2024 and that area is sticky and almost so clogged I’m not sure how much is actually able to get lit. I’ve tried to get it off but it didn’t work.
Man was totally clogged above inside where the pellet box goes. I fixed it and it's now back to GREAT again! I removed the pellet holder/basket and turned the unit upside down. I was able to look thru the bottom part of where the pellet basket goes and could see it was totally blocked with soot. I use a long, thin diameter flathead screwdriver and removed the soot. The mesh up there was blocked and the screwdriver fit well between the openings. Then I had to clean and clear to passage that runs from there and under the hood to the fan. I used a flat flexible piece of metal from a green hanging file folder. It worked great. While cleaning both sections I used Easy-Off Degreaser along the way to help. Ninja should think about making an access panel to make it easier to clean out. It was one heck of a job. I'll be cleaning that area out maybe like after 20 times or so of usage so it never gets blocked again.
I use simple green grill cleaner and a green pad for most of it, Dawn Power wash also works.. I disassemble the fan and do it separate.. I do mine far more often than once a year, too.
@@DadGotThis There are 4 screws that hold the grate and one nut that holds the blade.. Fair warning, there are some washers on that stud under the nut, and the blades are sharp.. Also, there is an arrow on the grate that shows how the grate needs to be oriented when you reassemble it.. If one pays attention, it's not bad at all.. It gives you access to the space under the blade so you can clean that area, too.
I found a product called GP66 got it on QVC but I saw it on Amazon . Just spray it on a wet handi wipe comes right off NO SCRUBBING!!! I was amazed these methods he’s trying doesn’t work. Mine is so much more cleaner than his, I can actually see most of the metal again.
I just got my Ninja grill and used it. First, I would like to easily use it without the thermometer sometimes. I can’t find an answer to this in the manuals. Any help? Second, like most electric cooking appliances, the work to keep it clean worries me. I watched your video and when I saw all the chemical dripping off with the grease and grime, it worries me a little. Is there no damage to the electrical parts in the top or the bottom? If you can’t put it in water to wash it, then how is this ok? Turning the hose on to it?
I don’t think I understand what you mean about using it without the thermometer. Just turn it on and make all your settings changes with the knobs and buttons. So far after multiple cleans I have had no issues. Submerging and spraying with a spray bottle are 2 very different things.
@@DadGotThis I have the model with the thermometer. I think I heard you mention that the model you have doesn’t have the built in thermometer so I understand why my question would seem odd to you. So far, when I am using the grill setting it won’t go beyond “Plug In” appearing on the display meaning the thermometer is not plugged into the Jack. Sorry for the confusion. Thank you for your videos though, they are otherwise very helpful. (I’m not sure how long the warranty is for each model, but it might be worth mentioning to your subscribers that cleaning their unit per your instructions might void their warranty)
@@marthabrownell5639 I also have the pro connect. I upgraded after this video. I am able to use it without the thermometers without issue. What does your do if you try to use it without?
I just made the same mistake of using an aggressive oven cleaner. Should I be concerned about the damage done to the surface? Is there any way to restore it?
Bought mainly almost exclusively for the ":smoker/wood flavor feature". Used as such on average once a week so about 50 times. The last 6 or so times the smoke feature got greatly diminished to where it hardly works. Have to ignite the wood pellet several times and do not get a continuous burn and the smoke doesn't go inside the cooking area. I tried new unopened bags. Seems to be soot build up in the internal passage. I called Ninja for help and they didn't help. They said we could start to initiate a return process. All I wanted to know and still want to know is how to clean the soot from inside where the smoke goes from the basket holder to inside the unit. The basket is cleaned and clear but it seems it has a severe lack of airflow. The fan works.
*** UPDATE *** I fixed it and it's now back to GREAT again! I removed the pellet holder/basket and turned the unit upside down. I was able to look thru the bottom part of where the pellet basket goes and could see it was totally blocked with soot. I use a long, thin diameter flathead screwdriver and removed the soot. The mesh up there was blocked and the screwdriver fit well between the openings. Then I had to clean and clear to passage that runs from there and under the hood to the fan. I used a flat flexible piece of metal from a green hanging file folder. It worked great. While cleaning both sections I used Easy-Off Degreaser along the way to help. Ninja should think about making an access panel to make it easier to clean out. It was one heck of a job. I'll be cleaning that area out maybe like after 20 times or so of usage so it never gets blocked again.
Thank you for this informative vid. I use that same method on my original ninja. I also bought the XL. I can't figure out how to get to the screen directly above the smoke box on the XL. Any tips? You solve it and I'll join your channel.
I have seen that this brand offers also another spray that is specific for BBQ, grills, ovens. Did you consider to use/test also this one? Any idea on its effectiveness? Anyway, great video! Thanks
Can I assume that this stuff will also work on a Ninja Foodi? I'm pretty sure the metal would be the same finish. I ruined my first Ninja Foodi by trying to use the regular Easy Off oven cleaner on it and it destroyed the finish. I've replaced it with a new one but need to come up with a sure fire way to clean it. The soap and water just isn't getting the grease off good enough.
Not sure if it would this needs a pretty good rinse and I’m not sure you can do that with the indoor rated machine. That and I do a “high heat burn” after the cleaning outside which could cause some fumes.
Excellent Video, I am impressed with the product and your previous video was great. This video is question asked and Answered . HOw the heck do you cllean this grill. Dude you knocked it out of the park. Thank you. I ordered mine tonite. thanks
Then spring came & put all in fridge to defrost. On days off set it up & smoke every scrap of meat for 24 hrs straight. Burned in and seasoned nicely with different mix of pellets
There is no need to use it on the non stick grill plate. That comes clean so easily with just hot soapy water. I would not trust the degreaser to be safe for its finish and you eat food right off it so that would be sketchy in my opinion.
First of all I appreciate you soooo much. I use my Ninja Wood Fire Grill at least three times a week. Your recommendation of Easy Off Cleaner Degreaser and a Mr. Clean Eraser sponge let me clean it right up. Dad really does have this. 🎉 😊❤
My grate cleans easily. But I improve it by spraying some canola oil for fry pans on a paper towel and trans that to grate. It becomes even more slick.
Best way I found to do this is to apply degreaser, let it dwell for 15 minutes then hit it with a steam cleaner to blast away all the loosened grime. Then hit it with compressed air to dry it off and make sure there is no degreaser left in there.
@@kralexprofill4571 What, you mean a steamer and a small compressor, hardly half a factory of equipment. It would come up a treat with a dry ice cleaning machine though.😉
Only thing to be careful of using a leaf blower or high pressure air is being careful not to get the fan blades spinning up too fast, you'll throw it out of balance and could mess it up. You could also give zep formula 50 degreaser, its a concentrated degreaser that works amazing and can use different concentrations for different jobs and is what i use for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.
❤❤❤❤yes I gift me one the moment I saw them advertising the out side ninja grill stating that this ninja outside grill passed for us ppls that rent @ a complex apts we can use them outside on our patio's& I love love bbqiN that is one of my favorite things to do & I've only used it once & about ready to use it tonight but I needed to no how to clean it before I get it any dirtier I want to keep my as beautiful as I got it the first day .. & thank you for yo method of how & wat to use to keep it clean .. Iam fr 505 Albuquerque NM & my name is Paula again thank you very much
Upon further reading of the label I see no reason it would be used outside of the correct methods as per the instructions. It says for areas that come in “contact” with food” you should only use on hard non porous surfaces. I would say all the metal on the inside of the grill qualify for that. It says to rinse it well, which I do and advocate people do also.
From what I researched over time, smokers can accumulate grease, soot, tar, creosote, ash, and charred food particles. If you don't clean your smoker, these residues can affect the foods taste and effect the smokers performance.
Just lay an old towel down on top of the bottom cooker where the grill grate goes. You dont have to worry about it going down to the electrical components
I called ninja to ask what they recommend for cleaning and their answer was easy off oven spray! It did nothing. Thanks for your video. I’ll try the decreaser next.
I feel like they should have made it so that you can detach the lid completely and basically spray the inside down with degreaser and then garden hose the thing off 🤣
So it actually still works after all that hosing? I see this is 4 month's old now. The fan still works and the bearings aren't shot yet from all the water? I'll be impressed if you're still using the same woodfire grill shown in this video. I have the Ninja Indoor Grill XL that looks almost as bad as your woodfire grill looked. I desperately need to clean it but I never dreamed it could handle that much spraying of water, steam, and degreaser. Thanks for the video. I feel inspired now. But I really would feel better about it if I knew for sure that the grill in this video is still in service. 🙂👍👌
@@DadGotThis Wow thanks! That's great to know. I've been trying to figure out how to clean it without damaging the fan motor. I watched several UA-cam videos on how to do it but yours was the best. 😊👌 I feel inspired now to clean it so I think I will do that today. Thanks for your help and for a great channel. I can use many of your recipes and advice for my indoor grill as well. I'm sure someday I'll be the proud owner of a Woodfire grill too. 👍
NEVER EVER introduce chemicals into a complex food prep device that you can not fully hose out with a hose fed nozzle. Even then, there will probably be some residue left be hind. A better solution is to get a spray bottle at your local hardware store and fill it with straight 180 proof grain drinking alcohol. After making sure the oven is cool, spray the insides robustly, then wipe the big stuff out with a towel. The food grade alcohol will evaporate quickly leaving no residue. Now, at this point your oven will still look black on the inside but all of the big greasy stuff will be cleaned out and your oven will cook just fine. rocket
Don’t be scared. It’s much easier than any other grill I’ve had. Plus I have been told you don’t even need to worry about it that much. Just wipe it down after each cook and consider the rest seasoning.
It says for surfaces that come in contact with food it must be rinsed thoroughly. Hence the reason for the rinse down. Pretty standard for most grill cleaners.
The grill needs a good seasoning buildup to add more flavor to your meats and vegetables. No need to do a deep cleansing on a grill made to smoke foods.
I do not get the gently mist with water but just spray the cleaner all over it idea. Water cannot be as harmful on electronics as oven cleaner. Steam it wipe it and repeat Everytime. I do not want dried detergents burning over my meat
My thought is the cleaner is just surface not really penetrating vs if you turned a hose straight up on the inside. I’ve done quite a few cleans with it on multiple units without issue so far.
@@DadGotThis Yes, or hold it in place so it isn't freely spinning. This is usually a bigger issue with computer fans as they're directly connected to the motherboard most of the time.
Just clean the thing after every use - yeah it's going to darken permanently from the smoking, but you shouldn't let the grease build up in the first place.
Thank you for the recommendation. I am fairly disgusted by Ninja only suggesting wiping down with soapy water, which I have done, and has virtually no effect. IMO, it is outrageous to have no way to clean a device that is used to cook raw meat ... interesting you can buy for $5, as Amazon UK seems to be one of the few places to sell it here, at £13. However, still a fair price if it works.
Thankfully the only part that touches the raw meat is the grill plate which is easy to clean. I think the inside is more of a “cosmetic” issue. I do think making sure the vents and portion by the hopper are clean and clear is important though.
@@DadGotThis Just had delivery and tried the degreaser. I have only had my Woodfire since September (ordered in July, received refurbished unit after delay, sent back, no stock, eventually sent another, refurbished again, but better condition, kept it). I have only used one starter pack of pellets, being 4 cooks (pulled pork). The last two times, the pellets wouldn't set alight, and the resulting pork was too dry ... the point of this story, my Woodfire is no way near as 'dirty' as yours, but the degreaser has failed to do a great job of cleaning, and so I can't get as enthusiastic as yourself. It is also noted that the product states is should only be used on HARD NON-POROUS SURFACES, and NOT ALUMINIUM. Given there appears to be absolutely no product that is approved to clean a Ninja Woodfire, this may be the only thing that comes close to removing grease, but both SharkNinja and Easy-Off/Reckitt Benckiser will easily shrug off any liability for using it. Also, you are meant to 'rinse thoroughly with water'. Using this on the aluminium interior, with rubber seal, without being able to thoroughly rinse, makes me very nervous ...but, the 'wipe down with soapy water method' does nothing, and this does appear to remove the surface grease, although not cleaning back to aluminium finish (which may well just be cosmetic consideration, but perhaps reduces performance, or even eventually resulting in failure of the fan). I will try cleaning the vents and hopper with a wire brush/screwdriver(!) to see if the burner ignites, but this is a lot of maintenance for such little usage :( NB Given my experience of Ninja (UK) and the Woodfire, I have zero trust in them or their products.
Know your chemical contents before ruining metals. Caustic Soda, Sodium Hydroxide is extremely Alkaline PH and Eats Aluminum. The unit should be cleaned immediately after use, eliminating any deep cleans. Spray the inside contact areas with Pam cooking oil or saturated paper towel in tongs (like you coat the grill pan with-hopefully) and eliminate most of your buildup and need for deep cleaning. Use of the same grill for all meats is a great reason for cleaning before next use, unless for same meat-effects flavor, plus bacteria. Simple Green is a great, biodegradable degreaser, that leaves no film, Weber also makes a cleaner comparable to what you showed. How did you expect water base only steam to clean or penetrate any grease? I enjoy use of my smokers, grilles and the Ninja for years, producing spectacular foods and still looking like new. I can't blame you for the lacking, cleaning is the worst part of the meal, although easier when still heated right after usage. Thanks to your video, hopefully Ninja users will think before grilling, and enjoy a life without "Deep Cleaning".
As far as the steam, I did it because people kept telling me that was the way to do it lol. I bought some simple green and will be doing an update soon. Thanks for watching!
I have done a bit of research on this and a lot of people think that you never need to clean a smoker and that the top BBQ places never do. However if you do a little research you will find that there is a huge difference between "seasoned" and dirty. The top places either clean or replace smokers a lot more frequently than you think. I may have to do a full video on it.
The ninja grill is expensive . I always clean mine when I use it . I mix a part of water , a part of vinegar and half of dish soap put in a spray bottom , spray on it after cook off let sit for 10 minutes and wipe it down with paper towel . It is amazing
Great tip!
What about baking soda?
White vinegar?
i been using the Oven, Grill, and Fryer cleaner from the "Members Mark" brand and clean it every 3-5 uses with a Scrub Daddy. Take me about 10-15 minutes. Afterwards i let it run for 10 minutes to burn any residual chemical off. Looks ALMOST new till this day
Yes, routine cleaning to remove grease and gunk buildup is absolutely necessary, but if you're using this as a smoker, it will get a smoke film. It should, it's what's referred to as seasoning.
Trying to keep it "like new", imo, is a road to heartbreak.
Ordered the Ninja Woodfire XL yesterday on HSN. Did a mountain of research on its use, but never thought of how to clean it. This video will definitely help out on trail & error methods of cleaning it. Who knew, a Degreaser was the answer. LoL. Simple enough & thx's for the video!!!
Glad I could help! The main thing is to not slack and clean it regularly.
I bought the today’s special on HSN too! I grilled chicken breast last night with the smoke. Definitely a learning curve. My model xl one doesn’t have dehydrating feature.
@@cherieweber9468 Are in in a different country than the United States possibly?
Glad I could be of help. I hope you stick around for some fun recipes!
Thanks for the tips. I haven't had mine as long as you have, so maybe the cleaning will be easier and take less time. And I bought a different degreaser, since your video just came out and I was already preparing to clean mine. I hope it works just as well as your does.
Let me know if it does. Always good to have options in case I can’t find this one.
I use this exact same degreaser on our Woodfire... it's frickin amazing! I also clean mine every time I use it so I don't have a lot of work to do.
I just cleaned it by:
Placing a baking tray with a cup of lemon juice and water. Baked it for 15 min (bake settings).
After that things started coming right off with a basic scrubber.
Added vinegar to the cloth and it started to work really well
Perhaps a spray degreaser would help reaching into the fan so thank you for the tip
Good tip also on your end. I will have to give it a try.
Just ordered the Easy Off to clean my older Woodfire and to keep the new Woodfire XL clean when I first break it in! Thanks for your great videos!
Thanks for watching!
I can’t wait for mine to arrive: I’m going to buy the flat tray insert, place a container on top and my plan is to fill it with water, squeezed lemons whole, vinegar and a drop of dishwashing liquid then set it to air fry or similar function.
I do this with my Ninja Foodie 15-1 every week, on steam function and it has worked absolutely beautifully. The important thing is that the ingredients are all food safe, I use no harsh chemicals and I’m desanitising which leaves the machine odour free. Highly recommend this approach.
Good plan!
Thanks!
You rock!! Thank you. 🙏
I ordered this cleaner from Amazon ~ used it today on my Woodfire ~ OMG, it is amazing! Thank you so much !!!
10,000 Amazon Ratings for 4 1/2 Stars. Can 't go wrong.
What is the name of the cleaner you ordered?
@@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042 Easy-Off Cleaner Degreaser - Heavy Duty. Amazing stuff.
This is the first video that demonstrates how to clean a dang ninja grill! None of this dishwasher stuff an actual hands on clean method thank you!
Glad it helped!
Dawn Power Wash spray and by refills. Cleans the bottom grate fine also. Apply when hot
Another option to try!
Greatly appreciated this video. I had issues with the fan not pulling smoke from the box. After a couple of soaks everything works perfect.
Awesome!
Thanks for the tip on the degreaser and the air drying.
Any time! Be aware to try and not spin the fan with the air drying. I have had lots of people commenting that it is bad for the unit.
Thanks for this awesome video! I was worried about the caked on resin on the smoke box and spring-action cover. I started looking for replacement parts! I used a steel skewer and screwdriver with a little elbow-grease and it did the trick in about 15 minutes! It's worth mentioning that some of the bits of fouling fall BEHIND the screen where the heating element is. There is a little channel on the interior of the grill where these fall harmlessly out, with a little shaking and opening and closing the hood. The improvement in smoke flow was drastic!
I was shocked about how much was in that area and how well cleaning it out with a screw driver did.
I would've taken the grill grate plate out first lmao 🤣
Awesome video ! I've been looking for something to clean mine with . Thanks for the help brother
Glad I could help!
I used the product you recommended from Lowe’s on my Ninja and it worked amazingly. Thank you for the tip. 👍
Glad to help!
Great and comprehensive video covering all the (worse to best) options to deep clean the Ninja Woodfire Grill so thanks a lot 💯from Stockholm/Sweden 👏👍
B/c I didn't clean it after each session, the part beneath the resistance gathered some nasty +1cm thick gunk -> I'll try to soften it first by "steaming" it with a pot of boiling water for 30mins.
Not a bad idea.
I just watched Web Spoon, the Russian kitchen hacks guy. He cleaned his oven with a dish washing tablet on a cookie sheet with boiling water poured on it, and then running the oven for 15 minutes. Mess seemed to wipe off easily. Also made spray cleaner from dishwasher tablets, too.
I will have to give it a try.
Just picked up a woodfire XL connect for Black Friday. Thanks Dad for all the great videos!
What deal were you able to get on the XL? I didn't see anything except for the regular size.
@@truedoxSome Walmart havd it $200 XL and de small one $120
@@CarlosPerez-oy5do that's a good deal.
I wonder if Weber's Grill grate cleaner works the same way. I used it on my regular smoker and it worked great.
I wonder, it would be nice to have multiple options.
Love those dad jokes!😂
Hahahaha
I have the XL Pro Connect. How on earth can I clean the the smoke intake above the pellet box? It opens differently than other models.
I just use a little pick to scrape at it.
Did you get it cleaned? Mine was totally blocked!
I fixed it and it's now back to GREAT again! I removed the pellet holder/basket and turned the unit upside down. I was able to look thru the bottom part of where the pellet basket goes and could see it was totally blocked with soot. I use a long, thin diameter flathead screwdriver and removed the soot. The mesh up there was blocked and the screwdriver fit well between the openings. Then I had to clean and clear to passage that runs from there and under the hood to the fan. I used a flat flexible piece of metal from a green hanging file folder. It worked great. While cleaning both sections I used Easy-Off Degreaser along the way to help.
Ninja should think about making an access panel to make it easier to clean out. It was one heck of a job. I'll be cleaning that area out maybe like after 20 times or so of usage so it never gets blocked again.
Thank you very much for the explanation, why didn't they put a net on it that protects the fan on top like in other Ninja grills? Doesn't it damage the fan with all the oil that splashes on it while cooking?
Not sure of the why. My unit took quite a bit of abuse and still ran great.
@@DadGotThis Good to hear, just really curious why there isn't a dense mesh that protects the fan, so it also keeps a clean appearance
What about the side area where the pellet smoke goes? I’ve had mine since March 2024 and that area is sticky and almost so clogged I’m not sure how much is actually able to get lit. I’ve tried to get it off but it didn’t work.
I never really investigated that. I will have to take a look on my XL.
Man was totally clogged above inside where the pellet box goes.
I fixed it and it's now back to GREAT again! I removed the pellet holder/basket and turned the unit upside down. I was able to look thru the bottom part of where the pellet basket goes and could see it was totally blocked with soot. I use a long, thin diameter flathead screwdriver and removed the soot. The mesh up there was blocked and the screwdriver fit well between the openings. Then I had to clean and clear to passage that runs from there and under the hood to the fan. I used a flat flexible piece of metal from a green hanging file folder. It worked great. While cleaning both sections I used Easy-Off Degreaser along the way to help.
Ninja should think about making an access panel to make it easier to clean out. It was one heck of a job. I'll be cleaning that area out maybe like after 20 times or so of usage so it never gets blocked again.
I use simple green grill cleaner and a green pad for most of it, Dawn Power wash also works.. I disassemble the fan and do it separate.. I do mine far more often than once a year, too.
How hard is it to take the fan apart?
@@DadGotThis There are 4 screws that hold the grate and one nut that holds the blade.. Fair warning, there are some washers on that stud under the nut, and the blades are sharp.. Also, there is an arrow on the grate that shows how the grate needs to be oriented when you reassemble it.. If one pays attention, it's not bad at all.. It gives you access to the space under the blade so you can clean that area, too.
nice tip, thanks @@garybelew7813
I def agree soap n water does NOTHING. what do you think of pit boss grill/smoker degreaser and cleaner ?
I’ll have to grab some and try it!
Awesome, thank you so much ✌🏼
You are welcome!
Thank, I was wondering how to clean it.
No problem!
I found a product called GP66 got it on QVC but I saw it on Amazon . Just spray it on a wet handi wipe comes right off NO SCRUBBING!!! I was amazed these methods he’s trying doesn’t work. Mine is so much more cleaner than his, I can actually see most of the metal again.
Oh wow!
Oh thank you so much!!! This really helps!❤
You're so welcome!
I just got my Ninja grill and used it. First, I would like to easily use it without the thermometer sometimes. I can’t find an answer to this in the manuals. Any help? Second, like most electric cooking appliances, the work to keep it clean worries me. I watched your video and when I saw all the chemical dripping off with the grease and grime, it worries me a little. Is there no damage to the electrical parts in the top or the bottom? If you can’t put it in water to wash it, then how is this ok? Turning the hose on to it?
I don’t think I understand what you mean about using it without the thermometer. Just turn it on and make all your settings changes with the knobs and buttons. So far after multiple cleans I have had no issues. Submerging and spraying with a spray bottle are 2 very different things.
@@DadGotThis I have the model with the thermometer. I think I heard you mention that the model you have doesn’t have the built in thermometer so I understand why my question would seem odd to you. So far, when I am using the grill setting it won’t go beyond “Plug In” appearing on the display meaning the thermometer is not plugged into the Jack. Sorry for the confusion. Thank you for your videos though, they are otherwise very helpful. (I’m not sure how long the warranty is for each model, but it might be worth mentioning to your subscribers that cleaning their unit per your instructions might void their warranty)
@@marthabrownell5639 I also have the pro connect. I upgraded after this video. I am able to use it without the thermometers without issue. What does your do if you try to use it without?
I just made the same mistake of using an aggressive oven cleaner. Should I be concerned about the damage done to the surface? Is there any way to restore it?
Mine never had any real issues after using it. I think it just did cosmetic damage.
Bought mainly almost exclusively for the ":smoker/wood flavor feature". Used as such on average once a week so about 50 times. The last 6 or so times the smoke feature got greatly diminished to where it hardly works. Have to ignite the wood pellet several times and do not get a continuous burn and the smoke doesn't go inside the cooking area. I tried new unopened bags. Seems to be soot build up in the internal passage. I called Ninja for help and they didn't help. They said we could start to initiate a return process. All I wanted to know and still want to know is how to clean the soot from inside where the smoke goes from the basket holder to inside the unit. The basket is cleaned and clear but it seems it has a severe lack of airflow. The fan works.
*** UPDATE ***
I fixed it and it's now back to GREAT again! I removed the pellet holder/basket and turned the unit upside down. I was able to look thru the bottom part of where the pellet basket goes and could see it was totally blocked with soot. I use a long, thin diameter flathead screwdriver and removed the soot. The mesh up there was blocked and the screwdriver fit well between the openings. Then I had to clean and clear to passage that runs from there and under the hood to the fan. I used a flat flexible piece of metal from a green hanging file folder. It worked great. While cleaning both sections I used Easy-Off Degreaser along the way to help.
Ninja should think about making an access panel to make it easier to clean out. It was one heck of a job. I'll be cleaning that area out maybe like after 20 times or so of usage so it never gets blocked again.
@scotclark7399 I’ll have to take a look at mine. So far no issues though. That’s a great job cleaning though.
@@DadGotThis - I want to say thanks for the recommendation for the Easy Off Degreaser. It works great!
@@scotclark7399 awesome!
Three uses and mine started to look grungy already! Thanks!!!
Happy cleaning!
@@DadGotThis It looks better every time I clean it. I am super excited I found this!
Thank you for this informative vid. I use that same method on my original ninja. I also bought the XL. I can't figure out how to get to the screen directly above the smoke box on the XL. Any tips? You solve it and I'll join your channel.
I will have to take a look and see. Last time I just picked at it with a screwdriver lol.
@@DadGotThis on the XL it's very hard to get to that screen above the smoke box. Thanks for the reply.
I just unboxed mine. I'm going to use the cleaner spray once a month. Thanks so much.
Good idea, I think if you keep up with it it will be much better than what I did.
I have seen that this brand offers also another spray that is specific for BBQ, grills, ovens. Did you consider to use/test also this one? Any idea on its effectiveness?
Anyway, great video!
Thanks
I did not try it but this worked so well I didn’t feel the need to keep looking.
Thanks Dad! I have both the grill and oven and they both need to be cleaned. Now I know how to do it from my buddy Dad!
@@Vstarrider1946 just don’t do the blower as there is conflicting info on it hurting the board. Just dry with rags well.
Can I assume that this stuff will also work on a Ninja Foodi? I'm pretty sure the metal would be the same finish. I ruined my first Ninja Foodi by trying to use the regular Easy Off oven cleaner on it and it destroyed the finish. I've replaced it with a new one but need to come up with a sure fire way to clean it. The soap and water just isn't getting the grease off good enough.
Not sure if it would this needs a pretty good rinse and I’m not sure you can do that with the indoor rated machine. That and I do a “high heat burn” after the cleaning outside which could cause some fumes.
Excellent Video, I am impressed with the product and your previous video was great. This video is question asked and Answered . HOw the heck do you cllean this grill. Dude you knocked it out of the park. Thank you. I ordered mine tonite. thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much for the info; really good stuff!
Glad it was helpful!
Then spring came & put all in fridge to defrost. On days off set it up & smoke every scrap of meat for 24 hrs straight. Burned in and seasoned nicely with different mix of pellets
So that does not hurt the non stick grill plate? Would you use the spray to clean that or would that be a bad idea since you actually cook on it?
There is no need to use it on the non stick grill plate. That comes clean so easily with just hot soapy water. I would not trust the degreaser to be safe for its finish and you eat food right off it so that would be sketchy in my opinion.
@@DadGotThis agreed and thank you for answering
Easy Off de-greaser for the Win!!! Great Info!!!!
You are welcome!
I think they are on sale a good bit. This one at wm is a touch under $200. That's not too bad, ninja makes stuff pretty good.
I have seen some people say they got them at CRAZY sale prices.
First of all I appreciate you soooo much. I use my Ninja Wood Fire Grill at least three times a week. Your recommendation of Easy Off Cleaner Degreaser and a Mr. Clean Eraser sponge let me clean it right up.
Dad really does have this. 🎉 😊❤
Good stuff!
My grate cleans easily. But I improve it by spraying some canola oil for fry pans on a paper towel and trans that to grate. It becomes even more slick.
Nice tip!
Awesome Dad! Thanks for the videos!
Glad you like them!
Best way I found to do this is to apply degreaser, let it dwell for 15 minutes then hit it with a steam cleaner to blast away all the loosened grime. Then hit it with compressed air to dry it off and make sure there is no degreaser left in there.
You've got half a factory worth of machinery at home?
@@kralexprofill4571 What, you mean a steamer and a small compressor, hardly half a factory of equipment. It would come up a treat with a dry ice cleaning machine though.😉
HAHAHAHHA
to confirm we can spray into the middle of what appears to be the fan as well?
I can say I have done it, but I won't take any liability if it goes wrong lol!
It just looks seasoned. Not terrible. As long as nothing is dripping down into your food
Only thing to be careful of using a leaf blower or high pressure air is being careful not to get the fan blades spinning up too fast, you'll throw it out of balance and could mess it up. You could also give zep formula 50 degreaser, its a concentrated degreaser that works amazing and can use different concentrations for different jobs and is what i use for commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Thanks for the tips!
Ribs look great. I need to order the Ninja but just haven't pulled the trigger. Great channel
Thanks!
We don't have this degreaser in the Netherlands. Any suggestions for a similar brand that isn't too aggressive?
I just bought some simple green I will update when I get a chance to try it.
Spray then to remove the slop use the steam cleaner.
❤❤❤❤yes I gift me one the moment I saw them advertising the out side ninja grill stating that this ninja outside grill passed for us ppls that rent @ a complex apts we can use them outside on our patio's& I love love bbqiN that is one of my favorite things to do & I've only used it once & about ready to use it tonight but I needed to no how to clean it before I get it any dirtier I want to keep my as beautiful as I got it the first day .. & thank you for yo method of how & wat to use to keep it clean .. Iam fr 505 Albuquerque NM & my name is Paula again thank you very much
Well thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy the rest of the content.
Thank you for this video! It saved my grill!
I am happy I was able to help you.
"It's electronic so be careful with the spray bottle of water" Gets out a garden hose. lololol DUDE.
It works lol! Im Misting with it not a full jet to be clear though.
@DadGotThis You cracked me up. Hows the smoke flavor on that? I am worried about dirty nasty tasting smoke.
I Love all your bad Dad Jokes they remind me of all the bad JoJo Jokes I get on Twitter/X 😂🤣
Soray food grade degraser on the grill, spray it down and use a Amazon steamer and it works great. No oven ckeaner
Did your food have a residual taste after using?
None at all. I rinse it really well, run a high heat run with nothing in it to burn anything off after also. Never noticed anything at all.
well if it did you probably have not helped your lungs.
It’s meant for cleaning grills and appliances. I don’t see why this would be an issue.
Upon further reading of the label I see no reason it would be used outside of the correct methods as per the instructions. It says for areas that come in “contact” with food” you should only use on hard non porous surfaces. I would say all the metal on the inside of the grill qualify for that. It says to rinse it well, which I do and advocate people do also.
Very informative..great tip
Glad you liked it!
The best thing the small steamers are excellent at. Defrosting freezers. It cuts through ice like a laser.
I could see that for sure!
Isn't that part of the seasoning?
From what I researched over time, smokers can accumulate grease, soot, tar, creosote, ash, and charred food particles. If you don't clean your smoker, these residues can affect the foods taste and effect the smokers performance.
Just lay an old towel down on top of the bottom cooker where the grill grate goes. You dont have to worry about it going down to the electrical components
Great Idea!
what table are you using ?
This one! amzn.to/3VNUiEp
I called ninja to ask what they recommend for cleaning and their answer was easy off oven spray! It did nothing. Thanks for your video. I’ll try the decreaser next.
I think it will work better. I tried the easy off HD and it pitted my fan.
i use crocodile wipes after ever use and my grill is so clean so fresh .
I have never heard of those. Googling now!
Would deepio not do the same job?
I had to google it, but it looks like it may work.
I feel like they should have made it so that you can detach the lid completely and basically spray the inside down with degreaser and then garden hose the thing off 🤣
That would be awesome!
What about a combo of the Easy Off and a Magic Eraser?
Never tried it but it might work.
So it actually still works after all that hosing? I see this is 4 month's old now. The fan still works and the bearings aren't shot yet from all the water? I'll be impressed if you're still using the same woodfire grill shown in this video. I have the Ninja Indoor Grill XL that looks almost as bad as your woodfire grill looked. I desperately need to clean it but I never dreamed it could handle that much spraying of water, steam, and degreaser. Thanks for the video. I feel inspired now. But I really would feel better about it if I knew for sure that the grill in this video is still in service. 🙂👍👌
Works perfectly. I don’t use the blower anymore since a few people said it was bad to do. I just wipe as best as I can and then run it on broil.
@@DadGotThis Wow thanks! That's great to know. I've been trying to figure out how to clean it without damaging the fan motor. I watched several UA-cam videos on how to do it but yours was the best. 😊👌 I feel inspired now to clean it so I think I will do that today. Thanks for your help and for a great channel. I can use many of your recipes and advice for my indoor grill as well. I'm sure someday I'll be the proud owner of a Woodfire grill too. 👍
NEVER EVER introduce chemicals into a complex food prep device that you can not fully hose out with a hose fed nozzle. Even then, there will probably be some residue left be hind.
A better solution is to get a spray bottle at your local hardware store and fill it with straight 180 proof grain drinking alcohol. After making sure the oven is cool, spray the insides robustly, then wipe the big stuff out with a towel. The food grade alcohol will evaporate quickly leaving no residue. Now, at this point your oven will still look black on the inside but all of the big greasy stuff will be cleaned out and your oven will cook just fine.
rocket
Totally agree with this. No way id ever use deadly chemicals inside my ninja..
UK equivalent is Elbow Grease degreaser from B&M Bargains. Has exactly the same instant response!
That’s awesome!!!
If you clean it every time you use it only needs water and washing up liquid as Ninja advises .
There is just something about me that likes things to look like when I bought them lol.
Amazing thank you
No problem 😊
By using a high speed blower on the fan, can and will cause the fan bearings to wear much faster than normal.
Thanks for the tip. Another user mentioned possibly burning out the board. I am careful not to blow the fan anymore and just dry that by hand.
A good grill has a lil grease. It's OK. Lol
They have this on sale for ~$100 right now, saw this video and now I don't want it anymore 🤣
Don’t be scared. It’s much easier than any other grill I’ve had. Plus I have been told you don’t even need to worry about it that much. Just wipe it down after each cook and consider the rest seasoning.
Nice job, but I assume the cleaner is "food safe"????
It says for surfaces that come in contact with food it must be rinsed thoroughly. Hence the reason for the rinse down. Pretty standard for most grill cleaners.
Nice video.Need to clean mine.Coming up on 20 or so cooks
Thank you for your video, very, very hellpful
You are welcome!
Use a brush like u would clean ur Alloy wheels with to agitate it. Works a treat
I did try a soft bristle dish brush. It did help a little.
Dawn Powerwash in the spray bottle ... 'BOOM'
I’m willing to try it!
Probably want to block the fan rotation before using the blower. I've knackered a few PC case fans, live and learn.
Yes, I have been told a few times now. I will adjust the process going forward lol.
@@DadGotThis Great videos though.
The grill needs a good seasoning buildup to add more flavor to your meats and vegetables. No need to do a deep cleansing on a grill made to smoke foods.
The problem is probably caused by using the other options like crisping and airfrying.
Mr. Clean magic eraser.
Tried it did ok but not great.
I do not get the gently mist with water but just spray the cleaner all over it idea. Water cannot be as harmful on electronics as oven cleaner. Steam it wipe it and repeat Everytime. I do not want dried detergents burning over my meat
My thought is the cleaner is just surface not really penetrating vs if you turned a hose straight up on the inside. I’ve done quite a few cleans with it on multiple units without issue so far.
I use Totally Awesome. Around 5 bucks Gal.
I will have to check it out.
If it has a temp sensor that's all that needs cleaned
For the fan, do not let it spin freely. It could possibly send electricity to whatever the PCB it uses it and fry it.
Oh, I did not know that. So don’t blow it with the blower?
@@DadGotThis Yes, or hold it in place so it isn't freely spinning. This is usually a bigger issue with computer fans as they're directly connected to the motherboard most of the time.
First thing I thought of when the blower came out ... "huh oh, he's gonna kill it!" :-P
It's a mains AC voltage fan. You're not going to be generating DC voltages by causing the fan to turn.
Just clean the thing after every use - yeah it's going to darken permanently from the smoking, but you shouldn't let the grease build up in the first place.
99% of people don’t do it. They cook eat and then get tired and say “I’ll clean it next time”. 😂
This cleaning expedition is hilarious. It is hardly clean at all. Good comedy routine. 😂
real good info on the pellets
Thanks!
Thank you for the recommendation. I am fairly disgusted by Ninja only suggesting wiping down with soapy water, which I have done, and has virtually no effect. IMO, it is outrageous to have no way to clean a device that is used to cook raw meat ... interesting you can buy for $5, as Amazon UK seems to be one of the few places to sell it here, at £13. However, still a fair price if it works.
Thankfully the only part that touches the raw meat is the grill plate which is easy to clean. I think the inside is more of a “cosmetic” issue. I do think making sure the vents and portion by the hopper are clean and clear is important though.
@@DadGotThis Just had delivery and tried the degreaser. I have only had my Woodfire since September (ordered in July, received refurbished unit after delay, sent back, no stock, eventually sent another, refurbished again, but better condition, kept it). I have only used one starter pack of pellets, being 4 cooks (pulled pork). The last two times, the pellets wouldn't set alight, and the resulting pork was too dry ... the point of this story, my Woodfire is no way near as 'dirty' as yours, but the degreaser has failed to do a great job of cleaning, and so I can't get as enthusiastic as yourself. It is also noted that the product states is should only be used on HARD NON-POROUS SURFACES, and NOT ALUMINIUM. Given there appears to be absolutely no product that is approved to clean a Ninja Woodfire, this may be the only thing that comes close to removing grease, but both SharkNinja and Easy-Off/Reckitt Benckiser will easily shrug off any liability for using it. Also, you are meant to 'rinse thoroughly with water'. Using this on the aluminium interior, with rubber seal, without being able to thoroughly rinse, makes me very nervous ...but, the 'wipe down with soapy water method' does nothing, and this does appear to remove the surface grease, although not cleaning back to aluminium finish (which may well just be cosmetic consideration, but perhaps reduces performance, or even eventually resulting in failure of the fan).
I will try cleaning the vents and hopper with a wire brush/screwdriver(!) to see if the burner ignites, but this is a lot of maintenance for such little usage :(
NB Given my experience of Ninja (UK) and the Woodfire, I have zero trust in them or their products.
Dawn and hot water
For basic cleans yes. But if you get lazy and forget to clean it for a while more muscle is needed.
@DadGotThis yes that's when you use it with your scub daddy and some steel wool using a circular motion 😉
I will try on my ninja airfryer
Let me know how it goes!
@@DadGotThis It worked well. thank you
Know your chemical contents before ruining metals. Caustic Soda, Sodium Hydroxide is extremely Alkaline PH and Eats Aluminum. The unit should be cleaned immediately after use, eliminating any deep cleans. Spray the inside contact areas with Pam cooking oil or saturated paper towel in tongs (like you coat the grill pan with-hopefully) and eliminate most of your buildup and need for deep cleaning. Use of the same grill for all meats is a great reason for cleaning before next use, unless for same meat-effects flavor, plus bacteria. Simple Green is a great, biodegradable degreaser, that leaves no film, Weber also makes a cleaner comparable to what you showed. How did you expect water base only steam to clean or penetrate any grease? I enjoy use of my smokers, grilles and the Ninja for years, producing spectacular foods and still looking like new. I can't blame you for the lacking, cleaning is the worst part of the meal, although easier when still heated right after usage. Thanks to your video, hopefully Ninja users will think before grilling, and enjoy a life without "Deep Cleaning".
As far as the steam, I did it because people kept telling me that was the way to do it lol. I bought some simple green and will be doing an update soon. Thanks for watching!
Spray it, let it sit and then steam clean it...
Forbidden chocolate
Just dont bother. Its a smoker. My last smoker was a cabinet and I used it for years and never ever bothered cleaning the smoke off.
I have done a bit of research on this and a lot of people think that you never need to clean a smoker and that the top BBQ places never do. However if you do a little research you will find that there is a huge difference between "seasoned" and dirty. The top places either clean or replace smokers a lot more frequently than you think. I may have to do a full video on it.