How Crossray BBQ Compares To A Ninja Electric BBQ
When you are gearing up for a weekend feast, the last thing you want is a barbecue that underdelivers on flavour or flexibility. Whether you are in a city flat with a small terrace or planning meals in a purpose-built outdoor kitchen, choosing the right electric BBQ can make or break your cooking experience.
Crossray has spent years refining its electric barbecues — and with patented infrared technology, advanced design, and a focus on user-friendly performance, the results genuinely speak for themselves. But how does that compare to one of the most recognised names in the home appliance world — the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker?
This article explores the differences between these two standout options. From performance and build quality to versatility and portability, this guide will help you make a clear and confident decision based on how and where you like to cook.
Heating Technology and Performance
Crossray eXtreme Electric BBQ
Crossray’s eXtreme Infrared Electric BBQ uses twin 1100W carbon-fibre infrared elements, delivering instant and intense heat. With controllable temperatures ranging from 140°C to over 300°C, it easily matches or surpasses the cooking power of many gas barbecues. The infrared technology provides an even, consistent surface temperature — which means fewer cold spots and far more predictable results. Whether you are searing steaks, slow-roasting a rib roast, or baking on the grill, the high hood design supports everything from small bites to large cuts of meat. A built-in meat probe ensures precision throughout the cook.
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
The Ninja, on the other hand, offers a unique approach with its 7-in-1 multi-functionality — grilling, smoking, air frying, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. It introduces wood-pellet smoking to electric BBQs, which adds a smoky flavour many barbecue fans love. However, its maximum heat output is lower than the Crossray, which may limit your ability to achieve that classic BBQ sear on thicker meats. While incredibly versatile, it leans slightly more towards being a hybrid cooking appliance than a dedicated high-performance grill.
Build Quality and Portability
Crossray eXtreme Electric BBQ
The Crossray BBQ is built for durability and year-round use. Constructed with high-quality black metal and porcelain enamel grill materials, it combines solid craftsmanship with a sleek, modern finish. The trolley version adds foldable side shelves, castor wheels, and under-bench storage, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and larger outdoor kitchens. While slightly heavier than the Ninja, its build quality and professional aesthetic are designed for more permanent placement and long-term use.
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
Ninja’s offering is compact, lightweight (around 12 kg), and built with portability in mind. Its design makes it easy to transport, set up, and store — perfect for those with limited space or for users who want to take their grill on the road. However, the trade-off is a smaller cooking area and fewer premium construction materials. It is highly convenient, but may not be as durable or stable as a full-featured outdoor BBQ like the Crossray.
Controls and Cooking Experience
Crossray eXtreme Electric BBQ
Crossray’s digital control panel allows for fine-tuned temperature settings, ideal for serious cooks who want precise control over their results. The inclusion of a meat probe means you can track internal temperatures without guessing, ensuring perfect doneness every time. It feels more like using a professional appliance, with a clear focus on grilling excellence.
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
The Ninja uses a simplified interface with pre-set functions, which makes it approachable for beginners or those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach. The addition of a smoke button lets users add flavour quickly, but it does not allow the same level of manual control as the Crossray. It excels in ease of use, but may not satisfy those looking to fine-tune every step of the process.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Crossray eXtreme Electric BBQ
Designed with a removable grease receptacle and enamel-coated grill surfaces, the Crossray is straightforward to clean. The thoughtful layout minimises flare-ups and grease build-up, and the included accessories such as a roasting rack and rotisserie kit offer added convenience for varied cooking methods.
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
The Ninja is very easy to clean due to its compact size and removable parts. The grill plate, grease tray, and accessories can be removed and washed separately, and the smaller surface area means less mess overall. It suits users who want quick cleanup and minimal fuss.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right electric BBQ is going to depend on your preference. Choose the Crossray eXtreme Electric BBQ if you value high-temperature performance, precision cooking, and robust design.
With a generous cooking area of 2772cm² (including a built-in warming rack), it is 73% larger than the standard Ninja Woodfire (1036cm²) and 28% bigger than the XL version (1400cm²) — making it ideal for feeding families or entertaining guests. This is a true family BBQ, offering ample space to cook multiple items at once without compromise. Crossray eXtreme infrared BBQ is a long-term investment that feels like a serious upgrade from compact, portable grills.
Go for the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker if you prioritise portability, multifunctionality, and a plug-and-play cooking experience. It’s a smart choice for smaller spaces, casual cooks, or those who enjoy a touch of wood-smoked flavour without needing gas or charcoal.
Final Thoughts
Both Crossray and Ninja offer standout electric BBQs, but they are built with different priorities in mind. Crossray delivers a true BBQ experience: high heat, generous cooking space, and the feel of a proper outdoor kitchen setup. Ninja, meanwhile, is a creative, flexible solution that merges BBQ with smoker and air fryer functions in one small package.
Ultimately, it comes down to how you like to cook and where you plan to do it. If you are looking for professional-grade barbecue at home, Crossray is hard to beat. If you want versatility and mobility, Ninja might just tick your boxes.
