If you consider yourself a devoted pellet smoker enthusiast, the following story might make you cringe a little. But bear with me, because it involves the Ninja oven, and it has the power to change your perspective on cooking.
In our household, my husband is the rib aficionado. Unfortunately, his full-time job, two young kids, an elderly dog, and a perpetually messy house leave him with little time to indulge in his passion. That is until the Ninja oven arrived. Within minutes of setting it up, my husband was off to the store to get a rack of ribs.
With the Ninja oven, the process was unbelievably simple. He seasoned the meat, set the oven to Smoker, filled the hopper with Ninja’s proprietary blend of robust wood pellets (hickory, smoke, and cherry flavors), pressed Ignite, and set the temperature to 250 degrees for four hours. As the ribs smoked, my husband took care of other tasks, including mowing the lawn and playing with our kids on the trampoline. When our friends arrived, the ribs were ready to be enjoyed. The ends were delightfully charred and crispy, and the meat practically fell off the bones.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. The taste might not compare to ribs cooked over a real fire all day, but here’s the thing: since we got the Ninja oven, my husband has been making ribs more frequently. And when it comes to ribs, surely more is better than none at all. While four hours is ideal for achieving the perfect texture, even when we’re pressed for time, two hours with a wet sauce still gives us a delectable result, albeit slightly less crispy.
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But the Ninja oven isn’t just for ribs. I’ve found it to be a game-changer for baking. I’ve always been hesitant to bake indoors when the air conditioner is running, as it feels like a waste of energy. However, with the outdoor electric oven, this concern is no longer an issue. Preheating to 350 degrees takes less than 10 minutes, which is perfect for quickly whipping up batter. I can set the temperature and time, slide in a baking pan, and comfortably retreat to my cool house. When the timer goes off, I retrieve perfectly baked treats. The temperature accuracy has been spot-on, requiring no adjustments or recalibrations. Thanks to the Ninja oven, my children have been spoiled with an abundance of blueberry muffins, peach crisps, and plum tortes this late in the summer.
Now, I must address some concerns about the Ninja oven’s durability. While Ninja claims it can withstand all types of weather and provides a proprietary cover for outdoor storage, I can’t help but feel that the materials used in its construction are cheaper and thinner compared to other ovens I’ve tested. Additionally, when it comes to cooking dishes that require high heat and constant monitoring, the experience with the Ninja oven is not as enjoyable.
However, when it comes to set-it-and-forget-it cooking, the Ninja oven is truly remarkable. On a recent beautiful summer evening, our next-door neighbor hosted a backyard party with live bands. Thanks to the Ninja oven, my husband and I were able to attend the party, enjoy a beer, and keep an eye on our dinner simultaneously. In fact, my 6-year-old even brought a rib from the oven to gnaw on while listening to the music. One of the guests jokingly asked if he brought enough for everyone. Well, maybe not that time, but thanks to the Ninja oven, we can certainly promise a delicious spread at future gatherings.
In conclusion, if you’re a pellet smoker devotee who prides yourself on traditional smoking methods, the Ninja oven might initially make you skeptical. However, its convenience and reliable results make it a valuable addition to any outdoor cooking setup. From perfectly smoked ribs to hassle-free baking, the Ninja oven has the potential to expand your culinary repertoire and bring newfound joy to your outdoor cooking experiences. So, give it a try and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
