By the Cottage Coach
I’ve tested a ton of outdoor gear over the years, but when I’m at the cottage, I like to keep things simple, so more is rarely better. That means compact tools that do more than one job earn a special place on my deck. So if I had to pack a single load of must-have gear to bring to the cottage—or to a desert island, for that matter—these five Ninja products would be in it, no question. They’ve become part of my family’s weekend routine, from morning prep for a day outdoors to late-night snacks by the fire. Here’s how I use them and why they get a permanent spot in my summer lineup.
Ninja Blast™ Max Cordless Portable Blender
Most mornings at the cottage start with a workout and a smoothie on the dock. That’s where the Ninja Blast™ Max shines. It’s got the performance of a corded blender—just without the cord. I’ve used it to crush frozen fruit and ice right in the canoe. Later in the day, it’s my go-to for dockside Caesars or spicy margaritas. And when the kids are craving something fun? It’ll turn a few ice cubes and juice into snow cones in seconds. With its 22 oz. Twist & Go vessel, I can blend, sip, and carry without any extra gear. Plus, the built-in battery life indicator means I never have to guess if it’s ready.
Coach’s tip: Load it with frozen fruit and let the AUTO-iQ® programs do the work. It’s powerful, smart, and ridiculously portable.
Ninja Woodfire® Outdoor Grill & Smoker, 6-in-1 Functionality
This compact unit punches way above its weight. It’s a grill, smoker, and air fryer all in one—powered by real woodfire flavor. I’ve used it to grill burgers, smoke sausages after sunset, and even air fry breakfast hash by the dock. It’s small enough to set up wherever the action is and tough enough to handle just about anything I throw at it. And because it’s electric, I don’t have to worry about running out of propane mid-meal. It’s also incredibly easy to clean!
Coach’s Tip: Let the smoke build while preheating—it’s where the flavour magic starts. Don’t be afraid to get creative; this thing’s incredibly forgiving.
Ninja Artisan 5-in-1 Outdoor Pizza Oven
Cooking pizza at the cottage is a borderline obsession for me, and the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven takes it to the next level. With electric heat and complete temperature control, I get pizzeria-level results without the hassle of managing a flame. Whether I’m craving Neapolitan, New York–style, or a crispy thin crust, this oven nails it in under four minutes. But it’s not just for pizza—I’ve used it to bake mac and cheese while burgers sizzle on the grill. And the Chef’s View Window? It makes it that much more satisfying to watch your creation come to life.
Coach’s Tip: Preheat all the way to 700°F, especially for Neapolitan-style pies. And don’t blink—it’s done before you know it!
Ninja FrostVault Cooler with Wheels
The FrostVault is an absolute tank. Big wheels, solid handle, and one of my favourite parts—a separate food drawer that keeps the sandwiches crispy and out of the melted ice. I load it up for dock days, beach missions, and boat rides. It even doubles as a step stool—I’ve used it to hang string lights, no problem.
Coach’s Tip: Pre-chill it before loading. If you set it up right, it holds ice practically forever.
The big picture
When I’m at the cottage, Ninja’s outdoor kitchen gear makes everything easier. It’s simple to use, it cooks everything quickly, and it’s beyond convenient to clean. That means I have more time and energy for paddling, bike rides, and cannonballs off the dock. Plus my family and I get to enjoy all the food we love, with way less hassle of prep and cleanup.
Oh, and one last thing! Here’s a piece of gear I never thought I needed, but now I refuse to grill without it: Ninja’s ProChef Wireless Meat Thermometer. I used to think it was overkill. Now it’s my secret weapon for perfectly cooked meat, without hovering. That means more time chasing my kid with a water balloon—and no more overdone steaks.
Ready to simplify your whole summer and discover why it’s better outside with Ninja? Explore their outdoor-ready lineup at ninjakitchen.ca and see for yourself why these tools have become my cottage go-tos.