The dream of a smoky, wood-fired brisket on a Tuesday night used to be just that – a dream. Unless you wanted to spend six hours babysitting a charcoal smoker, you were stuck with the “clean” but flavorless results of a standard electric grill. Ninja changed that narrative with the Woodfire series, and their XL lineup – specifically the Ninja OG850 and the Ninja OG951 – has effectively moved the goalposts for what outdoor electric cooking can do.
Both of these machines are absolute units. They offer a massive 180-square-inch cooking surface that can handle two full racks of ribs without breaking a sweat. But while they look nearly identical sitting on a patio table, the way you interact with them is worlds apart. One is a straightforward, heavy-duty powerhouse; the other is a high-tech “smart” kitchen that happens to live outside. After a summer of testing both, I’ve broken down which one belongs in your backyard.
The Key Difference: Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill
The fundamental hardware of these two machines is a mirror image. They share the same heating elements, the same 11.25-inch depth, and the same ability to turn half a cup of wood pellets into a massive cloud of authentic BBQ smoke. The difference is in the Control and Monitoring.
- The Ninja OG951 (Pro Connect Premium XL): This is the flagship. It features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control every function from your phone. It also includes two built-in thermometers, making it possible to monitor two separate meats simultaneously. It is a 7-in-1 machine, adding Roast, Broil, and Dehydrate to the core functions.
- The Ninja OG850 (Pro XL): This is the rugged, simplified version. It features a single built-in thermometer and lacks any wireless connectivity. It is a 4-in-1 unit (Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake), focusing on the primary outdoor cooking modes most people use daily.
Comparison Table: Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill
| Feature | Ninja OG850 (Pro XL) | Ninja OG951 (Pro Connect XL) |
| Cooking Space | 180 sq. in. | 180 sq. in. |
| Connectivity | None | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (App Enabled) |
| Thermometer Probes | 1 Included | 2 Included |
| Functions | 4-in-1 | 7-in-1 |
| Primary Modes | Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake | Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Color Scheme | Dark Grey / Stainless | Black & Blue / Stainless |
| App Notifications | No | Yes (Preheat, Flip, Doneness) |
| Max Capacity | 10 Burgers / 10-lb Brisket | 10 Burgers / 10-lb Brisket |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Take: A Detailed Comparative Review
Design: Engineered for the Elements
From a build perspective, Ninja didn’t cut corners on either model. The OG850 feels like a piece of professional kitchen equipment moved outside. The dark grey finish is classic and hides ash and dust exceptionally well. The OG951, with its black and blue accents, looks a bit more modern – like a piece of tech that belongs next to a smart home setup.
What I love about both is the portability. Despite being “XL,” they still fit on a balcony or can be tossed in the back of a truck for tailgating. They weigh about 39 pounds, so they aren’t “light,” but the sturdy side handles make them easy to move. The weather resistance is also impressive; the control panels are sealed against moisture, so a passing sunshower won’t end your BBQ.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill....
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits up to 2 full...
Ease of Use: Manual vs. Automated
The OG850 is for the cook who likes to be present. You set your dial, plug in your probe, and check the display on the grill. It’s intuitive and reliable. If you’re the type who likes to stand by the grill with a drink and watch the smoke, you won’t miss the app features.
However, the OG951 changed my hosting game. Using the Ninja ProConnect App, I was able to prep sides inside the house while keeping a literal eye on my steak’s internal temperature on my phone. The app notifications for when the grill has finished preheating or when it’s time to flip the chicken are surprisingly helpful. It removes that “did I hear the timer?” anxiety when you’re busy with guests.
Functions: The Versatility Factor
Both grills feature Woodfire Technology, which uses an electric element to burn real pellets. This isn’t “liquid smoke” – it’s actual combustion, and the flavor in the Air Fry mode is spectacular.
The OG850 hits the “Big Four”: Grill (high heat searing), Smoke (low and slow), Air Fry (crispy sides), and Bake (great for outdoor pizzas).
The OG951 adds Broil, Roast, and Dehydrate. While I rarely use Dehydrate, the Broil function is a secret weapon for finishing salmon or putting a crust on mac and cheese. Also, the inclusion of two probes in the 951 cannot be overstated. Cooking a medium-rare steak for myself and a medium-well burger for a kid at the same time is infinitely easier when you have two digital eyes on the food.
Maintenance: Keep it Clean, Keep it Smoking
Cleanup is identical for both, and thankfully, it’s easy. The non-stick grill grates are significantly better than the cast iron on traditional grills – food just doesn’t bond to it the same way. Both units use a grease collection system that sits at the back. My advice? Buy the disposable foil liners in bulk; it makes the messiest part of grilling a 30-second cleanup.
The only real “maintenance” is the firebox. Since these burn real wood, you’ll get a small amount of ash. I found that a quick brush-out every few uses keeps the ignition rod clear. The probes are durable but should be hand-washed to keep the sensors accurate.
Ninja OG850 (The Practical Pro) Woodfire Grill
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill....
Pros:
- Simple Setup: No syncing or software updates needed.
- Massive XL Surface: Fits 30% more than the original Woodfire.
- Great Value: You get the core Woodfire experience for less money.
- Rugged Reliability: Fewer electronic “points of failure” for outdoor use.
Cons:
- Single Monitor: Can only track the temperature of one item.
- Stay-Near Design: You have to be at the grill to see the status.
Ninja OG951 (The Connected Master) WoodFire Grill
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits up to 2 full...
Pros:
- Total Remote Control: Manage everything from your phone via the app.
- Dual-Protein Tracking: Two probes allow for complex meal timing.
- 7-in-1 Flexibility: More cooking modes for creative chefs.
- Premium Aesthetic: Looks great on a modern deck or balcony.
Cons:
- Connectivity Dependent: App features require a stable Wi-Fi signal.
- Higher Cost: The smart tech comes with a price bump.
Conclusion: Which Woodfire XL Should You Buy?
Choosing between the OG850 and OG951 comes down to how much you value your time away from the grill.
I recommend the Ninja OG850 if:
You want a dependable, high-capacity outdoor grill that “just works.” If you are a traditionalist who enjoys the process of grilling and doesn’t need another app on your phone, the OG850 is a fantastic value. It provides the exact same smoke quality and cooking power as the higher-end model.
I recommend the Ninja OG951 if:
You are often multitasking or cooking for a crowd. The ability to monitor two probes from your phone while you’re inside the house or across the yard is a massive convenience. For anyone who has ever accidentally overcooked a 10-lb brisket because they got distracted, the “Pro Connect” features will pay for themselves in saved meals.
My Personal Choice: I lean toward the Ninja OG951. The dual thermometers are the deciding factor for me. Being able to track a chicken breast and a pork loin at the same time – both with their own target temps – makes the outdoor cooking experience feel truly professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the OG951 without the app?
Absolutely. All the functions can be controlled via the buttons and dial on the front of the unit. The app is a powerful “extra,” but it isn’t required to start the grill.
How many pellets do I need for a long smoke?
Ninja Woodfire grills are incredibly efficient. You only need about a 1/2 cup of pellets for a full smoking session. They don’t use the pellets as a fuel source (the electricity does the heating), so the pellets are only there for flavor.
Is the cooking grate dishwasher safe?
Ninja says the grate is non-stick and easy to clean. While I have put mine in the dishwasher, I find that hand-washing with a soft sponge preserves the non-stick coating much longer.
Can I plug these into a standard outlet?
Yes, both the OG850 and OG951 run on standard 120V electric power. Just make sure you aren’t running another high-draw appliance (like a space heater) on the same circuit.
Does the Woodfire flavor actually taste like charcoal?
It tastes like a pellet grill – clean, smoky, and authentic. It doesn’t have that “gas” or “chemical” taste sometimes associated with charcoal lighter fluid. It’s 100% real wood smoke.
