The scent of burning hickory pellets is a rare treat for someone living in a space where traditional charcoal is a no-go, yet here I am, finishing a 10-pound brisket on my balcony. Over the last month, I’ve been putting the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) and the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL (OG951) through a series of backyard gauntlets. Both machines represent Ninja’s push into high-capacity outdoor cooking, moving past the original compact model to offer a massive 180 square inches of grilling real estate.
While they look nearly identical sitting on a patio table, the experience of using them—especially when you’re trying to manage two different steaks at once—is fundamentally different. One is a reliable, high-performance workhorse, while the other is a fully connected smart-kitchen for the outdoors.
The Key Difference: Connectivity, Versatility, and Dual-Monitoring
The primary key difference between the Ninja OG850 and the OG951 is the integration of smart technology and the range of cooking modes. The Ninja OG850 is a “4-in-1” machine that covers the basics: Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, and Bake. It comes with a single built-in thermometer to monitor your meat.
The Ninja OG951 (Pro Connect Premium), however, is a “7-in-1” powerhouse that adds Roast, Broil, and Dehydrate to its repertoire. More importantly, it features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Ninja ProConnect app. This allows you to control the grill from your phone. The OG951 also doubles down on hardware, including two built-in thermometers instead of one, allowing you to track two different proteins—like a medium-rare ribeye and a well-done chicken breast—simultaneously with real-time alerts.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every dish with 100% real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets.
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
- 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 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs of wings, 2 7-lbs chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
Comparison Table: Ninja OG850 vs. Ninja OG951
| Feature | Ninja Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) | Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect (OG951) |
| Cooking Functions | 4-in-1 (Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake) | 7-in-1 (Adds Roast, Broil, Dehydrate) |
| App Connectivity | No | Yes (Ninja ProConnect Bluetooth/App) |
| Thermometers | 1 Built-in Probe | 2 Built-in Probes |
| Grill Space | 180 sq. in. | 180 sq. in. |
| Control Type | Manual Dial & Digital Display | App-Controlled & Digital Display |
| Color Options | Dark Grey | Coastal Blue / Black |
| Weight | 38.94 lbs | 38.94 lbs |
| Notifications | Audible Machine Beeps | Phone Push Notifications (Flip/Done) |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My First-Hand Grilling Diary
After cooking through rain, wind, and one very sunny Sunday, I’ve found that while the “flavor” is identical, the “effort” varies significantly between these two models.
Design: Subtle Differences in a Sturdy Frame
Both grills share the same XL footprint, which is a massive upgrade over the original Woodfire. I was able to fit two full racks of ribs on either machine without having to play “meat tetris.” They are built like tanks—stainless steel internals with weather-resistant coatings.
The OG850 comes in a classic, understated Dark Grey. It looks professional and rugged. The OG951 I tested was in “Coastal Blue,” and it really pops on a patio. The most noticeable design difference is the port for the thermometers; the OG951 has two distinct plugs on the side of the control panel, which immediately signals its intent to handle more complex meals.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every dish with 100% real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets.
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
Ease of Use: The App Advantage
The Ninja OG850 is very “point and shoot.” You turn the dial to Grill, set your temp, and plug in the probe. It’s simple, and it works. But I found myself constantly walking back to the sliding glass door to check the timer or see if the internal temperature had hit 57C for my steak.
The OG951 changed my entire weekend workflow. Pairing it with the ProConnect app was seamless. I was able to go back inside, prep a salad, and keep an eye on the grill temperature from my phone. The app sends a notification when the grill is preheated and, more importantly, when it’s time to flip the food. If you’re someone who gets distracted by guests or the TV, the OG951 is basically “insurance” against overcooked meat.
Functions: 4-in-1 vs. 7-in-1
Is there a big difference between 4 and 7 functions? For me, the Dehydrate and Broil functions on the OG951 were surprisingly useful. I used the Broil mode to get a quick, caramelized char on some peaches after grilling them, and it worked much faster than the standard “Bake” mode on the OG850.
That said, the BBQ Smoker performance is identical on both. Both use just half a cup of pellets to create a massive amount of smoke. I tried the “Robust Blend” pellets on some wings, and within 20 minutes, they had a deep, mahogany color and a genuine wood-smoke flavor that you usually only get from a massive offset smoker.
- 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 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs of wings, 2 7-lbs chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
The Dual-Probe Experience
This was the “ah-ha” moment for me. On the OG850, I had to prioritize. If I was cooking a thick steak and a piece of salmon, I had to guess the salmon’s progress while the probe stayed in the steak. On the OG951, I had a probe in each. The app showed me two different graphs. I knew exactly when the salmon hit its mark, pulled it off, and let the steak finish. For anyone who cooks for a family with varying tastes, the dual-thermometer system is the standout hardware upgrade.
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL (OG850)
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every dish with 100% real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets.
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
Pros:
- Simplicity: No need to mess with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; just plug and play.
- Price: Often significantly cheaper while offering the exact same grill capacity.
- Weight: Same portability as the higher-end model, making it great for camping.
- Great Flavor: Real Woodfire technology is just as effective here as on the Pro Connect.
Cons:
- Limited Monitoring: Only one probe means manual checking for multiple items.
- Fewer Modes: Lacks specialized Broil and Dehydrate settings.
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL (OG951)
- 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 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs of wings, 2 7-lbs chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
Pros:
- Total Freedom: Monitor and control the grill from your phone while you’re inside.
- Dual Monitoring: Two probes allow for perfect results on two different types of food.
- 7-in-1 Versatility: The extra cooking modes make it a true outdoor oven replacement.
- Guided Cooking: The app provides charts and alerts that are great for beginners.
Cons:
- Tech Dependent: You need a stable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connection to use the best features.
- Premium Price: You are paying a “convenience tax” for the smart features.
The Final Recommendation: Which Woodfire Wins?
Choosing between these two comes down to how much you enjoy “babysitting” your grill.
I recommend the Ninja OG850 if you are a traditionalist. If you enjoy standing by the grill with a drink in your hand, checking the temp manually, and you don’t care about “smart” features, this machine gives you the same XL capacity and the same incredible smoky flavor for a much lower price. It’s the best “pure” value.
I recommend the Ninja OG951 if you are a multitasker or a gadget lover. If you want to be able to sit on the couch while your brisket smokes, or if you frequently cook meals that involve different proteins with different doneness levels, the Dual Thermometers and App Connectivity are game-changers. It removes all the anxiety of outdoor cooking.
In my backyard, the Ninja OG951 is the clear winner. The peace of mind I get from phone notifications—knowing exactly when to flip my burgers without standing in the smoke—makes outdoor cooking a lot more relaxing.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every dish with 100% real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets.
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
- 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 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs of wings, 2 7-lbs chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do these grills require charcoal or gas?
A: No! They are 100% electric. The wood pellets are only for flavor, not for heat. This makes them legal for use on many balconies where gas or charcoal is banned.
Q: Can I use any brand of pellets?
A: Ninja recommends their own Woodfire pellets because they are the correct size for the smoke box, but many high-quality food-grade pellets will work as long as they fit the small hopper.
Q: How do I clean the grill?
A: The grill grate is nonstick and very easy to clean with a brush. The grease tray uses disposable liners, which I highly recommend using to make cleanup a 10-second job.
Q: Is the app difficult to set up?
A: Not at all. As long as you have a smartphone, the Ninja ProConnect app walks you through the pairing process in about two minutes.
