Ninja OG751 vs OG701 Woodfire Grill: The Comprehensive Outdoor Electric Grill Showdown

Stepping out onto a balcony or small patio with a massive craving for a flame-seared ribeye used to mean running into a wall of strict property regulations. Traditional charcoal kettles and propane burners are routinely banned in modern apartment complexes, forcing outdoor cooking enthusiasts to settle for indoor countertop appliances that completely miss out on authentic woodsmoke flavor. Ninja completely disrupted this space by engineering compact, high-powered electric cookers that use actual wood pellets for real hardwood flavor without the safety risks of open gas flames or glowing embers.

Lately, my balcony cooking rotation has been dominated by two variants of this smart technology: the Ninja og751 (Woodfire Pro XL) and the Ninja Og701 (the original Woodfire Outdoor Grill).

After putting both models through dozens of real-world cooking tests – running fast weeknight air-fried wings, searing steaks at maximum heat, and leaving them out through heavy rainstorms – I have broken down exactly how these two sibling models stack up. While they share the exact same underlying electric heating system and internal cooking footprint, a few key feature upgrades completely change how you manage your cooking progress. Let’s look at the real performance data to see which one deserves a spot on your outdoor prep table.

Key Difference: Ninja OG751 vs OG701 Woodfire Grill

The core operational difference between the Ninja Og751 and the Ninja og701 comes down to internal monitoring technology and out-of-the-box convenience. The Ninja og751 is an upgraded “Pro” model that features an integrated, built-in smart food thermometer. This system plugs directly into the grill’s front control face, allowing you to track the exact internal temperature of your meat in real-time, completely doing away with manual guesswork or separate handheld digital probes.

The Ninja Og701 serves as the foundational cornerstone of the Woodfire lineup. It relies entirely on standard time-and-temperature cooking adjustments, meaning you have to keep a separate meat thermometer nearby or track cooking charts manually to check the doneness of thicker cuts of meat. Additionally, while both models feature identical physical outer dimensions, the og751 sports a premium gray finish, while the standard og701 stands out with a bright red shell.

Technical Specifications: Ninja OG751 vs OG701 Woodfire Grill

To help you visualize how these two electric cooking platforms compare, the table below outlines their dimensions, capabilities, and included accessories:

Design Feature / Metric	Ninja og751 Woodfire Pro XL	Ninja og701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill
Model Classification	Pro Edition with Built-In Monitoring	Standard Foundational Edition
Power Output Baseline	1760-Watt High-Efficiency Electric	1760-Watt High-Efficiency Electric
Flavor Catalyst System	Woodfire Pellet Box (1/2 Cup Capacity)	Woodfire Pellet Box (1/2 Cup Capacity)
Primary Color / Finish	Premium Grey Accent	Bright Outdoor Red Accent
Total Cooking Surface	141 Square Inches Nonstick Grate	141 Square Inches Nonstick Grate
Temperature Monitoring	Integrated Built-In Smart Thermometer	Manual Timing / External Probe Required
Core Functions Available	Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Broil	Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, Broil
Physical Dimensions	23.62″ D x 18.58″ W x 13.31″ H	13.31″ D x 23.62″ W x 18.58″ H
Total Equipment Weight	30.6 pounds	30.6 pounds
Apartment / Balcony Friendly	Yes (No Propane, No Charcoal)	Yes (No Propane, No Charcoal)
Included Pellets	Robust Blend & All-Purpose Starter Packs	Robust Blend & All-Purpose Starter Packs
Check Latest Price On Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Operational Experience

Design

Unboxing these two units reveals a shared structural foundation wrapped in two completely different styles. Both models weigh exactly 30.6 pounds and take up the same footprint on a table or counter. The body construction is solid and weather-resistant, built with durable materials that can stay outdoors year-round without fading or degrading.

The visible distinction comes down to color preference: the Ninja og751 uses a sleek, understated gray finish that looks right at home alongside premium stainless steel outdoor kitchens, while the Ninja og701 features a bold red shell that adds a fun pop of color to a campsite or balcony. Looking closer at the front panel of the og751, you’ll spot the dedicated jack for the built-in thermometer, a design update that keeps your cooking station clean and organized.

Inside the cooking chamber, the layout is identical. Both utilize a high-quality 141-square-inch nonstick grill grate that is thick, solid, and holds onto heat beautifully.

The lid design features a double-walled lining that locks in heat and smoke efficiently. On the right side of both frames sits the signature Woodfire pellet box, an isolated metal ignition chamber heated by an independent electric element that burns small wood pellets purely for flavor rather than fuel.

Ease of Use

Operating both grills side-by-side highlights how a simple technology upgrade can completely change your cooking workflow. With the Ninja og701, cooking requires a traditional, hands-on approach. You turn the dial to your chosen function, set your temperature and timer, and let the 1760-watt element heat up.

Because it lacks an integrated thermometer, you have to keep a handheld digital probe nearby when smoking a pork shoulder or cooking thick steaks, frequently opening the lid to check internal doneness, which lets valuable smoke and heat escape.

The Ninja og751 completely eliminates that hassle. You plug the included smart food probe directly into the front control board, insert the needle into the thickest part of your meat, and set your target internal temperature.

The digital display shows the exact temperature rise in real-time and alerts you with a loud beep the moment your meat hits its target. This lets you step away, prep side dishes, or chat with guests without constantly hovering over the grill grate or worrying about overcooking your meal.

Functions

When it comes to cooking performance and heat output, both units are absolute powerhouses that deliver identical results across their 7-in-1 cooking systems. They allow you to master grill, BBQ smoke, outdoor air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and broil.

The 1760-watt electric element heats up incredibly fast, mimicking the high-heat searing performance of a full-sized propane grill. Searing steaks at maximum temperature gives you gorgeous, authentic char marks and a perfect crust without any unexpected grease flare-ups.

The Woodfire technology works beautifully on both models. You just drop half a cup of premium hardwood pellets into the side box, hit your cook function, and the grill automatically ignites the wood to create a thick, clean stream of smoke.

Whether you are air-frying a batch of crispy chicken wings with a touch of smoky flavor or running a low-and-slow smoke cycle for a nine-pound brisket, the internal convection fan circulates heat and smoke evenly around your food. Both models cook efficiently, creating a beautiful bark on smoked meats and excellent crispiness on air-fried sides.

Maintenance

Post-cook cleanup is an identical process for both models, and it is impressively simple compared to traditional wood or gas setups. Since these grills run entirely on electricity, there are no heavy layers of charcoal ash or thick grease pools to clean out of the bottom well.

The 141-square-inch cooking grate features a high-grade, nonstick coating that releases burnt-on sauces and grease with a quick wipe of a sponge. The removable crisper basket can be washed quickly in warm, soapy water.

The side pellet box requires minimal upkeep: after a cooking cycle finishes and the grill cools down, you just slide the pellet box out, dump the tiny amount of spent ash into the trash, and wipe it down with a damp cloth.

The grease management system works smoothly, directing all drippings out the back of the cook box into a replaceable foil liner tray. The only extra step for the Ninja og751 is wiping down the stainless steel food thermometer probe after use and winding the cord neatly so it’s ready for your next cookout.

Ninja og751 Woodfire Grill

Pros:

• • Built-in smart thermometer monitors internal food temperatures in real-time to prevent overcooking.
  • Front-panel digital probe display eliminates the need for separate handheld thermometers.
  • Sleek gray finish looks premium and blends in beautifully with modern outdoor decor.
  • 1760-watt electric element heats up fast, delivering pro-level char and searing.
  • Completely apartment- and balcony-friendly design requires no propane tanks or loose charcoal.

Cons:

• • Higher price tag due to the added thermometer technology and pro-tier accessories.
  • The thermometer probe and cord require extra cleaning and storage care after cooking.
  • Limited to the same 141-square-inch cooking space as the standard model.

Ninja og701 Woodfire Grill

Pros:

• • More budget-friendly price point while offering the exact same heating and cooking power.
  • Vibrant red exterior finish adds a fun, eye-catching look to your outdoor setup.
  • Exceptional cooking versatility with identical 7-in-1 master grill and smoking functions.
  • Compact, highly portable build is easy to pack into an SUV for camping or tailgating.
  • Thick nonstick cooking grate and removable crisper basket make cleanup fast and easy.

Cons:

• • Lacks an integrated food probe, requiring you to monitor cooking progress manually.
  • Frequently opening the lid to check internal doneness lets out valuable heat and woodsmoke.
  • Requires buying a separate external thermometer to safely cook thick cuts of meat.

The Verdict: Selecting Your Woodfire Setup

Choosing between the Ninja og751 and the Ninja og701 isn’t a matter of comparing cooking power or capacity – both units deliver the exact same 1760 watts of electric heating performance and utilize the same 141-square-inch cooking grate. Instead, it’s about deciding how much value you place on precision monitoring and convenience.

If you love cooking thick steaks, precision-smoking large pork shoulders, or cooking multi-component meals where hitting an exact internal temperature is critical, the Ninja og751 is well worth the investment. Its built-in smart thermometer completely takes the guesswork out of grilling, giving you the freedom to relax away from the grill while your food cooks to perfection. It is an exceptional tool for apartment residents, busy home cooks, and anyone who wants a foolproof, high-tech outdoor cooking station.

On the other hand, if you typically cook simpler meals like burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, or air-fried sides where cooking times are easy to predict, the Ninja og701 is a fantastic, cost-effective choice. It gives you the exact same high-heat searing, deep smoking capabilities, and convenient cleanup as the pro model while keeping more money in your pocket. For budget-conscious grillers and casual outdoor cooks, the classic red og701 remains a top-tier recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I buy the smart food thermometer later and plug it into the Ninja og701 grill?

No, the standard Ninja og701 does not have the internal circuitry or the front-panel plug jack required to support the smart thermometer system. If real-time temperature tracking on the main display is important to you, you will want to choose the og751 Pro model from the start.

2. Are the wood pellets used in these grills for fuel or just for flavor?

The pellets are used strictly for flavor development, not as a fuel source. Both the og751 and og701 are powered entirely by their 1760-watt electric heating elements. Because the pellets are only burned to create smoke, you only need half a cup per cooking cycle to get authentic wood-fire taste.

3. Can I safely leave both the Ninja og751 and og701 outside on my deck during winter?

Yes, both models are built with high-grade, weather-resistant outer shells designed to withstand year-round outdoor storage. However, to keep the digital screens and electrical components looking pristine, it is highly recommended to protect them with a custom-fit weather cover when not in use.

4. How much food can you realistically fit onto the 141-square-inch grill grate?

The internal cooking surface is deceptively spacious for its compact size. On both models, the nonstick grate comfortably fits up to 6 full-sized steaks, 30 hot dogs, or a whole 9-pound brisket when using the low-and-slow BBQ smoker setting.

5. Do these electric grills produce a lot of open smoke that could bother my apartment neighbors?

When running the standard grill or air fry modes, the units produce very little smoke, making them incredibly balcony-friendly. When you activate the Woodfire flavor button, the grill will produce a visible stream of woodsmoke for the first few minutes of the cycle, so it’s always a good idea to check your local property rules regarding outdoor cooking.