There is something inherently therapeutic about cooking outdoors, but the traditional hassle of charcoal or the unpredictability of propane can often turn a relaxing afternoon into a logistical nightmare. When I first got my hands on the Ninja Woodfire XL series, I realized the game had changed. These aren’t just electric grills; they are flavor-infusion machines that use tiny amounts of real wood pellets to create an authentic smoky bark that would make a pitmaster do a double-take.
But here is the catch: Ninja has released two heavy hitters that look identical at a distance – the Ninja OG850 (Pro XL) and the Ninja OG951 (Pro Connect XL). Both offer that massive 180-square-inch cooking surface, and both can smoke a 10-lb brisket while sitting on a balcony. However, after weeks of searing ribeyes and air-frying wings in the backyard, I’ve found that the “Connect” features of the OG951 change the very rhythm of how you host a BBQ. Let’s dive into which one deserves the crown on your patio.
The Key Difference: Ninja Woodfire OG850 vs. OG951 Grill
While the physical dimensions and cooking power of these two units are twins, the brain under the hood is where they diverge.
- The Ninja OG951 (Pro Connect Premium XL) is the tech-forward flagship. It features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the entire grill via the Ninja ProConnect App. Most importantly, it comes with two built-in thermometers, enabling you to monitor two different types of meat (like a steak and a chicken breast) simultaneously from your phone. It also expands the cooking repertoire to a 7-in-1
- The Ninja OG850 (Pro XL) is the “purist’s” high-capacity grill. It features one built-in thermometer and a 4-in-1 functionality (Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake). It lacks the app connectivity, meaning you’ll be managing your cook via the physical dials and display on the front of the unit rather than your smartphone.
Comparison Table: Ninja OG850 vs. OG951 Grill
| Feature | Ninja OG850 Pro XL | Ninja OG951 Pro Connect XL |
| Cooking Area | 180 sq. in. (Fits 2 racks of ribs) | 180 sq. in. (Fits 2 racks of ribs) |
| Functionality | 4-in-1 | 7-in-1 |
| App Control | No | Yes (Ninja ProConnect App) |
| Thermometers | 1 Built-in Probe | 2 Built-in Probes |
| Cooking Modes | Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake | Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Weight | 38.9 lbs | 38.9 lbs |
| Color | Dark Grey | Black & Blue |
| Connectivity | None | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi |
| Pellet Starter Packs | Included (Robust & All-Purpose) | Included (Robust & All-Purpose) |
| Buy On Amazon |
My Take: A Detailed Comparative Review
Design: All-Weather Beasts
Standing these units on my deck, they feel significantly more substantial than the original, smaller Ninja Woodfire. The XL size is the “Goldilocks” zone – it’s portable enough for an RV or a tailgate, but large enough that I don’t have to cook in batches for a family of six. The OG850 comes in a classic Dark Grey that looks industrial and sleek. The OG951 sports a Black and Blue color scheme that feels a bit more “premium” and high-tech.
Both are built with stainless steel and high-grade plastics designed to live outside. I’ve left mine out through a heavy spring rainstorm (covered, of course), and they look as good as day one. The pellet hopper on the side is easy to access, and the grease management system – a simple slide-out tray at the back – is identical on both. The build quality is top-tier; the lid has a satisfying weight, and the handles stay cool even when the internal grill plate is screaming at 500°F.
Ease of Use: The App Advantage
Using the OG850 is a very “tactile” experience. You turn the dial to your setting, plug in your single probe, and set your target temp. It works perfectly, but you are anchored to the grill. If you’re inside prepping a salad and want to know how close that brisket is to hitting 203°F, you have to walk outside and check the screen.
The OG951 completely removed that friction for me. Pairing the grill to the ProConnect App took about two minutes. The real magic happened when I was grilling for a group with different tastes – my wife wanted a medium-rare steak, while my brother-in-law insisted on well-done. With the two thermometers on the OG951, I could monitor both steaks on my phone while I was sitting on the couch. The app sent a notification to my watch saying “Time to Flip,” and then “Food is Ready.” It turned a high-stress “don’t overcook the meat” situation into a relaxing hang-out.
Functions: 4-in-1 vs. 7-in-1
The OG850 covers the essentials: Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, and Bake. For 90% of people, this is all you need. The “Woodfire Flavor” button is the MVP here – it ignites the pellets regardless of the mode. I used the Air Fry mode with Woodfire flavor on some chicken wings, and the result was a crispy, smoky wing that tasted like it came from a professional smokehouse.
The OG951 adds Roast, Broil, and Dehydrate. While “Roast” and “Bake” are similar, the “Broil” function is fantastic for finishing off ribs with a sticky BBQ sauce glaze. The “Dehydrate” function is a nice-to-have, though I’ll admit I haven’t found myself making beef jerky on my deck very often. However, having the extra modes makes the OG951 feel like a total replacement for your kitchen oven during the hot summer months.
Maintenance: The Post-BBQ Cleanup
Cleanup is where I usually lose interest in outdoor cooking, but Ninja made this surprisingly painless. The grill grates on both the OG850 and OG951 are non-stick and very effective. After a messy session with marinated pork chops, a bit of warm soapy water and a soft brush had the grate looking new in under three minutes.
The grease trays use disposable liners, which I highly recommend. You just pull the tray out, toss the liner, and you’re done. One thing to watch for: because these units use real wood pellets, there is a bit of ash buildup in the firebox. Every 3-4 cooks, I use a small handheld vacuum to suck out the ash. It keeps the ignition system running perfectly. The probes also need a quick wipe, but since they are stainless steel, nothing really sticks to them.
Ninja Woodfire OG850 Pro XL Electric Grill
Pros:
- Simple Interface: No apps, no syncing; just turn the dial and cook.
- Massive Capacity: 180 sq. in. is a huge upgrade over the original Woodfire.
- Consistent Smoke: The pellet system creates incredible flavor without the fire management.
- Rugged Build: Weather-resistant and ready for the elements.
Cons:
- One Probe Only: Difficult to monitor multiple meats accurately.
- No Remote Monitoring: You have to be physically at the grill to see progress.
Ninja Woodfire OG951 Pro Connect XL Grill
Pros:
- Remote Mastery: Monitor and control temps from your phone via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- Dual Probes: Perfect for cooking different meats to different doneness levels.
- Expanded Modes: 7-in-1 functionality offers more culinary flexibility.
- Smart Notifications: Alerts for preheating, flipping, and finishing.
Cons:
- Higher Entry Cost: You pay a premium for the tech and the extra probe.
- App Dependency: If your Wi-Fi is spotty in the backyard, you lose the best features.
Conclusion: Which Woodfire Should You Choose?
The Ninja Woodfire XL series is, in my opinion, the best thing to happen to balcony and patio cooking in a decade. It delivers the flavor of a pellet grill with the speed and ease of an air fryer.
I recommend the Ninja OG850 if:
You are a “set it and forget it” kind of cook who doesn’t like fiddling with apps. If you generally cook one type of meat at a time and don’t mind walking out to the deck to check the temperature, the OG850 gives you all the power and flavor of the XL series for a better price. It is the reliable workhorse of the lineup.
I recommend the Ninja OG951 if:
You are the “host with the most.” If you’re often cooking for groups, managing different proteins, or simply love the convenience of checking your brisket’s internal temp while you’re watching the game inside, the OG951 is a no-brainer. The dual probes and app connectivity genuinely change the outdoor cooking experience from a “chore” into a “hobby.”
My Personal Choice: I’ve stuck with the Ninja OG951. As someone who usually has a million things going on while I’m grilling, the peace of mind I get from those phone notifications is priceless. I’ve saved more than a few expensive steaks from being overcooked because the app buzzed my wrist just in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use Ninja brand pellets?
Ninja recommends their own pellets because they are the specific size and density for the internal auger and igniter. While other pellets might work, I’ve found that the Ninja pellets produce a more consistent smoke and don’t jam the system.
Can I leave the grill outside in the winter?
Yes! Both the OG850 and OG951 are weather-resistant. However, I always recommend a dedicated Ninja cover. It keeps the dust and pollen off the electronics and ensures the non-stick surface stays pristine.
Is the OG951 worth the extra money?
If you cook “sensitive” meats like fish or thick steaks, yes. The dual probes and app monitoring prevent costly mistakes. If you just cook burgers and hot dogs, the OG850 is likely all you need.
How many burgers can I really fit on the 180 sq. in. grate?
I’ve comfortably fit 10 standard-sized burgers on there without crowding. If you’re doing smash burgers, you’ll probably want to limit it to 6 to ensure you have room to flip.
Does the app work if I’m away from home?
The OG951 uses Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth. If the grill is connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can actually monitor your cook from the grocery store or anywhere with an internet connection!
