When it comes to outdoor electric grills, Ninja has completely changed the game. I’ve been grilling for years – propane, charcoal, pellet smokers – you name it. But after personally cooking on both the Ninja Woodfire OG850 and the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG951, I can confidently say these two machines deserve the hype.
Both models deliver authentic smoky flavor, powerful heat, and true all-in-one outdoor cooking convenience. But they’re not the same grill. After weeks of real backyard testing – burgers, ribs, wings, brisket, and even jerky – I discovered exactly where each model shines and where it falls short.
Table of Contents
What Really Sets These Two Grills Apart
The biggest difference between the Ninja OG850 and OG951 comes down to smart technology, temperature control, and cooking flexibility.
Both grills are 100% electric. They plug into a standard outlet for heat. The wood pellets are only used for smoke flavor, not fuel. This is a critical detail many reviews get wrong.
The OG951 adds Bluetooth app control, dual meat probes, and extra cooking modes. The OG850 keeps things simpler with manual controls and a lower price point.
Quick Comparison – Ninja OG850 vs OG951
| Feature | Ninja OG850 | Ninja OG951 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Ninja Woodfire Pro XL | Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL |
| Power Source | 100% Electric | 100% Electric |
| Smoke Flavor | Wood pellets (flavor only) | Wood pellets (flavor only) |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake, Roast | Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Smart App | No | Yes (ProConnect App) |
| Meat Probes | 1 | 2 |
| Cooking Area | 180 sq inches | 180 sq inches |
| Weather Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Handle | Standard | Wooden |
| Best For | Simple outdoor grilling | Tech lovers & multitaskers |
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit....
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits...
Ninja OG850 Review – Simple, Powerful, Reliable
The Ninja OG850 is what I call a “set it and enjoy it” grill. No apps, no Bluetooth – just fire it up and cook.
The first thing I tested was burgers. Within minutes, the grill hit high heat and delivered legit grill marks. I tossed in a scoop of Ninja mesquite pellets and instantly got that backyard BBQ aroma.
Next up – ribs. I ran the BBQ Smoke mode around 225°F for three hours. The bark was perfect. Not overpowering, but enough to taste real wood flavor.
I’ve also air-fried wings, baked pizza, roasted whole chicken, and smoked sausages. This grill handles it all.
What I Love
- Plug-and-play electric power
- Real wood smoke flavor
- Large cooking space (feeds 5–6 people easily)
- Simple controls – great for beginners
- Weather-resistant body
What Could Be Better
- Only one thermometer
- No remote monitoring
- No dehydration or broil mode
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit....
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja...
Ninja OG951 Review – Smart Outdoor Cooking Machine
The OG951 is basically the OG850 on steroids.
This model includes Ninja’s ProConnect app, and once you use it, it’s hard to go back.
I smoked two proteins at once – brisket and chicken thighs. Thanks to the dual probes, I monitored both temperatures separately on my phone. No guessing. No lid lifting.
The app sends alerts when food hits target temperature, time is up, or heat changes. That’s a real game changer.
Extra Cooking Modes
- Broil – melts cheese perfectly
- Dehydrate – made beef jerky
- Roast – better for whole birds
What I Love
- App control from phone
- Two thermometers
- More cooking modes
- Same strong smoke flavor
- Premium wooden handle
Downsides
- Higher price
- Requires Bluetooth setup
- App updates occasionally
Electric Heat + Woodfire Flavor Explained
Both OG850 and OG951 are 100% electric. They do NOT burn pellets for heat.
The pellets sit in a small box and smolder to produce smoke. Heat comes from electric heating elements.
This system gives you real smoke flavor without messy ash or flare-ups. It’s perfect for apartments and balconies.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits...
Side-by-Side Performance Test
| Food | OG850 | OG951 |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers | Juicy, great sear | Same result |
| Ribs | Tender, smoky | Same |
| Wings | Crispy | Same |
| Brisket | Great bark | Better monitoring |
| Jerky | Not possible | Perfect |
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Ninja OG850 If:
- You want simple controls
- You don’t care about phone apps
- You grill occasionally
- You want to save money
Choose Ninja OG951 If:
- You love smart tech
- You cook multiple meats at once
- You want alerts on your phone
- You like experimenting
Durability & Cleaning
After months of outdoor use – no rust, no fading paint, and solid grates. These grills are built tough.
Cleanup takes about 5 minutes. Non-stick plate, removable grease tray, and easy pellet box.
Final Verdict
When comparing Ninja OG850 vs OG951, both grills deliver real smoke flavor, strong heat, and all-weather durability.
The OG951 pulls ahead if you value smart monitoring, dual probes, and extra cooking modes.
The OG850 remains perfect for casual grillers who want simple power.
My honest pick:
If budget allows – OG951.
If you want simple power – OG850.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both grills electric?
Yes. Both plug into a standard outlet. Pellets are for flavor only.
Can I use these on a balcony?
Yes. No open flame.
Do they get hot enough?
Absolutely. I seared steaks at 500°F.
Can I smoke overnight?
Yes. Stable temperature control.
Is the app worth it?
If you cook often – yes.
