If you love the idea of real wood-smoked flavor without the bulk of a traditional smoker, Ninja’s Woodfire series probably caught your attention. Two of their most popular models — the Ninja OG850 and the Ninja OG951 — both promise restaurant-style grilling and smoking in a compact, portable design.
After spending weeks cooking on both, from juicy briskets to crispy wings, I realized that while they share a lot of DNA, they cater to slightly different types of grillers. One focuses on simplicity and hands-on control, while the other leans toward smart convenience and connected cooking.
Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which one deserves a spot on your patio.
Key Difference Between Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Outdoor Grill and Smoker
The biggest difference between the Ninja OG850 and the Ninja OG951 lies in functionality and connectivity.
The OG850 is a 4-in-1 outdoor grill, capable of grilling, smoking, air frying, and baking — perfect for people who want authentic woodfire flavor without tech frills.
Meanwhile, the OG951 is a 7-in-1 premium model with built-in Bluetooth, dual thermometers, and compatibility with the Ninja ProConnect App, allowing you to monitor temperature, cooking progress, and doneness straight from your phone.
In short:
- The OG850 is about hands-on grilling simplicity, while
- The OG951 focuses on smart, app-assisted precision and versatility.
- 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...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
Comparison Table: Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Outdoor Grill and Smoker
| Feature | Ninja OG850 | Ninja OG951 |
| Functions | 4-in-1 (Grill, BBQ Smoker, Air Fry, Bake) | 7-in-1 (Grill, BBQ Smoker, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) |
| Cooking Area | 180 sq. in. | 180 sq. in. |
| Smart Features | Built-in thermometer | Bluetooth connectivity + 2 built-in thermometers + App control |
| Connectivity | None | Ninja ProConnect App |
| Capacity | Fits 2 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, or 2 chickens | Same capacity (slightly optimized layout) |
| Woodfire Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Electric with wood pellets | Electric with wood pellets |
| Color | Dark Grey / Blue | Coastal Blue |
| Build Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Portability | High | High |
| Weather Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 38.9 lbs | 38.9 lbs |
| Included Accessories | 1 Thermometer, Crisper basket, 2 Woodfire pellet packs | 2 Thermometers, App connectivity, 2 pellet packs |
| Ideal For | Traditional grillers | Tech-savvy grillers or multitaskers |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
Both grills share almost identical dimensions and the same sturdy stainless-steel construction. But visually and functionally, they have their personalities.
The OG850 has a more classic outdoor look in dark grey, which feels rugged and purpose-built. It’s clean, straightforward, and ready to roll. Everything is analog — no screens, no apps, just solid dials and indicators. I personally loved this simplicity when I wanted to focus entirely on the smoke and sizzle.
The OG951, on the other hand, looks slightly sleeker in its coastal blue finish. The extra smart components are discreetly integrated, so it doesn’t feel over-engineered. Despite the additional electronics, it remains fully weather-resistant, which means you can leave it outside without worry.
Build-wise, both feel durable and sturdy enough to last several seasons. The hinges, handles, and pellet compartments are identical in design, showing Ninja’s consistency in quality.
- 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...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
Ease of Use
The OG850 wins for simplicity. I plugged it in, added half a cup of pellets, selected my mode, and started grilling in under two minutes. The built-in thermometer makes temperature tracking straightforward, especially for steaks and chicken. It’s a great “set it and smell it” type of grill — you stay close, tend the food, and enjoy the aroma.
The OG951, though, adds a layer of smart convenience that’s hard to ignore. With Bluetooth connectivity and the Ninja ProConnect App, I could monitor everything from my phone while prepping sides indoors. The dual thermometers allowed me to cook two proteins simultaneously — for example, ribs and salmon — each with its own temperature target.
The notifications were surprisingly helpful: it alerted me when preheating finished, when to flip my food, and when to rest it. That meant no constant hovering, which is fantastic for multitasking hosts or families who love efficiency.
If you like hands-on grilling, OG850’s manual approach is perfect. But if you appreciate automation and remote control, the OG951 feels like a step into the future.
- 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...
Performance and Cooking Results
Performance-wise, both grills deliver Ninja’s signature Woodfire flavor. Using just half a cup of wood pellets, they infuse a genuine smoky aroma into everything from brisket to veggies.
The OG850 has a slightly faster heat-up time since it runs on fewer electronics, and I found the grilling temperature incredibly consistent. It can sear a steak beautifully while keeping the inside tender.
The OG951 equals that performance but adds versatility. Those extra three functions — Roast, Broil, and Dehydrate — expand what you can do beyond grilling. I used the Dehydrate function to make smoky jerky, and the results were exceptional.
Both units excel in air frying, producing golden, crisp wings with that subtle wood-smoke undertone. But with the OG951’s precise app-based temp monitoring, I got slightly better consistency across larger batches.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
Smoke and Flavor Control
Both models use Ninja’s Woodfire Technology, powered by electricity and flavored with real pellets. The flavor infusion is authentic — rich and smoky without overpowering the natural taste of your food.
In side-by-side tests, I noticed the OG951’s smart control helped maintain more stable smoke output during long cooks, while the OG850 produced a bit more aggressive smoke at the start. Both create a beautiful crust or “bark” on meats, but the OG951 felt a touch more controlled overall.
If you’re all about experimenting with smoke levels and like a more tactile experience, the OG850 feels raw and rewarding. But for balanced, repeatable results, the OG951 wins.
- 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...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is a breeze for both units. The nonstick grill grates, crisper baskets, and grease trays come out easily and wash up quickly — even faster if you use the included disposable grease tray liners.
The OG951’s dual thermometer probes detach smoothly for cleaning, while the OG850’s single probe is fixed but still simple to wipe down.
Since both are weather-resistant, I left mine outdoors between uses, and they held up well to light rain and dust — a major plus for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Ninja OG850 Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill & Smoker
- 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...
Pros:
- 4-in-1 versatility with real woodfire flavor
- Built-in thermometer for accurate grilling
- Simple, intuitive operation
- Faster heat-up and fewer tech steps
- Portable and durable design
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- No app control or smart connectivity
- Only one thermometer
- Limited to four cooking functions
Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Premium Outdoor Grill & Smoker
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
Pros:
- 7-in-1 functionality for ultimate versatility
- Bluetooth and Ninja ProConnect App integration
- Dual thermometers for multi-protein cooking
- Smart notifications and guided cooking
- Even temperature and smoke control
- Perfect for tech-savvy grillers
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Requires pairing with the app for full feature use
- More tech = slightly steeper learning curve
Conclusion — Which Ninja Woodfire Grill Is Worth Buying?
After weeks of grilling, smoking, and air frying with both, I can confidently say: neither of these models will disappoint you. They share the same base design and produce identical, mouthwatering flavor thanks to Ninja’s Woodfire Technology.
However, your ideal choice depends on your cooking style:
- Choose the Ninja OG850 if you want a straightforward, no-nonsense outdoor grill that nails every cookout. It’s rugged, simple, and gives you all the wood-smoked charm without any technical fuss.
- Go for the Ninja OG951 if you love smart features, precision cooking, and the convenience of monitoring everything from your phone. The 7-in-1 functionality and dual thermometers make it a premium all-rounder for families or frequent entertainers.
👉 My Recommendation: If budget allows, the OG951 is worth the upgrade for its flexibility and smart tech. But for pure, old-school woodfire flavor with less setup, the OG850 remains a powerhouse in its own right.
