Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill: Which Woodfire Pro Grill Fits Your Lifestyle?

Few kitchen innovations have blurred the line between traditional grilling and modern convenience like Ninja’s Woodfire series. Recently, I had the chance to test two standout models—the Ninja OG850 and the Ninja OG951. At first glance, they look nearly identical: same size, same premium stainless steel build, same impressive 180 square inches of cooking space. But once I started grilling, smoking, and air frying with both, the differences became crystal clear.

If you’re trying to decide between these two, let me share my hands-on experience. This comparison highlights not just specs, but what it actually feels like to cook with them—whether you’re a casual backyard griller, a tech-savvy cook who loves app control, or someone who just wants authentic woodfire flavor without the hassle.

Key Difference Between Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill 

The Ninja OG850 is a 4-in-1 grill (grill, smoker, air fryer, and oven) designed for simplicity and straightforward woodfire cooking. It’s easy to use, includes a smart built-in thermometer, and is perfect for those who want traditional grill performance with modern convenience.

The Ninja OG951, however, takes it up a notch with 7-in-1 functionality (adding roast, broil, and dehydrate) and Bluetooth connectivity via the Ninja ProConnect app. It also has dual built-in thermometers, letting you monitor two proteins at once—ideal if you’re cooking for guests with different preferences.

In short:

• OG850 = straightforward, powerful, and versatile 4-in-1 outdoor grill.
• OG951 = advanced, app-enabled 7-in-1 smart grill with added cooking options.

Comparison Table: Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill 

Feature	Ninja OG850	Ninja OG951
Functions	4-in-1 (Grill, BBQ Smoke, Air Fry, Bake)	7-in-1 (Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate)
Cooking Space	180 sq. in.	180 sq. in.
Built-In Thermometer	1 probe	2 probes
Smart Features	None	Bluetooth, Ninja ProConnect app
Weight	38.9 lbs	38.9 lbs
Dimensions	22.28” x 20.03” x 15.82”	22.28” x 20.03” x 15.82”
Fuel Source	Woodfire pellets (electric-powered)	Woodfire pellets (electric-powered)
Pellets Required	½ cup per use	½ cup per use
Weather Resistance	Yes	Yes
Best For	Traditional grill lovers who want simple outdoor cooking with woodfire flavor	Tech-savvy grillers who want app connectivity and expanded cooking options
Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design & Build

Both models share the same sleek stainless steel finish and compact footprint. They look fantastic on a balcony, backyard, or even a tailgate setup. At just under 40 pounds, they’re portable but still feel substantial enough to handle serious cooking.

That said, the OG951 adds subtle touches that feel more premium—like the dual thermometer integration and app connectivity that gives it a futuristic edge. If you just want a reliable woodfire grill that looks sharp, the OG850 fits the bill perfectly.

Verdict: Tie on design, but OG951 feels a bit more high-tech.

Ease of Use

The OG850 is about as plug-and-play as grilling gets. I appreciated the built-in thermometer, which meant I didn’t have to second-guess when my steak hit medium rare. Switching between grill, smoker, air fryer, and bake was seamless with the control knob.

The OG951, however, spoiled me. With Bluetooth connectivity, I could literally walk away and let my phone tell me when it was time to flip, check doneness, or even preheat. For multitasking during cookouts, that’s a game-changer.

Verdict: OG850 keeps things simple; OG951 makes things smarter.

Functions & Versatility

Here’s where the differences really stood out. The OG850 gave me the essentials: grill, smoke, bake, and air fry. That’s more than enough for casual cooks. I smoked chicken wings, grilled burgers, and even baked cornbread—all turned out deliciously smoky.

But the OG951 opened up even more options. I could roast whole chickens, broil salmon with crispy skin, and even dehydrate fruit for snacks. If you’re the kind of person who likes experimenting and pushing your grill to do more, the 7-in-1 versatility is hard to beat.

Verdict: OG951 wins for adventurous cooks, OG850 is perfect for traditional grillers.

Cooking Performance

In terms of flavor, both grills delivered that unmistakable woodfire smokiness with just ½ cup of pellets. My ribs came out tender with a proper bark, and burgers had that charred, backyard-grill feel.

However, the OG951’s dual thermometer system made it easier when cooking multiple proteins. For example, I grilled chicken thighs and steaks at the same time, each to a different doneness level. With the OG850, I had to keep a closer eye on timing.

Verdict: Both produce excellent woodfire flavor, but OG951 offers more precision.

Portability & Weather Resistance

Both models shine here—they’re weather-resistant and compact enough for camping trips, tailgates, or small patios. I left them outside overnight during a light rain, and neither showed any issues.

Verdict: Equal.

Ninja OG850 Woodfire Grill & Smoker

Pros:

• 4-in-1 versatility (grill, smoke, bake, air fry)
• Built-in thermometer for stress-free cooking
• Compact yet XL cooking space (180 sq. in.)
• Delivers authentic woodfire flavor with ease
• Simpler setup, less tech to worry about

Cons:

• Only one thermometer probe
• Lacks app connectivity
• Fewer functions than OG951

Buy on Amazon

Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Grill & Smoker

Pros:

• 7-in-1 versatility for broader cooking options
• Bluetooth app control via Ninja ProConnect
• Dual thermometers for cooking two proteins at once
• Precise notifications (preheat, flip, doneness)
• Same compact but spacious design as OG850

Cons:

• More expensive
• App reliance may feel unnecessary for traditional grillers
• Slightly steeper learning curve with added features

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

After testing both, I’d say it comes down to cooking style and personality.

• If you want a straightforward, powerful grill that delivers authentic woodfire flavor without overcomplicating things, the Ninja OG850 is the best value. It nails the basics while giving you just enough versatility to experiment with air frying and baking outdoors.
• If you’re the type who loves precision, smart features, and variety, the Ninja OG951 is the clear winner. The app notifications, dual thermometers, and expanded 7-in-1 functionality make it feel more like a smart outdoor kitchen than just a grill.

For me personally, I found myself gravitating to the OG951 simply because I enjoy the convenience of app control and being able to roast or dehydrate alongside traditional grilling. But if budget and simplicity are top priorities, the OG850 absolutely delivers.

Final Word:

• OG850 = Best for traditional, no-fuss grilling with woodfire flavor.
• OG951 = Best for tech lovers, entertainers, and those who want maximum versatility.