Outdoor cooking stopped being seasonal for me the moment I switched to electric woodfire grills. After spending real time cooking everything from burgers and ribs to smoked chicken and air-fried sides on both the Ninja OG850 and the Ninja OG951, I can confidently say these two grills are closely related, yet clearly designed for different types of outdoor cooks. They share the same rugged body and woodfire concept, but the experience they deliver is not identical.
This comparison is written from actual use, not spec sheets. If you are deciding between these two Ninja Woodfire grills, this breakdown should help you understand where each one truly shines.
Key Difference Between Ninja OG850 Vs OG951 Woodfire Grill
The biggest difference comes down to connectivity, cooking versatility, and precision control.
- Ninja OG850 is a 4-in-1 woodfire grill focused on grilling, smoking, air frying, and baking, with a single built-in thermometer and fully manual operation.
- Ninja OG951 expands that experience into a 7-in-1 smart grill, adding roast, broil, and dehydrate modes, plus Bluetooth app control and dual built-in thermometers for cooking multiple proteins at once.
If the OG850 is about simplicity and power, the OG951 is about control, automation, and multitasking.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact,...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor...
Comparison Table: Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill
| Feature | Ninja OG850 | Ninja OG951 |
| Cooking Functions | 4-in-1 | 7-in-1 |
| Grill Space | 180 sq. in. | 180 sq. in. |
| Built-In Thermometers | 1 | 2 |
| App Connectivity | No | Yes (Bluetooth) |
| Woodfire Pellets | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | Electric | Electric |
| Smoking Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Air Fry Function | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 38.9 lbs | 38.9 lbs |
| Best For | Hands-on grilling | Smart, guided cooking |
| Check Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build Quality
Physically, the OG850 and OG951 are identical. Same footprint, same weight, same stainless-steel exterior, and the same weather-resistant construction. Both feel extremely solid right out of the box and clearly designed to live outdoors year-round.
I left both units outside through rain and heat, and neither showed signs of rust or fading. The lids seal tightly, the control panels are responsive, and the pellet compartment feels well integrated rather than tacked on.
From a purely structural standpoint, there is no winner here. Ninja built one body and perfected it.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact,...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original...
Ease of Use and Setup
The OG850 is more straightforward. Plug it in, add pellets, select a function, and start cooking. The control panel is intuitive, and after a few sessions, muscle memory takes over. It feels like a traditional grill with modern conveniences.
The OG951 introduces a different workflow. While you can still cook directly from the control panel, the real magic happens once you pair it with the Ninja ProConnect app. The app walks you through preheating, food placement, flipping reminders, and doneness alerts. For longer cooks, this dramatically reduces babysitting.
If you enjoy being hands-on, the OG850 feels natural. If you prefer guided cooking with minimal guesswork, the OG951 feels like a luxury upgrade.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact,...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original...
Cooking Performance and Heat Control
Both grills deliver impressive heat output for electric units. Steaks sear properly, burgers char evenly, and vegetables develop that grilled flavor without drying out.
The OG850 relies heavily on your attention and the single built-in thermometer. It works well, but you need to monitor internal temps more actively, especially when cooking thicker cuts.
The OG951 takes this further with dual thermometers. Cooking chicken breasts and sausages simultaneously to different doneness levels felt effortless. The grill adjusts and alerts you precisely when each protein is ready.
For consistency and precision, the OG951 clearly has the edge.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor...
Woodfire Flavor and Smoking Experience
Both grills use Ninja’s woodfire pellet system, and the flavor difference compared to standard electric grills is noticeable. A half cup of pellets produces real smoke, visible bark, and that subtle wood-fired aroma.
Smoking ribs and brisket on both units produced nearly identical results in terms of flavor. The difference is management. On the OG850, you manage time and temp manually. On the OG951, the app keeps track of progress and lets you know when adjustments are needed.
If flavor alone is your priority, both perform equally well. If control matters, the OG951 makes smoking easier and more predictable.
Air Frying and Additional Functions
Air frying outdoors is surprisingly useful, especially for sides. Fries, wings, and vegetables came out crispy without heating up the kitchen.
The OG850 covers the essentials with air fry and bake modes. Everything it does, it does well.
The OG951, however, feels more like an outdoor kitchen appliance. Roast, broil, and dehydrate modes expand what you can cook. Dehydrating jerky or roasting vegetables alongside smoked meat adds versatility that the OG850 simply does not offer.
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact,...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original...
App Connectivity and Smart Features
This is where the OG951 separates itself completely.
Using the app, I could:
- Monitor internal food temperatures remotely
- Receive alerts for flipping or resting
- Control cook time and temperature
- Cook two proteins independently
Once you get used to this level of feedback, going back to manual cooking feels limiting. The OG850 works fine without smart features, but the OG951 feels future-proof.
Ninja OG850 Woodfire Pro Grill & Smoker
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact,...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original...
Pros:
- Simple, reliable operation
- Excellent woodfire flavor
- Strong grilling and smoking performance
- No app dependency
- Ideal for hands-on cooks
Cons:
- Only one thermometer
- Fewer cooking modes
- No remote monitoring
Ninja OG951 Woodfire Pro Connect Grill & Smoker
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor...
Pros:
- 7-in-1 versatility
- Dual thermometers for multitasking
- App-enabled smart cooking
- Minimal guesswork
- Excellent for long or complex cooks
Cons:
- Higher learning curve initially
- App features may feel unnecessary for purists
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Does the Ninja OG951 cook better than the OG850?
In terms of flavor, they are equal. The OG951 cooks more precisely thanks to dual thermometers and app guidance.
-
Can I use the OG850 without wood pellets?
Yes, both grills function electrically without pellets, but you lose the woodfire flavor.
-
Is the Ninja ProConnect app necessary for the OG951?
No, but using it significantly improves the cooking experience and reduces guesswork.
Final Verdict and Recommendation:
The choice between the Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Grill depends on how you like to cook outdoors.
If you enjoy manual control, simplicity, and classic grilling, the OG850 delivers excellent performance without unnecessary complexity. It is powerful, reliable, and produces outstanding wood-fired flavor.
If you want precision, automation, and the ability to manage multiple foods effortlessly, the OG951 is the clear winner. The app integration and dual thermometers elevate outdoor cooking into something more relaxed and consistent.
For casual grillers, the OG850 is more than enough. For serious outdoor cooks who value control and versatility, the OG951 is worth every upgrade.
