Stepping out onto my deck with a 10-pound brisket in one hand and a smartphone in the other, I realized that the world of outdoor cooking has officially entered a new era. I’ve spent the last few weekends putting the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL OG850 and its high-tech sibling, the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG951, through the ultimate backyard gauntlet.
Both of these machines are “XL” versions, meaning they solve the one major complaint people had about the original Woodfire: the size. They both offer a massive 180 square inches of cooking space, which is plenty for a full family cookout. But while the OG850 focuses on the core “Smart” thermometer experience, the OG951 introduces Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a second thermometer probe.1
If you’re trying to figure out if you actually need a grill that talks to your phone, or if the standard Pro XL is more than enough, I’ve broken down exactly how these two perform when the smoke starts rolling.
The Big Difference: Connectivity and Control (Ninja OG850 vs OG951 Woodfire Pro XL)
The fundamental divide here isn’t how they cook—both use the same 1760-watt heating element and woodfire pellet box—but rather how you monitor that cook.
- The OG850 (Pro XL): Features a built-in smart thermometer that plugs into the grill’s face. You set your target temp on the machine, and it beeps when it’s done.
- The OG951 (Pro Connect XL): Is fully app-enabled.2 You can check the internal temperature of your steaks from your living room couch, receive “time to flip” notifications, and manage two separate thermometer probes simultaneously. It also adds more functions like Broil and Dehydrate.
- 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 woodfire...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs...
Comparison Table: OG850 vs. OG951 Woodfire Grill
| Feature | Ninja OG850 Woodfire Pro XL | Ninja OG951 Pro Connect XL |
| Cooking Functions | 4-in-1 (Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake) | 7-in-1 (Adds Broil, Dehydrate, Roast) |
| Cooking Area | 180 sq. in. (Fits 10 burgers) | 180 sq. in. (Fits 10 burgers) |
| Thermometers | 1 Built-in Smart Probe | 2 Built-in Smart Probes |
| Connectivity | None (Manual Control) | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi (App Enabled) |
| Weight | 38.94 Pounds | 38.94 Pounds |
| Weather Resistance | Yes (IPX4 Rated) | Yes (IPX4 Rated) |
| Included Accessories | Grate, 1 Probe, Basket, Pellets | Grate, 2 Probes, Basket, Pellets |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience
Design and “XL” Capacity
When I first set up the OG850, I was immediately struck by the size improvement over the standard Woodfire. Fitting two full racks of ribs without having to cut them in half is a total game-changer. The OG951 shares this exact same chassis. Both feel incredibly sturdy, with a stainless steel outer shell that feels like it can take a beating from the elements.
The “Coastal Blue” finish on the OG951 is particularly striking—it looks more like a piece of premium patio furniture than a standard black grill. Despite being “Portable,” at nearly 40 pounds, these are heavy. I can move them from the garage to the deck solo, but you’ll want a dedicated stand if you plan on using them regularly.
- 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 woodfire...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of...
The Pro Connect App: Gimmick or Necessity?
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the OG951’s Pro Connect app. However, during a 4-hour slow-smoke of a brisket, it became my favorite feature. I was able to go inside, prep the side dishes, and even watch a bit of the game, all while keeping a live eye on the internal temperature graph on my phone.
The app sends a notification when it’s time to flip the meat and—crucially—when the grill has finished its preheat cycle.3 With the OG850, I found myself walking back to the deck every ten minutes to check the display. If you’re the type of person who gets distracted or likes to multitask, the OG951’s “Connect” feature removes 100% of the anxiety of overcooking an expensive cut of meat.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs...
Performance: Dual-Probe vs. Single-Probe
During a Sunday dinner, I had a bit of a “Goldilocks” situation: one guest wanted a medium-rare ribeye, and the other wanted theirs well-done.
- On the OG850, I had to use the single probe for one steak, then manually check the other with a handheld thermometer.
- On the OG951, I plugged both probes in, set different targets for each on the app, and the grill told me exactly when to pull each steak off.
Having two probes is a massive advantage when you are cooking different types of protein (like chicken and beef) at the same time.
Cooking Versatility
The OG951 is officially a 7-in-1, adding “Broil” and “Dehydrate” to the mix.4 While I don’t see myself making beef jerky outdoors very often, the Broil function is fantastic for putting a final, crispy finish on pork belly or caramelizing a sugar-based BBQ sauce at the very end of a cook. The OG850 is slightly more limited, focusing on the core “Big Four” functions. That said, the Air Fryer performance on both is identical—crisping up 4 lbs of wings with a hint of woodsmoke is easily the best way to eat wings.
Ninja OG850 (Pro XL) Woodfire Grill
- 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 woodfire...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of...
Pros:
- Simpler Interface: Perfect for those who want to escape technology while they cook.
- Large Capacity: You get the same massive cooking space as the 951 for a lower price.
- Reliability: No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing issues to worry about; just plug and play.
- Weatherproof: Built to live outside year-round.
Cons:
- Single Probe: Can only monitor one piece of meat at a time.
- Limited Functions: Lacks the Broil and Dehydrate settings found on the flagship model.
Ninja OG951 (Pro Connect XL) Woodfire Grill
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs...
Pros:
- Total Freedom: The app allows you to monitor your cook from anywhere in the house.
- Dual Monitoring: Two probes mean you can cook for different tastes perfectly.
- More Modes: The addition of Broil and Dehydrate makes it a true “outdoor kitchen.”
- Proactive Alerts: Tells you when to flip and when to add food, making it foolproof.
Cons:
- Price: It sits at the top of the price bracket for the Woodfire series.
- Tech Dependent: To get the most out of it, you need a stable home Wi-Fi signal on your patio.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
After weeks of smoking and grilling, the choice comes down to how much you value your time away from the grill.
Choose the Ninja OG850 if you are a “traditionalist.” If you find joy in standing by the grill with a drink in your hand, checking the temp manually, and keeping things simple, the OG850 is a perfect machine. You get the XL capacity and the Woodfire flavor without paying for “smart” features you might not use.
Choose the Ninja OG951 if you are the “host.” If you’re usually busy entertaining guests, managing kids, or prepping sides in the kitchen, the Pro Connect app is worth every penny. Being able to monitor two different steaks to two different doneness levels simultaneously is a “superpower” for any backyard chef.
In my kitchen (or rather, on my deck), the OG951 is the clear winner. The peace of mind provided by the dual probes and the phone notifications turns outdoor cooking from a “task” into a relaxing experience.
- 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 woodfire...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real woodfire flavors all in one place.
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill—that fits up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi for the OG951 to work?
A: The grill will work perfectly fine as a manual grill without Wi-Fi. However, to use the app and receive notifications on your phone, you will need to connect it via Bluetooth or your home’s Wi-Fi network.
Q: Can I fit a whole turkey in these XL models?
A: You can fit a large whole chicken (up to 7 lbs) or a 10-lb brisket. A standard 15-lb Thanksgiving turkey is likely too tall for the lid to close properly, but you could fit a medium-sized turkey breast with ease.
Q: Is the smoke flavor “too much”?
A: Not at all. Since it only uses half a cup of pellets, the smoke is used as a “seasoning” rather than a heavy fuel source. It’s more subtle than a traditional offset smoker but much more noticeable than a standard propane grill.
Q: How do I clean the thermometer probes?
A: Wipe the stainless steel probe with a damp, soapy cloth after every use. Do not submerge the entire cable or the plug in water, as this can damage the internal sensors.
