Ninja OG301 vs OG321 Woodfire Grill: Which Outdoor Powerhouse Wins?

When I first unboxed the Ninja Woodfire series, I was skeptical. As a fan of traditional charcoal and propane, I wasn’t sure an electric grill could actually deliver that deep, smoky “bark” I crave on a brisket. But after spending a summer flipping burgers on the Ninja OG301 (4-in-1) and then upgrading to the Ninja OG321 (6-in-1), my perspective has shifted.

The Woodfire series isn’t just about convenience; it’s about a technology that uses tiny wood pellets to infuse flavor while electricity does the heavy lifting of the heat. However, choosing between the OG301 and the OG321 feels like a riddle. They look identical, they weigh the same, and they both draw the same amount of power. So, where is that extra value hiding in the OG321?

Let’s get into the details of these two outdoor titans.

The Crucial Distinction: Function vs. Convenience (Ninja OG301 vs OG321 Woodfire Grill)

The primary difference between these two models is the control panel. While the hardware—the 1760-watt heating element, the smoke box, and the 141-square-inch grate—is identical, the OG321 unlocks two additional software-driven modes: Air Fry and Broil.

While the OG301 can technically “air fry” using its Bake or Roast settings (since it’s essentially a high-powered convection fan), the OG321 provides a dedicated “Air Crisp” button that optimizes fan speed and heat for maximum crunch.

Comparison Table: OG301 vs. OG321 Woodfire Grill

Feature	Ninja OG301 Woodfire	Ninja OG321 Woodfire
Cooking Functions	4-in-1 (Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast)	6-in-1 (Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Air Fry, Broil)
Power	1760 Watts	1760 Watts
Cooking Surface	141 sq. in. (approx. 6 steaks)	141 sq. in. (approx. 6 steaks)
Technology	Woodfire Smoker Box	Woodfire Smoker Box
Weather Resistance	IPX4 Rated	IPX4 Rated
Accessories	Grill Grate, Crisper Basket, Scoop	Grill Grate, Crisper Basket, Scoop
Best For	Traditional BBQ Enthusiasts	The “One-Appliance” Outdoor Cook
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Take

Design: Familiar and Rugged

Walking out to my patio, both machines look like high-tech treasure chests. They both feature the same heavy-duty, heat-resistant handles and weather-resistant plastic and metal housing. If I lined them up side-by-side without looking at the stickers, I couldn’t tell them apart.

They are both surprisingly portable at roughly 29 pounds. I’ve taken the OG301 to a tailgate and the OG321 on a camping trip with a portable power station (though you need a beefy one to handle 1760 watts). The build quality is top-tier; even after a surprise rainstorm, both wiped down easily and kept on ticking.

Performance: That Signature Smoke

The “Woodfire” tech is where these machines shine. You fill a tiny side compartment with about half a cup of pellets, hit the “Woodfire Flavor” button, and within minutes, the neighborhood smells like a professional smokehouse.

In my testing, both grills seared a ribeye to perfection. The 1760-watt element gets the grate incredibly hot—hotter than my old propane grill could ever dream of. Because the cooking area is compact, the heat is intense and direct. Whether I was using the 4-in-1 or the 6-in-1, the “Grill” and “Smoke” functions performed identically. My 9-lb brisket came out of both with a respectable smoke ring and that tender, pull-apart texture.

Functions: The Benefit of Air Fry and Broil

This is where I started to prefer the OG321. On a hot July day, the last thing I wanted to do was run my indoor air fryer and heat up the kitchen. Having a dedicated “Air Fry” setting on the OG321 meant I could cook wings outside while the burgers were resting.

• Air Frying: The OG321’s fan speed in Air Fry mode is noticeably more aggressive than the “Bake” mode on the OG301. My french fries came out noticeably crispier in the 321.
• Broiling: The Broil function on the OG321 is a hidden gem for finishing off BBQ ribs with a sticky glaze. It applies intense top-down heat that the OG301’s Bake setting can’t quite replicate.

Ease of Use: Foolproof Grilling

The beauty of both is the “plug and play” nature. No propane tanks to refill, no charcoal chimneys to light. I simply plugged them into my outdoor outlet, selected my mode, and walked away.

The non-stick grill grate is a dream. Even after a messy honey-garlic chicken session, a soak in warm soapy water had the grate looking brand new. Both models include a pellet scoop and a starter pack of pellets, so you’re ready to smoke your first meal immediately.

Ninja OG301 (4-in-1) Woodfire Grill

Pros:

• Simplicity: Focuses on the core BBQ experience (Grill, Smoke, Roast, Bake).
• Price: Often found at a lower price point, offering the best “smoke per dollar” value.
• The Same Power: You get the same raw heating power as the more expensive models.

Cons:

• Lacks dedicated Air Fry: You have to “hack” air frying by using the Bake setting.
• No Broil: Harder to get that bubbly, caramelized finish on sauces.

Ninja OG321 (6-in-1) Woodfire Grill

Pros:

• Ultimate Versatility: The dedicated Air Fry and Broil modes make it a true kitchen replacement.
• Crispier Results: Faster fan speeds in Air Fry mode lead to better textures on frozen snacks and wings.
• Perfect for Gifting: It feels like the “complete” version of the grill.

Cons:

• Premium Price: You are essentially paying more for software updates and a few extra labels on the dial.
• Same Capacity: Despite the extra functions, you can’t cook any more food than the 301.

The Verdict: My Recommendation

After a summer of testing, my recommendation depends on what is already sitting on your kitchen counter.

I recommend the Ninja OG301 if you already own a high-quality air fryer inside and you just want an outdoor machine to handle the “heavy lifting” of grilling and smoking. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way to get that authentic woodfire flavor, the 301 gives you all the power without the extra bells and whistles you might not use.

I recommend the Ninja OG321 if you want one machine to do it all. If you live in an apartment with a small balcony and no room for multiple appliances, the 321 is the winner. The addition of a true Air Fry and Broil mode makes it much more than just a grill—it becomes your entire summer kitchen.

Personally, I’d go with the OG321. The price difference is usually minimal during sales, and having the “Air Fry” button for outdoor wings is a luxury I don’t want to live without.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use these grills indoors?

A: Absolutely not. While they are electric, the wood pellets produce real smoke and carbon monoxide.6 They are strictly for outdoor use in well-ventilated areas.

Q: Do I have to use Ninja-brand pellets?

A: You don’t have to, but Ninja pellets are sized specifically for the small smoke box. If you use third-party pellets, ensure they are 100% hardwood and not too large for the ignition system to handle.

Q: How long do the pellets last?

A: A single half-cup scoop lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes of active smoking. For longer cooks, like a brisket, you can refill the side box as needed, but usually, the first hour of smoke is all you need for flavor.

Q: Is the grill grate dishwasher safe?

A: Yes, it is! However, to preserve the non-stick coating for as long as possible, I usually recommend a quick hand wash.