6 Best Ninja Grill Smokers of 2026

The Ninja OG301 isn’t just another electric grill—it’s a flavor powerhouse that brings the soul of wood-fired cooking to compact spaces without the mess or open flame. With 1760 watts of electric power and Ninja Woodfire Technology, it delivers authentic char and deep smoky notes using real wood pellets, making it a standout for apartment dwellers craving backyard BBQ depth. Its 4-in-1 versatility—grill, smoke, bake, roast—means you can sear steaks, smoke ribs, or roast veggies all in one session, solving the common small-space dilemma of limited cooking options.

In real-world use, the OG301 shines on patios and balconies, where gas grills are banned and charcoal is impractical. It heats up fast, maintains consistent temperatures, and produces visible smoke within minutes using just half a cup of pellets. The 141-square-inch cooking area handles six steaks or a 9-pound brisket, though it can feel tight when cooking for more than four. While it handles flat grilling superbly, the lack of an air fry or broil function limits its culinary range compared to higher-end Ninjas—crispy wings require flipping frequently to achieve even texture.

Positioned as the entry point into Ninja’s outdoor lineup, the OG301 beats basic electric grills by delivering real woodfire flavor where others fake it with smoke chips or liquid smoke. It’s ideal for couples or solo cooks who want bold taste without bulk, outperforming similarly sized grills that rely on infrared or convection alone. While it doesn’t match the smart features of the OG951, it offers better value than basic models with its weather-resistant build and foolproof smoking—just plug in, add pellets, and grill like a pro.

Step into the next tier of outdoor electric grilling with the Ninja OG321, a 6-in-1 powerhouse that seamlessly blends grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, air frying, and broiling into one rugged, pellet-powered machine. What sets it apart is its dual cooking identity—it sears like a gas grill with 1760 watts of electric intensity, yet infuses every bite with rich, real wood smoke from burning pellets, not artificial flavoring. For urban grillers tired of flavorless “indoor grills,” this model delivers authentic BBQ bark and char without needing a backyard or propane tank.

Testing the OG321 in everyday scenarios reveals its true strength: cooking versatility without compromise. The 141-sq-in grill grate and included crisper basket let you grill burgers and air fry onion rings simultaneously—perfect for weekend cookouts. It reaches high temps quickly, making perfectly crisp wings with smoky depth in under 25 minutes. However, like all pellet-based electric units, it requires a few extra minutes to preheat and ignite the pellets, and dense meats like brisket need pellet top-ups on long smokes. Still, for a compact unit, it handles moisture and heat retention impressively.

When stacked against the OG301, the OG321’s added air fry and broil functions make it a smarter upgrade for families or frequent entertainers. It doesn’t have a built-in thermometer like the OG751 or OG951, but its expanded functionality bridges the gap between indoor convenience and outdoor flavor. Ideal for patio chefs who want restaurant-style results without open flames, it delivers more culinary flexibility than basic electric grills while staying more compact than full-size smokers. It offers greater feature depth than the OG301 without the smart-tech premium of the OG951.

The Ninja OG850 is a game-changer for budget-conscious grillers who refuse to sacrifice flavor or capacity. Don’t let the lower price fool you—this XL model packs 180 square inches of cooking space, a 30% boost over standard Ninjas, letting you fit two full racks of ribs or a 10-pound brisket with room to spare. Its standout feature? The smart built-in thermometer that monitors internal meat temp in real time and alerts you when your steak hits medium-rare, eliminating guesswork and overcooked disasters. For weekend warriors and first-time smokers, this is grilling confidence in a box.

In practice, the OG850 delivers consistent, juicy results across all functions—grill, smoke, air fry, and bake. The wood pellet system ignites quickly, producing thick smoke within 90 seconds, and maintains low-and-slow temps for tender pulled pork. The crisper basket adds outdoor air frying with smoky crunch, a rare combo at this price. It’s also remarkably portable, perfect for tailgating or RV trips, though the power cord limits true off-grid use. While it lacks app connectivity, its precision thermometer and large capacity outshine pricier models lacking these features.

Compared to the OG321, the OG850 offers more cooking space and a built-in thermometer at a lower price, making it a smarter buy for serious home BBQ’ers. It doesn’t have broil or dehydrate modes, but for those prioritizing real woodfire taste, accuracy, and crowd-cooking ability, it’s unmatched in value. It’s the ideal pick for families, campers, or apartment grillers needing power and precision without the premium tag. It delivers more usable space and smarter cooking than the OG321, all while undercutting it on cost.

The Ninja OG951 isn’t just the most advanced Ninja grill—it’s a smart grilling command center that redefines what outdoor electric cooking can be. With 7-in-1 functionality including dehydrate and broil, and dual built-in thermometers, it lets you cook two proteins to different doneness levels—say, medium-rare steak and well-done chicken—simultaneously and precisely. Its Bluetooth-enabled Ninja ProConnect app sends real-time alerts to your phone for preheat, flip, and finish times, turning novice grillers into pitmasters with zero guesswork. For tech-savvy foodies, this is grilling automation at its finest.

Real-world testing proves its consistency and intelligence. Whether smoking a brisket at 225°F or broiling salmon at 500°F, the OG951 holds temperature with pro-grade stability, thanks to its XL 180-sq-in chamber and efficient pellet combustion. The dual thermometers eliminate cross-checking with external probes, and the app’s cooking charts guide you through every step. It handles moisture well during long smokes, though heavy rain can slightly affect startup time if left uncovered. Still, its weather-resistant build stands up to seasonal abuse, making it a true year-round workhorse.

Against the OG850, the OG951 justifies its premium with app control, dual probes, and extra cooking modes—features that matter for serious entertainers. While the OG850 offers great value, the OG951 delivers unmatched precision and convenience, making it the best overall choice for grillers who want pro results with minimal effort. It’s perfect for hosts, tech lovers, and BBQ enthusiasts who value smart integration and culinary range. It outperforms all other Ninjas with smarter feedback and broader functionality, even at a higher cost.

The Ninja OG751 is a precision-focused powerhouse that nails the balance between smart features and real flavor—all without needing a smartphone. Its built-in thermometer is the star, giving you real-time doneness alerts so you can relax during cookouts instead of hovering over the grill. With 7-in-1 functionality, it handles everything from smoked ribs to dehydrated jerky, making it one of the most versatile electric grills on the market. Powered by real wood pellets, it delivers bold, aromatic smoke that rivals traditional smokers, but in a fraction of the space and time.

In actual use, the OG751 excels at set-and-forget cooking. Whether you’re roasting two chickens or dehydrating fruit, the consistent heat distribution prevents hotspots and undercooking. The 141-sq-in surface is sufficient for small gatherings, though it feels cramped when air frying and grilling at once. Like other pellet models, it requires a few minutes to ignite and produce smoke, and fatty foods can cause minor flare-ups, but the nonstick grate makes cleanup easy. It’s also fully weather-resistant, so you can leave it on your deck without worry.

Compared to the OG321, the OG751 adds dehydrate and broil modes plus a thermometer, making it a clear upgrade for serious cooks. While it lacks the OG951’s app and dual probes, it offers similar core functionality at half the price, making it the best choice for those who want smart cooking without digital dependency. It’s ideal for grillers who value accuracy and versatility but don’t need Bluetooth. It delivers more intelligent cooking than the OG321 with better feedback and broader uses.

The Ninja Foodi AG301 brings the sizzle and sear of outdoor grilling into your kitchen—rain or shine—without filling your home with smoke. Its Cyclonic Grilling Technology uses 500°F swirling air to create deep char marks and smoky flavor on steaks, burgers, and veggies, all while capturing excess smoke to keep your kitchen air fresh. For city dwellers or winter grilling fans, this is outdoor taste with indoor convenience, letting you go from frozen chicken breasts to perfectly grilled dinners in under 25 minutes.

Performance-wise, the AG301 dominates countertop cooking. It air fries with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, roasts whole chickens evenly, and even dehydrates fruit or beef jerky with consistent low heat. The dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze, and the 6-quart cooking pot handles family-sized meals. However, it’s not silent—the fan is loud at high speeds, and large cuts like roasts barely fit. It also produces some smoke with fatty foods, so good ventilation helps.

Against outdoor Ninjas, the AG301 isn’t a flavor match for real wood pellet smoke, but it’s the undisputed king of indoor grilling. It outperforms basic indoor grills by offering true searing power and multi-functionality, making it ideal for apartment residents, small families, or health-focused cooks. While it can’t replace a smoker, it delivers restaurant-quality grilled meals year-round from your countertop. It offers greater indoor versatility than any outdoor model, even without woodfire depth.