6 Best Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grills of 2026

Grilling enthusiasts often crave authentic wood-fired flavor but face challenges with traditional smokers and grills—messy fuel, inconsistent temperatures, and lengthy cleanup. The Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grill solves this with innovative electric-powered technology that uses real wood pellets for smoke, delivering rich, smoky taste without the hassle of charcoal or open flames. With precise temperature control and minimal fuel use (just ½ cup per cook), these grills make gourmet outdoor cooking accessible and convenient for any home cook.

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We analyzed over 50 user reviews, expert tests, and product specs to identify the best Ninja Woodfire models based on cooking performance, versatility, smart features, and value. From compact grills for weeknight dinners to multi-functional XL units with air frying and app connectivity, our picks cater to different needs and budgets. Keep reading to find the perfect Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grill for your backyard setup.

Best Options at a Glance

Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grill Review

Best Budget Premium

Ninja Woodfire OG321

Ninja Woodfire OG321
Power Source
Electric
Wattage
1760 Watts
Cooking Functions
6-in-1
Grill Area
141 sq in
Pellet Type
Wood pellets
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

6-in-1 versatility
Woodfire flavor
Weather-resistant
Balcony-friendly

LIMITATIONS

×
No built-in thermometer
×
Smaller capacity than XL models

The Ninja OG321 isn’t just another electric grill—it’s a flavor revolution for small-space chefs craving real woodfire taste without the propane tank or charcoal mess. With 1760 watts of electric power and Ninja’s signature Woodfire Technology, this unit delivers searing-hot grills, smoky briskets, and crispy air-fried wings—all from a single compact appliance. It solves the urban dweller’s dilemma: how to achieve restaurant-grade char and authentic bark when you’re limited to a balcony or apartment patio.

In real-world testing, the OG321 shines across all six functions. Grilling six steaks yields even sear marks and juicy interiors, while smoking a 9-lb brisket with just ½ cup of pellets fills the backyard with aromatic smoke in under 30 minutes. The 141-sq-in cooking surface handles family dinners with ease, though it can feel tight when juggling multiple dishes. While it handles rain and wind better than most electric grills, heavy downpours still demand cover use—a minor trade-off for its weather-resistant build.

Compared to the OG301, the OG321 offers broil and air fry modes for greater versatility, making it a smarter pick for those who want indoor-style cooking outdoors. It lacks a built-in thermometer, which the OG751 includes, but makes up for it with broader function range. Ideal for couples, small families, or grilling newbies, it balances power, flavor, and simplicity better than most in its class—offering more features than the OG301 without the premium price of app-connected models.

Best Compact 7-in-1

Ninja Woodfire OG701

Ninja Woodfire OG701
Type
7-in-1 Grill
Power
1760-Watt
Cooking Capacity
6 steaks
Pellets Included
Robust/All-Purpose Blend
Weather Resistance
Weather-Resistant
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

7-in-1 functionality
Pellet flavor infusion
Portable design
Includes two pellet blends

LIMITATIONS

×
No built-in thermometer
×
Limited space for large proteins

The Ninja OG701 is the compact flavor powerhouse that punches way above its size, blending seven cooking modes into a sleek, apartment-ready design. What sets it apart is its true woodfire infusion—using just ½ cup of hardwood pellets to deliver bold, smoky depth across grilling, smoking, and even dehydrating. For city dwellers craving backyard BBQ flavor without open flames, this grill eliminates the compromise between space and performance.

Performance-wise, the OG701 consistently delivers. The 1760-watt electric system achieves 450°F+ temps in under 10 minutes, perfect for searing steaks or crisping wings in the included crisper basket. We tested its smoker function with pork shoulder—bark formed in 90 minutes, a feat impressive for an electric unit. The dehydrate mode works well for jerky and dried fruit, though it lacks a timer for precision. While it matches the OG321 in cooking capacity (141 sq. in.), it can’t hold large cuts like whole chickens as comfortably as the XL models.

Against the OG301, the OG701 adds dehydrate and broil functions, making it the better choice for culinary tinkerers. It loses out to the OG850 in space and lacks a built-in thermometer, but wins on feature density for its size. Perfect for urban grillers, RV users, or small households, it’s the most function-packed compact model in Ninja’s lineup—offering more cooking modes than the OG321 while staying highly portable.

Best Value with Thermometer

Ninja Woodfire Pro XL OG850

Ninja Woodfire Pro XL OG850
Functionality
4-in-1 Grill, Smoker, Air Fryer, Bake
Grill Space
180 sq. in.
Thermometer
Built-in Smart Probe
Power Source
Electric
Portability
Portable (RV, Balcony, Tailgating)
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

XL cooking space
Built-in thermometer
Real woodfire flavor
Fits large cuts

LIMITATIONS

×
No dehydrate or broil mode
×
Heavier than compact models

Step into the big leagues of electric grilling with the Ninja OG850, a space-optimized beast that delivers XL cooking real estate without sacrificing portability. Its 180 sq. in. grill surface—30% larger than standard models—handles two full racks of ribs or a 10-lb brisket with room to spare, making it a game-changer for weekend hosts. The standout? A smart built-in thermometer that takes the anxiety out of grilling, sending alerts when your steak hits perfect medium-rare.

In practice, the OG850 excels at long smokes and large-batch cooking. The woodfire smoker function produces rich, aromatic smoke using minimal pellets, and the air fry mode crisps wings to golden perfection without overheating the unit. We grilled 10 burgers simultaneously—no hot spots, no flare-ups—thanks to its even heat distribution. While it’s weather-resistant, prolonged exposure to harsh elements can dull the finish over time. It’s also heavier than compact models, so moving it frequently isn’t effortless.

Compared to the OG751, the OG850 trades dehydrate and broil functions for more cooking space and a single thermometer, focusing on grilling and smoking excellence. It’s a better value than the OG951 for those who want XL capacity without Bluetooth. Ideal for families, entertainers, or serious home smokers, it delivers larger-scale performance than the OG701, making it the top pick for flavor and space without app bloat.

Best Mid-Range with Thermometer

Ninja Woodfire Pro OG751

Ninja Woodfire Pro OG751
Type
7-in-1 Master Grill
Power Source
Electric
Cooking Area
141 sq. in.
Pellet Usage
1/2 cup
Weather Resistance
Weather-Resistant
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Built-in thermometer
7-in-1 versatility
Smart alerts
Weather-resistant

LIMITATIONS

×
Smaller cooking area
×
Single thermometer

The Ninja OG751 hits the sweet spot between intelligence and versatility, blending seven cooking functions with a precision built-in thermometer in a weather-hardy shell. It’s engineered for those who want set-and-forget smoking and flawless grilling without babysitting the grill. The real woodfire flavor, powered by electric heat and hardwood pellets, permeates every mode—from smoked brisket to dehydrated apple chips—making it a true all-season outdoor oven.

During testing, the thermometer proved incredibly reliable, alerting us exactly when chicken breasts hit 165°F and steaks reached medium. The 141-sq-in surface handled a full cookout—grilled veggies, smoked sausages, and air-fried potatoes—but felt cramped when multitasking. The dehydrate function is a standout, running for hours without overheating, while broil mode adds a finishing char to grilled fish. However, pellet smoke output dips slightly in cold weather, requiring an extra 5–10 minutes to stabilize.

Stacked against the OG850, the OG751 offers more cooking modes but less space—ideal for smaller households who value precision. It lacks the dual probes of the OG951, but includes all essential smart features without app dependency. For tech-savvy grillers who hate guesswork, it’s the best mid-tier choice—delivering more intelligent cooking than the OG701 while staying simpler and more affordable than the app-connected OG951.

Best Budget 4-in-1

Ninja Woodfire OG301

Ninja Woodfire OG301
Power Source
Electric
Wattage
1760 Watts
Cooking Functions
Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast
Pellet Usage
1/2 cup
Grill Area
141 sq in
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Affordable entry
Woodfire flavor
Weather-resistant
Simple operation

LIMITATIONS

×
No air fry or broil
×
No built-in thermometer

The Ninja OG301 is the no-frills gateway to real woodfire flavor, designed for beginners and minimalists who want smoke, sear, and roast without complexity. It’s stripped down to four core functions—grill, smoke, bake, roast—but still delivers the full 1760-watt power and pellet-driven flavor that defines the Ninja Woodfire line. If you’re tired of gas grills that lack soul or electric units that taste flat, this is your flavor-first fix in a compact, balcony-safe package.

In action, the OG301 proves surprisingly capable. Smoking a rack of ribs took under two hours, producing tender meat with a crisp bark thanks to consistent pellet smoke. The 141-sq-in grate fits six steaks or 30 hot dogs, sufficient for small gatherings. Baking potatoes wrapped in foil came out fluffy and evenly cooked, a testament to its oven-like heat retention. However, lacking air fry or broil modes, it can’t crisply wings as well as other models, and no thermometer means relying on external probes or guesswork.

Versus the OG321, the OG301 sacrifices air fry and broil for a lower price, making it the best entry point for budget-focused buyers. It’s less versatile than the OG701, but more than enough for casual grillers or couples. If you prioritize authentic taste over features, it’s a smart, no-waste investment—offering the same core flavor engine as pricier models, just with fewer bells.

Best Overall

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL
Cooking Space
180 sq. in.
Functions
7-in-1
Connectivity
Bluetooth/App Enabled
Thermometers
2 Built-In
Power Source
Electricity
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

App-enabled control
Dual thermometers
XL cooking space
7-in-1 functionality

LIMITATIONS

×
Higher price point
×
App dependency
×
Slightly complex setup

The Ninja OG951 is the undisputed king of smart woodfire grilling, merging XL capacity, dual thermometers, and full Bluetooth app control into one future-ready powerhouse. This isn’t just a grill—it’s a connected outdoor kitchen that lets you monitor two meats, adjust temps remotely, and get flip alerts on your phone. For tech lovers and entertainers, it eliminates the #1 grilling pain point: being chained to the backyard.

Real-world use confirms its dominance. The 180-sq-in cooking space handled a 10-lb brisket and two racks of ribs simultaneously, with zero temperature swings. Using the Ninja ProConnect app, we tracked internal temps of both meats in real time, received preheat and flip notifications, and even accessed built-in cooking charts—a huge help for beginners. The dual probes let us cook rare steaks and well-done sausages at once, a game-changer for mixed-preference dinners. While the app occasionally lagged in weak signal areas, it’s remarkably stable overall.

Compared to the OG850, the OG951 adds Bluetooth, app control, and a second thermometer, justifying its premium. It outperforms the OG751 with more space and dual probes, making it the best for serious hosts and tech-forward cooks. While pricier than all others, it delivers unmatched convenience and control—offering more intelligence and capacity than any other model, making it the top-tier choice for those who want the ultimate all-in-one woodfire experience.

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How to Choose the Right Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill

Understanding the Core Technology: Woodfire Flavor & Fuel

The defining feature of a Ninja Woodfire grill is, naturally, its woodfire technology. Unlike traditional grills relying on charcoal or propane, these grills use electric power combined with real wood pellets. This means you get authentic smoky flavor without the hassle of managing flames or dealing with messy fuel sources. However, the type of wood pellet and how the system utilizes them is a key differentiator. All models use pellets for flavor, not fuel, requiring only about ½ cup for a cook. Consider if you want starter packs included, and whether you’ll want to explore different wood blends (robust, all-purpose, etc.) to customize your flavor profiles.

Capacity: Grilling for a Crowd vs. Intimate Meals

Ninja Woodfire grills come in various sizes, with cooking areas ranging from around 141 to 180 square inches. This significantly impacts what and how much you can cook at once. * Smaller models (like the OG301 & OG701) are ideal for couples or small families, capable of handling 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs. * Larger models (like the Pro XL & Pro Connect XL) can accommodate larger gatherings, fitting up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, or even a 10-lb brisket.
Think about your typical cooking needs – are you grilling for two most nights, or hosting weekend barbecues for a dozen people?

Functionality: Beyond Basic Grilling

While all Ninja Woodfire grills offer grilling and smoking capabilities, the level of functionality varies. The base models (like the OG301 & OG321) excel at grilling and smoking. Stepping up to the “Pro” models (OG751, OG850, Pro Connect XL) adds features like air frying, roasting, baking, and even dehydrating, turning your outdoor grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen. Consider how many cooking methods you want in one appliance. If you primarily want to grill and smoke, a simpler model will suffice. If you’re looking for a multi-functional appliance to replace other outdoor cooking tools, a Pro model is a better investment.

Smart Features & Convenience

Some models, like the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL, offer smart features via the Ninja ProConnect app. These include remote monitoring of cook time and temperature, real-time notifications (preheating, food addition, flipping), and access to cooking charts. These features are beneficial for those who want precise control and convenience, allowing you to manage your cook from anywhere. However, they add to the cost and require a smartphone connection.

Other Features to Consider

  • Built-in Thermometer: Allows for precise temperature monitoring and alerts.
  • Weather Resistance: Important for year-round outdoor use and storage.
  • Portability: Models are generally portable, but consider weight and size if you plan to move it frequently.
  • Crisper Basket: Useful for air frying smaller items.
  • Included Accessories: Pellet scoop, grease tray liners, and starter pellet packs add value.

Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grill Comparison

Product Functionality Cooking Area (sq. in.) Built-in Thermometer App Connectivity Wood Pellet Capacity (for smoke) Weather Resistance Air Fryer Included
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL 7-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) 180 Yes (Dual) Yes ½ cup Yes Yes
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL OG850 4-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Air Fry, Oven) 180 Yes No ½ cup Yes Yes
Ninja Woodfire Pro OG751 3-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Air Fry) 141 Yes No ½ cup Yes Yes
Ninja Woodfire OG321 3-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Air Fry) 141 No No ½ cup Yes Yes
Ninja Woodfire OG301 2-in-1 (Grill, BBQ) 141 No No ½ cup Yes No
Ninja Woodfire OG701 3-in-1 (Grill, BBQ, Air Fry) 141 No No ½ cup Yes Yes

Testing & Data Analysis: Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grills

Our evaluation of Ninja Wood Fired Outdoor Grills centers on data-driven analysis and comparative testing, acknowledging the limited scope for traditional physical product testing due to the technology’s reliance on software and controlled heating elements. We analyze user reviews across multiple retail platforms (Amazon, Best Buy, directly from Ninja) to identify recurring themes regarding performance, durability, and ease of use.

Key metrics include reported temperature accuracy, pellet consumption rates (correlating with user cook times), and reported success rates with various food types (steak, ribs, pizza – aligning with Ninja’s advertised capabilities). We compare specifications – cooking area, temperature range, and added functionalities like air frying – across models (OG301, OG701, Pro XL, Pro Connect XL) to assess value propositions.

Furthermore, we examine independent reviews from reputable sources like Serious Eats and CNET for objective performance assessments. Data points from these reviews, combined with user feedback, inform our understanding of how well each grill delivers on the promise of wood-fired flavor and versatile cooking. We also consider the usability of the Ninja ProConnect app, assessing user satisfaction with its features and reliability, especially for the “Connect” models. This multi-faceted approach ensures a robust and informed evaluation of each Ninja grill option.

FAQs

What type of wood pellets does the Ninja Woodfire grill use?

The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill uses real wood pellets for authentic smoky flavor, but they are primarily for flavor, not fuel. You’ll only need about ½ cup per cook. You can experiment with different wood blends like robust or all-purpose to customize your flavor profiles.

How does the Ninja Woodfire grill compare to traditional charcoal or propane grills?

Unlike charcoal or propane grills, the Ninja grill uses electric power with wood pellets. This offers the smoky flavor of woodfire without the mess and hassle of managing flames or charcoal. It’s a convenient way to achieve authentic wood-fired results.

What are the benefits of a “Pro” model Ninja Woodfire grill?

The “Pro” models (like the Pro XL and Pro Connect XL) offer additional functionality beyond grilling and smoking, including air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. This makes them a versatile outdoor cooking appliance, ideal if you want to replace multiple kitchen tools.

Is the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL worth the extra cost?

The Pro Connect XL offers smart features like remote monitoring and real-time notifications via the Ninja ProConnect app, providing precise control and convenience. If you value these features and want to manage your cook from anywhere, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill depends on your individual needs and cooking style. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, these grills offer a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy wood-fired cooking without the traditional hassle.

Consider your typical group size, desired functionality, and budget when making your decision. With a range of models available, Ninja Woodfire grills provide a compelling option for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking experience.

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