The choice between the Ninja OG850 and OG951 isn’t just about which grill is better — it’s about how you want to cook. Both belong to the **Pro XL line**, giving roughly **30% more cooking surface than the original OG701**. I’ve tested both in real-world conditions: from patio cooking to weekend briskets. Here’s what I found, straight from a pitmaster’s perspective.
Quick Overview – Main Difference
The main difference is that the OG951 features ProConnect Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity for remote smartphone control, while the OG850 is strictly manual. The OG951 allows for more precision with dual built-in meat thermometers compared to the single thermometer port on the OG850.
The OG850 is the solid, reliable workhorse. Manual dial control, 4-in-1 functions, and XL cooking capacity make it ideal for casual grillers. The OG951 adds **ProConnect App control, dual temperature probes, and bundled accessories** for tech-savvy grillers who want to multi-task while their meat smokes.
Clean Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja OG850 | Ninja OG951 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Smoke, Bake, Air Fry | Grill, Smoke, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Smart Features | Manual Dial Only | ProConnect App (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) — Adjust Temp & Mode Remotely |
| Cooking Space | ~180 sq. in. (XL) | ~180 sq. in. (XL) |
| Thermometers | 1 built-in | 2 built-in (Dual Probe) |
| Accessories in Box | Grate, Pellet Tray, Drip Tray | Grate, Pellet Tray, Drip Tray, Weather Cover, Extra Pellet Bag (bundle dependent) |
| Price Range | Lower — Best for simple woodfire grilling | Higher — Includes tech and extra accessories |
| Best Use Case | Casual grillers or small patio spaces | Advanced grilling, multi-tasking, entertaining larger groups |
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than...
- Smart Built-In Thermometer: Take the guesswork out of grilling with a precision temperature probe...
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor...
- COOK WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK: Use the Ninja ProConnect app to pair your grill to your phone to monitor...
Pitmaster Insights: OG850 Electric/Pellet Hybrid
During my tests, the OG850 reaches **500°F in about 10–12 minutes**. The XL grate is spacious enough to cook **6–8 chicken thighs or a full rack of ribs at once**. Manual dial control keeps things simple — you can quickly switch between Smoke, Grill, Bake, or Air Fry. The single built-in thermometer is accurate for most everyday cooking. If you already own a high-quality meat thermometer, the OG850 delivers all the woodfire flavor you need without extra tech complexity.
Pros √
- Reliable, straightforward control
- Authentic woodfire flavor
- Spacious XL grate
- Lower price point
Cons ×
- Manual control only — you must adjust settings at the grill
- Single thermometer limits dual-zone cooking
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one...
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than...
- Smart Built-In Thermometer: Take the guesswork out of grilling with a precision temperature probe...
Pitmaster Insights: OG951 with ProConnect App
The OG951 shares the same heating hardware and XL grate, but the **ProConnect App adds a whole new level of convenience**. You can adjust temperatures, change cooking modes, and monitor your meat remotely. I used this feature while cooking a 3 lb brisket: I could switch from Smoke to Roast from the living room, without stepping outside in the cold. Dual probes are essential for thick cuts — the left side of the grate runs about **5–10°F hotter** than the right near the pellet ignition box, a subtlety the app helps manage.
Pros √
- All features of the OG850 plus remote control via app
- Dual temperature probes for precise multi-zone cooking
- Bundled accessories like weather cover and extra pellet bag
- Extra cooking functions (Roast, Broil, Dehydrate)
Cons ×
- Higher price point
- App requires Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for full functionality
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Grill, BBQ smoke, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate with 100% real...
- CAPACITY TO ENTERTAIN: 180 square inches of cooking space—30% more than the original Ninja outdoor...
- COOK WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK: Use the Ninja ProConnect app to pair your grill to your phone to monitor...
Pellet Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Use Ninja All-Purpose or Robust wood pellets for best ignition and smoke flavor.
- Any food-grade pellet works, but flavor consistency may vary.
- Regularly clean the pellet tray — old ash can reduce heat efficiency.
Performance Notes From Real Use
Both grills reach max temp **~500°F in 10–12 minutes**. The OG951 app is especially useful for long cooks, helping track temperature drift across the XL grate. I noticed that positioning meat near the ignition box slightly increases heat on that side by 5–10°F — a small but important detail for thick cuts.
Buying Guide & Value Summary
If you’re a casual griller who enjoys classic woodfire flavor, the **OG850** is your best bet: lower cost, simple operation, and reliable XL cooking. For tech-savvy pitmasters, multitaskers, or anyone entertaining larger groups, the **OG951** is worth the investment: app control, dual probes, extra cooking modes, and bundled accessories like a weather cover.
Conclusion
Both the Ninja OG850 and OG951 Pro XL grills offer exceptional **woodfire flavor, robust construction, and XL cooking surfaces**. Your choice depends on how you want to interact with your grill: manual simplicity or smart control with app integration. Either way, you’re getting a **pitmaster-grade woodfire experience**.
