Ninja Woodfire is the electric grill that actually smokes.
The Ninja Woodfire line uses a small pellet ignition system to add real wood smoke flavor to what is otherwise an electric grill. For apartment dwellers with balconies, condo owners, HOA-restricted patios, or anyone who wants to smoke without propane or charcoal — the Woodfire is a genuine solution. This guide covers the OG700, OG800, and OG900 series.
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Why the Ninja Woodfire is different
Most electric grills produce heat but no smoke. The Woodfire adds a small pellet chamber that ignites via the heating element, producing 30-60 minutes of real wood smoke per cook. Combined with electric heat control (200F-500F), it delivers legitimate smoked ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder without gas or charcoal.
Trade-offs:
- Smaller cook area than a full-size gas or pellet grill (roughly the size of a large countertop oven)
- Requires 120V power
- Smoke output is real but shorter-duration than a dedicated pellet smoker
- Sear performance limited by 500F max grate temp
The Ninja Woodfire lineup in 2026
- OG700 series — original Woodfire, $300-400. Grill + smoke + air fry.
- OG800 series — upgraded with Pro Connect app, $400-500.
- OG900 series — largest cook area, dehydrate function, $500-600.
Best all-round: Ninja Woodfire OG851 Pro Connect XL
The OG851 is the Pro Connect XL model — larger cook area than OG700, app control, seven cooking functions (grill, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, broil). Best for households who want the flexibility of an outdoor multi-cooker.
Best value: Ninja Woodfire OG701
Original Woodfire at the lowest price. 141 sq in cook area, all 7 cooking functions except app connectivity. About $350. Best for apartment or condo dwellers on a budget who want to smoke without propane or charcoal.
Best for entertaining: Ninja Woodfire OG901 XL
Largest Woodfire model. 240 sq in cook area (fits 6-8 burgers or 4 chicken breasts). App control. Full 7-function versatility. For households or small events beyond what OG700/OG800 can handle.
Ninja Woodfire lineup comparison
| Model | Cook Area | App Control? | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| OG701 | 141 sq in | No | $350 |
| OG751BRN Pro | 141 sq in | No | $400 |
| OG851 Pro Connect XL | 171 sq in | Yes | $450 |
| OG901 XL | 240 sq in | Yes | $550 |
Who should NOT buy a Ninja Woodfire
- Anyone with space for a full-size grill. A Weber Kettle at $220 outperforms Woodfire for pure grilling.
- Anyone doing overnight cooks. Woodfire smoke lasts 30-60 min per pellet chamber load. Not suitable for 12-hour brisket.
- Anyone chasing steakhouse sear. 500F grate temp is fine for burgers, not for $50 ribeyes.
Who SHOULD buy a Ninja Woodfire
- Apartment/condo dwellers with a balcony. Electric power, no open flame, no propane storage.
- HOA-restricted patios. Meets most HOA rules that ban gas and charcoal.
- Small backyard cooks who want smoke without a dedicated smoker. Legitimate smoke ring on shorter cooks (ribs, chicken, pork tenderloin).
- Anyone who values multi-function. Grill + smoke + air fry + roast + bake + broil + dehydrate in one appliance.
Ninja Woodfire vs full-size pellet smoker
If you have space for a Traeger Pro 780 ($800) or Pit Boss Sportsman 820 ($500), you will get:
- 4-6x the cook area
- Continuous 12+ hour smoke on a single hopper load
- Actual sear station on some models
- Real 15+ year lifespan
The Woodfire is the correct answer only when space, HOA rules, or apartment living rule out a full-size unit.
Bottom line
Apartment or condo balcony: Ninja Woodfire OG851 Pro Connect XL at $450. Great compromise between size, features, and price.
Ultra-tight budget: OG701 at $350. Small households wanting max cook area: OG901 XL at $550.
If you have space and can use propane or charcoal: buy a Weber Kettle ($220) or a Pit Boss Sportsman ($500) instead. Ninja Woodfire is the right answer specifically for the space-constrained cook.
About this guide
Our recommendations synthesize manufacturer specifications, published editorial reviews (AmazingRibs, Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Meathead), and community feedback from BBQ forums (r/smoking, r/BBQ, Smoking Meat Forums), cross-checked against real-world reports. We do not accept payment for recommendations.
Last reviewed: July 2026