Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL 4-in-1 Grill Review

If you’re the kind of person who loves backyard cooking but wants less fuss and more flavor, the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) might catch your eye. This 4-in-1 unit—grill, BBQ smoker, air fryer and bake oven—promises woodfire character with the convenience of a portable, mostly electric setup, and it even comes with a built-in thermometer and two woodfire pellet packs to get you started. Whether you’re searing steaks, smoking ribs low and slow, crisping up sides with air-fry mode, or baking pizza, this unit aims to give you restaurant-worthy results without needing a trailer-sized rig.

Products that combine grilling, smoking, air frying and baking have evolved from separate, single-purpose tools into multi-function outdoor cookers that save space and expand what you can do at home. Traditional charcoal and wood smokers gave way to gas and then to electric and pellet-assisted designs that offer better temperature control and more consistent results. The big benefits for you are versatility (one machine covers many cooking methods), convenience (faster heat-up, built-in thermometers and preset modes), and the ability to get real woodfire flavor without constantly babysitting the fire. In the article ahead, you’ll look more closely at this model’s performance, features, ease of use and how it compares to other similar units so you can decide which option fits your needs and your cooking style.

Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) — Portable 4-in-1 Grill: Grill, Smoker, Air Fryer & Bake; Built-in Thermometer and 2 Woodfire Pellet Packs — Dark Grey

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If you love backyard gatherings, tailgating, or weekend camping trips and want big grill flavor without the fuss of propane bottles or a bulky smoker, the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) is designed for you. It’s especially well-suited for people who want the convenience of plug-and-play grilling plus the ability to add authentic woodfire flavor to everything you cook. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or cooking on an apartment patio with limited space, this portable, electric 4-in-1 unit covers a surprising range of outdoor cooking needs.

You’ll use this grill primarily as:

• A Woodfire Grill to get that char and sear on steaks, burgers, chicken, and vegetables.
• A BBQ Smoker to create a savory bark and smoky profile on ribs, brisket, and whole chickens using real wood pellets.
• An Outdoor Air Fryer to crisp wings, fries, and sides with less oil—but with a wood-smoked twist.
• An Oven/Bake space to roast vegetables, bake casseroles, or slow-cook larger cuts with consistent temperature control.

With 180 sq. in. of cooking space—large enough for 2 racks of ribs, 10 burgers, or a 10-lb brisket—you can cook for a crowd without needing a second appliance.

Because it’s electric and built to be weather-resistant, you can set it on your deck, balcony, RV site, or tailgate. As long as you have a standard outdoor outlet, you plug in and cook. You’ll appreciate the portability when you want grill flavor without hauling propane tanks or settling for small tabletop grills.

One of the best things about the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL is that it delivers 100% real woodfire flavor using a small amount of authentic wood pellets. You don’t need a large smoker or hours of prep to get genuine smoky taste—half a cup of pellets gives you noticeable smoke and bark in minutes. If you love smoked food but dislike the time and attention required by traditional smokers, this is a huge win.

You get four distinct cooking modes—Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, and Bake—in a single unit. That means you can sear steaks at high heat, smoke a rack of ribs at a lower temp, crisp wings with the air-fry function, and bake or roast sides all on the same platform. For people short on outdoor space—or who prefer fewer, multi-purpose appliances—this is a smart combination.

The built-in precision temperature probe is a game-changer. It monitors doneness in real time and alerts you when your items hit the target temperature. That helps take most of the guesswork out of grilling and smoking, so you’re less likely to overcook and more likely to serve reliably great results.

The XL capacity gives you 30% more cooking area than the original Ninja outdoor grill model. You can comfortably cook for a small gathering without repeatedly rotating the grill or working in multiple batches. That capacity, combined with the portability and weather resistance, makes it practical for many outdoor cooking scenarios.

Compared to mastering an offset smoker or learning to regulate a charcoal chimney, the OG850 is fairly straightforward. Set a mode, feed pellets, insert the probe, and go. You’ll still learn tricks for best smoke flavor and searing techniques, but the basics are approachable even if you’re new to woodfire grilling.

The Ninja OG850 is an electric, portable 4-in-1 grill that gives you the char of a traditional grill, the smoke of a BBQ smoker, the crisp of an air fryer, and the steady heat of an oven—powered by electricity and enhanced by authentic wood pellets for real woodfire flavor.

• 4-in-1 Functionality: Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Bake.
• Real Woodfire Technology: Electric power with Ninja Woodfire pellets for smoked flavor across all modes.
• XL Cooking Area: 180 sq. in. nonstick grill grate—fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket.
• Built-in Thermometer: Precision temperature probe that monitors doneness in real time and notifies you.
• Full-Size Grill Performance: Char, sear, and heat comparable to traditional propane grills but without gas.
• Easy Pellet Smoking: Create smoke and bark with just 1/2 cup of pellets—no bulky smoker required.
• Outdoor Air Fryer: Crisp sides and snacks with less oil and wood-smoked flavor.
• Weather-Resistant & Portable: Designed to be left outdoors and used in varied conditions.
• What’s Included: OG850 unit, 180 sq. in. nonstick grill grate, built-in thermometer, crisper basket, grease tray with disposable liner, pellet scoop, and 2 starter packs of Ninja Woodfire Pellets (Robust & All-Purpose Blend).

The OG850 uses a small hopper for wood pellets. When you choose a smoke or woodfire function, the unit burns a controlled amount of pellets to generate smoke and heat. Because it’s electric, temperature control is more precise than many charcoal setups. The pellet burns long enough to flavor your food without the heavy maintenance of a dedicated smoker.

• Grill: Sear a steak or burgers quickly to lock in juices and develop grill marks.
• Smoke: Low-and-slow ribs or brisket to develop bark and deep smoky flavor.
• Air Fry: Make crispy wings, tater tots, or roasted nuts with less oil and added smoke.
• Bake: Roast potatoes, bake cornbread, or cook casseroles that complement your grilled mains.

You’ll get the essentials for immediate use: a crisper basket for air-fry items, a nonstick grill grate, a pellet scoop, disposable grease tray liners, and two pellet packs to get you started. These extras make the initial setup smooth and mean you can experiment with different wood blends (Robust vs. All-Purpose) right away.

The OG850 is constructed to withstand outdoor use. The housing feels sturdy and the nonstick grill grate cleans easily. The weather-resistant design is a real advantage—you can leave it outdoors in many climates without worrying about immediate rust or damage. While it’s not indestructible, the materials and construction are solid compared to other portable electric grills.

In grill mode, you’ll get good sear marks and satisfying caramelization on meats and veggies. The full-size grill performance is notable for an electric unit—steaks and burgers develop a pleasing crust. When you switch to smoke mode, you’ll notice authentic wood smoke aroma and a decent bark formation, particularly on fattier cuts like ribs and brisket. Air-fry function delivers crisp results on wings and fries, with the added benefit of subtle smoke.

Temperature consistency is generally reliable. The built-in thermometer helps you monitor internal food temps precisely, and the electric controls maintain steady cooking temperatures better than many charcoal or wood-only setups. You’ll find it easier to hit a target doneness and maintain low-and-slow temps for smoking.

From an ease-of-use perspective, the OG850 shines. It’s plug-and-play for people who prefer fewer variables. The pellet loading is simple, the interface is intuitive, and the included probe eliminates a common source of overcooked food. Cleanup is easier than old-school smokers—nonstick grates and disposable liners reduce scrubbing time. If you’re coming from gas or charcoal, you’ll appreciate how much of the fiddly management is removed.

The weather-resistant build means you won’t have to drag it indoors after every use, but you should still cover it if it’s not in active use. Routine maintenance—emptying ash, wiping the grate, and replacing liners—keeps it functioning well. Pellet management is minimal but important: store pellets dry and only use the recommended Ninja pellets for optimal performance.

You’ll notice a low hum from the electric components and pellet feeding system—nothing intrusive. The smoke output is noticeable and flavorful without being overpowering, which is helpful if you’re grilling on a balcony or in a suburban backyard where heavy smoke could be an issue.

• 4-in-1 versatility: Combines Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, and Bake in one unit, which saves space and money compared to buying separate devices.

• Authentic woodfire flavor: Uses real wood pellets to impart smoky taste across all functions.

• XL cooking area: 180 sq. in. fits substantial portions—great for entertaining.

• Built-in precision thermometer: Takes guesswork out of doneness and reduces overcooking.

• Easy to use: Plug-in electric convenience with simple pellet loading and intuitive controls.

• Portability: Reasonably lightweight and compact enough to move around for tailgates, RV trips, or balcony cooking.

• Weather-resistant: Designed to be stored and used outdoors year-round.

• Quick smoking with minimal pellets: Create authentic smoke flavor with just 1/2 cup of pellets—no long prep.

• Includes accessories: Pellet packs, crisper basket, grease tray liners, and pellet scoop are all helpful starts.

• Cleaner than charcoal/propane: Nonstick grate and liners make cleaning easier than many traditional grills.

• Requires electricity: You need access to power, which can limit placement compared to propane or charcoal grills.

• Pellet dependency: For consistent flavor and performance, you’ll want to use recommended Ninja Woodfire pellets; other pellets may vary in burn characteristics.

• Pellet management: While easy, you still need to store pellets dry and manage occasional ash or residue.

• Not a full-size smoker alternative for purists: If you’re a dedicated long-smoke enthusiast chasing multi-hour bark development on very large briskets, a full-size dedicated smoker may still deliver deeper results.

• Limited direct flame: Electric plus pellet smoke means you won’t get the same flare-ups or open-flame experience some grill purists love about charcoal or gas.

• Initial learning curve: Though simpler than many smokers, dialing in the perfect wood-blend, pellet amount, and timing for ideal smoke intensity takes a few tries.

• Price: For an electric portable unit with these features, the OG850 is an investment. If you only occasionally grill, it may feel pricier than a basic tabletop grill.

You should consider the OG850 if you want real wood-smoked flavor without the time, space, or complexity of a traditional smoker. It’s ideal if you need one versatile outdoor appliance that covers grilling, smoking, air frying, and baking. If you prioritize portability, weather resistance, and a simple, reliable grilling experience with authentic smoke, this product is a strong match.

If you want total independence from electricity, or you’re a smoker purist who enjoys manually tending coals for days to develop an extreme bark, a charcoal or pellet smoker may be more satisfying. Likewise, if budget is the primary concern and you only grill occasionally, a cheaper gas or charcoal grill might be a better short-term choice.

Use the included Ninja Woodfire Pellets (Robust & All-Purpose Blend) to learn the system’s smoke profile. Once you’re comfortable, experiment with different wood types for varied flavors—apple for lighter, sweeter smoke; hickory for stronger, savory notes. Always keep pellets dry.

Set your target internal temperature before cooking and use the probe to monitor progress. For low-and-slow smoking, aim to maintain stable low temps and let the probe alert you when the food reaches target doneness. For grilling, use the thermometer to avoid rare-to-well transitions that often happen during the searing stage.

Preheat the grill on the mode you plan to use to stabilize temperature. For smoking, a small dose—about 1/2 cup—is usually enough to start generating smoke and flavor. Monitor smoke intensity during the early minutes to ensure it’s not overly strong or too weak.

Sear on high heat briefly to get those desirable grill marks, then move to a lower zone if you need to finish cooking without burning. Because the OG850 has electric heating elements and pellet infusion, you won’t get the exact same open flame as a charcoal grill, so use a two-zone approach: sear, then finish.

• After each use: empty the grease tray liner, wipe down the grill grate, and remove ash from the pellet area if present.

• Periodically: deep clean the nonstick grate and interior surfaces to prevent buildup. Keep pellets in a sealed container away from moisture.

• Winter storage: although weather-resistant, use a cover and store pellets indoors to protect them from dampness.

• Main + sides: Smoked brisket plus crispy air-fried potatoes and grilled veggies.

• Party platter: 10 burgers on the grill, wings in the air-fry mode, and smoked sausage on the side.

• Camping/flex-use: Roast a whole chicken and make air-fried root veggies without carrying a full kitchen.

If you want the convenience of an electric grill with the depth of real woodfire flavor, the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL OG850 offers a compelling mix of performance, versatility, and portability. You’ll get four cooking modes, an effective pellet-smoking system that uses minimal fuel, and a built-in thermometer that helps you cook with confidence. The XL 180 sq. in. cooking area makes entertaining easier, and the weather-resistant build means you can leave it outdoors for frequent use. For most home grillers who value flavor, flexibility, and minimal fuss, the OG850 is a practical and enjoyable tool that will likely become your go-to for outdoor cooking.

Comparison — How the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL stacks up

Since you’re looking at just this one product — the Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) — the best way to compare is to see how it replaces or combines the roles of other cooking appliances you might own or be considering. Below is a friendly, practical comparison showing where this unit shines and where a dedicated alternative might still have the edge.

At a glance

• What you get: a 4-in-1 electric unit that grills, smokes, air-fries, and bakes while infusing real woodfire flavor using wood pellets.
• Who it’s good for: you if you want smoky, charred results without propane or a big smoker, and want one portable, all-weather outdoor unit for backyard, deck, balcony, RV or tailgates.

Feature comparison table

What this comparison means for you

• If you want one machine to replace several appliances and to give you real wood-smoked flavor with minimal fuss, the OG850 is a strong choice.
• If you prioritize hardcore sear over convenience, a large propane grill still delivers the highest direct flame sear.
• If you want multi-hour, large-capacity brisket smoking with nuanced smoke control, a dedicated smoker might still be preferable.
• If you mainly need an indoor countertop air fryer, the OG850 over-delivers for outdoor cooking but won’t replace quick indoor convenience.

Specifications explained

Below are the key specs and what they mean for your cooking:

• Model: OG850 — Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL, Dark Grey.
• 4-in-1 Functionality: You get four cooking modes — Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Bake — so you can sear steaks, smoke brisket, crisp wings, or roast chicken with one unit.
• Real Woodfire Technology: Electric-powered cooking combined with real wood pellets (included starter packs). This means you get authentic smoke flavor without managing live coals.
• XL Capacity: 180 sq. in. of nonstick grill grate — about 30% more area than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Practical capacity examples: 2 full racks of ribs, ~10 burgers, 4 lbs wings, 2 whole chickens, or a 10-lb brisket (room dependent on shape).
• Smart Built-In Thermometer: A precision temperature probe monitors internal doneness and gives real-time alerts — reduces guesswork and overcooking.
• Pellet Efficiency: You can create noticeable smoke and bark using as little as 1/2 cup of pellets for quick sessions.
• Outdoor Air Fryer Function: Uses wood-smoked air frying to crisp with real flavor and less oil.
• Weather Resistant & Portable: Designed to be stored outdoors year-round and is compact enough to move for tailgates, RV use, balconies, or patios — just plug it in.
• What’s included: Grill unit, 180 sq. in. nonstick grate, built-in thermometer probe, crisper basket, grease tray with disposable liner, pellet scoop, 2 starter wood pellet packs (Robust & All-Purpose blend).
• Color & finish: Dark Grey, weather-resistant exterior.

Quick spec table for visualization

If you want, I can also create a side-by-side spec comparison with a specific propane grill or smoker model you’re considering — tell me the model and I’ll line them up for you.

Conclusion

Quick summary

The Ninja Outdoor Woodfire Pro XL (OG850) is a versatile 4-in-1 unit that lets you grill, smoke, air fry, and bake with relatively simple controls. It’s portable, comes with a built-in thermometer and two woodfire pellet packs, and delivers good convenience and consistent results for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or small gatherings.

Drawbacks to consider

• If you’re a BBQ purist, the smoke depth won’t match that of a full-size dedicated pellet smoker — the flavor is pleasant but milder.
• Pellet consumption and ongoing cost of replacement pellets can add up if you use it frequently.
• Capacity is solid but not limitless; it may struggle with very large crowds or whole-bird smoking for many guests.
• There can be a small learning curve to dial in the exact smoke/temperature balance for certain recipes, and cleanup is a bit more involved than a basic grill.

Who should buy it (recommendation)

You should consider this if you want one compact, easy-to-use outdoor cooker that handles a wide range of jobs — grilling steaks, smoking ribs or brisket for small groups, air-frying sides, and baking pizza or desserts. It’s especially good for apartment patios, tailgates, first-time outdoor cooks, or anyone who values convenience and versatility over the deepest smoke flavor or very large capacity.

Final takeaway

If you want a friendly, all-in-one outdoor cooker that simplifies multiple cooking styles and delivers reliably good results, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is a strong choice. If your priorities are maximum smoke intensity or feeding very large crowds, you might prefer a dedicated large smoker instead.

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