It feels like just yesterday I was stuck wishing I could get that authentic smoky barbecue flavor or a proper grilled steak on my apartment balcony, but rules and regulations around open flames, charcoal, and propane tanks made it impossible. Missing out on outdoor cooking year after year was a real bummer, especially during warmer months. Not having a convenient way to cook outdoors meant more heat inside the house during summer and less opportunity to enjoy casual cookouts with friends. It was a problem that needed a practical, apartment-friendly solution.
Choosing an outdoor cooking appliance is a big decision, especially if you have specific needs like limited space or restrictions on fuel types. People seek out outdoor grills and smokers for the distinct flavors, the ability to cook outside and keep heat out of the kitchen, and the social aspect of backyard or balcony cookouts.
The ideal customer for a product like the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker is likely someone who lives in a place with gas or charcoal restrictions (apartments, condos, certain HOAs), someone with limited outdoor space (balcony, small patio), RV owners looking for a portable, versatile option, or frankly, anyone who wants the flavor of wood-fired cooking and smoking without the hassle of traditional methods. If you’re someone who *only* cooks massive quantities of food regularly and needs multiple cooking zones, or a competitive pitmaster dedicated purely to traditional stick burners, this might not be your primary rig, though it could still be a great supplement.
Before you buy, you should consider: what kind of outdoor space do you have? Are there any fuel restrictions? What types of cooking do you want to do (just grill, or also smoke, air fry, bake)? How much capacity do you need? How easy is it to clean? Is weather resistance important if you plan to store it outside? And importantly, how portable does it need to be?
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Combines a Woodfire Grill, BBQ Smoker, Outdoor Air Fryer, and Oven in one compact, electric unit. Infuse every dish with 100% real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets.
- XL Capacity for Entertaining: Cook for a crowd with 180 sq. in. of grill space with 30% more than the original Ninja outdoor grill. Perfectly fits 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs. of wings, 2...
- Smart Built-In Thermometer: Take the guesswork out of grilling with a precision temperature probe that monitors doneness in real time and alerts you when your food is perfectly cooked.
Introducing the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL OG850
Enter the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker OG850. This appliance is designed as an all-in-one outdoor cooker that harnesses the power of electricity while infusing your food with real woodfire flavor using specially designed pellets. The promise? Authentic barbecue and grilling results with the convenience of electric power, plus the added versatility of outdoor air frying and baking.
Compared to the original Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, the Pro XL version boasts a significant 30% increase in cooking capacity, offering 180 square inches of grilling space. While electric, it’s engineered to deliver the char and searing performance you’d expect from a full-size propane grill. What sets it apart from traditional electric grills is its unique Woodfire Technology, which burns real wood pellets to create smoky flavor – something pure electric grills can’t replicate and propane/charcoal requires more effort to achieve consistently. It comes complete with a non-stick grill grate, crisper basket, grease tray and liner, pellet scoop, and starter packs of Ninja Woodfire pellets, plus a built-in thermometer.
This particular OG850 model is perfect for individuals or families who want a versatile outdoor cooking solution for smaller to medium gatherings, especially in environments where traditional grills aren’t feasible. It might not be the best fit if you regularly cook for huge crowds requiring vast cooking surfaces simultaneously, or if you are a strict purist who only accepts smoking on offset stick burners.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Authentic woodfire flavor from real pellets.
* Versatile 4-in-1 functionality (Grill, Smoke, Air Fry, Bake).
* Generous XL capacity (180 sq in) fits substantial amounts of food.
* Convenient integrated thermometer for perfect results.
* Easy to use compared to traditional smokers/grills.
* Weather-resistant for year-round outdoor storage.
Cons:
* There’s a definite learning curve to master cook times, as it cooks faster than expected.
* Flavor intensity can vary greatly depending on the pellet blend used (e.g., the “Bold Blue” blend might be too strong for some).
* Being electric, it requires an outlet, limiting placement compared to a truly fuel-independent grill.
* The size, while portable for some, might still be too large for tiny spaces.
- 12 PLUS SERVINGS - It’s tailgate time! The 200 square inches of rectangular grilling surface lets you make over 12 servings for large groups of people
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: Enjoy the flexibility to use this electric grill on the stand for outdoor cooking or remove it for tabletop grilling indoors. Ideal for kitchens, balconies, patios, and more....
- ELECTRIC GRILL: This grill is powered by electricity to give you the convenience of grilling without the hassle of gas or charcoal. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and...
Real-World Performance & Features
Having spent a good amount of time with the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL OG850, I can confidently say it has changed my outdoor cooking game. It’s not just a grill; it’s a multi-tool for the patio, deck, or balcony. Let’s break down the key features and how they perform in practice.
The Magic of Woodfire Technology
This is the heart of the OG850. It’s electric, yes, but the real wood pellets are where the flavor comes from. You add a small scoop (about ½ cup) of pellets into a dedicated side hopper, press the Woodfire button, and it burns those pellets to create actual smoke. You can literally see and smell the wood smoke. This isn’t just some artificial flavoring; it’s the real deal. For someone like me who couldn’t have charcoal or propane, getting that genuine smoky flavor on a balcony is revolutionary. It works across *all* cooking functions – grilling, smoking, air frying, or baking. The included starter pellets, the Robust and All-Purpose blends, provide a good starting point. Based on user feedback and my own trials, the All-Purpose (red bag) offers a pleasant, noticeable smoke flavor without being overpowering, while the Robust (blue bag) is much more intense. It’s great to have options, but it’s worth experimenting with just a small amount of pellets initially, especially for quicker cooks, to avoid over-smoking your food.
Master Grilling Performance
Ninja claims this appliance delivers the performance of a full-size propane grill, and while no electric grill will ever perfectly replicate the intense radiant heat of direct flame on cast iron, the Woodfire Pro XL comes surprisingly close. The heating element gets hot enough to produce decent char and searing on steaks, burgers, and chicken. It won’t give you edge-to-edge searing like a screaming-hot flat top, but for typical grilling tasks, it browns food nicely and leaves those desirable grill marks thanks to the non-stick grate. The key is cooking with the lid down, which traps heat and smoke, ensuring even cooking and flavor infusion. It heats up relatively quickly, much faster than charcoal, allowing for spontaneous weeknight grilling.
Foolproof BBQ Smoking
This is where the OG850 truly shines for those of us without traditional smokers. Achieving authentic BBQ bark and smoky flavor usually requires hours of temperature management and tending a fire. With this Ninja outdoor grill, you literally add ½ cup of pellets, set the function to “Smoker,” choose your temperature and time, and walk away. It’s incredibly easy. I’ve made ribs, pulled pork, and even smoked chickens that have come out tender, juicy, and with a great smoke flavor. The “set and forget” aspect is a huge benefit, allowing you to actually enjoy your time outdoors rather than babysitting a smoker. It’s genuinely foolproof for beginners and a massive convenience for anyone who loves smoked food but lacks the time or space for a dedicated smoker.
Outdoor Air Frying & Baking
Having an outdoor appliance that can also air fry and bake is surprisingly useful. Using the included crisper basket, you can air fry things like chicken wings, fries, or vegetables right alongside whatever you’re grilling or smoking. This keeps the heat and cooking smells out of your kitchen. Even better, you can add a small amount of wood pellets to infuse a subtle smoky flavor into your air-fried items, which is a unique touch. Baking outdoors is also possible, perfect for things like cornbread, potatoes, or even desserts while the main course is grilling or smoking. This 4-in-1 functionality makes the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL incredibly versatile and justifies its footprint.
XL Capacity
The “XL” in the name isn’t just for show. The 180 square inches provides 30% more cooking area than the original model. While it won’t feed a huge party in a single batch, it’s more than sufficient for a family meal or entertaining a small group. Ninja claims it fits up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, 4 lbs of wings, 2 7-lb chickens, or a 10-lb brisket. In my experience, these estimates are pretty accurate. I’ve comfortably fit a large brisket or multiple racks of ribs, though larger cooks like a full brisket might require some trimming or folding. The added capacity over the standard model is definitely appreciated for cooking multiple items or larger cuts.
Integrated Smart Thermometer
This feature is a game changer for ensuring perfect results, especially when smoking or cooking larger proteins. The Ninja OG850 comes with a probe that plugs into the unit and inserts into your food. You can set your desired internal temperature, and the grill monitors the progress, alerting you when your food is done. This takes all the guesswork out of cooking chicken, roasts, or brisket. It allows you to truly “set and forget” during longer cooks and guarantees your food is cooked through without being dry or overdone. This level of control is usually found on much more expensive dedicated smokers or high-end grills, making it a valuable addition to this versatile appliance.
Weather Resistance & Portability
Built with stainless steel outer and inner materials, the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL is designed to live outdoors. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, capable of withstanding various weather conditions (though a cover is always recommended for longevity). Its relatively compact dimensions (22.28″D x 20.03″W x 15.82″H) and weight (around 38.9 lbs) make it portable enough to move from a storage spot to a cooking spot, or even take with you on trips (provided you have access to power). This portability is key for apartment dwellers, RV owners, or anyone who wants the flexibility to grill on a deck, patio, or even tailgating (again, power permitting).
Ease of Use & Cleanup
Getting started with the OG850 is straightforward – plug it in, select your function and temperature, add pellets if desired, and cook. The digital controls are intuitive. However, there is a learning curve, especially coming from traditional grilling. As some users have noted, this appliance cooks *fast*, particularly when air frying or grilling with the lid down. It’s wise to start checking your food sooner than you might expect or rely heavily on the integrated thermometer until you get a feel for its speed. Cleanup is surprisingly easy compared to charcoal grills or even some gas grills. The non-stick grate wipes down relatively well, and the disposable grease tray liners make managing drippings simple. The crisper basket is also easy to clean.
What Real Users Are Saying
I’ve looked around online and found that many users share my positive experiences with the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL. People frequently praise its solid build quality and the generous size of the cooking area. Many highlight how accurate and helpful the built-in thermometer is, especially with its preset temperatures for different meats. The authentic wood flavor from the pellets is a major plus for users, although a few mention that the “Bold Blue” pellets can be quite intense. Users living in places where gas grills aren’t allowed are particularly thrilled, finding this electric option provides excellent grilling and smoking results without the restrictions. Ease of use and minimal cleanup are also commonly mentioned benefits, with many noting that it delivers delicious, smoked meals with surprising speed and convenience. There are occasional comments about the initial learning curve regarding cook times, but once mastered, people seem genuinely impressed with the appliance’s performance.
Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together
If you’ve been missing out on the joy of outdoor cooking – getting that perfect char on a burger or the deep, smoky flavor on ribs – especially due to space limitations or fuel restrictions, the problem needs a solution. The complications of *not* having an outdoor option mean more time spent in a hot kitchen, missing out on the experience of cooking and eating outdoors, and being limited in the flavors you can achieve.
The Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker OG850 is a fantastic fit to solve this problem for several key reasons. First, its unique Woodfire Technology brings authentic smoky flavor to an electric appliance, overcoming fuel restrictions while delivering genuine BBQ taste. Second, its versatile 4-in-1 functionality means you’re not just getting a grill; you can also smoke, air fry, and bake, vastly expanding your outdoor cooking possibilities. Finally, the combination of its XL capacity, integrated thermometer, and weather resistance makes it a convenient, user-friendly, and capable appliance for almost any outdoor space.
To learn more and check out the Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker for yourself, click here to visit the product page.
Last update on 2025-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API