OG850 Series Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker FAQs

It is important to insert the thermometer lengthwise into the thickest part of the ingredient to get the most accurate reading. Make sure to allow food to rest for 3-5 minutes to complete cooking. For more information, refer to the "Using the Built-In Thermometer" section of the Owner's Guide or Quick Start Guide.

Do not add food until recommended preheating time is complete. For best results, check progress throughout cooking, and remove food when the desired level of brownness has been achieved. Remove food immediately after the cook time is complete to avoid overcooking.

If batch cooking meats, for best results, we recommend in between batches to close the hood and run the programmed function for 2-3 minutes before adding more food.

If you are using Woodfire Flavor Technology and would like to run back-to-back smoking sessions, we recommend re-filling the smoke box using the pellet scoop, when half the pellets have burned. DO NOT re-fill moer than 1 or 2 times. DO NOT re-ignite pellets.

No, we do not recommend using any oils or nonstick sprays when smoking because the smoke will not adhere to the food as well.

Smoke taste is based on personal preference, and therefore will vary from person to person. There are many factors that affect the smokiness of food. The following factors will help reduce smoke absorption for a milder smoke flavor.

• Allow ingredients to come to room temperature before putting them on the grill.
• Use oils or nonstick sprays.
• Larger food loads, absorb less smoke.
• Foods with less moisture
• Foods with less fat content
• Cooking at a lower temperature

Smoke taste is based on personal preference, and therefore will vary from person to person. There are many factors that affect the smokiness of food. The following factors will help with smoke absorption and a stronger smoke flavor.

• Keep ingredients cold before putting them on the grill.
• Do not use any oils or nonstick sprays.
• Smaller food loads, vegetables, and ground meat absorb more smoke.
• Foods with more moisture
• Foods with higher fat content
• Cooking at a higher temperature

Yes, only the Grill function allows you to do hood-up cooking. NOTE: You can not use woodfire technology when cooking with the hood up. 

To use the hood-up feature, turn the dial to the Grill function, set your desired temperature & time, then press start to initiate preheat. The grill has to preheat with the lid closed. Once preheat finishes, ADD FOOD will appear on the screen. You can now keep the lid open and add food to the grill. The timer will begin counting down after 30 seconds, and you will be cooking with bottom heat only. 

10-12 pounds.

If you are using Woodfire Flavor Technology, the pellets will go through an ignition cycle (IGN), then the grill will begin preheating (PRE). The ignition cycle will take an additional 3-6 minutes on top of the normal preheat time. 

Preheat times vary by function and unit temperature.

• GRILL LOW: approximately 9-11 minutes.
• GRILL MED: approximately 10-12 minutes.
• GRILL HI: approximately 13-15 minutes.
• AIR CRISP, BAKE, ROAST: 2-3 minutes.
• SMOKER, DEHYDRATE, BROIL: No preheat.

Using the unit in inclement weather with heavy rain could cause longer preheat times.

Use only outdoor extension cords marked as "SJOW" and "suitable for use with outdoor appliances." For cords up to 25 feet, use 14 gauge. For 25 to 50-foot cords, use 12-gauge. Cords longer than 50 feet are not recommended. Using the incorrect cord could lead to the cord overheating, melting, and/or a drop in voltage. A drop in voltage can increase preheat times and impact cooking performance and/or cook times.

While preheating is strongly recommended for best results, you can skip it by pressing and holding the START/STOP button for 4 seconds. "ADD FOOD" will flash across the screen. Open the hood and place the ingredients in the unit. Once the hood is closed, cooking will begin and the timer will start counting down.

When the unit is warm from previously being used, it will not require the full preheating time.

Preheating is highly recommended for best results, but you can skip it by pressing and holding the START/STOP button for 4 seconds.

For best results, let the unit preheat before adding ingredients.

At the start of preheat, the progress bar will begin to illuminate. Once preheat is complete, the progress bar will stop and the unit will display "ADD FOOD". Preheat time varies depending on function and temperature.

If you are using Woodfire Flavor Technology, the pellets will go through an ignition cycle (IGN), then the grill will begin preheating (PRE). The ignition cycle will take an additional 3-6 minutes on top of the normal preheat time. 

Preheat times vary by function and unit temperature.

• GRILL LOW: approximately 9-11 minutes.
• GRILL MED: approximately 10-12 minutes.
• GRILL HI: approximately 13-15 minutes.
• AIR CRISP, BAKE, ROAST: 2-3 minutes.
• SMOKER, DEHYDRATE, BROIL: No preheat.

Yes, connect to a properly 3-prong grounded GFCI outlet only and ensure to use the correct recommended cord.

Use only outdoor extension cords marked as "SJOW" and "suitable for use with outdoor appliances." For cords up to 25 feet, use 14 gauge. For 25 to 50-foot cords, use 12-gauge. Cords longer than 50 feet are not recommended. Using the incorrect cord could lead to the cord overheating, melting, and/or a drop in voltage. A drop in voltage can increase preheat times and impact cooking performance and/or cook times.

No, this appliance is for outdoor household use only. DO NOT use any of the cooking functions indoors.

No, the sleeve is made of a high-temperature silicone that can handle the grill with Built-In Thermometer's high temperatures.

55 inches.

38.94 lbs.

22.28" L x 20.04" W x 15.83" H.

• Grill: LOW (400°F), MED (450°F), or HIGH (500°F)
• Smoker: 145–400°F
• Air Crisp: 300–450°F
• Bake: 250–400°F
• Roast: 250–425°F
• Dehydrate: 80–195°F
• Broil: 500°F

The grill grate is aluminum with nonstick, high-heat ceramic coating. PTFE/PFOA free.

The base liner underneath the bottom heating element may have some visible discoloration. This is a result of our normal manufacturing process. The unit has not been previously used.

The unit is tested to withstand the outdoor elements. We do recommend buying the cover for extra protection.

The outdoor grill stand has the following dimensions;

• Height: 24.29 inches
• Width: 8.94 inches
• Length: 24.65 inches

This is not a bend in the metal, it is design intent to properly drain the grease from the inside of the unit while cooking.

The grill grates have a cooking area of 180 sq. inches. The cooking area can fit up to 2 full racks of ribs, 10 burgers, or a 10 lb brisket.

The pellet scoop is dishwasher-safe. The unit base, grill grate, crisper basket, grease tray, smoke box, thermometer, and thermometer holder are not dishwasher safe. Be sure to clean all accessories and the main unit after each use.

The grill should be thoroughly cleaned after each use. ALWAYS let the appliance and accessories cool before cleaning.

• Unplug the grill from the power source before cleaning. Keep the hood open after removing your food to allow the unit to cool quicker.
• Remove the smoke box and safely discard all contents after every use.
• The pellet scoop is dishwasher-safe. The grill grate, crisper basket, grease tray, and smoke box are not dishwasher safe. DO NOT place the thermometer in the dishwasher.
• The Built-In Thermometer and holder are handwash only. DO NOT immerse any part of the thermometer in water or any other liquid. We recommend cleaning with a damp cloth only.
• Carefully remove the cooled grease tray from the back of the unit and safely discard grease contents after each use. Hand-wash the grease tray in warm, soapy water.
• It is not required to clean the smoke box after every use. We recommend using a wire brush NOTE:DO NOT use a liquid cleaning solution on the smoke box.
• The inner hood should be wiped down with a damp towel or cloth after. The grill should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. ALWAYS let the appliance and accessories cool before cleaning.
• Unplug the grill from the power source before cleaning. Keep the hood open after removing your food to allow the unit to cool quicker.
• Remove the smoke box and safely discard all contents after every use.
• The pellet scoop is dishwasher-safe. The grill grate, crisper basket, grease tray, and smoke box are not dishwasher safe. DO NOT place the thermometer in the dishwasher.
• The Built-In Thermometer and holder are handwash only. DO NOT immerse any part of the thermometer in water or any other liquid. We recommend cleaning with a damp cloth only.
• Carefully remove the cooled grease tray from the back of the unit and safely discard grease contents after each use. Hand-wash the grease tray in warm, soapy water.
• It is not required to clean the smoke box after every use. We recommend using a wire brush. NOTE: DO NOT use a liquid cleaning solution on the smoke box.
• The inner hood should be wiped down with a damp towel or cloth after each use to deodorize the unit and remove any grease.
• If food residue or grease is stuck on the grill grate or any other removable part, soak in warm, soapy water before cleaning.
• Remove the non-stick grill grate and non-stick crisper basket (if used) after each use and hand-wash with warm, soapy water.
• Gently wipe down the inside of the hood with a damp cloth.
• When stacking the coated accessories to store, place a cloth or paper towel between each piece to protect the coated surfaces.

NOTE:NEVER use abrasive tools or cleaners. NEVER immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid. DO NOT place in dishwasher.

It is not required to clean the smoke box after every use. We recommend using a wire brush to remove extra creosote after every 10 uses. Note: DO NOT use liquid cleaning solutions on the smoke box. 

It is not required to clean the smoke box after every use. We recommend using a wire brush to remove extra creosote after every 10 uses. Note: DO NOT use liquid cleaning solutions on the smoke box. 

Press the Woodfire Flavor Technology button before pressing "Start" in order to add smoke when using the Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, or Dehydrate functions. You do not need to press the Woodfire Flavor Technology button when using the Smoker function.

The unit has completed preheating and it is now time to add your ingredients.

The lid is open and needs to be closed for the selected function to start/run OR the grill plate is not installed in the unit & must be installed for the selected function to start/run.

The thermometer(s) are not plugged into the jack on the left side of the control panel. Plug the thermometer in before proceeding. Press the thermometer in until you hear a click.

The unit is not functioning properly. Contact Customer Service. So we may better assist you, please register your product online and have the product on hand when you call.

Perception of what specific internal doneness looks like differs from person to person, even from restaurant to restaurant. The 1-9 scale provides a wide range of options for each doneness level so you can customize doneness to your liking.

Cold Smoking is to be used to provide smoke flavor to foods, this is not intended for cooking. When used on meat, poultry, or fish, this process should always be used in conjunction with a separate step to bring food up to food-safe internal temperatures. 

Yes, always fill the smoke box to the top. We've perfected the amount of pellets needed for each smoke session. Regardless of the function or food load, the unit will burn through them appropriately.

Pellets may continue to burn after the cook time is complete. Do not touch or remove the smoke box until the grill has stopped smoking, the pellets have completely burnt out, and the smoke box has cooled. At that point, remove the smoke box and safely discard cooled ash contents.

Wood ash is an excellent source of nutrients for plants. To use in your garden, lightly scatter on the soil, or add it to your existing compost.

Use the Ninja pellet scoop to fill the smoke box with Ninja woodfire pellets. Pellets need to be added before starting a cooking function that is compatible with Woodfire Flavor Technology (Smoker, Grill, Air Crisp, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate).

When using the SMOKER function,  you can add more pellets once the first batch has fully burned. Press and hold the Woodfire Flavor Technology button for 3 seconds to ignite a new full box of pellets.

To run back-to-back smoking sessions, we recommend re-filling the smoke box using the pellet scoop when half the pellets have burned. DO NOT re-fill more than 1 or 2 times. DO NOT re-ignite pellets.

Always store pellets in a dry area. Any moisture in the pellets can compromise ignition and quality of the smoke flavor.

Always let the unit and accessories cool before cleaning. Once cooled, remove the smoke box and safely discard all contents after every use.

When using the SMOKER function, you can add more pellets once the first batch has fully burned. Press and hold the Woodfire Flavor Technology button for 3 seconds to ignite the new full box of pellets.

To run back-to-back smoking sessions, we recommend re-filling the smoke box using the pellet scoop when half the pellets have burned. DO NOT re-fill more than 1 or 2 times. DO NOT re-ignite pellets.

No, this unit is only compatible with Ninja Woodfire Pellets.

Yes, for best results, performance, and flavor, use Ninja Woodfire Pellets when adding smoke. We do not recommend using other pellet brands, as Ninja Woodfire Technology was developed using Ninja pellets, and using other brands may cause ignition issues and unsatisfactory results for your food.

No matter which blend you choose, our pellets can be used with anything you make. Use the Robust blend for rich woodfire flavors, and the All Purpose blend for a milder flavor. Both flavors pair great with whatever you make.

Pellets will burn for approximately 30-90 minutes.

By opening the hood during a cooking function (except for Grill, and/or if you enabled Woodfire Flavor Technology), the unit will automatically pause.

The unit uses 1760 watts of power, so it must be plugged into an outlet on a 15-amp circuit breaker. Using an outlet on a 10-amp breaker will cause the breaker to trip. It is also important that the unit be the only appliance plugged into an outlet when in use. To avoid tripping a breaker, make sure the unit is the only appliance plugged into an outlet on a 15-amp breaker.

To power on the unit, rotate the dial clockwise out of the "OFF" position. If the unit is still not powering on, make sure that the unit is plugged in, press the reset button on the GFCI, and try a different outlet. If the unit is still not powering on, please contact Customer Service.

If you pressed Woodfire Flavor Technology and already started your cooking function by pressing "START", you can press the Woodfire Flavor Technology button again to turn it off if the ignition cycle is less than 75% complete (indicated by the progress bar on the display screen). If pellets have fully ignited and the grill has transitioned to the preheat cycle (indicated on the display screen), you cannot turn Woodfire Flavor Technology off.

Only if the RV outlet can provide up to 15A of 120V power.

Only if the car, SUV, or truck outlet can provide up to 15A of 120V power.

Yes, ensure to read through all safety instructions in the instruction booklet before use. Preheat times could be impacted depending on the severity of the weather.

No, this unit is for outdoor household use only.

A thermometer holder comes with the unit. Wrap the thermometer around the provided holder, then slide holder in to the storage compartment below the control panel.

Ensure the grill is placed on a flat, level surface before use, and grease drainage hole is not clogged.

When wood products are burned slowly, they produce a thick, sticky compound called creosote, which condenses on the relatively cool smoke box walls and ductwork above the smoke box. Once it bakes on and cools, this creosote layer becomes quite brittle and can readily be scraped off if the accumulation becomes unsightly or interferes with pellet door closure.

The grease catch is completely installed into the unit when you can no longer push it in anymore. It does not extend all the way to the front of the unit as it is not the full length of the underside of the unit. It is ok for the handle/finger purchase area to stick out the back of the unit when the tray is fully installed, this is for ease of access. The tray will have a bit of wiggle room from right to left, as this allows the tray to be able to slide out easily and not get jammed/slosh grease around.