Ninja OG701 vs OG705: Which Outdoor Grill is Better for You?

Choosing the right grill can be overwhelming, especially when you're comparing two heavy hitters like the Ninja OG701 vs OG705. Having tested both, each has its perks. Whether you're grilling for a cozy dinner or hosting a small gathering, these grills offer versatility, speed, and the delicious flavor of woodfire cooking.

But which one is right for you? Stick around as I break down the key differences to help you make the best choice.

Ninja OG701 Review: The Grill That Made Me Rethink Outdoor Cooking

Let me start with this: I didn’t expect to like the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Grill and Smoker as much as I do. I already had a garage full of grilling gear—gas burners, charcoal setups, a giant offset smoker, even a pizza oven. But the Ninja? It slid quietly into my life, and before I knew it, I was using it almost every day.

This isn’t just a grill. It’s an outdoor cooking station that air fries wings, grills juicy steaks, smokes brisket, and bakes veggies—all from a single, compact box. It’s like your best friend who also happens to be a chef and never complains.

First Impressions: Simple but Smart

The design is compact, tidy, and weatherproof. It fits on a small balcony and doesn’t scream for attention. Setting it up was easier than assembling a chair from IKEA. It took minutes. Add wood pellets (just ½ cup), plug it in, turn the dial, and that’s it.

The Good Stuff

• Cooks steak perfectly in 10 minutes
• Grills, smokes, air fries, and roasts
• Compact but handles large portions easily
• Super easy to clean after use

What I Didn’t Love

• The Power cord is disappointingly short
• Smoke flavor is light, not deep

Ninja OG705 Review: A Compact Grill with Big Flavor

The Ninja OG705 Grill & Smoker is a solid choice for anyone looking to experience a smoky, wood-fired flavor with the convenience of an electric setup. It's a versatile cooking machine that combines grilling, smoking, air frying, and more, making it a great option for small gatherings, RV trips, or apartment living. Ninja has nailed the balance between speed, flavor, and ease of use.

While it offers quick cooking times and delivers excellent smoky flavor, it's not without a few drawbacks

The Good Stuff

• Quick cooking time – Perfect for fast meals.
• 7-in-1 versatility functions – Grills, smokes, fries, and more.
• Authentic smoky flavor – Real woodfire taste.
• Compact design – Fits well in small spaces.

What I Didn’t Love

• Requires Ninja pellets – Limited pellet options.
• Small cooking space – Not ideal for large groups.

Ninja OG701 vs OG705: Details Comparison

I've been testing out the Ninja OG701 and OG705 Woodfire Outdoor Grills, and while they share many core features, there are a few notable differences that could sway your decision depending on what you’re looking for in an outdoor cooking appliance.

Flavor

Both the Ninja OG701 and OG705 deliver a genuine woodfire flavor. Thanks to Ninja’s Woodfire Technology, you get an authentic smoky taste, even in an electric model. The difference? The OG705 has a slight edge with its additional griddle plate, offering more versatility for various cooking types, but both models produce flavorful, tender food.

Cooking Functions

The OG701 and OG705 both boast 7-in-1 functionality, including grilling, BBQ smoking, air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, and broiling. The OG705 doesn't expand on the core features but offers additional versatility with the griddle plate for those looking to experiment more with their cooking.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning is a breeze with both models. Both the OG701 and OG705 feature nonstick ceramic-coated grill grates and removable parts, making cleaning after cooking quick and easy. The OG705 includes a grill cover, which helps keep the grill clean when not in use, providing an added convenience.

Size

Both the OG701 and OG705 have the same 141 sq. in. cooking area, making them compact and ideal for small spaces, like apartments or smaller patios. If you're cooking for a larger group, the OG705 might have the advantage due to its added griddle plate, which expands your cooking options.

Cooking Speed

When it comes to speed, both grills heat up quickly and cook food efficiently. Both models perform well, with burgers grilling in minutes and brisket smoking in less time than traditional smokers. The OG701 is a bit quicker in some cooking functions due to its simpler design, but the OG705 cooks just as fast while offering more versatility.

Smoke Quality

The smoke quality on both grills is similar, with both models offering that authentic smoky flavor thanks to Ninja's woodfire pellets.

The OG705 slightly edges out the OG701 in versatility, thanks to the griddle function, but when it comes to smoke, both models produce a satisfying amount of smokiness for everyday grilling and smoking.

Ease of Use

Both the OG701 and OG705 are user-friendly, featuring intuitive controls and a quick setup process. The OG705 adds a small convenience with the griddle plate and grill cover, but neither model is overly complicated to operate. Both grills also feature Ninja's Woodfire Technology, which makes grilling and smoking easier without the learning curve of traditional grills.

Included Accessories

The OG701 includes a nonstick grill grate, crisper basket, pellet scoop, and a starter pack of Ninja Woodfire Pellets. The OG705 includes the same accessories but adds a griddle plate and a premium grill cover. If you’re looking for extra value with more accessories, the OG705 might be a better fit.

Price

The OG701 is generally priced a bit lower, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for the core features of a Ninja Woodfire Grill. The OG705 costs a little more due to its added accessories, like the griddle plate and premium grill cover, making it a slightly higher investment but worth it for those who want more versatility.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on a budget or prefer a no-frills, simple setup, I would recommend the Ninja OG701 Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker (Check pricing). It offers all the essential features (grill, smoker, air fryer, etc.) at a lower price point, making it ideal for those who want a versatile cooking appliance without the extra cost of additional accessories.

If you’re looking for more versatility and extra convenience, the Ninja OG705 Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker would be a great choice. The added griddle plate and premium grill cover offer more flexibility in cooking and protection, making it ideal if you want to cook a wider variety of dishes and need the grill cover for storage or protection.

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