Traeger Ironwood XL vs Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL: Full-Size Smoker or Compact Electric

Where these two differ

One is a full-size insulated pellet smoker that takes a patio corner and feeds a party. The other is a compact electric grill that smokes with a cup of pellets, air fries and sits on a balcony table. The Ironwood XL and the Woodfire ProConnect XL both carry an XL badge and an app; the similarity ends there.

This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both and on recurring owner feedback. We have not cooked on either ourselves.

Smoke

The Traeger burns a full pellet fire in a fire pot, feeds it from a hopper and fills an insulated barrel with smoke for twelve hours. The Ninja heats with an electric element and burns a small cup of pellets for smoke, which flavors a chicken or a rack of ribs convincingly and runs out in an hour or so. Deep bark on a brisket is Traeger territory; a smoky weeknight chicken is where the Ninja shines.

Capacity

Nine hundred and twenty-four square inches holds a packer brisket, a pork shoulder and ribs at once. The Ninja holds two racks of ribs or two chickens. For a family dinner the Ninja is enough; for guests it is not.

Versatility

The Ninja air fries wings, bakes a pizza, roasts vegetables and dehydrates jerky, all outdoors with the smoke on or off. The Traeger smokes, roasts and bakes on a larger scale and more slowly. A household that wants one outdoor appliance to do many things leans Ninja; one that wants a smoker leans Traeger.

Space and rules

The Ninja is electric, which many apartment buildings allow where gas and charcoal are banned, and it fits a balcony. The Traeger needs a patio, a cover and somewhere dry for pellet bags.

Which one should you buy

Buy the Ironwood XL if you have a yard, feed crowds and want serious smoke in any weather. Buy the Woodfire ProConnect XL if space is tight, the household is small, or you want air frying and smoking from one plug-in box. Price points differ by a wide margin, and so do the jobs.

Common owner complaints

Ironwood XL owners complain about price and the space it takes. Ninja owners mention the limited capacity, smoke that is lighter than a true pellet fire and the need for an outlet within reach of the table. Neither draws reliability complaints in the first seasons.

Our verdict

The Ironwood XL is the better smoker without question. The Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL is the better appliance for a balcony and a family, and it is not trying to be a Traeger.