Want to grill indoors without smoke or hassle? The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551 is my go-to. I’ve used this 6-in-1 indoor grill for over a year now. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. The Smart Thermometer changed how I cook at home. Here’s my honest take after months of daily use.
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Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551 Good?
Yes. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551 is a solid indoor grill. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. That’s six tools in one machine.
I’ve used this grill for over a year now. It sits on my counter. I use it three to four times a week. Rain or snow? No problem. I still get char marks on my steaks.
The Smart Thermometer is the star feature. You insert it into your meat. The grill tracks the temp for you. It tells you when your food hits the right level. Rare, medium, or well-done. You pick. It does the rest.
The XL Grill Grate fits six steaks at once. That’s great for family dinners. I’ve grilled burgers, chicken, and salmon on it. All turned out juicy.
SharkNinja made this with their 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology. It heats fast. The Smoke Control System keeps your kitchen clear. No fire alarms. No open windows. Just good food.
For indoor grilling, this is one of the best options out there.
What I Like
After months of daily use, I’ve found a lot to love about the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551. Here are the highlights that keep me coming back to it.
- The Smart Thermometer is a game changer. I used to guess when my steak was done. Sometimes I’d cut it open to check. Now I just insert the Foodi Smart Thermometer. It tracks the temp in real time. I pick rare, medium, or well-done. The grill beeps when it’s ready. No more dry, overcooked meat. Just perfect results every time.
- Six functions in one machine. This indoor grill does so much more than grill. It air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. I made crispy fries last week. Beef jerky the week before. I don’t need five different appliances anymore. This one does it all.
- The XL capacity fits big meals. I often cook for my whole family. The XL Grill Grate holds up to six steaks at once. Or 24 hot dogs. The XL Crisper Basket handles four quarts for air frying. Big batches are easy now.
- Indoor grilling with no smoke hassle. The Smoke Control System really works. My kitchen stays clear. No fire alarms. No need to open windows in winter. The splatter shield catches grease. I grill year-round now. Rain, snow, or summer heat. It doesn’t matter.
- It heats up fast. The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology gets hot in minutes. I don’t wait long. Dinner is on the table faster. On busy weeknights, that speed makes a big difference.
- Cleanup is quick and easy. The grill grate and crisper basket have nonstick coating. Food slides off. I wipe them down or toss them in the dishwasher. Less time scrubbing. More time relaxing.
- SharkNinja quality shows. Ninja is a brand I trust. They’ve been making kitchen gear for years. This grill feels well-made. The digital display is clear. The controls are simple. Everything works as expected.
What Could Be Better
No product is perfect. But these small issues didn’t stop me from loving this grill. Here’s what I noticed along the way.
- It needs counter space. The DG551 measures 16.75 by 16.54 inches. That’s not tiny. I had to shift things around in my kitchen. But once it found its spot, I didn’t mind. The value it brings is worth the space.
- The thermometer takes practice. At first, I placed it wrong a few times. The temp readings were off. I watched a quick video. After that, I got the hang of it. Now it’s second nature. Just a small learning curve.
- It’s an investment. The price is higher than basic indoor grills. You pay more for the smart features. But for me, the 6-in-1 functionality made it worth every penny. Think of it as buying six tools in one.
- Replacement parts need online ordering. I needed a new splatter shield once. My local store didn’t have it. I ordered from Amazon. It came fast. Not a big deal. Just plan ahead if you need extras.
- The cord could be longer. The power cord is a bit short. I needed my grill near an outlet. A longer cord would give more flexibility. Still, this didn’t affect my cooking at all.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551 for over a year now. It sits on my counter. I use it three to four times a week. It’s become a core part of how I cook at home.
Design
The design feels modern and smart. The sleek black finish looks good on any counter. It matches my other kitchen appliances. The digital display sits on the front. It’s bright and easy to read.
I love how compact it feels for what it does. Six functions fit inside one unit. The lid opens wide. Placing food is easy. The grill grate and crisper basket slide in and out smoothly.
Ninja thought about the details. The splatter shield clicks into place. The thermometer stores neatly. Nothing feels loose or cheap. It looks like a premium appliance. And it acts like one too.
For me, the design is both form and function. It’s pretty. But more importantly, it works.
Performance
Performance is where this grill truly shines. The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology heats up fast. I’ve had the grill ready in under five minutes. That speed matters on busy nights.
The char marks on my steaks look like they came off an outdoor grill. Juicy on the inside. Crispy on the outside. The Smart Cook System tracks doneness for me. I pick medium-rare. The grill does the rest.
Air frying is just as good. Fries come out golden and crispy. Chicken wings get that crunch I love. Roasting a whole chicken? Done in under an hour. Evenly cooked. Skin perfectly browned.
I’ve also made jerky with the dehydrate function. It worked great. Low and slow. Perfect texture.
This grill performs like three or four appliances. That’s real value. I’ve never felt let down by it.
Build Quality
SharkNinja builds products that last. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551 is no exception. After a year of regular use, mine still looks and works like new.
The body feels solid. The lid has a sturdy hinge. The buttons respond with a nice click. The grill grate is thick and heavy. It holds heat well. The crisper basket is strong. It handles big batches with ease.
The Foodi Smart Thermometer is durable too. I’ve used it dozens of times. Still accurate. Still reliable.
I’ve owned cheaper grills before. They wore out fast. Handles broke. Nonstick peeled. This one is different. It’s built to last.
If you’re in the U.S., Ninja offers solid customer support. Parts are available online. Warranty claims are simple. That peace of mind adds to the overall value.
For me, build quality is about trust. I trust this grill. It’s earned its spot in my kitchen.
Alternative Options: Indoor Grills
As a home cook and kitchen gear tester, I’ve tried many indoor grills over the past two years. I’ve grilled on Ninja, George Foreman, and Cuisinart. Each brand has its strengths. Some are simple. Some are smart. Here’s how they compare to the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551.
Ninja Foodi DG551 vs AG301
This is a common question. Both grills come from Ninja. Both are popular. I’ve used each one in my kitchen. The DG551 is the smart version. The AG301 is the basic model. Let me break it down for you.
| Feature | Ninja Foodi DG551 | Ninja Foodi AG301 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | No |
| Functions | 6-in-1 | 5-in-1 |
| Capacity | XL (6 steaks) | Standard (4 steaks) |
| Max Temperature | 500°F | 500°F |
| Dehydrate Function | Yes | No |
| Smoke Control | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | Higher | Lower |
| Best For | Smart cooking fans | Budget-conscious buyers |
| Doneness Tracking | Automatic | Manual |
| Digital Display | Yes | Yes |
The AG301 is a solid grill. It grills well. It air fries great. But the DG551 takes it further. The Smart Thermometer alone is worth the upgrade. I no longer guess when my steak is done. The grill tells me. For me, that feature sealed the deal.
Summary: Pick the AG301 if you want a simple, budget-friendly grill. Choose the DG551 if you want smart features and more functions.
Ninja Foodi vs George Foreman
George Foreman is a legend. It’s been in kitchens for decades. I grew up with one. My parents used it for burgers. But times have changed. I’ve now tested both side by side. Here’s what I found.
| Feature | Ninja Foodi DG551 | George Foreman Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | No |
| Functions | 6-in-1 | 1 (Grill only) |
| Capacity | XL (6 steaks) | Varies by model |
| Max Temperature | 500°F | ~400°F |
| Air Fry | Yes | No |
| Dehydrate | Yes | No |
| Smoke Control | Yes | Limited |
| Price Range | Higher | Lower |
| Best For | Versatile cooking | Quick, simple grilling |
| Cleanup | Dishwasher safe parts | Wipe-down plates |
The George Foreman is a classic. It’s cheap. It’s simple. It grills fast. But that’s all it does. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill does so much more. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. Six tools in one.
I still respect the George Foreman. But the Ninja outperforms it in every way. The 500°F heat gives better char marks. The Smoke Control System keeps my kitchen clear. And the Smart Thermometer? George can’t match that.
Summary: The George Foreman is great for quick, no-fuss grilling. The Ninja Foodi DG551 is better for those who want more power and options.
Ninja Foodi vs Cuisinart Griddler
The Cuisinart Griddler is another strong contender. It’s been a kitchen favorite for years. I’ve used the Griddler for pancakes and paninis. It’s a good appliance. But how does it stack up against the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill? Let’s compare.
| Feature | Ninja Foodi DG551 | Cuisinart Griddler |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | No |
| Functions | 6-in-1 | 5-in-1 |
| Primary Use | Grilling, Air Frying | Griddling, Panini Press |
| Max Temperature | 500°F | ~450°F |
| Air Fry | Yes | No |
| Dehydrate | Yes | No |
| Smoke Control | Yes | No |
| Reversible Plates | No | Yes |
| Price Range | Higher | Mid-range |
| Best For | Indoor grilling, smart cooking | Breakfast, sandwiches |
| Capacity | XL | Standard |
The Cuisinart Griddler shines at breakfast. Pancakes. Eggs. Grilled cheese. It’s a griddle first. A grill second. The reversible plates are handy.
But the Ninja Foodi DG551 is a true indoor grill. It hits 500°F. It gives real char marks. The Cuisinart can’t match that heat. And the Ninja’s air fryer function is a bonus. I use it for fries and wings all the time.
For me, the Ninja Foodi offers more value. It does what the Cuisinart does. Plus a lot more.
Summary: The Cuisinart Griddler is perfect for griddle lovers and breakfast fans. The Ninja Foodi DG551 is ideal for serious grilling and multi-function cooking.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a side-by-side look at all three alternatives.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja AG301 | George Foreman | Cuisinart Griddler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermometer | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Functions | 6-in-1 | 5-in-1 | 1 | 5-in-1 |
| Max Temp | 500°F | 500°F | ~400°F | ~450°F |
| Air Fry | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Dehydrate | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Smoke Control | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Best For | Smart grilling | Budget grilling | Simple meals | Breakfast, paninis |
My Final Thoughts on Alternatives
Each grill has its place. The George Foreman is great for quick meals. The Cuisinart Griddler is perfect for breakfast lovers. The Ninja AG301 is a solid budget pick.
But for me, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551 wins. It does more. It cooks smarter. It saves me time. The Smart Thermometer alone is worth the upgrade. Add in air frying and dehydrating? It’s hard to beat.
If you want one appliance that does it all, the DG551 is the one. It’s earned its spot on my counter. And I think it will earn a spot on yours too.
FAQs for Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill DG551
What is the difference between the Ninja Foodi DG551 and AG301?
The DG551 has the Smart Thermometer. The AG301 does not. The DG551 offers 6-in-1 functions. The AG301 has 5-in-1. The DG551 also has a dehydrate mode. The AG301 lacks this feature. Both have Smoke Control. But the DG551 is the smarter, more versatile choice.
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill easy to clean?
Yes. Cleaning is simple. The grill grate and crisper basket are nonstick. Food slides off with a wipe. Both parts are dishwasher safe. The splatter shield lifts out easily. A quick rinse keeps it fresh. I clean mine in under five minutes.
How much food can the Ninja Foodi DG551 hold?
The XL capacity is generous. The grill grate fits up to six steaks. Or 24 hot dogs. The XL Crisper Basket holds four quarts. That’s great for fries or wings. It’s perfect for family dinners. You can cook big batches with ease.
Can you air fry with the Ninja Foodi DG551?
Yes. Air frying is one of the six functions. The XL Crisper Basket gives crispy results. Fries come out golden. Chicken wings get crunchy. You use less oil. It’s a healthier way to cook. I use this feature every week.
What can you cook on the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill?
A lot. Steaks, burgers, chicken, and fish grill great. Use air fry mode for fries and wings. Roast a whole chicken. Bake desserts or casseroles. Broil for a crispy top. Dehydrate beef jerky or fruit snacks. One grill. Endless options.
