Craving perfectly grilled food without the hassle of outdoor grilling or the limitations of a small apartment kitchen? The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Indoor grills offer a fantastic way to enjoy grilled flavors year-round, regardless of weather or space constraints. They’re perfect for apartment dwellers, those with limited outdoor space, or anyone seeking convenient grilling. However, before purchasing, consider your needs. Think about the size of your kitchen, how often you plan to use the grill, and the types of food you’ll be cooking. If you rarely grill, a smaller, less expensive model might suffice. But if you’re a serious grilling enthusiast, the features and capacity of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill are hard to beat. Those who primarily need a simple air fryer might find a dedicated air fryer more suitable than a multi-functional appliance like this one.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air Fryer with the Smart Cook System & Thermometer.
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the perfect doneness, from rare to well-done with 4 protein settings & 9 customizable doneness levels. Do it at the...
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F of hot cyclonic air and 500°F grill grate to perfectly cook or char grill your food with char-grilled marks and delicious flavors.
Introducing the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill promises delicious, perfectly cooked food with minimal effort. This second-generation model boasts a sleek design and improved features compared to its predecessor. It’s a multi-functional appliance combining grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating capabilities. It comes with a large grill grate, a 4-qt. crisper basket, a cooking pot, a smart thermometer, a cleaning brush, and a recipe book. Unlike some simpler indoor grills, its versatility makes it a good choice for diverse cooking needs. However, it’s a larger appliance, so ensure you have adequate counter space. It’s also not ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option, as it’s priced higher than some basic indoor grills.
- Pros: Versatility (6 cooking functions), Smart Cook System with thermometer, large capacity, easy-to-clean parts, relatively smoke-free operation.
- Cons: High price point, bulky size, thermometer accuracy can be inconsistent (based on some user reports), some users find the grill grate heavy and difficult to clean.
- ADVANCED GEORGE TOUGH NONSTICK COATING: There’s a lot to love about this nonstick coating. It’s 3x¹ more durable, easy to clean, and removes the need for butter and oil.
- 2-SERVING: Tight on countertop space? This grill is your solution! With a compact size of 9.40”L x 5.78” W x 10.27” H, it’s perfect for small apartments and couples. Cooking surface: 7.36” L...
- Wash the Entire Grill¹: For a complete clean, remove the control panel and place all additional components in the dishwasher. ¹ Remove control panel to wash grill
Unveiling the Features and Benefits of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
The Smart Cook System and Thermometer
The standout feature is undoubtedly the Ninja Foodi Smart XL’s Smart Cook System and integrated thermometer. This eliminates guesswork by monitoring the internal temperature of your food. Select your protein type (beef, poultry, pork, or fish) and your desired doneness level (rare to well-done), and the grill takes care of the rest. It automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature to achieve perfect results every time. This feature is a game-changer, especially for achieving consistently cooked steaks.
Cyclonic Grilling Technology
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill’s cyclonic grilling technology uses super-heated air circulating around the food to create that signature grilled flavor and char marks. This delivers consistently even cooking, minimizing hot spots and ensuring your food is cooked through without overcooking the outside. This is particularly beneficial for delicate items that might be easily overcooked on a traditional grill.
Six Versatile Cooking Functions
Beyond grilling, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 excels at air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. The air frying function allows you to create crispy textures with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. Roasting and baking functions are perfect for vegetables, meats, and even desserts. Broiling offers a quick way to brown or sear food, and the dehydrating function is ideal for creating healthy snacks and preserving food.
Ease of Cleaning
The removable grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. This significantly reduces the post-cooking clean-up time and effort. The non-stick ceramic coating also helps prevent food from sticking, further simplifying the cleaning process.
Smoke Control System
The grill’s design incorporates a smoke control system. The combination of the temperature-controlled grill grate, a splatter shield, and a cool-air zone significantly reduces smoke production, making it suitable for indoor use without setting off smoke alarms too frequently. However, some smoke is still possible, particularly with foods with high fat content like some steaks, depending on the cooking style.
What Real Users Are Saying
Online reviews consistently praise the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill’s versatility, ease of use, and the delicious results it produces. Many users highlight the convenience of the Smart Cook System and the ease of cleaning. While some users have noted minor inconsistencies with the thermometer’s accuracy and the weight of the grill plate, the overwhelming majority are very satisfied with their purchase and consider it a valuable addition to their kitchen. The consensus among users is that it’s a highly capable and relatively user-friendly appliance.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Investment for the Culinary Enthusiast
If you’re seeking a versatile, high-performance indoor grilling solution, the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is a top contender. Its ability to perfectly cook a wide range of foods with minimal effort, combined with the convenience of its multiple functions and easy clean-up, makes it worth the investment. While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the consistent positive feedback from users points towards its value. To experience the ease and delicious results yourself, click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API