Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551
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AI Verdict
This 1760W, 22.4-pound 6-in-1 indoor grill and 4-quart air fryer with a Smart Thermometer is for families wanting to grill and air fry large meals indoors with precision.
This Ninja Foodi Smart XL is a strong fit for users prioritizing indoor grilling and multi-functional cooking, offering 6 modes and a Smart Thermometer for precise results. Its XL capacity handles family-sized meals, making it a central kitchen appliance.
If the size is a concern, look for models with a smaller footprint or fewer functions, or consider a dedicated air fryer if grilling isn't a primary need.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Achieves authentic char-grilled marks and flavor indoors with 500°F cyclonic air technology.
- The Smart Cook System uses 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels for precise cooking, eliminating guesswork.
- Offers 6 cooking functions: grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate, consolidating multiple appliances.
- Air fries with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying, using the 4 qt crisper basket.
- Removable grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup.
- The XL capacity grill grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, suitable for family-sized meals.
Cons
- Its 22.4-pound weight and substantial footprint can be challenging for kitchens with limited counter or storage space.
- The Smart Thermometer does not function with frozen meat, requiring partial cooking before insertion.
- Some users report a learning curve to find optimal settings across the 6 cooking modes.
- The bottom tray for dehydrating is shallow, limiting its utility for certain foods.
- The appliance can be loud during operation.
Dimension Scores
The 500°F cyclonic air and grill grate effectively char-grill food, and the Smart Thermometer consistently delivers desired doneness across 4 protein presets and 9 levels.
The intuitive controls, Smart Cook System prompts for flipping, and automatic shut-off simplify the cooking process, though some initial learning for optimal settings is noted.
The unit feels well-built with a sturdy hinge and ceramic nonstick coating, but isolated reports of nonstick peeling exist.
Operating at 1760W, it's a powerful appliance, but its ability to replace multiple kitchen tools could offer energy savings compared to using a full-sized oven.
Best For
- Indoor grilling enthusiasts who want char marks and flavor without an outdoor grill.
- Families needing to cook large quantities, like up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, simultaneously.
- Individuals looking to consolidate kitchen appliances with 6-in-1 functionality.
- Health-conscious cooks aiming for crispy fried textures with up to 75% less fat.
Not Recommended For
- Small kitchens with minimal counter space or limited storage options.
- Users who primarily cook frozen meats and rely on a thermometer for doneness.
- Those sensitive to appliance noise during cooking.
Watch Out For
- The 22.4-pound unit is large and can be difficult to store, with some users finding it too big for standard cabinets.
- The Smart Thermometer cannot be used with frozen meat, requiring users to partially cook items before probing.
- One user reported the nonstick coating peeling after only 3 uses, despite hand washing and avoiding metal utensils.
- The appliance generates noticeable noise during operation, which some users find bothersome.
- The splatter shield and internal filter require regular cleaning to maintain smokeless performance.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 622356564540 |
| ASIN | B089TQ82WT |
| Brand | Ninja |
| Color | Black & Silver |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Wattage | 1760 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Model Name | Ninja FG551 |
| Item Weight | 22.4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | SharkNinja |
| Heating Power | 1760 Kilowatts |
| Cooking System | Smart Cook System with Thermometer |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Racks | 1 |
| Special Feature | Auto Shut Off, Smart Thermometer |
| Heating Elements | 1 |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Installation Type | Free Standing |
| Item model number | FG551 |
| Main Burner Count | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 15.75"D x 16.54"W x 11.1"H |
| Grill Configuration | Portable |
| Included Components | 1760-Watt Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill, 4-Quart Cooking Pot with Nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, 4-Quart Crisper Basket with Nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, 9" x 12" High-Density Grill Grate with Nonstick, PTFE/PTFOA-Free, Ceramic Coating, Cleaning Brush, Recipe Guide, Thermometer |
| Cooking Surface Area | 198.48 Square Inches |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Indoor |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 10622356564547 |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out is how this thing actually delivers on indoor grilling, getting those char marks and flavors without smoking up the whole kitchen. The Smart Thermometer is a game-changer for getting meat cooked exactly how you like it, taking the guesswork out of steaks and chicken. People are genuinely surprised by how well it air fries too, making crispy food with way less oil. Cleanup is easier than expected because the main parts just pop in the dishwasher, which is a huge win after cooking.
“OMG this thing is a beast! My steaks come out perfect medium-rare every single time, and I can finally air fry wings without all the greasy mess. It's kinda big, but totally worth the counter space.”
Common Praise
- Produces authentic char-grilled marks and flavor indoors.
- The Smart Thermometer ensures consistent doneness for meats, from rare to well-done.
- Air frying function creates crispy results with up to 75% less fat.
- Removable cooking components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup less of a chore.
- Replaces multiple kitchen appliances, saving counter space and simplifying cooking tasks.
- Preheats quickly and cooks food efficiently.
Common Complaints
- The appliance's large size and 22.4-pound weight make storage difficult for smaller kitchens.
- The smart thermometer cannot be used with frozen meat, requiring extra steps for thawing.
- Some users find the operational noise level to be distracting.
- There's a slight learning curve to master all 6 cooking functions and their optimal settings.
- One user reported the nonstick coating peeling prematurely.
Ownership Tips
- The splatter shield and internal filter need regular cleaning to maintain its 'virtually smokeless' claim.
- Despite being 'XL', the actual cooking surface can feel crowded when trying to cook for more than 4 people.
- The unit gets loud, especially during air frying or grilling at high temperatures.
- It takes up a significant amount of counter space, so plan for a dedicated spot or frequent moving.
- The included recipe book and temperature charts are genuinely useful for getting started and exploring different functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 produce a lot of smoke?
Users report that the cyclonic grilling technology effectively minimizes smoke, making it suitable for indoor use.
How many steaks can I cook at once?
The XL capacity grill grate is designed to fit up to 6 steaks simultaneously.
Are the cooking components dishwasher safe?
Yes, the grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Can I use the Smart Thermometer with frozen food?
No, the Smart Thermometer is not designed to work with frozen meat; you'll need to partially thaw or cook it first.
What cooking functions does this appliance have?
It offers 6 functions: grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate.
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 loud when operating?
Some users have noted that the appliance can be loud during use.
Buying Guide
When looking at indoor grills like this, you need to think about how much space you have, because these multi-function units can be chunky. Consider if you'll actually use all 6 cooking modes, or if a simpler appliance would fit your needs better. The Smart Thermometer is a big deal for getting meat cooked just right, but remember it won't work if your food is frozen solid. Also, even with 'smokeless' tech, there's still some vapor and smell, so ventilation is still a good idea.
Wattage (1760W)
Higher wattage means faster preheating and more consistent cooking temperatures, especially important for searing and crisping. Think of it like a car's horsepower – more power usually means quicker results.
Capacity (4 qt air fryer, 6 steaks)
This tells you how much food you can cook at once. A 4-quart air fryer basket is good for 2-4 servings of fries, and fitting 6 steaks means you can feed a small family without multiple batches, saving time.
Smart Thermometer
This is your secret weapon for perfectly cooked meat. Instead of guessing or cutting into your food, you set the desired doneness (like medium-rare for beef), and the grill tells you when it's ready, preventing over or undercooking.
Alternatives
If this model is too large or you don't need all the functions, look for indoor grills with a smaller footprint or dedicated air fryers with a 2-3 quart capacity. If cooking frozen food with a thermometer is crucial, seek out appliances specifically designed for that feature.
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