Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 1760-watt, 25-pound indoor grill and air fryer with a Smart Cook System is for home cooks who want to char-grill and air fry large meals with precise temperature control, but have ample counter s
This Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a strong contender for those who prioritize multi-functionality and indoor grilling with a large capacity. However, its significant 25-pound footprint and reported thermometer inconsistencies make it a situational fit, requiring users to adapt to its quirks and have sufficient kitchen space.
If the size is a deal-breaker, look for models with a smaller footprint or fewer functions, or consider a dedicated air fryer and a separate indoor grill to save space.
Regret Score™
Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Achieves char-grilled marks and flavors indoors with 500°F cyclonic air and a 500°F grill grate.
- Smart Cook System offers 4 protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels, eliminating guesswork for meat preparation.
- Air fries with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, utilizing a 4-quart crisper basket.
- Includes 6 cooking functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate, making it a multi-functional appliance.
- XL capacity allows cooking for a family of four or more, accommodating multiple steaks or a platter of wings.
- Removable parts, including the grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot, are dishwasher safe for easier cleanup.
Cons
- The 25-pound unit has a substantial footprint, making it challenging for kitchens with limited counter or storage space.
- The integrated Smart Thermometer can be inaccurate and may overcook food, particularly when compared to external probes.
- Cleaning the inside of the lid can be difficult, leading to grease buildup and odors over time.
- Despite claims of being smokeless, some users report smoke, especially with fattier foods, potentially triggering smoke alarms.
- The thermometer probe does not function with frozen meat, requiring partial cooking before insertion.
Dimension Scores
The 1760-watt system with 500°F cyclonic air and grill grate delivers char-grilled results and up to 75% less fat air frying.
The Smart Cook System offers 'set it and forget it' convenience for meats, and parts are dishwasher safe, but the large size and lid cleaning present challenges.
Users describe the unit as feeling 'premium' and 'solid,' with a sleek design and durable components like the non-stick coating.
Operating at 1760 watts, it's a high-power appliance, but its multi-functionality can replace several less efficient single-purpose devices.
Best For
- Individuals or families who frequently grill and air fry, especially red meat and poultry, indoors.
- Home cooks who want to consolidate multiple kitchen appliances into one 6-in-1 unit.
- Users who value precise internal temperature control for meats, provided they use the thermometer correctly.
- Preparing large batches of food, given its XL capacity.
Not Recommended For
- Small kitchens with limited counter space or storage for a 25-pound appliance.
- Users who primarily cook frozen foods and rely on a thermometer from the start of the cooking process.
- Those highly sensitive to cooking odors or who expect zero smoke under all conditions.
Watch Out For
- The Smart Thermometer has been reported to be inaccurate by some users, leading to overcooked food if solely relied upon.
- The unit's 25-pound weight and large dimensions make it cumbersome to move and store, often requiring dedicated counter space.
- Grease and grime can accumulate inside the lid, which is not easily removable for cleaning, potentially causing odors.
- Preheating takes a consistent amount of time, suggesting a timed rather than temperature-based preheat, which can be inefficient if the unit was recently used.
- The thermometer probe cannot be used with frozen meat, requiring users to partially cook items before inserting the probe.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 622356301596 622356590822 |
| ASIN | B0B3S5GWX7 |
| Brand | Ninja |
| Color | Black/Silver |
| Style | 6-in-1 With Thermometer |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Wattage | 1760 watts |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Item Weight | 25 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Ninja |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Special Feature | Dishwasher Safe Parts, XL Capacity |
| Item model number | DG551 |
| Number of settings | 4 |
| Product Dimensions | 15.7"D x 11.1"W x 16"H |
| Included Components | Cleaning Brush, Cooking Pot, Crisper Basket, Foodi Smart Thermometer, Grill Grate, Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill, Recipe Booklet, Splatter shield |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 06223565908220 |
What Buyers Say
Many users rave about the Ninja DG551's ability to produce char-grilled food indoors and crispy air-fried items, often replacing outdoor grills and traditional air fryers. The Smart Cook System is frequently praised for taking the guesswork out of cooking meats, though some find the integrated thermometer unreliable. The biggest recurring issues are its substantial 25-pound size, which can dominate counter space, and the difficulty in thoroughly cleaning the non-removable lid.
“Honestly, this thing is a game changer for steaks and chicken, but man, it's a beast on my counter and cleaning the top is a real pain in the butt. Still, my bacon is perfect every time.”
Common Praise
- Produces authentic char-grilled marks and flavor on meats like steak and lamb.
- Air-fried foods, like French fries and bacon, come out crispy and with less fat.
- The Smart Cook System makes cooking meats to a specific doneness 'set it and forget it' easy.
- XL capacity allows cooking full meals for families, including multiple steaks or large batches of wings.
- Replaces multiple kitchen appliances, reducing clutter for some users.
- Dishwasher-safe grill grates and baskets simplify cleanup of cooking surfaces.
Common Complaints
- The built-in thermometer can be inaccurate, leading to overcooked food.
- The unit is large and heavy (25 pounds), making storage and counter placement difficult in smaller kitchens.
- Cleaning the inside of the lid is challenging, leading to grease buildup and potential odors.
- Despite 'smokeless' claims, some cooking, especially with fatty foods, generates smoke.
- The thermometer probe cannot be used with frozen food, requiring extra steps.
Ownership Tips
- The preheat cycle always takes the same amount of time, regardless of prior use, which can feel inefficient.
- Grease can build up on the non-removable lid interior, requiring creative cleaning methods to prevent odors.
- The Smart Thermometer's accuracy can be inconsistent, making an external thermometer a useful backup.
- It can effectively replace an outdoor grill for many, especially in adverse weather, but won't replicate the exact smoky flavor.
- The unit is surprisingly quiet for its power, operating at about 60 dB during air crisping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ninja DG551 truly cook without smoke?
While advertised as smokeless, some users report smoke, especially when cooking fattier meats, which can sometimes trigger smoke alarms.
Are the cooking surfaces easy to clean?
The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all dishwasher safe, making cleanup of these components straightforward. However, cleaning the inside of the lid can be difficult due to grease buildup.
How accurate is the Smart Thermometer?
User experiences vary; some find it precise for achieving desired doneness, while others report it can be inaccurate and lead to overcooked food, especially compared to independent meat thermometers.
Can I cook frozen food with the Smart Thermometer?
No, the thermometer probe does not work with frozen meat. You need to partially cook the food before inserting the probe and reprogramming the device.
Is the Ninja DG551 loud during operation?
The unit operates at around 59-60 dB during air crisping, which is comparable to a quiet office environment.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at an indoor grill like this, you're basically deciding if you want to bring the outdoor grilling experience inside, but with a lot more control and less mess. You're also getting an air fryer and several other functions, so think about how often you'd use all those modes. The big things are how much space you have, how important that 'char' flavor is to you, and if you're okay with a bit of cleaning effort for the convenience.
Wattage (1760 watts)
This tells you how much power the appliance draws. Higher wattage, like 1760 watts, generally means it can heat up faster and maintain higher temperatures, which is crucial for searing and quick cooking, similar to how a powerful oven gets to temperature quickly.
Smart Cook System & Thermometer
This is like having a built-in chef's assistant. It uses a thermometer to monitor your food's internal temperature and stops cooking when it reaches your desired doneness, taking the guesswork out of cooking meats perfectly, much like a smart oven with a probe.
XL Capacity
This refers to the cooking area size. An XL capacity means you can cook larger quantities of food at once, like several steaks or a whole batch of chicken wings, making it suitable for feeding a family or entertaining, similar to how a large baking sheet fits more cookies.
Alternatives
If the 25-pound size is too much for your kitchen, look for models with a smaller footprint or dedicated single-function appliances. If thermometer accuracy is paramount, consider models with a highly rated, consistently accurate probe or plan to use an external one.
You Might Also Like
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with Crevice Tool, 2033M, Black
This 3.64-pound, 2033-watt corded vacuum converts to handheld, best for quick pickups on hard floors and surface debris on low-pile carpets.
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pet Hair in Bedroom, Covers Up to 1073 ft² by 56W High Torque Motor, AHAM VERIFIDE, 3-in-1 Filter with HEPA Sleep Mode, Remove Dust Smoke Odor, Core300-P, Black
This 56W air purifier with 143 CFM CADR and 24dB sleep mode is for small to medium rooms needing quiet, AHAM-verified air cleaning.
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
This 10-liter, 1700-watt air fryer bakes, roasts, dehydrates, and rotisseries, making it a countertop oven for families needing multiple cooking functions.
Keurig K- Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with 3 Brew Sizes, Multistream Technology, 46oz Removable Reservoir, Scarlet Red
This 4.76-inch wide, 6.22-pound single-serve brewer with a 46oz reservoir is for K-Cup users who need counter space.