Indoor grilling has become my go-to for weeknight dinners, so I decided to run a true side-by-side test of two of Ninja’s best-selling countertop grills: the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Grill/Griddle Combo. Over several weeks I grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, air-fried wings, and even flipped pancakes on both models. Here’s everything I learned from that extended cook-off.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Foodi Smart Grill
The IG651 is essentially an upgraded, more versatile sibling to the DG551. It adds a flat-top BBQ griddle, a separate powered grill grate for intense searing, and the option to cook hood up or hood down. The DG551 still offers excellent Smart Thermometer technology and six functions, but the IG651 stretches to seven and delivers more control over heat and cooking style.
- 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...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. (Based on grill grate's direct heating element...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its direct high heat. Precise temperature controls allow for fast, even cooking without hot or...
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Foodi Smart Grill
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja IG651 |
| Cooking Functions | 6: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | 7: Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Heating Power | 1760 watts, cyclonic air + 500°F grill grate | 1760 watts, independently powered 500°F grill grate + flat top griddle |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes, 4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels | Yes, same system |
| Griddle Plate | No | Yes, 12″ BBQ griddle |
| Hood Options | Closed only | Hood up or hood down |
| Capacity | Fits 6 steaks | Fits 6 steaks or a platter of nachos/6 pancakes |
| Smoke Control | Yes | Yes, same system |
| Dimensions | 11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H | 15.7″D x 17.4″W x 7″H |
| Included Accessories | Grill grate, 4-qt crisper basket, cooking pot | Grill grate, 12″ griddle, 4-qt crisper basket |
| Dishwasher-Safe Parts | Yes | Yes |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
I cooked identical meals on both grills for a full month, rotating recipes each week. Here’s how each model performed in key areas.
Design & Build
Both grills have Ninja’s signature black-and-silver styling with ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts. The DG551 stands taller, while the IG651 spreads a bit wider but is surprisingly low-profile with the hood open. The IG651’s extra flat-top griddle plate clicks into place securely and feels rock-solid, while the DG551 sticks to its single grill grate.
- 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...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. (Based on grill grate's direct heating element...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its direct high heat. Precise temperature controls allow for fast, even cooking without hot or...
Ease of Use
Setup was straightforward for both, but the IG651’s hood-up or hood-down flexibility impressed me immediately. For burgers, I often kept the hood up to get that true direct-heat sear, while for chicken I lowered it to circulate cyclonic air. The DG551 relies on a closed-hood approach every time, which is still effective but less flexible. Both units share the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which takes all the guesswork out of doneness—my medium-rare steaks came out perfect every test.
Cooking Functions & Performance
The DG551’s 6-in-1 versatility covers the essentials: grilling, air crisping, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. It’s a complete indoor grill and air fryer in one.
The IG651 ups the ante with a seventh function: the BBQ Griddle. That extra plate allowed me to make diner-style pancakes, smash burgers, and even a nacho platter—things the DG551 simply can’t handle. Its independently powered grill grate also created more pronounced char marks on steaks and veggies. Heat distribution felt slightly more even, and recovery time after flipping food was faster.
- 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...
Smoke & Cleanup
Both models feature Ninja’s Smoke Control System with a temperature-controlled grate and splatter shield. I noticed minimal smoke even when searing rib-eye steaks indoors. Cleaning is equally easy: grill grates, baskets, and griddle plates pop right into the dishwasher, and the ceramic coating prevents stubborn residue.
Everyday Convenience
For weeknight dinners, the DG551 is excellent—preheats quickly and handles family meals with ease. But the IG651’s flat-top griddle won me over on weekends when cooking breakfast for a crowd. Six pancakes fit comfortably, and the hood-up option let me cook bacon without steaming it.
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill
- 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...
Pros:
- Compact vertical design fits smaller counters
- Six cooking functions cover most indoor grilling needs
- Reliable Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness
- Dishwasher-safe, PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic parts
Cons:
- No flat-top griddle option
- Must cook with hood down—less flexibility
- Slightly smaller cooking surface
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for better char-grilled results. (Based on grill grate's direct heating element...
- 12” BBQ GRIDDLE: flat top bbq griddle cooks foods grills can't and interlocks with the grate to harness its direct high heat. Precise temperature controls allow for fast, even cooking without hot or...
Pros:
- Adds a 12″ BBQ griddle for pancakes, sandwiches, and more
- Hood-up or hood-down cooking for different searing styles
- Independently powered grill grate delivers intense, even heat
- Same trusted Smart Thermometer system
Cons:
- Slightly wider footprint on the counter
- Heavier to move and store
- Premium price compared to DG551
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After weeks of testing, here’s my bottom line:
- Choose the Ninja DG551 if you want a reliable, space-efficient indoor grill that doubles as an air fryer. It’s perfect for families who mainly want to grill, roast, and air fry with minimal fuss.
- Opt for the Ninja IG651 if you crave restaurant-level versatility. The addition of the flat-top griddle, hood-up cooking, and faster heat recovery make it ideal for anyone who loves weekend brunches, stir-fries, or high-heat searing.
Both models share Ninja’s excellent Smart Thermometer and smoke control, so you can’t go wrong either way. For me, the IG651 edges out the DG551 simply because that griddle plate and open-hood searing give me more creative cooking options without sacrificing convenience.
