Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer (FG551) Review – A Versatile All-in-One Indoor Grill for Your Kitchen

Ninja’s Foodi appliances have built a reputation for combining multiple cooking functions into one convenient device, and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer (model FG551) is no exception. This countertop cooker is essentially a Swiss Army knife for your kitchen: it can grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate – all in a relatively compact unit that fits right on your kitchen counter. If you’ve ever wanted to grill steaks indoors without filling your home with smoke, or you’re looking to replace several single-use gadgets with one do-it-all machine, the Foodi Smart XL Grill claims to have you covered.

Launched in 2020 as an upgraded “XL” version of Ninja’s original Foodi Grill, this model brings more cooking capacity and smart technology to the table. It features Ninja’s Cyclonic Grilling Technology, blasting food with up to 500°F of rapid cyclonic air to achieve char-grilled flavors and sear marks similar to an outdoor grill. At the same time, a Foodi Smart Thermometer system monitors your food’s internal temperature as it cooks, automatically shutting off the heat when your desired level of doneness is reached. In theory, that means no more guesswork or constantly checking your steak – the grill can practically “cook for you,” searing and sizzling foods to perfection and then turning itself off when it’s done.

This review will take a deep dive into the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551. We’ll examine its design and build quality, walk through each of its cooking functions (from grilling burgers and steaks to air frying crispy fries and dehydrating snacks), discuss the real-world performance and results you can expect, and consider how easy it is to use and clean. We’ll also weigh its strengths and any weaknesses (like its sizable footprint) to give you a balanced view. By the end, you should have a clear idea of whether this 6-in-1 indoor grill and air fryer combo is the right fit for your kitchen and cooking needs.

Key Features at a Glance:

6-in-1 Functionality: Offers six cooking modes in one appliance – Grill, Air Crisp (air fry), Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate – replacing the need for multiple separate gadgets.
Indoor Grill with 500°F Searing: Cyclonic Grilling Technology uses up to 500°F heated air plus a high-density grill grate to deliver char-grilled sear marks and flavor, all indoors and virtually smoke-free.
Foodi Smart Thermometer: Integrated smart probe monitors internal temperatures. Choose from 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels and the grill automatically shuts off when your food reaches perfect doneness.
XL Capacity: Generous cooking area fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once. The 4-qt crisper basket holds up to 2 lbs of fries. Plenty of space to cook mains and sides for a family in one go.
Healthier Cooking: Air fry function achieves crispy “fried” results with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. Grilling lets excess fat drip away from foods. Great for more health-conscious meals.
Smoke Control System: Designed for indoor use – a splatter shield, cool-air intake, and temperature control reduce smoke and odors. You can grill without worrying about setting off smoke alarms.
Easy to Clean: Removable parts (grill grate, cooking pot, crisper basket, splatter shield) are all ceramic-coated and dishwasher safe. Includes a cleaning brush for scrubbing the grill grate.

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 is a substantial appliance, both in terms of size and build. At first glance, it has a rectangular base with a dome-shaped lid, all finished in a combination of black housing and stainless steel accents. It’s an attractive, modern look that should blend in with most kitchen decors, but there’s no denying its bulk: this grill is big. It measures roughly 16 inches wide by 15.7 inches deep, and about 11 inches tall with the lid closed (you’ll need roughly 18-24 inches of vertical clearance to fully open the lid). It weighs in at around 22 pounds, giving it a solid, sturdy feel on the countertop. Rubberized feet on the bottom keep it stable during cooking, but due to the weight and size, you’ll likely want to give this appliance a dedicated spot rather than moving it in and out of storage for each use.

The build quality feels robust and durable. The exterior is mostly high-temperature plastic with a matte finish and some metal components, which keeps it relatively cool to the touch during operation (though the top of the lid and the area around the vent do get hot). The large silver handle on the lid remains cool enough to open safely, and the lid has a strong hinge that holds it up securely when open. Inside, the grill features a high-density grill grate (approximately 9” x 12” of cooking area) made of heavy-duty metal with a ceramic nonstick coating. Beneath that sits a 4-quart removable cooking pot (basically a drip pan/liner, also ceramic-coated), which catches grease and drippings and also is used for roasting or baking functions. The splatter shield is attached inside the lid – it’s a removable metal screen that covers the heating element to prevent oil splatters from hitting the element and causing smoke. All these interior components (grill grate, cooking pot, crisper basket, and splatter shield) have a premium feel and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, with a ceramic coating that helps food release easily and makes manual scrubbing less of a chore.

On the right side of the grill’s body, you’ll find the control panel. Ninja has designed the interface to be user-friendly and straightforward. There’s a bright LED display in the center that shows information like cooking temperature, time, and prompts (like “Add Food” or “Flip”). Surrounding the display are clearly labeled buttons for each cooking function: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. There’s also a dedicated button for the Thermometer program (marked with a small thermometer icon), a Start/Stop button, and a programmable dial (for selecting options and adjusting settings). In practice, operating the panel is intuitive – most users find they hardly need to crack open the manual because you can essentially press the function you want, set your temperature (or choose a preset), and hit Start. The display is large and easy to read from across the kitchen, and it even includes a visual progress bar that fills up as your food cooks to the selected doneness when using the smart thermometer mode.

A thoughtful design feature is the built-in storage for the Foodi Smart Thermometer. On the left side of the unit, there’s a little compartment that houses the thermometer probe and its cable when not in use. You simply pop open the small cover and you can unwind the probe when you’re ready to cook, then plug it into the jack. This means you won’t risk losing the thermometer in a drawer, and it stays protected and out of the way until you need it. The grill also has a conveniently placed cord wrap at the back (making it tidier if you need to store it) and a reasonably long power cord (~3 feet) to reach your outlet.

Overall, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill feels like a well-engineered appliance. It’s not compact or lightweight – it dominates some counter space and has a presence – but its size is understandable given the XL capacity and multi-functionality it offers. The materials and construction inspire confidence; nothing feels flimsy. The lid opens and closes smoothly with a solid thunk, and the unit sits firmly without wobbling. The only downside to this hefty build is that you might find it cumbersome to move around frequently, so plan to give it a permanent spot if possible. Also, if you have low-hanging cabinets, you’ll need to pull the grill out from under them before flipping open the lid, as the lid does extend upward and backwards quite a bit when open. Minor inconveniences aside, the design of the FG551 balances functionality with a modern aesthetic. It looks like a serious piece of cooking equipment – because it is.

Unboxing and What’s Included

Inside the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill’s box, you’ll find everything you need to get started cooking right away. Here’s a quick rundown of the components included with the FG551 model:

Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill (Main Unit): The indoor grill itself, which includes the hinged lid with built-in heating element and fan, and the main body/base with heating element, fan, and controls. This is the core of the appliance.
Grill Grate (9” x 12”): A heavy-duty, ceramic-coated grill plate that locks into the base for grilling. This is where you’ll place steaks, burgers, chicken breasts, veggies, and other foods for grilling. It creates those desirable sear marks and allows fat to drain away.
Cooking Pot (4-quart): A removable nonstick pot that sits in the base (beneath the grill grate). It catches drippings and doubles as the cooking vessel for roasting, baking, and general air frying. Think of it as the inner liner or “drip pan” of the grill.
Crisper Basket (4-quart): A perforated basket, also ceramic-coated, that fits inside the pot. You’ll use this for Air Crisp (air fry) mode to allow hot air to circulate all around the food (fries, wings, veggies) for even crisping. It has holes so excess fat and crumbs can drop into the pot below.
Foodi Smart Thermometer: A two-pronged meat probe with an attached heat-resistant cable and plug. This smart thermometer connects to the grill’s side jack and works with the Smart Cook System. Insert it into meats for automated, accurate monitoring of internal temperature and let the grill manage the cooking for you. When not in use, it stores neatly in the hidden compartment on the unit.
Splatter Shield: A removable metal screen that comes pre-installed on the inside of the lid (just above the heating element). Its job is to catch oil splashes and prevent smoke. It detaches for cleaning by gently pulling it out of its frame – it’s thin and mesh-like with a metal rim.
Cleaning Brush: A small brush that helps scrub the grooves of the grill grate or other accessories. One end has bristles and the other end has a flat scraper edge. It’s useful for getting off burned-on bits and is designed not to scratch the nonstick surfaces.
Recipe Book & User Guide: Ninja includes a booklet with around 15 chef-crafted recipes tailored for this grill, covering a range of dishes (steaks, chicken, seafood, appetizers, etc.) to inspire you and give you a sense of appropriate cook times/settings. There’s also a thorough instruction manual and a quick-start guide that explains assembly, operation, and care for the appliance.

With these accessories, you have everything needed to utilize all the Foodi Grill’s functions out of the box. Notably, Ninja does not include a dedicated baking pan or sheet, which means if you want to bake things like cakes or breads, you’ll need to use your own oven-safe bakeware that fits inside the 4-qt pot (for example, an 8-inch round cake pan or a small loaf pan). Many standard pieces will fit, but it’s something to be aware of. Ninja does sell a few optional accessories (such as a multi-purpose roasting rack, extra grill grates, etc.), but they are entirely optional. The standard package already covers the core needs for grilling, frying, roasting, baking, broiling and dehydrating. Out of the box, the FG551 gives you a complete setup to grill up steaks, air fry french fries, roast meats and vegetables, bake desserts, broil toppings, or dehydrate snacks to your heart’s content.

Cooking Functions and Performance

What truly sets the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill apart is its multi-function cooking capability. Instead of doing just one thing, it offers six different cooking functions. Essentially, the FG551 can act as several appliances in one – a grill, an air fryer, an oven, and a dehydrator. Let’s look at how it performs in each mode and what you can expect when cooking:

Grilling (Indoor Grill Mode)

As the name implies, this is the star feature of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL. The appliance is designed to mimic the results of an outdoor grill using electric heat and fan-driven air circulation. When you select Grill mode, the unit’s powerful 1760-watt heating element (located in the lid) and the heavy grill grate work together to produce high, direct heat up to 500°F. In our experience, the grilling performance is excellent for an indoor device. After a roughly 8-10 minute preheat cycle (the grill will let you know it’s ready by flashing “Add Food”), you can place your seasoned ingredients on the preheated grill grate and close the lid. The hot grate immediately sizzles on contact, searing the outside of meats or vegetables to create those appetizing char marks. Meanwhile, the cyclonic air movement circulates heat around the food, cooking it from all sides somewhat like a convection oven, but with the lid closed it traps and concentrates heat similar to an outdoor grill’s lid.

Steaks, burgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, and seafood all cook beautifully on the Ninja grill. For example, we cooked thick 1.25-inch ribeye steaks using the Grill High setting (approximately 500°F) and the Foodi Smart Thermometer set to “Medium Rare”. The grill preheated and then prompted us to add the steaks. As soon as they hit the grate, we heard that satisfying sizzle. We closed the lid to let the cyclonic heat work its magic. Halfway through, the grill beeped and displayed “FLIP” – flipping is optional, but we did turn the steaks to ensure cross-hatched grill marks on both sides. In about 8 minutes total, the Foodi Grill alerted us that the internal temperature was reached and it was time to remove the steaks to rest. The result was impressive: the steaks had distinct sear marks and a lightly charred exterior, while the inside was perfectly medium-rare, juicy and tender. The Smart Cook System’s timing was spot on, accounting for carry-over cooking during the rest. Flavor-wise, the Ninja won’t impart a smoky charcoal or wood-smoke flavor (since there’s no actual combustion), but the high-heat searing does develop a rich grilled flavor from the browning (the Maillard reaction). Many users find that with a good seasoning or marinade, the taste and grill marks are comparable to what you’d get from an outdoor gas grill – minus the hassle of propane, charcoal, or dealing with the weather.

One big concern with any indoor grill is smoke. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is marketed as virtually smokeless, and in practice it does a great job containing smoke for most foods. The combination of the splatter shield, a temperature-controlled grate, and the strong fan help minimize smoke creation and keep your kitchen from getting smoky. In our tests, we found that cooking lean cuts (like chicken breasts, steaks trimmed of excess fat, or vegetables) produced little to no visible smoke – just that mouth-watering grilled-food aroma. When cooking fattier or heavily marinated items (say, a well-marbled ribeye or skin-on chicken thighs), there was a bit of wispy smoke when the lid was opened, but nothing like the billows you’d get pan-searing a steak on a stovetop. A few tips help keep it smoke-free: make sure the splatter shield is clean (built-up grease can smoke), avoid using cooking oils with low smoke points (Ninja recommends high-smoke-point oils like canola, avocado, or grapeseed for grilling), and trim off excessive fat from meats or skin to reduce dripping. Following these practices, the FG551 indeed lives up to its “indoor grill without the smoke” promise.

Another advantage of the Ninja’s grill function is that you can grill year-round, rain or shine. It’s especially handy for apartment dwellers or anyone without access to an outdoor grill. You can even grill with the lid open for some recipes if you want to more closely replicate an outdoor grilling experience (for example, when searing thin steaks or pork chops, you might keep the lid open so as not to overcook the interior while still getting a good sear on the outside). With the lid open, you lose the cyclonic convection effect, but the grill grate alone still provides intense direct heat like a traditional open grill. The included recipe guide provides suggestions on when to cook open-lid versus closed-lid. In general, closing the lid will cook food through faster and more evenly (like an oven), whereas open-lid cooking is useful for quick sears or when you want to keep a closer eye on the char. It’s great to have the flexibility to do both.

Overall, the grilling capability of the Foodi Smart XL is its biggest selling point. You get genuine char-grilled results indoors, with minimal smoke and fuss. Whether you’re grilling a half-dozen burgers for a family lunch, some bratwursts or hot dogs for a game day, or delicately cooking fish fillets (the nonstick grate prevents sticking and the no-flip convection cooking means you can let, say, salmon cook through without it falling apart), the Ninja delivers consistent, tasty results. Just remember that for very thick cuts or large quantities, you may still prefer an outdoor grill or your oven simply due to space. The Foodi’s grill surface, while roomy for an indoor appliance, is still roughly equivalent to a mid-size outdoor grill’s cooking area. It’s ideal for feeding about 4–6 people at a time comfortably.

Air Frying (Air Crisp Mode)

The second major function of the FG551 is its ability to act as a high-performance air fryer. Ninja labels this mode “Air Crisp” on the control panel, but it’s the same convection rapid-air cooking method that has become hugely popular for guilt-free frying. To use it, you swap out the grill grate for the 4-quart crisper basket, which rests inside the cooking pot. Then you can spread your food in the basket (taking care not to overfill, so hot air can circulate properly). Close the lid, select Air Crisp, set your temperature (usually somewhere in the 300°F–450°F range; many air fry recipes use around 375-400°F), and set a cook time. The Foodi Grill’s fan will kick on and circulate hot air rapidly around the basket, giving that “deep-fried” effect using little to no oil.

In terms of performance, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill excels as an air fryer. It has the advantage of high wattage and a fairly wide, shallow basket, which means food can spread out for even crisping. We tested classic french fries as well as chicken wings in the Air Crisp mode, and the results were outstanding. For the fries, we took about 1.5 pounds of frozen french fries (straight from the freezer) and tossed them lightly in just a tablespoon of oil and some salt. After preheating, we air fried them at 390°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (by simply opening the lid and giving the fries a quick toss for even browning). The fries came out golden brown and very crispy – on par with or better than what we’ve achieved in standalone air fryer units. There were no soggy pieces, and the convection heat cooked them evenly without us having to babysit. Importantly, we didn’t notice any odd “plastic” smell or taste that sometimes plagues new air fryers during initial uses; the Ninja’s cooking chamber is well-built and did not impart any off flavors.

Chicken wings in Air Crisp mode were another big win. We air fried a batch of party wings (about 2 pounds, which the basket comfortably holds in a single layer with a bit of overlap) at 400°F for around 22 minutes, shaking once mid-cook. The wings emerged with beautifully crispy skin – all the fat had rendered out into the bottom of the pot, and the exterior was as crunchy as deep-fried, yet we only used a light spritz of oil. Inside, the meat stayed juicy and tender. It’s safe to say the Foodi Grill’s air fry function can replace a dedicated air fryer for most tasks, from wings and fries to onion rings, Brussels sprouts, chicken nuggets, and more. You can even do things like air-roast vegetables at high heat; they’ll blister and caramelize nicely thanks to the intense heat and airflow.

Ninja advertises that air frying in this unit can achieve the same crispy results with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying, and that claim held true in our usage. You get that satisfying crunch without immersing food in oil. Plus, the cleanup is simpler – the crisper basket and pot collect the drippings and crumbs and can be washed out, rather than dealing with quarts of used frying oil. One thing to note: because the Foodi’s air fry basket is generous in footprint but not very deep, you might need to cook in batches if making a large quantity of something. It’s ideal for 2-4 servings of most foods per batch. Also, like any air fryer, you’ll want to toss or turn items periodically for the most even results (the fan is strong, but if food is piled up, the pieces in the middle won’t crisp up as well – so don’t overcrowd). Overall, having an air fryer built into this grill expands its usefulness tremendously. In between grilling steaks or burgers, you can quickly air fry a side of fries or some zucchini chips, all with the same machine.

Roasting

The Roast function essentially turns the Foodi Grill into a mini convection oven that’s perfect for meats and hearty vegetables. When you choose Roast, the grill uses a moderate heat setting (you can set the exact temperature, e.g. 325°F, 350°F, etc.) and the fan to cook larger items more gently than Grill mode would. It’s ideal for roasting a whole chicken, a beef roast, pork tenderloin, or baking a casserole. You’ll typically use the cooking pot (with or without the grill grate, depending on whether you want the food lifted off the bottom). For instance, you might place a seasoned 4-pound chicken directly in the pot (or on a small rack inside the pot to lift it slightly) and roast it at 350°F, using the Smart Thermometer to pull it at the perfect internal temperature.

In practice, we roasted a tied pork loin (about 3 pounds) using the Roast function at 330°F. We placed the meat on the grill grate inside the pot (to allow air to circulate under it) and inserted the Smart Thermometer, setting the target to 145°F (for a juicy medium doneness in pork). The Foodi Grill preheated quickly (much faster than waiting for a full-sized oven to come to temp) and then began roasting. We did flip the roast once when the unit prompted us (the display will beep and say “FLIP” for roasting and grilling foods mid-way, though flipping is not strictly required). In roughly 40 minutes, the Foodi announced the roast was at temp. We allowed it to rest, and when we sliced in, the pork was evenly cooked with a light golden crust on the outside and very moist interior. The quick preheat and consistent convection heat meant the roast didn’t dry out or take too long – a similar roast in a big oven might take closer to an hour. We also appreciated being able to monitor the internal temp in real time on the display thanks to the Smart Thermometer, which removed any guesswork about doneness.

Roasting vegetables in the Ninja is equally effective. We tossed Brussels sprouts and sweet potato chunks in a bit of olive oil, placed them in the crisper basket, and roasted at 375°F for about 20 minutes, shaking once. They came out browned and caramelized, almost like they had been oven-roasted for twice as long. The combination of the smaller cooking chamber and convection airflow accelerates roasting and yields great texture. You can roast just about any vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, etc.) or bake a whole tray of stuffed peppers or loaded portobello mushrooms. Just be mindful of space; the pot can fit a decent amount, but if you’re cooking for a larger group (say, roasting a big batch of veggies or two whole chickens), you might need to do multiple batches or use your full oven. Still, for a family-sized roast or side dish, the Ninja Foodi Grill handles it brilliantly. It’s especially convenient for one-pan style dinners – for example, you could roast some seasoned chicken thighs in the grill (using Roast mode) and after a while toss in some chopped vegetables in the same pot to cook together, yielding a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Baking

Yes, you can even bake with the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill. The Bake function transforms the unit into a smaller version of a convection oven or toaster oven. It’s suitable for things like breads, muffins, brownies, pizzas, and casseroles. Essentially, any dish that you’d normally bake in an oven at a moderate temperature (the Foodi lets you set bake temperatures typically between 250°F up to 400°F) can be done in this grill – as long as it fits inside the 4-quart cooking pot. When baking, you will usually remove the grill grate (to give more room) and often place your food in an oven-safe dish that sits inside the pot. For example, you can set a metal cake pan or a casserole dish on the bottom of the pot.

We tried baking a small batch of biscuits in the Foodi Grill to test this function. Using an 8-inch round cake pan that fit in the cooking pot, we arranged biscuit dough and selected Bake at 325°F. After preheating, the Ninja functioned much like a regular oven – albeit with a slightly stronger fan, since it’s a convection environment. The biscuits rose and turned golden-brown on top in about 15 minutes. They were evenly baked, with a fluffy interior and a lightly crisped top. We did notice that the very top surfaces browned a bit quicker than the bottoms (likely because the heating element is directly above the food), but none of them burned. About two-thirds through the bake, we tented a piece of foil over the pan to avoid over-browning, which is a useful trick since you can open the lid anytime to check on your baked goods. The end result was just as good as if we had used our full-sized oven.

Baking a cake or bread in the Foodi is equally feasible. You will want to use a proper pan that fits and maybe lower the temperature slightly compared to your regular oven recipe, because the enclosed small space and active air circulation can bake faster. For example, a banana bread in a small loaf pan might bake at 325°F instead of 350°F and still be done in the same amount of time (if not sooner). Keep an eye on browning – because you don’t have a glass window, you’ll be opening the lid to check doneness. Thankfully, opening the lid pauses the cook cycle, and closing it resumes it, so you won’t significantly disrupt the baking by peeking. The lack of an included baking tray is a minor inconvenience, but as mentioned earlier, many standard bakeware pieces will work (individual ramekins, 8×8 pans, etc.). We even baked a pre-made cookie dough skillet cookie in a cast iron pan that fit inside – it turned out lovely with a gooey center and browned edges.

We also experimented with a homemade pizza: using Bake at 400°F, we placed a 10-inch pizza (on a thin pizza pan) into the grill. It baked in about 12 minutes with a nicely crisp crust and bubbly, melted cheese – akin to what a convection oven would do, but we didn’t have to heat up the whole oven for a single pizza. Overall, for many baking needs – especially small batches or quick bakes – the Ninja Grill does a fine job. It won’t replace a large conventional oven for hefty baking projects (you can’t bake two trays of cookies at once, for instance), but for everyday baking or when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, it’s a very handy alternative.

Broiling

The Broil function uses intense direct heat from the top element to quickly caramelize or brown the top of foods, similar to the broiler in a conventional oven. This is perfect for melting cheese on a dish, giving a finishing char to meat, or toasting breadcrumbs on a casserole. When broiling in the Foodi Smart XL Grill, you’ll typically keep the lid closed and often use the grill grate or an elevated rack to bring the food closer to the heating element. The temperature in Broil mode is very high (the grill basically runs at max heat from above), and you control the time (usually just a few minutes).

In our tests, we made a batch of loaded nachos in the Foodi: after air frying the tortilla chips with cheese and toppings to heat them, we switched to Broil for 2 minutes to really melt and slightly brown the cheese on top. The result was a platter of nachos with perfectly gooey, bubbly cheese and a bit of toasty color – much faster than waiting for an oven broiler. We also tried broiling a couple of bone-in chicken breasts that had been roasted; the meat was cooked through but the skin wasn’t as crisp as we wanted. A quick 3-minute Broil at the end gave the chicken skin a lovely crispy, roasted finish without drying out the meat beneath. The key with broiling is to watch your food – just as you would under a normal broiler, since the high heat can go from perfect to burnt if you get distracted. Since the Foodi doesn’t have a transparent window, you need to periodically lift the lid to check progress. Fortunately, the heating element shuts off when the lid opens (for safety), and resumes when you close it, so you can easily pause to take a peek.

We found that the Foodi Grill’s broiler is very effective for top-browning tasks. It essentially functions like a small salamander or finishing oven. For example, French onion soup could be broiled to melt and brown the cheese on top of the bowls, or you could broil garlic bread to give it a golden crust. Just be mindful of placement – the area directly under the heating element gets the most intense heat, so if you’re broiling something that fills the pot, you might want to rotate it once for even color. But for most typical uses – a gratin topping, finishing a glaze on ribs, charring some marshmallows on a dessert – it works quickly and as intended.

Dehydrating

Rounding out the six functions is Dehydrate mode. This setting turns the Ninja Foodi Grill into a low-and-slow dehydrator for making dried fruits, vegetable chips, jerky, and other dehydrated snacks. In Dehydrate mode, the grill operates at a very low temperature (you can set it around 135°F to 165°F typically) and with the fan running to circulate air gently. The process can take several hours, as it is meant to slowly remove moisture without cooking the food.

We gave the dehydrator function a try by drying some apple slices. We cored and thinly sliced two apples, tossed them in a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon, and laid the slices in a single layer on the grill grate and crisper basket (using both levels gave us more surface area). We set the Dehydrate function at 135°F for 7 hours and let it run. The grill’s fan was quiet – just a gentle hum – and the unit maintained the low heat steadily. After the time elapsed, the apple chips were done: nicely dried and chewy-crisp, without being burnt (they retain a lot of their color and turn leathery, which is what you want in dried fruit). The results were just as good as apple chips we’ve made in a standalone dehydrator.

We also tried making beef jerky with thin strips of marinated lean beef. At 150°F for about 6 hours, the strips dehydrated and became classic jerky – flavorful and chewy. The Ninja grill could only fit a small batch (just over a pound of meat pre-weight, spread across the grate and basket), but it did the job well. Keep in mind that the capacity for dehydrating is limited by how much you can lay flat in the machine. You can maximize it by using both the basket and grate as two levels, and rotating items if needed. If you’re an avid jerky maker or need to dehydrate large harvests of fruits, you might still want a larger dedicated dehydrator, but for occasional use or small batches, the Foodi Grill performs admirably.

The benefit is you don’t need a separate appliance cluttering up your storage – your grill can multi-task as a dehydrator when you need it. The energy usage is low and it doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Cleanup after dehydrating is easy too: because you’re drying items, there’s usually no greasy residue – just wipe or lightly wash the basket/grate. It’s a fun extra feature to have, and healthy snack enthusiasts will appreciate being able to make things like kale chips, dried pineapple, or homemade fruit leather without special equipment.

Smart Cook System with Foodi Smart Thermometer

One of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill’s most innovative features – and a major selling point of the FG551 model – is its Smart Cook System, which revolves around the Foodi Smart Thermometer. This is the small, plug-in meat probe included with the grill that allows the unit to monitor your food’s internal temperature in real time. Why is this a big deal? Because it essentially automates the cooking process to ensure perfect doneness. Instead of guessing times or constantly opening the lid to check if your steak is rare or your chicken is cooked through, you can rely on this system to do the thinking for you.

Using the Smart Thermometer is straightforward. After you’ve preheated the grill and are ready to cook, you simply insert the metal probe into the thickest part of your protein (for example, into the center of a steak or chicken breast, or the deepest part of a roast). The probe has a thin heat-resistant cable that plugs into a jack on the side of the grill. Once it’s connected, you press the Thermometer button on the control panel. The display will let you select from 4 protein types – Beef, Pork, Poultry, or Seafood – and then choose your desired doneness level. Ninja provides 9 customizable levels of doneness ranging from rare to well-done (for beef, these correspond to labels like Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, etc., each with sub-levels to fine-tune exactly how pink or done you want it). For poultry and pork, the doneness levels ensure the meat reaches safe internal temperatures (the grill will default to well-done 165°F for chicken, for instance, which you can’t undercook for safety, but it might offer a “Juicy” setting that aims for slightly lower then prompts resting).

There’s also a Manual setting if you want to set your own specific target temperature. Once you select your protein and doneness, you start the cooking cycle (whether it’s Grill, Roast, or Bake – the thermometer can be used in those modes, primarily Grill and Roast). The Smart Cook system will then actively monitor the internal temperature as the food cooks. On the display, a progress bar or indicator will show the advancement through stages of doneness. Impressively, the Ninja is programmed to account for carry-over cooking – the phenomenon where food continues to cook and rise a few degrees in temperature after you take it off the heat, due to residual heat. This means the grill will actually alert you to remove the food slightly before it hits the exact final target temp, then instruct you to let it rest. For example, if you set a steak for Medium (around 140°F final internal temp), the grill might beep when the probe reads about 135°F and display “REST” or “GET FOOD”. You would take the steak out and let it rest on a plate; during that rest, the internal temp climbs those last few degrees to reach about 140°F. The result? Your steak ends up exactly at medium doneness and not overcooked. This level of intelligence in the cooking process can really elevate your results, especially for thick cuts that benefit from resting.

We found the Smart Cook System to be remarkably accurate and convenient. Every time we used it for steaks or chicken, the final doneness was exactly as expected – juicy and not under- or overcooked. For example, cooking boneless chicken breasts to “Juicy” (one of the Ninja’s preset options for chicken) yielded chicken that was safely cooked through but still tender and moist, rather than the dry outcome that often comes from guessing at cook times. The grill automatically turned off the heating when it signaled us to remove the chicken, so there was no risk of it continuing to cook and accidentally drying out the meat if we didn’t rush back right that second. Similarly, salmon fillets cooked with the Seafood preset turned out moist and perfectly flaky, without any guesswork.

The Smart Cook System is like having a mini sous-chef ensuring you don’t overshoot the temperature. It’s especially wonderful for multitasking – you can set the grill with the probe in your steaks, then go prep a salad or side dishes, without hovering. You’ll hear a clear beep when it’s time to take the food out, so it gives you a bit more freedom in the kitchen. Another advantage is consistency: if you always want your steak exactly medium-rare or your pork just barely pink, the Foodi Grill will hit that mark consistently. Different cuts and thicknesses might have required tweaking if you were cooking by time alone, but by cooking to temperature, you eliminate those variables.

Of course, you can choose to cook without the thermometer as well – simply by setting a time and temperature manually like any other grill or oven. The Foodi Grill will then behave more like a traditional appliance, counting down the time you set. This might be preferable for things like air frying fries (where you don’t need a probe) or baking cookies (where you rely on a set time). But whenever precise internal temperature matters, the Smart Thermometer is a game changer. It’s particularly useful for large cuts or roasts (think prime rib, whole poultry, thick pork chops) where hitting the correct internal temp is crucial.

A few practical tips when using the thermometer: Make sure to insert it deep into the center of the meat (avoid touching bone, as that can throw off readings). The cable is designed to be thin enough to let the lid close fully – ensure the probe’s handle is completely inside and the lid is closed on the cable’s flexible section (there’s usually a little notch or gap for the cord). The grill’s display will actually warn you if the lid isn’t closed properly (which could happen if the probe handle is sticking out). When the cooking is done, remember that the probe itself will be very hot – use tongs or a mitt to pull it out or wait a minute for it to cool. It’s also not dishwasher safe; you should wash the metal part by hand with warm soapy water, being careful not to submerge the entire cord or the connector.

The inclusion of the Smart Thermometer and its integration with the cooking programs is something that sets the FG551 apart from many competitors and even from Ninja’s own earlier models. Many indoor grills or air fry ovens on the market simply don’t offer this level of automated doneness control. It adds a layer of convenience and precision that can elevate your cooking, especially if you aren’t already a pro with a meat thermometer. In our view, the Smart Cook System works brilliantly – it takes the guesswork out of cooking meats and fish, and it’s one of the standout features that makes the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill feel truly “smart” and modern.

Ease of Use and Operation

Despite the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill’s many capabilities, using it is relatively easy and intuitive. Ninja has clearly put thought into the user experience, making the cooking process as straightforward as possible. Here’s an overview of what it’s like to operate this 6-in-1 grill in day-to-day cooking:

Initial Setup: On first use, there’s very little assembly required – basically, you wash the removable parts and insert the cooking pot into the base, and whichever accessory (grill grate or air fry basket) you plan to cook with. Everything fits neatly in place. It’s recommended (as with any appliance) to wash the parts and run a short test cycle (like a preheat) to burn off any manufacturing residues. We did notice a slight “new appliance” smell the very first time it heated up, but this went away quickly and did not recur. After that, setup is just a matter of plugging the unit in and you’re ready to cook.
Control Panel & Programming: The digital control panel is user-friendly. To start cooking, you press the button for the function you want (say, Grill or Air Crisp). The display will show the default temperature and time for that mode, which you can adjust with the dial or arrow keys. Then press Start, and the unit will begin preheating if that mode requires it. Using the Thermometer involves pressing the thermometer button and selecting options, but the display walks you through it. We found that we barely needed the instruction manual after the first run; the button layout and screen prompts make it quite clear. The panel beeps when pressing buttons (a short, not-too-loud beep) to confirm inputs. If you ever enter the wrong setting, you can hit Stop and start over without fuss.
Preheating: Most modes automatically preheat and will show an animation or progress bar. The machine will beep and display “Add Food” when the target temp is reached. We really liked this feature – it takes out the guesswork of how long to wait. Preheat times vary by function and temperature (Grill High takes the longest, up to 10 minutes; Bake or Dehydrate at low temps might only take 2-3 minutes or none at all). The preheat alert is handy, because you can be seasoning your food or prepping in the meantime and not have to constantly check if it’s ready. If you are impatient, there is a way to skip preheat (a “Preheat Bypass” button appears), but we generally let it preheat fully for best results.
Adding Food & During Cooking: Placing food in is easy because the lid opens wide and stays up on its hinge. There’s plenty of clearance to arrange items without risk of touching the hot elements (just avoid touching the actual grate or pot as they will be preheated and hot). Once you add your food and close the lid, the timer will start counting down (or the progress bar will start moving, in the case of using the thermometer). During cooking, if you open the lid, the Ninja will auto-pause. Close the lid and it resumes. This is great for flipping food or shaking the air fry basket – you don’t have to press pause or reset anything; it handles it seamlessly. The machine will also often remind you to flip or shake by beeping and showing a message at the halfway point of cooking (for things like grilling or roasting). It’s an optional step, but a useful reminder, especially if you walked away.
User Guidance: The Foodi Smart XL Grill gives a lot of feedback to the user, which enhances ease of use. For example, beyond just a timer, it will display prompts like “Add Food,” “Flip,” “Get Food” (when using the thermometer, indicating it’s time to take the food out and let it rest), etc. This kind of guidance makes it approachable even for those who aren’t familiar with cooking times or techniques. It’s almost like the device is coaching you through the process. If something’s not right – say, the lid is open or the thermometer isn’t fully plugged in – it will error and tell you to check that, rather than just underperforming. We found this helpful because you always know what the grill is doing or waiting for.
Noise & Smell: When operating, especially in Grill or Air Crisp modes, the fan and heating element produce a noticeable sound – a kind of whooshing combined with a slight hum of the fan motor. It’s certainly audible (similar to a countertop convection oven or a range hood on low), but we didn’t find it disruptive. In a small kitchen, you’ll hear it, but it’s the sound of hot air moving – not rattling or mechanical clunking. When the timer ends or you press Stop, the fan often continues to run for a short cooldown period (a minute or so) and then the machine beeps and shuts off fully. As for odor, the Foodi Grill mainly smells like whatever you’re cooking – which is usually appetizing! We didn’t notice any lingering plastic or electrical smells after the first use. And because the smoke control works well, we didn’t have issues with burnt grease smell either, as long as we kept the splatter shield clean. It’s a good idea to use it in a well-ventilated area or turn on your kitchen exhaust fan when grilling fatty foods, just as a precaution, but overall it keeps smells contained better than, say, pan-frying on a stove would.
Safety Features: The appliance has several built-in safety considerations. If the lid is open, the heating element won’t stay on (preventing accidental burns). It has cool-touch handles and sides, so you won’t scorch your fingers if you touch the exterior (just be careful around the metal parts of the lid and the back vent during or right after cooking). It also has rubber feet so it won’t slide. We felt comfortable leaving it running while doing other tasks in the kitchen; it feels like a stable, well-behaved oven in that sense. Of course, common-sense precautions apply (don’t put it under low cabinets where heat and steam could damage the wood, give it some space around for airflow, and keep the kids’ hands away from the vent, etc.). Ninja provides clear instructions on safe use, and following them, we encountered no issues.
Post-Cooking: Once your food is done, the Ninja will stop heating. If using a timed mode, it simply ends the countdown and beeps; if using the thermometer, it might say to remove the food and rest it, then essentially end. At this point, you can unplug it (Ninja actually suggests unplugging when not in use, as a safety habit). All the internal parts will be very hot, so we usually leave the lid open and let it cool while we eat. Cleanup steps we’ll discuss in the next section, but we will note here that the design makes it easy to remove the parts for cleaning – especially the grill grate, which has a large orange release button you press to pop it out without any tools. That’s a nice touch; you’re not wrestling or scraping around heating elements to clean.

In summary, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is extremely user-friendly given its capabilities. Ninja has managed to automate many steps and provide clear prompts, which lowers the barrier to using all of its functions effectively. After a few uses, operating it becomes second nature. We think even those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy in the kitchen would find this appliance approachable – it’s kind of like having a smart assistant that tells you when and what to do (and often does it for you). From quick preheat times to the helpful flip reminders and auto-shutoff, it’s designed to make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After you’ve enjoyed your meal, the last thing you want is a tedious cleanup. Fortunately, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is designed to be relatively easy to clean, especially compared to outdoor grills or deep fryers. Here’s what to expect in terms of cleanup and care:

Removable, Dishwasher-Safe Parts: All the key components that get dirty are removable and dishwasher-safe. This includes the grill grate, the cooking pot, the crisper basket, and the splatter shield. After cooking, let the unit cool a bit (with the lid open to speed up cooling), then you can press the release button to pop out the grill grate and lift out the inner pot and basket. The splatter shield in the lid can also be removed by unlatching it. These parts can all go into the dishwasher. We often simply load them in the dishwasher after dinner and they come out sparkling. The ceramic nonstick coating helps prevent stubborn stuck-on food. If you prefer to hand wash, use warm soapy water and the included cleaning brush. The brush’s bristles can get between the grill grate ridges to dislodge any carbonized bits, and its scraper end helps with any baked-on residue. Thanks to the nonstick surfaces, usually a gentle scrub is all that’s needed – avoid abrasive steel wool or metal scouring pads, as they could scratch the coating.
Splatter Shield Cleaning: The splatter shield (the mesh screen from the lid) is the one part you’ll want to pay special attention to. It accumulates grease over time by design – that’s how it prevents smoke – so cleaning it after each use (or at least every couple uses) is important. It detaches easily and should be soaked in warm, soapy water to loosen grease. We found that if we grilled something especially fatty, soaking the shield for 20-30 minutes while we ate made it very easy to clean with a soft brush afterward. For tough, baked-on grease, Ninja’s manual suggests a deeper cleaning: you can even boil the splatter shield in a pot of water for 10 minutes to help break down residue, then scrub it. We tried this trick once after a month of heavy use and it really refreshed the shield to like-new. Another tip is to use a degreasing dish soap or a bit of baking soda on the brush if needed. The splatter shield is stainless steel, so it can handle a good scrubbing. Keeping this piece clean ensures optimal airflow and prevents any smoke on future cooks.
Interior and Exterior Cleaning: The main unit (with the heating element and fan) should never be immersed in water. Instead, after it has fully cooled and you’ve removed all the parts, you can wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth or sponge. Usually, the interior walls and heating element area stay fairly clean thanks to the shield and the pot catching most mess. But you might occasionally see some splatters or dried juices in the bottom of the main chamber (where the pot sits) or on the heating element housing. A gentle wipe takes care of these. If something really splattered (say you cooked something without the shield by accident), you can use a bit of dish soap on a cloth – just be sure not to get water in the electronic parts or the fan area. The exterior typically only needs a wipe to remove fingerprints or any sauce that might have dripped. The unit’s finish doesn’t show streaks much, which is nice.
Grease Disposal: When grilling or air frying, the cooking pot will collect drippings and grease. Always be cautious when removing the pot if the grease is still hot – use oven mitts and maybe let it cool slightly to avoid any risk of spilling hot oil on yourself. You can pour out the grease into a container (an empty can or jar) once it’s cooled down a bit. Some people line the pot with aluminum foil for easier cleanup – while this can work, just ensure it doesn’t block the airflow or cover the area where the fan needs to circulate air. If you do line with foil, only line the bottom of the pot and not the sides, and never cover the grill grate or basket with foil (that would impede cooking). Personally, we usually skip foil because the pot’s nonstick coating makes it easy to clean on its own.
Cleaning the Smart Thermometer: The Foodi Smart Thermometer should be cleaned gently by hand. The probe (metal part) and the silicone grip can be washed with warm soapy water – you can even let the tip soak a bit if there’s any cooked-on protein. Just be careful not to immerse the cable or the plug in water. Wipe those parts with a damp cloth instead. It’s a good practice to clean the probe after each use so that it’s sanitary and ready to go for next time (and to avoid any cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods). Dry it thoroughly before storing it back in its compartment.
Maintenance Tips: Over time, you might notice some discoloration on the grill grate or other accessories – a slight patina or staining from high heat use. This is normal and purely cosmetic. As long as you’re cleaning off actual food residue and grease, a bit of staining on the ceramic or metal doesn’t affect performance. Avoid using any metal utensils on the grill grate or basket; use wood or silicone tools to preserve the coating. If the nonstick coating ever gets scratched or worn (which we did not experience in our review period, but after a few years it’s possible), replacements can be purchased. The fact that Ninja makes replacement parts available is great for longevity – you don’t have to toss the whole appliance if one part wears out after heavy use.

In our experience, cleaning the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is far easier than cleaning a traditional outdoor grill (no scraping char off endless grates or disposing of ashes) and easier than dealing with a deep fryer’s oil. It’s more akin to cleaning a countertop blender or multicooker: a few pieces to wash, but each is designed for easy clean-up. By staying on top of the splatter shield cleaning and regularly washing the accessories, you’ll ensure the grill continues to operate with minimal smoke and maximum efficiency. The ease of cleanup actually encouraged us to use the grill more often – we knew that a delicious grilled meal wouldn’t be followed by a nightmare of scrubbing.

Limitations and Things to Consider

No product is perfect for everyone, and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill does come with a few drawbacks or trade-offs worth noting:

Size and Bulk: As discussed earlier, this unit is large and fairly heavy. If counter space is at a premium in your kitchen, you’ll need to measure and plan where it will live. It’s not the kind of appliance you want to haul in and out of a cabinet every day. For small apartment kitchens or those with very limited space, the Foodi Grill could be a tight fit or a bit overwhelming. Its “XL” capacity is great when cooking, but remember it also means an XL footprint on your counter.
Cooking Capacity vs. Expectations: While the Foodi Smart XL offers more cooking area than Ninja’s original grill, keep in mind its limitations. The grill grate can fit a good amount (a half-dozen burger patties or steaks, for instance), but if you regularly entertain large groups or have a very big family, you might find yourself cooking in two batches. Ninja’s marketing of “up to 6 steaks” or “24 hot dogs” assumes moderate portion sizes; in practice, for larger items or to avoid crowding, you might cook 4 steaks at a time or fewer big pieces of chicken. The capacity is generally sufficient for about 4-5 people’s main course, or a family dinner with protein and sides together. If you often cook for 8-10 people, you’d likely still need to do multiple rounds or supplement with other cooking methods. Similarly, the air fry basket holds a lot for a side dish (plenty of fries for a family of four), but it might be small for a party-sized serving. It’s all about matching the device to your typical needs.
No Charcoal Flavor: It should be obvious, but just to state it – you won’t get the smoky flavor of charcoal or wood cooking from this grill. The flavor you get is more akin to what a high-end gas grill or stovetop grill pan would produce (which is still delicious – a grilled flavor from searing and browning). Most users are fine with that – and you can always add smoky flavor via seasonings or a dab of liquid smoke in a marinade – but it’s a limitation to be aware of if you were hoping this might replicate true BBQ pit smoke.
Premium Price: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill sits at the higher end of the price spectrum for countertop cooking gadgets. You are paying for the quality build, the multiple functions, and the smart technology. If you’re on a tight budget and only really need one function (like just an air fryer or just an indoor grill), there are simpler, cheaper products that could fulfill that single need. However, if you were already considering buying an air fryer and an indoor grill, for example, the cost of the Foodi can be justified by combining those devices (and adding more capabilities). It’s an investment, but one that can pay off in versatility and convenience if you utilize it fully.
Cleaning Effort: While cleaning is relatively easy, it’s still more involved than, say, wiping out a nonstick frying pan. There are multiple pieces to clean each time (grate, pot, etc.). If you’re the type of cook who hates doing dishes, know that you will have a few extra items to wash after using the Foodi Grill. The flip side is those items kept grease off your counter and contained the mess, but it’s worth mentioning. Some owners end up buying an extra grill grate or crisper basket as a spare, so if they use it heavily they can swap and wash later. This isn’t a major issue, but if you anticipate using it every single day, be prepared for the cleanup routine.
Ventilation and Environment: The Foodi Grill doesn’t pump out smoke like an old-school grill, but it does emit heat and some steam out the back. In a very small or enclosed kitchen, you might find it makes the area warm (similar to running a big toaster oven or an indoor electric grill). It’s advisable to operate it in a spot with some airflow – near a window or under a stove hood if possible – just for comfort. Also, the fan noise is noticeable; if you’re sensitive to noise, it’s something to be aware of. It’s not excessively loud, but you do know when it’s running.

It’s important to stress that for most people, these drawbacks will be minor compared to the benefits. But managing expectations is key. If you know you have the space for it, don’t mind cleaning a few parts, and aren’t expecting it to magically produce charcoal smoke flavor, you’re likely to be very satisfied. The limitations listed are largely inherent to what the product is (a powerful indoor cooker) and not flaws per se, but they are part of the ownership experience one should consider.

Who Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill For?

With its wide array of functions and capabilities, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill (FG551) will appeal to a variety of home cooks. Based on our evaluation, here are the types of people who would get the most out of this appliance:

Indoor Grill Enthusiasts & Apartment Dwellers: If you crave grilled foods but don’t have outdoor space (or permission) for a grill, the Foodi Smart XL is a dream come true. It lets you grill steaks, burgers, or veggies right in your kitchen with virtually no smoke, making it ideal for apartment and condo dwellers, college students in dorms (if allowed), or anyone who lives in a place where outdoor grilling isn’t feasible. It’s also great for those who simply prefer the convenience of indoor cooking – no charcoal, no propane, no bugs or weather to contend with.
Year-Round Grillers in Cold Climates: Maybe you do have an outdoor grill but live in a region with harsh winters or frequent rain. The Ninja grill allows you to continue enjoying “grilled” dinners throughout the year. In the dead of winter, you can still have sizzling steaks or charred chicken without stepping outside. It’s a fantastic backup for when outdoor conditions aren’t favorable, and it produces results far superior to trying to broil or pan-grill in your kitchen.
Busy Families & Multi-Function Seekers: The Foodi Smart XL Grill is perfect for families or individuals who want to streamline their cooking. If weeknight dinners are a hectic affair, this appliance can simplify things by acting as your grill, oven, and fryer all at once. You can grill protein and air fry a side concurrently (cook the meat, then while it rests, quickly air fry some fries or veggies). The Smart Thermometer makes it so you don’t have to hover over the stove, which is great for parents managing other tasks. Also, if your family has diverse eating preferences, the Ninja can handle variety – grill salmon for one person, roast veggies for another, and toast something for the kids, all with the same machine (maybe not all literally at once, but back-to-back easily).
Health-Conscious Cooks: If you’re trying to eat healthier, the Ninja Foodi Grill can be your ally. Grilling and air frying are both cooking methods that use less oil and can reduce fat intake compared to pan-frying or deep frying. The Foodi’s ability to drain fat away and crisp foods with minimal oil means you can enjoy favorites like fries or fried chicken in a lighter way. Additionally, the dehydration function can help you make healthy snacks (kale chips, apple chips) without additives. For those on specific diets (keto, Paleo, etc.), being able to grill meats or roast veggies quickly can keep meal prep interesting and convenient.
Tech-Savvy Cooks & Gadget Lovers: Let’s face it – part of the appeal of the Foodi Smart XL Grill is the cool factor. If you love innovative kitchen gadgets and the idea of having a “smart” grill, you’ll likely enjoy using this. It’s satisfying to use the probe and see your food cook to perfection, and it’s fun to experiment with all the modes. People who enjoy cooking and want to expand their repertoire will find a lot to play with here. Even if you already have an oven and stovetop, this appliance offers a different way to cook that can be more efficient for certain foods.
RV Owners or Travelers: Because it’s self-contained and electric, the Foodi Grill could be a great fit for RVs or vacation cabins – anywhere you have a power outlet and want versatile cooking without a full kitchen setup. Keep in mind the power draw (1760W) might be high for some RV electrical systems, but if it can handle a microwave it can likely handle this grill. It could allow for grilling at campsites (where electricity is available) without dealing with charcoal or propane on the road.

On the other hand, this grill may not be necessary for everyone. If you seldom cook or if your cooking is mostly boiling pasta or microwaving, this would be overkill. Likewise, if you already have a kitchen full of appliances that you love – say, a stand-alone air fryer, an outdoor grill you use daily, a toaster oven, etc. – and you’re not interested in replacing them, the Foodi might be redundant. It really shines in either supplementing an under-equipped kitchen (like giving you grill + air fry + oven in one) or consolidating multiple devices into one better device.

In summary, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is best for those who value convenience, versatility, and quality in their cooking appliances. It’s for someone who wants to eat tasty, grilled or fried foods without the hassle traditionally associated with those cooking methods. If you see yourself using at least a few of its functions regularly – grilling on Monday, air frying on Tuesday, baking on Wednesday, etc. – then it’s likely worth it. If you just want an indoor grill for the occasional rainy day, a simpler model might do, but you’d be missing out on all the other things this Ninja can do. This device is for the home cook who wants options and isn’t afraid to try new cooking methods – with the assurance that Ninja’s smart tech has their back.

Conclusion

After extensively testing and using the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer (model FG551), we can confidently say it lives up to its reputation as a versatile kitchen powerhouse. Ninja set out to combine the functionalities of an indoor grill, an air fryer, and more – and the Foodi Smart XL truly delivers on those promises. It excels at bringing outdoor grill-quality results into the convenience of your home, and then goes a step further by replacing several other appliances with one sleek unit.

The grilling capability stands out: you get real sear marks and juicy, perfectly cooked meats without the smoke and flare-ups of outdoor grilling. The Smart Cook System removes the guesswork and makes it practically foolproof to achieve the doneness you want. We were consistently impressed by how well the smart thermometer and auto-shutoff worked – it’s like having a personal chef monitoring your food for you. The air fry function is equally superb, turning out crispy, delicious “fried” foods with a fraction of the oil (and cleaning up far easier than a deep fryer). And beyond those headline features, the Foodi Smart XL proved itself as a solid roaster, a capable little baker, and a handy dehydrator for homemade snacks.

Of course, you have to accommodate its large size and premium price, and be willing to clean the parts after use. Those are the main considerations before buying. But if you have the counter space and you’re looking to elevate your cooking game (while simplifying it in many ways), the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly a game-changer for apartment dwellers longing for grilled food, busy families that need dinner on the table without fuss, or health-conscious individuals who want flavorful food without excessive fat.

In our opinion, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 is more than just a gimmicky multi-cooker – it’s a well-engineered, thoughtfully designed appliance that can genuinely improve your home cooking routine. It brings together the best aspects of grilling, frying, and baking into one machine that, once you start using regularly, you won’t want to live without. Whether it’s grilling burgers for a summer party (indoors!), quickly air-frying some fries to go with them, roasting a tenderloin to perfection on a weeknight, or dehydrating fruit for a healthy snack, the Foodi Smart XL Grill handles it all with ease.

For those who decide to invest in this Ninja, it can quickly become a beloved kitchen workhorse. It earns high marks from us for its performance across all functions and the added convenience of its smart features. If you’re in the market for an indoor grill or a multi-purpose cooker, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill should be at the top of your list. It truly brings “the grill that grills for you” – and a whole lot more – into your home kitchen, and we’ve found it delivers on that promise in spades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill really cook without smoke?

A: When used properly, the Foodi Smart XL Grill produces very little smoke, especially compared to other indoor grilling methods. It has a built-in smoke control system (splatter shield, temperature regulation, and strong fan) that greatly reduces smoke. In our usage, we didn’t see smoke except maybe a small wisp upon opening the lid after cooking very greasy foods. To ensure a smoke-free experience, keep the splatter shield and grill grate clean, avoid excess oil or sugary marinades that can burn, and use oils with high smoke points (like canola or avocado) for coating foods. If you follow those guidelines, you can grill indoors without setting off your smoke alarm. You will still smell the food cooking (your kitchen might smell like grilled burgers, for example, which most people find pleasant), but you won’t have clouds of smoke.

Q: Can I cook frozen foods in the Ninja Foodi Grill, or do I have to thaw everything first?

A: You can cook many frozen foods directly in the Foodi Smart XL Grill without thawing, which is a huge time-saver. For example, you can grill frozen burger patties, steak, or chicken breasts – you’ll just need to allow a bit more cooking time. Ninja’s own cooking guide mentions you can go from “frozen to char-grilled” in about 25 minutes for something like frozen steaks. The key is to use the Grill function and perhaps set the thermometer to the desired doneness; the grill will take care of the rest, though expect it to take longer than fresh. For frozen items like french fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, etc., the Air Crisp (air fryer) mode handles those beautifully straight from the freezer, usually in 5–10 minutes more than the package’s recommended oven time. Do be aware that very large frozen cuts (like a big roast) are better thawed first, as they might cook unevenly in this or any grill. But for everyday frozen meats and snacks, the Foodi Grill does a great job with no defrosting needed.

Q: How loud is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill during operation?

A: The Foodi Smart XL Grill does make noise when it’s running, due to its powerful fan and heating element. The sound is a consistent whooshing, similar to a convection oven or a hairdryer on a low setting. Most users find it to be a “background noise” level – noticeable but not bothersome. In our experience, we could carry on a conversation or watch TV in the next room without issue while the grill was running. The noise is most present at high settings (like Grill High or Air Crisp), and it’s quieter on low-temperature modes (Bake, Dehydrate). When the timer ends, the fan will usually spin down and stop, at which point the appliance is nearly silent in standby. Overall, it’s comparable to the noise of a countertop air fryer or a microwave – audible, but not too distracting, and definitely much quieter than something like a range hood or a blender.

Q: Is it safe to use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the Foodi Grill?

A: Yes, with some precautions. You can use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the Ninja Foodi Grill for certain purposes, much like you would in a regular oven. For instance, you might line the bottom of the cooking pot with foil to catch drippings for easier cleanup, or use parchment under cookies or a pizza in Bake mode. However, you should never cover the entire grill grate or crisper basket with foil or paper, because that would block air flow and cooking performance will suffer (it can also cause heat to concentrate improperly). If using foil, make sure it’s weighed down by food or wrapped around food (so it doesn’t fly up into the heating element). For example, wrapping corn on the cob in foil or making a foil packet of veggies is fine. Parchment paper can be used on the grill grate or in a pan for baking; just trim it so it doesn’t get too close to the heating element, and don’t use it on Grill mode (direct flame-like heat could burn it – stick to Bake/Roast/Air Crisp with parchment). Always monitor the first time you use such liners to ensure everything is stable. Overall, foil and parchment are handy tools in the Foodi, just use them judiciously and avoid blocking the fans or covering entire surfaces.

Q: Does the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill require any special electrical setup?

A: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is a high-wattage appliance (1760 watts), which means it draws about 14.5 amps of current on a standard US 120V circuit. It doesn’t require any special outlet – a normal three-prong grounded household outlet is perfect. However, because it uses a lot of power, you should avoid running it on the same circuit as another high-power appliance at the same time (for example, on the same kitchen outlet as a microwave or toaster oven simultaneously), or you risk tripping a circuit breaker. We used it in a standard kitchen outlet with nothing else heavy plugged in, and had no issues. The cord is about 3 feet long, so you’ll need to place it relatively close to an outlet. Also, make sure the outlet you use is in a ventilated area because the grill does exhaust warm air – you wouldn’t want it tucked inside a closed cabinet while operating. In summary, no special wiring is needed – just a bit of common sense to not overload your kitchen circuit, and you’re good to go.