Ninja has made significant investments in product development for its indoor grill product line. Indoor grills were originally little more than air fryers with grill grates. That is still true for three of the top five units. However, some are now truly referred to as "grills." This is due to the additional bottom heat source they've included in the IG651 and IG601 devices.
To cook your barbecue or burger patty, traditional versions rely on the top heating element or the air fryer lid. Technically, a grill cannot be referred to as a "genuine grill" if the heat source is not below.
So, without further ado, here are the best Ninja Foodi Indoor Grills and Air Fryers.
The Best Ninja Foodi Grills and Air Fryers Reviews
1. IG651 Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle & Air Fryer – The Best Overall
The griddle is without a doubt the most interesting element of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill, also known as the Ninja IG651. As we indicated in the introduction, there is just one product on this list that is a true grill. This model is what distinguishes it as the best Ninja grill.
Unlike previous models, it emphasizes direct heating and striping grill marks, giving you a more genuine grilling experience.
The Ninja IG651 has an inbuilt meat thermometer, as do Ninja's other smart appliances. If you enjoy a medium-rare finish on your prime rib or steak, this is a must-have item. It can also be used to grill various sorts of protein.
Instead of continually monitoring the doneness of your meat, the Ninja Foodi Pro Grill will alert you (beep) when it reaches the temperature you've specified.
Unless you're an experienced chef, this function is quite useful.
It's both a grill and a griddle. It also has the ability to air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. Ninja's multifunctional device can do nearly everything! And the smart thermometer removes all doubt from perfectly cooked meats.
It is simple to clean and can withstand heat up to 500°F (260°C). It has two heating elements, one on top and one on the bottom, so it cooks quickly.
If you don't think you'll need the in-built probe thermometer, the Ninja XL Pro Grill and Griddle is a less expensive version of this product.
Pros
Cons
2. IG601 Ninja Foodi XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill, Griddle & Air Fryer
If you enjoy the idea of being able to make pancakes, fried rice, and other dishes on an indoor griddle but want to save money, this device could be for you!
We appreciate that the Ninja Foodi XL Grill (IG601) offers remarkably similar characteristics to the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill (IG651). It features the same bigger grill grate as the more costly model, measuring 9 x 13 inches (22.9 x 33 cm). It also features a cooking element beneath the grill/griddle.
The only feature it lacks that the IG651 model has is the smart cook system. The smart cook system includes a smart thermometer as well as a mechanism for cooking your preferred meat to the precise level of doneness that you specify. It, too, can air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate.
This machine includes two heating elements, one in the lid and one beneath the bottom plate, which allows for extremely quick cooking. It's also simple to clean, thanks to dishwasher-safe parts.
Pros
Cons
3. DG551 Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (Gen 2)
The Smart XL 6-in-1 Ninja indoor grill is the next item on our list. The "Smart" part of the name refers to the inclusion of Ninja's Smart Cook system and a smart thermometer. With the help of this system, you can cook proteins to their ideal doneness.
What distinguishes the 7-in-1 Ninja Foodi Grills from the 6-in-1 models, you might be wondering? The only difference is that you can't grill your meal. This is due to the absence of the heating element beneath the cooking area in the IG651/IG601 versions.
The Smart XL 6-in-1 line of indoor grills' DG551 model is from the second generation. It has the same features as the previous FG551 Gen 1 model. The main difference is that it has a new design and weighs around 8 pounds less.
Pros
Cons
4. FG551 Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (Gen 1)
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill, also known as the Ninja FG551, is the next best thing to our number one Best Ninja Indoor Grill. It also has a thermometer built in. Its griddle, however, lacks built-in heating elements.
As a result, it's more similar to an air fryer with a grill plate.
It can cook steak to perfection and even act as your go-to kitchen tool for a Korean BBQ night, so we wouldn't say it's a bad product.
It features the same grill, air crisp, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate functions as the DG551.
The best aspect is that it is less expensive. If you don't mind the added weight and old design of this Gen 1 model, it could be a better investment.
Pros
Cons
5. AG301 Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill
The Original Ninja Foodi Grill, also known as the Ninja AG301, is unquestionably the most affordable of these three options. Although it is a classic model, it is a capable indoor grill.
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 indoor grill is Ninja kitchen equipment that simplifies grilling if you don't want to use outside propane grills or outdoor gas griddles. Ninja Foodi Grill is a small yet sturdy and long-lasting grill constructed of stainless steel.
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 indoor grill requires no charcoal or propane and can fry, roast, and dehydrate meat. The high-density grill grate creates char-grilled markings on the meat while also cooking it thoroughly.
The cyclonic grilling technology of this electric countertop grill produces the same cooking results as a conventional grill. So you don't need a large, space-consuming outdoor grill when this boxy countertop grill will do.
Aside from that, you won't have to thaw the dinner because this grill can turn frozen food into char-grilled food in just 25 minutes. It also comes with a smoke control system. Consequently, you can cook at high temperatures without being concerned that smoke will fill the kitchen.
It takes around five to eight minutes to heat up, and the machine will notify you when it is well heated. Furthermore, the air fryer function makes it simple to cook frozen fries. Additionally, the grill grate is dishwasher safe, making grilling a pleasurable experience.
Pros
Cons
What to look for in a Ninja Grill?
Here are a few things to think about before purchasing a Ninja Indoor Grill or any smokeless grill in general.
Budget
An indoor grill is more affordable than an outdoor grill. The Ninja Air Grill, on the other hand, is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
But wait, here's something you should know:
Given that the Ninja Foodi has more features and functions, its pricing is reasonable.
Now:
You should think about the Ninja Foodi AG301 if you want the most affordable option. It's still a capable grill, as we mentioned earlier, even without the smart function.
There's also an inexpensive option for a more modern model—the Ninja Foodi IG601. It is the younger brother of the Ninja IG651, but it lacks the inbuilt smart thermometer.
Watch this video to see the Ninja Foodi IG601 XL Pro Grill in action:
Maintenance
Fortunately, because the majority of removable parts are nonstick, cleaning is a breeze. Meanwhile, the rest of the machine only requires a simple wipe down and you're finished!
In conclusion, maintaining the Ninja Foodi Grill is far easier than maintaining an outdoor grill.
However, there is a catch...
To avoid smoke, you may need to wash the attachments (including the splatter shield) between cooking periods. However, the nonstick accessories clean easily, so this isn't an issue most of the time.
Grill marks
Essentially, there are two sorts of grill markings on the Ninja Foodi: curved (Ninja FG551, Ninja AG301) and classic stripes (Ninja IG651, Ninja IG601).
Even if it's merely an aesthetic consideration, it may be a deal breaker. If you enjoy grilling and want the classic grill patterns, you'll have to settle for a newer model.
Otherwise, curved marks will do because the overall taste is unaffected.
Functions
The Ninja Pro Grill has the most features. It features an additional bbq griddle function (and attachment) that allows you to cook griddle recipes. In summary, the Ninja IG651 gives you more possibilities.
What's even better?
All of these grills also function as air fryers, something you won't find with typical outdoor grills.
Smart Features
Your cooking experience could be as simple as 1, 2, 3 with the smart feature, or smart thermometer in particular.
Simply select "well," "medium well," "medium-rare," or "rare" as the doneness level, and the machine will handle the rest. In short, you can easily prepare a well cooked meal.
And the greatest part? Ninja Foodi Grill and Air Fryer is one of the few products that has smart functionality, so it's a win-win situation!
If you desire this feature, get the Ninja IG651 or Ninja Smart XL Grill.
Smokeless
Fortunately, all Ninja Grills are nearly smokeless. Perhaps that is simply marketing, since you still need to take certain precautions to avoid this from happening.
Size & Capacity
Fortunately, the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill will take up less space in your kitchen than other appliances. It's also lightweight, so you can simply put it in a cupboard or drawer.
The capacity is now exclusively determined by the number of people who will be served. If you plan on hosting a lot of events, the XL sizes are a must (XL Pro Grill, Smart XL Pro Grill, and Smart XL Grill).
Even if you're simply cooking for 1-2 people, an XL size works well.
Consider this:
When you make a burger, you normally have the patties and the bread, right? You can cook simultaneously if you don't want to wait for the other item to cook (or toast). In such case, it will undoubtedly save you some of your valuable time.
FAQs
What is the difference between the 7-in-1 and 6-in-1 Ninja Foodi Grills?
The heating element of 7-in-1 devices such as the IG651 and IG601 is less powerful. This enables the griddle to be included in the 7-in-1 grills. Therefore, the 7-in-1 units are generally what you need if you want to cook, say, pancakes or fried rice.
What is the difference between the 5-in-1 and 6-in-1 Ninja Foodi Grill?
The 5-in-1 devices, including the Ninja AG301 Foodi Grills, do not include a broil option; only the 6-in-1 devices have one.
Is the Ninja Indoor Grill an air fryer?
Yes, every Ninja Indoor Grill that is featured in this article also functions as an air fryer.
Which Ninja is best for grilling?
Without a doubt, the Ninja Foodi Pro Grill is ideal for grilling indoors. To replicate the cooking experience of an outdoor grill, it focuses direct heat up to 500°F (260°C). Additionally, it features seven cooking options and an additional griddle accessory, making it a useful package.
Which Ninja Foodi Grill model is the best?
The Ninja Foodi IG651 is the Best Ninja Foodi Grill thanks to its many innovative and smart features.
What is the difference between the Ninja Foodi and the Ninja Foodi Grill?
In addition to pressure cookers, toaster ovens, blenders, air fryers, and indoor grills, Ninja Foodi is a line of multi-cookers from Ninja Kitchen. Ninja Foodi Grills are the grill product catalog of the Ninja Foodi collection in that situation.
Is the Ninja Foodi Grill worth buying?
Yes, Ninja Foodi Grills have a number of useful features that you just won't find in grills from other manufacturers. For example, its air frying add-on allows you to fry dishes with minimal oil.
Why Choose a Ninja Foodi Grill?
Having said that, the Ninja Foodi Grill is a truly excellent appliance. As a result, if you wish to cook all year, a multifunctional indoor grill is an ideal buy.
In that case, we'd like to recommend the Ninja Foodi Pro Grill and Griddle as the Best Ninja Foodi Grill.
