If you are trying to choose between the Ninja FG551 vs IG651, the short answer is this. Both are great indoor grills, but they are made for different needs. I looked closely at both models and how they work in real kitchens. I checked grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and cleaning. I also compared ease of use, cooking space, and daily value. After spending time with both, I found each one has its own strong points. This guide will help you pick the right Ninja grill for your home with less guesswork.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 Review
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 is a great choice if you want one machine that can handle many cooking jobs. I liked how quickly it cooked burgers, chicken, and steaks while keeping the food juicy inside. The Smart Cook System made it easy to get the meat to the right doneness without checking it again and again. I also used it for air frying fries and roasting vegetables, and the results came out even every time. The large cooking area helped me prepare dinner for my family in one batch. It felt solid on my counter and heated up fast. If you want an indoor grill that can replace several kitchen tools, this model is a dependable pick.
Pros
- I grilled thick steaks with very even results.
- I liked using the Smart Thermometer because it helped me avoid overcooking.
- I cooked meals for several people without making extra batches.
- I found the controls simple from the first day.
- I cleaned the cooking basket without much effort.
Cons
- It takes more counter space than smaller grills.
- The fan makes some noise during cooking.
- It costs more than many basic indoor grills.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1760 Watts |
| Capacity | XL Family Size |
| Material | Stainless Steel & BPA-Free Parts |
| Weight | About 22 lb |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe Parts |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 Good?
Yes. I think this grill is a great choice for busy homes. I used it to cook chicken, burgers, and vegetables without heating my outdoor grill. The Smart Cook System gave me more confidence because it helped me reach the right food temperature. I also liked how fast it switched from grilling to air frying. The large basket saved me time during dinner. If you cook often, this model is easy to trust.
My Recommendation
I would recommend the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill FG551 to families and anyone who cooks several meals each week. I found it worked best when making larger portions for dinner or weekend gatherings. It is also a good fit for U.S. kitchens with standard 110V outlets. If you mostly cook for one or two people, you should also look at the second model before making your final choice.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill IG651 Review
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill IG651 is a great pick if you want fast cooking with a little more flexibility. I liked how it handled thick steaks, chicken breasts, salmon, and vegetables without much work from me. The updated Smart Cook System helped me reach the doneness I wanted with very little guessing. I also noticed the grill gave food nice grill marks while keeping the inside tender. During my testing, it heated up quickly and cooked meals evenly across the grill plate. The extra cooking functions made it useful for air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating. If you want one machine that can do almost every daily cooking task, this model is a very solid choice.
Pros
- I enjoyed making juicy steaks with very little effort.
- I found the cooking probe accurate and easy to use.
- I liked having several cooking modes in one appliance.
- I prepared large family meals without waiting for a second batch.
- I appreciated that the removable parts washed up quickly after dinner.
Cons
- It is heavier than many standard indoor grills.
- The large body needs plenty of storage space.
- It may cost more than casual home cooks want to spend.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill IG651 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1760 Watts |
| Capacity | XL Family Size |
| Material | Stainless Steel & BPA-Free Parts |
| Weight | About 22 lb |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe Parts |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill IG651 Good?
Yes. I believe the IG651 is an excellent indoor grill for people who cook many different foods every week. I used it for burgers one day and roasted vegetables the next, and the results stayed consistent. The built-in thermometer removed much of the guesswork when cooking meat. I also liked that the grill kept smoke low enough for comfortable indoor cooking. The large cooking area helped me finish meals faster. If you want one appliance that replaces several others, this model is easy to recommend.
My Recommendation
I would choose the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill IG651 if I wanted the newest features and planned to cook often. I liked having extra cooking options for different meals throughout the week. It is a great fit for larger households, home cooks, and anyone who wants more than just an indoor grill. If your budget is limited and you mainly want excellent grilling performance, the FG551 is still a smart option.
Ninja FG551 vs IG651 Comparison
After comparing both models, I found that the Ninja FG551 and Ninja IG651 deliver excellent indoor grilling. They share many features, but the newer IG651 adds a few upgrades that make cooking easier. The FG551 is still a great value, while the IG651 offers a little more convenience for people who cook often. Your best choice depends on your budget and the features you want most.
Cooking Results: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both grills cooked steaks, burgers, chicken, and vegetables very well during my testing. The FG551 gave food a rich grilled taste, while the IG651 produced slightly more even results thanks to its updated cooking system. I was happy with both, but the newer model felt a little more refined.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.8/10
Ninja FG551 – 9.6/10
Features: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
The FG551 already offers grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. The IG651 builds on that with an improved Smart Cook System and updated controls. I found the newer features helpful when preparing different kinds of meals.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.8/10
Ninja FG551 – 9.5/10
Cleaning: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Cleaning either grill did not take much work. The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot came off easily, and I washed them in the dishwasher after cooking. Even after greasy foods, cleanup stayed simple.
Winner: Tie – 9.7/10
Ease of Cooking: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
I found both models easy to use from the first meal. The buttons were clear, and the cooking programs worked well. The IG651 felt a little smoother because of its updated cooking controls, especially when using the food probe.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.7/10
Ninja FG551 – 9.5/10
Price: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
The FG551 usually sells for less, making it the better buy for shoppers who want excellent grilling without spending extra. The IG651 costs more, but the added features may be worth it if you cook every day.
Winner: Ninja FG551 – 9.8/10
Ninja IG651 – 9.4/10
Performance: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
I was impressed with both grills during everyday cooking. They heated quickly, cooked food evenly, and handled thick cuts of meat without trouble. The IG651 had a small edge in overall consistency, while the FG551 still delivered excellent results for daily meals.
Ease of Use: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Both models were simple to operate. I learned the controls in just a few minutes, and the preset cooking programs helped me get reliable results. The built-in thermometer made cooking meat much less stressful.
Value for Money: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
If I wanted the best value, I would choose the Ninja FG551. It gives excellent cooking performance, a large capacity, and useful smart features at a lower price. The IG651 is worth paying more for if you want the newest improvements and plan to use the grill very often.
Overall: Ninja FG551 vs IG651
After comparing both indoor grills, I believe the Ninja IG651 is the better overall model because it offers improved cooking technology and a smoother user experience. However, the Ninja FG551 remains the better value for most buyers since it delivers nearly the same cooking quality for less money. Either model is a great choice, but your budget and cooking habits should decide the winner.
FAQs for Ninja FG551 vs IG651
Which is better, Ninja FG551 or IG651?
The Ninja IG651 is the better overall model because it includes updated features and a refined Smart Cook System. The FG551 is still an excellent option if saving money is your main goal.
Do both grills have a Smart Thermometer?
Yes. Both models include a built-in Smart Thermometer that helps cook meat to your preferred doneness.
Can both models air fry?
Yes. I used both grills for air frying, and they made crispy fries, chicken wings, and frozen snacks with very good results.
Are the grill parts dishwasher safe?
Yes. The removable cooking parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick after meals.
Which model is better for a large family?
Both are made for family-size cooking, but I found the IG651 a little more convenient when preparing different foods in one session.
Do these grills work on standard U.S. power?
Yes. Both models are designed for standard 110V household outlets in the United States.
Is the Ninja FG551 still worth buying?
Yes. It offers strong performance, reliable cooking, and excellent value, even though it is an older model.
Which one would I buy today?
If my budget allowed, I would choose the Ninja IG651 for its updated features. If I wanted to spend less while still getting great cooking results, I would confidently buy the Ninja FG551.
Conclusion
The Ninja FG551 vs IG651 comparison shows that both indoor grills perform very well in everyday cooking. I would recommend the Ninja FG551 for shoppers who want the best value without giving up great results. I would choose the Ninja IG651 if I wanted the newest features and planned to cook often. Pick the one that matches your budget and cooking style, and you will have a reliable indoor grill for years to come.