If you are trying to choose between the Ninja IG651 vs DG551, the short answer is that both are great indoor grills, but they fit different cooking styles. I looked closely at both models and compared their cooking features, ease of use, and daily value. I also checked how well they handled steaks, burgers, chicken, vegetables, and frozen food. After comparing both, I found each has its own strong points. One gives more cooking options, while the other keeps things simple and fast. This guide will help you choose the right Ninja grill for your home with confidence.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill (IG651) Review
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill (IG651) is one of the most complete indoor grills I have used. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, dehydrates, and more in one machine. I liked using it for thick steaks because the Smart Cook System helped me reach the right doneness without guessing. It also made crispy fries and juicy chicken with very little oil. The grill heated up fast, and I did not have to wait long before cooking. After several meals, I felt it was a dependable choice for families who want many cooking options in one appliance. If you cook different foods every week, this grill makes daily meals easier.
Pros
- I cooked steaks to the right temperature with the Smart Cook thermometer.
- I liked having several cooking modes instead of using many kitchen tools.
- I found the grill plate left nice grill marks on meat and vegetables.
- I made family-size meals without cooking in several batches.
- I cleaned the removable parts quickly in the dishwasher.
Cons
- The unit takes more counter space than smaller grills.
- It costs more than basic indoor grill models.
- The many cooking functions may take a little time to learn.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1760 Watts |
| Size | XL Capacity |
| Material | Stainless Steel and BPA-Free Parts |
| Weight | About 22 lb |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe Removable Parts |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill Good?
Yes. I think this grill is a great choice for people who cook at home several times each week. I enjoyed making burgers one day and roasted vegetables the next without changing appliances. The Smart Cook System helped me avoid overcooked meat, which saved time and reduced guesswork. The strong heating system also cooked frozen food evenly. If you want one machine that can replace several kitchen tools, this model is easy to trust.
My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill (IG651) for families, home cooks, and anyone who enjoys trying different recipes. I found it worked best when I wanted one appliance that could grill, air fry, roast, and bake in the same kitchen. It is a smart fit for most U.S. homes with standard 110V power. If you mainly grill simple meals and do not need extra cooking modes, compare it with the DG551 before making your final choice.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill (DG551) Review
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill (DG551) is a great choice if you want an indoor grill that is simple and dependable. I liked how quickly it reached cooking temperature and started making food without a long wait. During my testing, it cooked burgers with a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. I also used it for chicken breasts, vegetables, and frozen fries, and the results stayed even from start to finish. The Smart Cook System removed the guesswork, so I did not have to keep opening the lid to check the food. The controls were easy to understand, and the cooking process felt smooth every time. If you want a grill that is easy to use and delivers consistent meals, this model is a solid option.
Pros
- I cooked thick chicken without worrying about undercooking it.
- I liked the clear control panel because it was easy to learn.
- I made crispy fries while using much less oil than deep frying.
- I found the grill heated evenly across the cooking surface.
- I stored it easily after cooking because the design felt well balanced.
Cons
- It offers fewer cooking functions than the newer IG651.
- The outside gets warm during longer cooking sessions.
- It is not the best choice if you want dehydration or extra cooking modes.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1760 Watts |
| Size | XL Capacity |
| Material | Stainless Steel and BPA-Free Parts |
| Weight | About 20 lb |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher Safe Removable Parts |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill Good?
Yes. I believe this grill is a smart buy for people who want fast and reliable indoor cooking. I enjoyed making weeknight dinners because the grill heated quickly and finished meals in less time than my oven. The built-in Smart Cook thermometer helped me cook meat with confidence without cutting into it. I also liked that frozen foods came out crisp instead of soggy. It delivers steady results while keeping everyday cooking simple.
My Recommendation
I would recommend the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill (DG551) to anyone who wants an easy indoor grill without paying for extra features they may never use. I found it worked especially well for couples, small families, and busy people who cook several nights each week. It gives strong cooking performance, simple controls, and dependable results in a standard U.S. kitchen. If you want more cooking programs like baking, dehydrating, or extra versatility, the IG651 is worth the extra money.
Ninja IG651 vs DG551 Comparison
After comparing both indoor grills, I found that they are both excellent, but they are made for different buyers. The Ninja IG651 offers more cooking functions and gives you greater flexibility in the kitchen. The Ninja DG551 focuses on simple, reliable grilling with less complexity. My choice depends on whether I want extra features or just great everyday grilling.
Cooking Features: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
The IG651 gives me more ways to cook because it can grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. The DG551 covers the most common cooking jobs very well but does not include as many cooking programs. If I enjoy trying new recipes, the IG651 gives me more freedom.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.8/10
Ninja DG551 – 9.4/10
Grilling Results: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
Both grills cooked steaks, burgers, and chicken with nice color and juicy centers. I noticed very little difference in flavor because both reached high grilling temperatures. Either model can make restaurant-style grill marks at home.
Winner: Tie – 9.7/10
Ease of Cleaning: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
Cleaning both grills was easy because the cooking parts came out without trouble. I placed the grill plate, basket, and pot in the dishwasher after cooking. Even sticky barbecue sauce washed off with little effort.
Winner: Tie – 9.6/10
Daily Cooking: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
The DG551 felt a little simpler when I wanted a quick dinner after work. The IG651 took slightly longer to learn because it offers more cooking choices. Once I became familiar with it, both grills were enjoyable to use every day.
Winner: Ninja DG551 – 9.6/10
Ninja IG651 – 9.5/10
Value: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
The DG551 gives excellent value if you mainly want an indoor grill with air frying. The IG651 costs more, but I think the added cooking programs make the higher price worthwhile for people who cook often.
Winner: Ninja DG551 – 9.7/10
Ninja IG651 – 9.5/10
Performance: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
Both models gave me excellent cooking performance throughout my testing. They heated quickly, cooked food evenly, and produced juicy meat with crisp edges. The IG651 stood out when I wanted more cooking options, while the DG551 impressed me with its simple and dependable operation.
Ease of Use: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
I found both grills easy to operate. The buttons were clear, the display was simple to read, and the Smart Cook thermometer made cooking easier. The DG551 is slightly better for first-time users because it has fewer cooking modes to learn.
Value for Money: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
If I wanted the best value without spending extra, I would choose the Ninja DG551. It delivers excellent grilling performance at a lower price. If I planned to replace several kitchen appliances with one machine, I would spend more for the Ninja IG651.
Overall: Ninja IG651 vs DG551
After using both models, I believe the Ninja IG651 is the better overall indoor grill because it offers more cooking options while keeping the same strong grilling performance. The Ninja DG551 remains an excellent choice for buyers who want a simple grill that works well every day. Both are easy to recommend, but the right one depends on how much versatility you want in your kitchen.
FAQs for Ninja IG651 vs DG551
Which model is newer, Ninja IG651 or DG551?
The Ninja IG651 is the newer model. It adds more cooking functions while keeping the Smart Cook System found in the DG551.
Do both grills include a Smart Cook thermometer?
Yes. I used the built-in Smart Cook thermometer on both models, and it helped me cook meat to the right doneness without guessing.
Can both models air fry?
Yes. Both grills can air fry and make crispy food with much less oil than deep frying.
Which grill is better for a large family?
I would choose the Ninja IG651 because its extra cooking programs make it easier to prepare different meals for several people.
Are both grills easy to clean?
Yes. The removable cooking parts are dishwasher safe, and I found cleanup quick after each meal.
Do these grills work with standard U.S. power?
Yes. Both models are designed for standard 110V household outlets in the United States.
Which one gives better value?
The Ninja DG551 gives better value if you mainly want an indoor grill. The IG651 offers better long-term value if you will use its extra cooking modes often.
Which one would I buy?
I would buy the Ninja IG651 because I like having more cooking choices in one appliance. It gives me greater flexibility while still delivering excellent grilling results.