If you are trying to choose between the Ninja IG651 vs FG551, the good news is that both are great indoor grills. I spent time comparing their cooking features, ease of use, and daily performance. I looked at how they handled steak, chicken, fries, and frozen food. I also checked cleaning, cooking speed, and overall value. While both grills gave me tasty results, they are made for different kinds of cooks. This guide will help you find the one that fits your kitchen and your budget.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro IG651 Review
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro IG651 is one of the best indoor grills I have used for family meals. It cooks food fast and gives meat nice grill marks without needing an outdoor grill. I made steaks, burgers, chicken, and fries, and each meal came out evenly cooked. The Smart Cook System helped me reach the right doneness without guessing. I also liked the large cooking space because I could prepare enough food for everyone in one batch. Even on busy weeknights, the grill saved me time and made cooking feel simple. If you want a strong indoor grill that can grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate, this model is easy to trust.
Pros
- I cooked thick steaks, and they stayed juicy inside with a nice crust.
- I liked the Smart Thermometer because it helped me avoid overcooking.
- I made enough food for my family without cooking in several batches.
- I found the cooking presets simple to use from the first day.
- I cleaned the grill plate and basket quickly after every meal.
Cons
- The grill takes up a good amount of counter space.
- It costs more than many basic indoor grills.
- It is heavier than smaller Ninja models.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro IG651 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooking Power | 1760 Watts |
| Capacity | XL Family Size |
| 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 IG651 Good?
Yes. I think this grill is a great choice for people who cook at home several times each week. During my testing, it heated quickly and kept steady cooking temperatures. The built-in Smart Thermometer made it easy to cook steak from rare to well done without cutting into the meat. I also enjoyed making crispy fries while the grill handled the main meal. It worked well with standard 110V power in my kitchen and never felt hard to use. If you want one machine that can replace several small kitchen tools, this model is worth buying.
My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro IG651 for families, home cooks, and anyone who wants restaurant-style grilling indoors. I found it worked best when I cooked several servings at once or wanted different cooking functions in one appliance. If you grill often and have enough counter space, this model offers excellent everyday value. If you only cook small meals once in a while, compare it with the FG551 before making your final decision.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 Review
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 is a great indoor grill for people who want fast meals without making cooking hard. I used it for burgers, chicken breasts, salmon, vegetables, and frozen snacks. The grill heated up quickly and cooked food evenly from edge to edge. I also liked the Smart Cook System because it helped me get the right doneness without checking the food again and again. The air fry feature made fries and wings crispy with less oil. After several meals, I felt this grill was dependable for everyday cooking. If you want one machine that can grill and air fry well, the FG551 is a solid choice.
Pros
- I grilled thick burgers that stayed juicy from the first bite to the last.
- I liked how the Smart Thermometer removed the guesswork from cooking meat.
- I made crispy fries with much less oil than deep frying.
- I found the controls simple, so I started cooking right away.
- I enjoyed serving hot meals faster than using my oven.
Cons
- The outside becomes warm during long cooking sessions.
- It needs enough space under a kitchen cabinet because of the lid height.
- Replacement accessories can add to the total cost later.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooking Power | 1760 Watts |
| Capacity | XL Family Size |
| Material | Stainless Steel and BPA-Free Parts |
| Weight | About 20 lb |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher-Safe Grill Plate, Basket, and Pot |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 Good?
Yes. I believe the FG551 is a smart choice for people who want grilled food all year without going outside. During my testing, it gave meat a nice grilled look while keeping the inside tender. I also liked using it for vegetables because they stayed firm without becoming dry. The preset cooking programs helped me finish meals with very little effort. It works with standard U.S. 110V outlets, making it easy to use in most American kitchens. If you want reliable results with simple controls, this grill is easy to recommend.
My Recommendation
I would recommend the Ninja Foodi Smart XL FG551 for couples, small families, and anyone who wants quick weekday meals. I found it fit well into my daily cooking routine because it combined several cooking methods in one machine. It is a good pick if you enjoy grilled food but do not want to use an outdoor grill in bad weather. If you want the newest features and the most cooking flexibility, you should also look at the IG651 before deciding.
Ninja IG651 vs FG551 Comparison
After using both indoor grills, I found they share many strengths, but they are not the same. Both cook food quickly and leave nice grill marks. The biggest difference is that the IG651 has newer features and more cooking options, while the FG551 gives excellent results at a lower price. The best choice depends on what you need in your kitchen.
Cooking Features: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
The Ninja IG651 offers more cooking functions, including Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, BBQ Griddle, Dehydrate, and more. The FG551 also does many cooking jobs, but it has fewer cooking modes. I liked having the extra options on the IG651 when I wanted to make different meals.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.8/10
Ninja FG551 – 9.4/10
Grilling Results: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
Both grills cooked steak, burgers, and chicken evenly. The IG651 gave me slightly better control when cooking thicker cuts of meat because of its newer Smart Cook features. The FG551 still produced juicy food with a nice grilled finish.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.7/10
Ninja FG551 – 9.5/10
Cleaning: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
Cleaning either grill was easy after dinner. The removable grill plate, basket, and cooking pot all washed without much work. I spent very little time getting either grill ready for the next meal.
Winner: Tie – 9.6/10
Daily Use: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
The FG551 felt simple and familiar for everyday cooking. The IG651 offered more cooking choices, which made it better when I wanted to try different recipes. I enjoyed using both, but the newer design of the IG651 gave me a little more flexibility.
Winner: Ninja IG651 – 9.7/10
Ninja FG551 – 9.5/10
Price: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
The FG551 usually costs less, making it a better choice for buyers with a smaller budget. The IG651 costs more, but it adds more cooking modes and newer technology. I think both offer good value, depending on what you need.
Winner: Ninja FG551 – 9.7/10
Ninja IG651 – 9.3/10
Performance: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
I was impressed with both grills during daily cooking. They heated fast, cooked food evenly, and made crispy air-fried sides. The IG651 stood out because it offered more cooking choices, while the FG551 delivered dependable results every time I used it.
Ease of Use: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
Both models were easy to learn. The buttons were clear, and the display made cooking simple. I also liked that the Smart Thermometer helped me cook meat without guessing.
Value for Money: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
If saving money matters most, I would choose the FG551 because it gives excellent cooking performance for less. If you want more features and plan to use them often, the IG651 is worth paying extra for.
Overall: Ninja IG651 vs FG551
After comparing both models, I believe the Ninja IG651 is the better overall indoor grill. It gives more cooking options, newer features, and greater flexibility for people who cook often. The FG551 remains an excellent choice if you want a lower price while still getting great grilling and air frying performance.
FAQs for Ninja IG651 vs FG551
What is the main difference between the Ninja IG651 and FG551?
The biggest difference is that the IG651 includes more cooking functions and newer Smart Cook features. The FG551 focuses on the most popular cooking modes at a lower price.
Which model is better for steak?
I liked the IG651 a little more because it gave me more control over doneness. The FG551 also cooked juicy steaks with nice grill marks.
Can both grills air fry?
Yes. Both models can air fry foods like fries, chicken wings, and frozen snacks with less oil.
Are both grills easy to clean?
Yes. I removed the cooking parts after each meal and cleaned them without much effort. The dishwasher-safe parts made cleanup even easier.
Which grill is better for a family?
Both are good for family meals, but I found the IG651 more useful because of its extra cooking options and flexibility.
Do these grills work with standard U.S. outlets?
Yes. Both models are designed for standard 110V household outlets in the United States.
Which model offers better value?
The FG551 offers better value if you want to spend less. The IG651 offers better value if you will use its extra features often.
Which one would I buy?
I would buy the Ninja IG651 because I enjoy having more cooking functions in one appliance. If my budget were tighter, I would happily choose the FG551 instead.
Conclusion
The Ninja IG651 vs FG551 comparison shows that both indoor grills are excellent choices. I would pick the Ninja IG651 for its extra cooking modes, newer features, and added flexibility. I would choose the Ninja FG551 if I wanted strong performance while spending less. Think about how you cook each week, then choose the grill that best matches your needs and your budget.