Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (FG551) Review: Is It Worth Buying?
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Short Summary
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (model FG551) is a countertop appliance that works as an indoor grill, air fryer, roaster, oven, broiler and dehydrator. It uses Ninja's cyclonic grilling technology and a Smart Cook System with a leave-in thermometer, so you can cook to your preferred doneness without constantly checking.
The XL grill grate and a 4-quart crisper basket make it a good fit for families, and the 1760-watt unit is designed to cook with very little smoke. It is aimed at people who want grilled flavor and crisp air-fried texture without going outside.
Quick Facts
Brand: Ninja
Model: Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill (FG551)
Functions: Grill, air crisp, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate
Power: 1760 watts
Grill grate: 9 x 12 inch
Also included: 4-quart crisper basket, 6-quart cooking pot, Foodi Smart Thermometer, cleaning brush
Size (approx.): 15.7 x 16.5 x 11 inches
Best for: Families and anyone who wants indoor grilling plus air frying
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Benefits
Six cooking functions in one: Grill, air crisp, bake, roast, broil and dehydrate, so one appliance can cover several jobs on your counter.
Smart Cook System: The included Foodi Smart Thermometer lets you pick a protein and doneness level, which helps you avoid guessing when cooking steak, chicken or fish.
XL capacity: Ninja says the grill holds up to 50% more food than the original Foodi Grill, enough for up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs.
Cyclonic grilling: Superheated, circulating air cooks food from all sides, so many foods do not need flipping.
Indoor-friendly: Ninja describes it as virtually smoke free, and the removable parts are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier.
Why Purchase It?
1. You want one appliance instead of several. It can take the place of a small grill, an air fryer and parts of an oven for everyday meals.
2. You cook for a family or meal prep. The extra-large grate fits more food at once than many countertop grills.
3. You want less guesswork. The smart thermometer helps cook meat to the doneness you choose.
4. You cannot grill outside. It suits apartments, rainy weather and winter, when outdoor grilling is not practical.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
• Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate in one appliance
• Built-in smart thermometer helps with doneness
• XL capacity suits families and meal prep
• Cyclonic air cooking, with little flipping needed
• Removable parts are dishwasher safe
• Lets you grill indoors all year
Cons
• Large and heavy, so it needs plenty of counter space
• Parts do not store neatly inside the unit, according to some owners
• Costs more than a basic countertop grill or small air fryer
• The crisper basket is 4 quarts, so very large air-fry batches may need to be cooked in rounds
• Indoor grilling will not match the flavor of charcoal or a gas grill for everyone
What You Can Cook With It
• Grill: steaks, burgers, chicken, hot dogs, vegetables
• Air crisp: fries, wings, frozen snacks, crispy vegetables
• Roast and bake: chicken pieces, potatoes, small bakes and desserts
• Broil: melting cheese or finishing a dish with a browned top
• Dehydrate: fruit slices, vegetable chips, jerky-style snacks
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Conclusion
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is a strong pick if you want to grill year-round, enjoy air-fried meals and like the idea of a thermometer taking the guesswork out of doneness. It is a large appliance and not the cheapest option, so make sure you have the counter or storage space. If you do, it can replace several gadgets and make weeknight cooking simpler.
Prices, colors and availability change often, so please check the Amazon page for the latest details.