Grilling indoors has never felt this powerful two high-performance machines, the Ninja DG551 and the FG551, bring pro-level searing, air frying, and smart cooking into your kitchen.
Both promise juicy steaks, crispy fries, and perfectly cooked meals with minimal guesswork. The DG551 adds extra flair with an upgraded smart cook system, while the FG551 sticks to a tried-and-true formula with proven reliability.
These models share several core features like the Foodi Smart Thermometer and 6-in-1 cooking functions, but their differences can impact how you cook and what results to expect. Grill enthusiasts and home chefs need a clear side-by-side to help cut through the hype and choose the right fit for their cooking style.
From design to performance, this comparison breaks it all down with clarity. Get ready to discover which Ninja grill truly delivers the edge in versatility, convenience, and flavor. Let the grilling showdown begin.
Ninja DG551 vs Ninja FG551
Ninja makes countertop grills that do more than just grill. Both the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551 are part of the Smart XL Grill series. They can grill, air fry, roast, bake, and more.
They use smart cooking tools, strong heat, and clever design to help cook meals faster and easier. While these two models are very close, small details set them apart. Let’s break them down step by step.
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill
Product Details
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Model Name: Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
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Power: 1760 watts
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Smart Cook System: Built-in thermometer, 4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels
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Grill Type: Indoor countertop with air fryer
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Functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
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Cooking Tools: 9″ x 12″ grill grate, 4-qt crisper basket, 4-qt cooking pot
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Smoke Control: Grill grate, cool-air zone, splatter shield
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Finish: Sleek design with updated build
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Extras: Foodi Smart Thermometer, cleaning brush, recipe book
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No Defrost Needed: Cooks frozen foods in under 25 minutes
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Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts with ceramic coating
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Voltage: 120V
Features
1. Smart Thermometer
Tracks food temperature and stops cooking at the right time. Gives accurate results for meat.
2. Cyclonic Grilling
500°F hot air and grill surface create grill marks and deep flavor.
3. Air Fryer Built-In
Air fry with less oil for crispy fries, wings, and more.
4. 6 Cooking Modes
Lets you cook many ways without other kitchen appliances.
5. Easy Cleaning
All cooking tools remove easily and go in the dishwasher.
What Is the Good?
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Smart cooking with no guesswork
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Grill and air fry in one unit
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Fast preheat and cook time
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Cooks from frozen
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Less fat in fried foods
What Is the Bad?
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Takes space on the counter
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Needs power outlet nearby
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May smoke a bit with fatty meats
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No dual sensor thermometer
Overall Opinion
Ninja DG551 works well for grilling lovers who want easy controls. It fits meat, fries, and veggies in one go. It’s smart, clean, and fast. A solid pick for small homes or busy people.
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill
Product Details
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Model Name: Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
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Smart Thermometer: Dual sensor design
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Smart Cook System: 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels
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Grill Size: Fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs
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Functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate
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Power and Heat: 500°F with cyclonic air cooking
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Cooking Tools: 9″ x 12″ grill grate, 4-qt crisper basket, 4-qt cooking pot
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Smoke Control: Grill grate, cool-air zone, splatter shield
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No Defrost Needed: Cooks frozen foods fast
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Other Specs: 15-amp, 60 Hz frequency, 91.44 cm cord
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Extras: Foodi Smart Thermometer, cleaning brush, recipe book
Features
1. Dual Sensor Thermometer
Tracks heat in two spots for better results. Helps avoid overcooking.
2. XL Cooking Space
Grill large meals for families or parties.
3. 6 Functions
Same as DG551. Roast, bake, air fry, and more.
4. Smoke Control
Reduces smoke for indoor cooking.
5. Simple Storage
Cord is long enough for flexibility in kitchen setup.
What Is the Good?
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Dual-sensor thermometer for better accuracy
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Cooks large meals at once
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Works fast from frozen to grilled
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Air fries with less fat
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Dishwasher-safe parts
What Is the Bad?
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Similar size and function to DG551
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Slightly more expensive
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Still bulky for small counters
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Limited changes from DG551
Overall Opinion
Ninja FG551 brings more precision to grilling. The dual sensor makes a small but helpful difference. Great for people who cook often and want full control over doneness.
Detailed Comparison for Ninja DG551 vs FG551
Both Ninja DG551 and FG551 give strong, fast grilling power in a compact machine. Both offer 6 cooking methods, the same accessories, and high heat with cyclonic air. They both include smart cooking systems and come with a thermometer.
They both reduce fat while frying and clean up easily. The biggest difference is in the thermometer. DG551 has a basic smart thermometer. FG551 uses a dual-sensor version, which makes temperature tracking more accurate.
FG551 also focuses a little more on meal size. Both cook frozen meat in under 25 minutes, both include a 4-qt basket and pot, and both deliver grill marks and crisp results.
For most users, the cooking experience will feel nearly the same. FG551 wins in accuracy. DG551 is usually priced lower. Both models do well with meats, vegetables, and snacks.
FAQs
Do both grills include air fryers?
Yes. Both models have air crisp functions with a 4-qt basket.
What’s the main difference between FG551 and DG551?
The FG551 has a dual-sensor thermometer. The DG551 has a single sensor.
Can I cook frozen meat directly?
Yes. Both models can cook frozen meat in under 25 minutes.
Are parts safe for the dishwasher?
Yes. Grill grate, crisper basket, and pot are all dishwasher safe.
Is there a difference in size?
No. Both have the same size grill grate and cooking pot.
Conclusion
The Ninja DG551 and FG551 are smart indoor grills that handle more than just grilling. Both give great results with meats, fries, and veggies. The DG551 keeps things simple and still delivers solid performance.
The FG551 adds better heat tracking with its dual-sensor probe. If you want top precision, go with FG551. For strong performance at a lower price, DG551 gets the job done. Both are great for easy, tasty home meals.
