Choosing between the Ninja DG551 vs FG551 can feel like picking between two great air fryer— Both had smart features. I’ve used both in my kitchen, flipping burgers on one and air crisping wings on the other, and I’ve noticed some key differences you don’t see at first glance. If you’re wondering which one actually fits your cooking style and counter space, I’ve got you covered. I’ll break it down in simple terms, just like I would if we were chatting over coffee. Let’s find the best fit for your kitchen.
Is Ninja DG551 Air Fry Good?
Yes — the air fry function on the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry is not just good; it’s surprisingly effective. It crisps up fries, wings, and veggies with up to 75% less fat than deep frying. You still get that golden crunch, minus the greasy mess.
I didn’t expect much the first time I tossed in a batch of frozen sweet potato fries. Usually, they come out soggy in a regular oven. But with this Ninja air fryer feature, they were crisped evenly and tasted like they were straight out of a restaurant. It was a genuine surprise — especially since I didn’t have to preheat or babysit the process.
That first bite sold me. The texture? Spot on. The taste? Light and clean. It became my go-to method for weeknight dinners when I wanted something fast but still tasty. It didn’t feel like a gadget trying too hard. It felt like it belonged in my kitchen.
Is grilling temperature adjustable for different foods?
Absolutely. One of the best things about the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill 6-in-1 is its precise temperature control. You can adjust the grilling temperature based on what you’re cooking — steaks, chicken, veggies, or even frozen items. It gives you full flexibility, which is rare for an indoor grill.
I remember grilling salmon fillets right after making burgers. With a few button taps, I dropped the heat and let the meat probe guide the rest. No guesswork. The salmon turned out flaky and juicy, not dry and overcooked like I used to get with other grills.
It really removes the stress of “Did I set this right?” The smart grill system nails the temp every time. I don’t think I’ve had one overdone steak since using this. Whether it’s medium-rare or well-done, the results have been dead-on — and that’s saying a lot coming from someone who usually second-guesses doneness.
Are its parts dishwasher safe for cleaning?
Yes, and this might be the most underrated feature. The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are all dishwasher safe. That means less scrubbing and more relaxing after dinner.
I used to dread cleaning up after using any kind of Ninja grill or indoor appliance. That greasy residue? A nightmare. But with the Ninja DG551, cleanup is just as simple as the cooking. I usually pop the parts straight into the dishwasher after they cool, and they come out spotless. No elbow grease needed.
Plus, the ceramic coating is PTFE/PFOA-free and doesn’t stain easily. After grilling BBQ chicken, I expected a sticky mess. Nope — the splatter shield did its job, and the pot rinsed clean even before the dishwasher cycle.
What I Like
- Smart thermometer is a game-changer — no need to slice meat to check doneness.
- Air frying saves calories without sacrificing crunch.
- Quiet operation — doesn’t roar like a jet engine.
- Adjustable grilling temps help me switch between steak nights and veggie days.
- Compact yet spacious — fits under cabinets, still grills 6 steaks at once.
What Could Be Better
- Takes a bit of counter space — if you’re short on room, consider the 5-in-1 model.
- Needs preheating for some grill modes — not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.
- Power cord is short — plan your setup if outlets are far from your prep area.
My Experience Using It Daily
This Ninja Foodi grill 6 in 1 became my midweek hero. I’d toss in marinated chicken after work, drop the lid, and let the smart grill handle the rest. The built-in thermometer made dinner foolproof. I’ve also roasted veggies, baked cookies, and even dehydrated apple chips — all in the same machine. It’s saved me so much time and cleanup, I hardly touch my stovetop anymore.
Recommendation
If you’re someone who wants fast, healthy meals with minimal mess, the Ninja DG551 is a solid fit. It’s ideal for families, busy professionals, or anyone tired of dry chicken and uneven stovetop grilling.
But if you’re cooking for one or have a tiny kitchen, the 5-in-1 Ninja Foodi Grill might be a better space-saving choice. Also, if you’re the kind of cook who loves fine-tuned manual control, you might want to compare with a more traditional grill.
Tips for Best Use
- Use the meat probe every time — it takes out the guesswork.
- Preheat while you prep — that way, it’s ready to go when you are.
- Don’t overcrowd the crisper basket for best air fry results.
- Wipe the splatter shield weekly — it helps with smoke control.
- Try frozen-to-grilled with salmon or burgers — works better than you’d expect.
Is Ninja FG551 Air Fry Good?
Yes, the air fry function on the Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is impressively good. It delivers crispy, golden textures without drowning food in oil. From fries to wings, the results are close to traditional deep frying—but way less greasy.
When I first tried air frying with this indoor grill, I wasn’t expecting much. I’d used standalone air fryers before and found them decent but not game-changing. But the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill surprised me. My sweet potato fries came out perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy inside—and they didn’t feel “diet.” They just tasted right.
What really left an impression was how consistent the air fryer is. Even frozen snacks like nuggets or spring rolls cooked evenly without any burnt edges or cold spots. For a multi-function appliance, this air fry mode seriously holds its own.
READ MORE: Ninja SP101 vs SP201
Are its parts dishwasher safe for cleaning?
Yes, most of the Ninja FG551’s parts are dishwasher safe. That includes the grill grate, cooking pot, and crisper basket—all of which have a nonstick ceramic coating that makes them super easy to clean, even by hand.
After a long family dinner one weekend, I tossed the crisper basket and grill plate into the dishwasher out of pure exhaustion. The next morning, they came out spotless. No burnt cheese stuck, no lingering grease. And for anything extra messy, the included cleaning brush works wonders.
Having used other indoor grills before, this one stands out for cleanup. It’s not just about being dishwasher-safe—it’s about how little scrubbing you need even if you wash it manually. Plus, the nonstick ceramic surface actually stays nonstick over time, which isn’t always the case with cheaper models.
Can it air fry crispy french fries well?
Absolutely. It can air fry French fries that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Whether you’re using frozen fries or slicing your own potatoes, the Ninja FG551 handles them like a pro.
One night, I decided to test it out with thick-cut fries. I tossed them in a little olive oil, used the Air Crisp function, and let the grill do its thing. In about 20 minutes, I had fries with that perfect crunch and no soggy bottoms. Honestly, they rivaled my local burger joint’s fries—and I didn’t need to clean up splattered oil afterward.
It’s also worth mentioning how this smart grill can go from frozen to crispy without any pre-thawing. That’s a huge time-saver on busy evenings when cooking from scratch feels like too much.
What I Like
✅ Smart Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of doneness—beef, chicken, and even salmon come out exactly how I like them.
✅ Real Grilled Taste: The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology gives real grill marks and smoky flavor—even indoors.
✅ XL Capacity: I can cook for 4–5 people at once without batch cooking. Great for family dinners.
✅ Versatility: Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate—all in one compact machine.
✅ Easy Cleanup: Most parts are dishwasher-safe and the nonstick surface truly works.
What Could Be Better
Bulky Size: It takes up counter space, so not ideal for very small kitchens.
Learning Curve: At first, the buttons and modes can be confusing, but the Ninja XL grill manual helps.
My Experience Using the Ninja FG551
I use it at least 3–4 times a week. Grilled chicken, crispy tofu, roasted veggies, and air-fried wings have become weeknight staples. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill air function really changed how I cook—I barely use my oven anymore.
For weekends, it’s a lifesaver when I want that BBQ taste without firing up the actual grill. It even impresses guests during rainy day cookouts. The Foodi grill just makes indoor grilling feel effortless and satisfying.
Recommendation
This grill is perfect for busy families, apartment dwellers, or anyone who wants healthier meals fast without compromising on flavor. If you love grilled food but hate mess or can’t use outdoor grills, this is your answer.
If you only cook occasionally or have limited counter space, you might want to consider the size carefully—or look into the Ninja DG551 for a slightly different layout.
Tips for Best Use
🔹 Preheat before grilling: It helps lock in moisture and gives you better sear marks.
🔹 Use fryer liners in the crisper basket for easy cleanup when making extra greasy foods.
🔹 Experiment with the Smart Cook System: It’s surprisingly accurate once you trust it.
🔹 Don’t overcrowd the crisper basket or grill plate. Air circulation = crispy results.
🔹 Use the included recipe book to discover ideas beyond burgers and fries—it’s more versatile than it looks.
Ninja DG551 vs FG551: Which Smart XL Grill Should You Choose?
When I was deciding between the Ninja DG551 and the Ninja FG551, I didn’t expect it to be so tricky.
Cooking Performance
Both models use cyclonic grilling technology and a smart thermometer. But how they handle food in real life makes a difference.
| Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja DG551 |
| Grill Marks | Very defined, consistent | Slightly lighter grill marks |
| Heat Distribution | Excellent and even | Good, but has minor edge hotspots |
| Air Fry Crispiness | Crispier fries, more even results | Good, but not as crisp on thick cuts |
I noticed that my steak came out slightly juicier and better seared with the FG551. The DG551 still does a good job, but it felt a bit more “toaster oven” and less “outdoor grill.”
🏆 Winner: Ninja FG551 — it just nails the grill experience a bit better.
Design and Build
The difference in design may seem small, but it plays a role in daily use. Here’s what I found from actually using them both.
| Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja DG551 |
| Display Layout | Sleek top-facing display | Slanted front panel display |
| Lid Mechanism | Smoother opening and closing | Slightly stiffer lid motion |
| Build Feel | Feels more solid and premium | Slightly lighter, more plastic feel |
The FG551’s layout just makes more sense when I’m mid-cook. The buttons are easier to see from above, especially when standing. The DG551 isn’t bad—it just feels like an earlier design.
🏆 Winner: Ninja FG551 — better display and smoother usability.
Cooking Modes and Features
Functionality is pretty similar, but there are a few small feature differences that stood out to me.
| Feature | Ninja FG551 | Ninja DG551 |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Presets | More detailed presets | Fewer detailed presets |
| Control Buttons | More responsive | Slightly delayed feedback |
Both models come with the Foodi XL 6-in-1 feature set: grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. But the FG551 has a bit more refinement in how those features feel in use.
🏆 Winner: Ninja FG551 — just smoother to operate with more accurate presets.
Manual Rating Comparison
| Category | Ninja FG551 | Ninja DG551 |
| Grilling Performance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of Use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Build Quality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
My Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of grilling indoors without losing that real sear or smoky taste, the Ninja DG551 and FG551 are both solid picks. But if you’re someone who craves a more polished feel, crisper air-fried results, and smoother controls, the FG551 has the edge. On the other hand, if you’re tight on space or just need a reliable everyday grill without all the bells and whistles, the DG551 gets the job done well.
For me, the FG551 felt more like an upgrade — like going from a great tool to one that just fits better in daily life. Either way, both are dependable, and whichever you choose, you’ll be eating well without the guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the main difference between the Ninja DG551 and FG551?
The FG551 offers crisper air frying and a smoother display. The DG551 is slightly lighter and better for basic indoor grilling needs.
Q2: Does the Ninja FG551 cook more evenly than the DG551?
Yes, the FG551 gives more even heat and better grill marks. The DG551 works well, but some foods cook better in the FG551.
Q3: Can both the Ninja DG551 and FG551 air fry food well?
Both can air fry, but the FG551 makes fries and snacks a bit crispier. It also handles thicker cuts more evenly than the DG551.
Q4: Are the Ninja DG551 and FG551 parts dishwasher-safe?
Yes, both models have dishwasher-safe parts, like the grill grate and crisper basket. They’re easy to clean and have nonstick surfaces.
Q5: Which Ninja grill is better for small kitchens—DG551 or FG551?
The DG551 is a bit more compact, making it a better fit for small spaces. The FG551 offers more features but takes up more counter space.
Q6: Does the smart thermometer work the same on both models?
Yes, both use the same smart thermometer. It checks doneness as you cook, so you don’t need to cut into meat to see if it’s ready.
Q7: Is the Ninja FG551 worth the higher price compared to DG551?
If you want more air frying power, easier controls, and premium feel, the FG551 is worth it. But the DG551 still offers strong value for less.
Q8: Can both Ninja grills cook from frozen without defrosting?
Yes, both models can cook meats and snacks straight from the freezer. Just adjust time and temp, and use the meat probe for best results.
Q9: Which model is easier to use for beginners—DG551 or FG551?
The FG551 has a clearer display and better presets, which help beginners. The DG551 is simple too, but takes a little more trial and error.
Q10: Do both the DG551 and FG551 offer the same cooking modes?
Yes, both include grill, air crisp, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate. However, the FG551’s presets are a bit more detailed and responsive.
Kris S. Cary is the founder of KitchinPrep.com and a passionate kitchen enthusiast with over three years of experience in the culinary world. A graduate of the Culinary Management, A.S. program at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, USA, Kris spent two years honing their skills and deepening their love for cooking and kitchen essentials. Specializing in kitchen baking tools, Kris is dedicated to sharing practical tips, insightful product reviews, and expert guides to help home cooks elevate their baking and cooking game. When not testing the latest kitchen gadgets, Kris is likely whipping up something delicious or dreaming up new ways to inspire culinary creativity.