The Ninja Foodi Grill series has become a go-to choice for people who want the power of outdoor grilling right inside their kitchens. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to put two of their most popular models — the Ninja DG551 and the Ninja FG551 — through their paces. Both promise smart cooking features, 500°F cyclonic grilling, and the convenience of an air fryer, but there are subtle differences that could sway your buying decision.
If you’re wondering which one deserves a spot on your countertop, I’ll walk you through the differences, share my experience, and hopefully make your choice easier.
Key Difference Between Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Foodi Smart Grill
At first glance, the Ninja DG551 and FG551 look almost identical. Both feature the Smart Cook System with a built-in thermometer, the same 6-in-1 cooking versatility, and smoke control technology. But the DG551 is essentially the updated second-generation version of the FG551, featuring slight design refinements and a slightly sleeker build, while the FG551 represents the original Smart XL Grill that set the standard.
If you’re after the newest iteration, the DG551 edges ahead. If you don’t mind the first-gen design (which still works wonderfully), the FG551 often comes at a better price.
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- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill and air...
Comparison Table: Ninja DG551 vs FG551 Foodi Smart Grill
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Dimensions | 11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H | 15.75″D x 16.54″W x 11.1″H |
| Wattage | 1760 watts | 1760 watts |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) | 6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes (4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels) | Yes (4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels) |
| Capacity | XL (fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs) | XL (fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs) |
| Smoke Control | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 25 lbs | ~22 lbs |
| Included Accessories | 9″ x 12″ grill grate, 4-qt crisper basket, cooking pot, thermometer, recipe book, cleaning brush | Same as DG551 |
| Style | Updated 2nd Gen Design | Original Smart XL Grill |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design & Build
The DG551 has a slightly updated exterior that feels a little more modern and sleek. When I placed both side by side, the DG551 gave me the impression of being the “polished” younger sibling. The FG551, on the other hand, looks a bit boxier, but still very sturdy. Both models use ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts that are easy to clean, which is a huge win for me after long cooking sessions.
If aesthetics matter to you, I’d lean toward the DG551, but functionally, they both hold their own.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill and air...
Ease of Use
Both grills feature Ninja’s Smart Cook System with the Foodi Smart Thermometer. This is one of my favorite parts of these grills because it takes the guesswork out of doneness. I tested steaks, chicken, and even salmon fillets — each time, the thermometer made it easy to nail the exact level I wanted, from rare to well-done.
The control panels on both models are intuitive. I found the DG551’s display slightly crisper, making it easier to read in my kitchen lighting, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you go for the FG551.
Cooking Performance
This is where both really shine. The 500°F cyclonic grilling technology makes a noticeable difference. The grill marks, the charred flavor, and the even cooking made me forget I wasn’t using an outdoor grill.
In my tests:
- Steaks came out juicy with perfect sear marks.
- Frozen burgers went from rock solid to fully cooked in under 25 minutes, as advertised.
- French fries in the crisper basket had that crispy bite without the grease.
Between the two, I didn’t notice any major difference in performance. Both delivered consistent results, though the DG551 seemed slightly faster in preheating.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
Functions & Versatility
Each model offers 6-in-1 functionality: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
I personally found the air crisping mode to be a game changer — wings, fries, and even veggie chips turned out fantastic. The dehydrate function worked surprisingly well too, though it’s not going to replace a dedicated dehydrator if you’re into bulk dehydrating.
Whether it’s the DG551 or FG551, the versatility means I’ve been able to reduce my reliance on my oven for smaller meals.
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill and air...
Smoke Control
Let’s be honest: indoor grills can sometimes feel like smoke machines. Luckily, Ninja has thought this through. Both grills come with a smoke control system, which includes a splatter shield, cool-air zone, and a temperature-controlled grill grate.
I tested both by grilling fatty burgers — the kind that usually set off smoke alarms. To my surprise, smoke was minimal, and my kitchen stayed comfortable. No difference between the two models here.
Cleanup
Cleanup is one of the reasons I still reach for these grills regularly. The ceramic-coated parts are PTFE/PFOA-free and dishwasher-safe. With the DG551, the parts slid out a bit smoother, but in reality, both models are very easy to maintain.
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart Grill with Air Fry
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
Pros:
- Updated, sleeker design (2nd Gen)
- Smart thermometer with doneness presets
- Large capacity, perfect for family meals
- Easy to clean ceramic-coated parts
- Slightly improved control panel readability
Cons:
- Heavier than FG551
- Price can be a little higher than the FG551
Ninja FG551 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill and air...
Pros:
- Proven original design with the same Smart Cook System
- Same XL capacity and cooking functions
- Smoke control works very well
- Often more affordable than DG551
- Reliable performance, even as a first-gen model
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier and boxier design
- Display feels a little dated compared to DG551
Conclusion: My Recommendation
After spending time with both the Ninja DG551 and the FG551, I can confidently say that performance-wise, you’ll be happy with either. Both grills deliver flavorful results, make indoor grilling smoke-free, and double as an air fryer, which has replaced several appliances in my kitchen.
If you care about having the latest design, a slightly sharper display, and smoother usability, then the DG551 is the model I’d recommend. However, if you’re looking for better value without compromising on cooking performance, the FG551 is still an excellent choice that holds up incredibly well.
At the end of the day, it comes down to budget and whether you want the newest version. For me, the DG551 edges ahead — but the FG551 is still one of the best indoor grills you can buy.
