The scent of a charcoal grill on a summer afternoon is hard to beat, but the logistics of firing one up on a rainy Tuesday evening are less than ideal. For years, I’ve been looking for an indoor solution that doesn’t just “bake” meat until it’s gray, but actually provides that aggressive, edge-to-edge sear you get from a real BBQ. This quest brought two heavyweights into my kitchen: the Ninja IG601 Foodi XL and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro.
Both of these machines represent a significant leap forward from the older air-fryer-style grills. They feature a powered grill grate that gets up to 500°F, allowing you to cook with the hood up – just like an outdoor flat-top – or hood down for that cyclonic air crisping. At first glance, they look like identical twins sitting on the counter. They share the same 7-in-1 versatility, the same 12-inch griddle plate, and the same massive 4-quart air fry capacity.
However, after searing dozen of steaks and flipping enough pancakes to feed a neighborhood, I’ve realized that the “Smart” in the IG651’s name isn’t just marketing fluff. It changes the fundamental rhythm of how you cook. If you’ve ever agonized over whether a thick ribeye is truly medium-rare or just a “warm blue,” you’ll want to pay close attention to the nuance between these two models.
The Key Difference: Ninja IG601 Vs IG651 Indoor Grill
The fundamental divide between the Ninja IG601 and the IG651 is the Foodi Smart Cook System.
- The Ninja IG651 (The Precision Pro) is equipped with a built-in, leave-in Smart Thermometer. This system is integrated into the grill’s brain, offering 4 smart protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels. You don’t just check the temperature; you tell the grill what you’re cooking and how you want it, and the machine handles the rest.
- The Ninja IG601 (The Standard Powerhouse) offers the exact same raw cooking power, temperature range, and 7-in-1 functions, but it lacks the integrated thermometer. It is a purely manual experience, requiring the user to monitor cooking times or use a separate handheld thermometer to gauge doneness.
Essentially, you are choosing between a high-performance manual “griddle and grill” (IG601) and a fully automated “smart cooking station” (IG651).
Comparison Table: Ninja IG601 Vs IG651 Indoor Grill
| Feature | Ninja IG601 | Ninja IG651 |
| Cooking System | Manual / Programmable | Smart Cook System Plus |
| Thermometer | Not Included | Integrated Smart Thermometer |
| Doneness Levels | N/A | 9 Customizable Levels |
| Functions | 7-in-1 | 7-in-1 |
| Max Temperature | 500°F (Powered Grate) | 500°F (Powered Grate) |
| Griddle Size | 12″ Flat Top | 12″ Flat Top |
| Air Fry Capacity | 4-Quart Crisper Basket | 4-Quart Crisper Basket |
| Hood Styles | Open or Closed | Open or Closed |
| Dimensions | 15.7″D x 17.4″W x 11.63″H | 15.7″D x 17.4″W x 7″H (Closed) |
| Included | Grate, Griddle, Basket | Grate, Griddle, Basket, Thermometer |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Kitchen Observations
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Design: The Powered Grate Revolution
The first time I lifted the hood on the Ninja IG601, I noticed the “Pro Power Grate.” Unlike older indoor grills that rely solely on hot air, these units have a heating element that makes direct contact with the grate. This is a game-changer. It means you can leave the hood open and sear a steak exactly like you would on a cast-iron skillet, but with significantly better smoke control.
The Ninja IG651 shares this robust design but includes a dedicated port on the side for the Smart Thermometer. Both units are fairly wide (over 17 inches), so they demand a decent amount of counter space. One thing to note is the height; while the IG651 is listed at 7 inches, that is likely the “closed” height or a specific measurement of the base, as both units feel similarly substantial when the hood is open. The black finish is sleek, though the splatter shield under the hood will eventually show its age if you don’t stay on top of cleaning it.
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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...
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Ease of Use: Manual Control vs. “Set and Forget”
- Operating the IG601: Using this model felt very familiar. I set the “Grill” function to “High,” let it preheat (which takes about 8-10 minutes for that deep sear heat), and threw on my burgers. It’s intuitive, but I had to stay close. I was constantly checking the clock and poking the meat. It’s perfect for someone who enjoys the act of grilling and trusts their instincts.
- Operating the IG651: The experience was significantly more relaxed. I plugged the thermometer into the steak, selected “Beef,” and chose “Medium.” The digital display showed me the real-time internal temperature and the target temperature. The grill beeped when it was time to flip and again when it was time to take the meat off to rest. It eliminates the “cutting into the meat” habit that lets all the juices out.
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Functions: From Pancakes to Pork Chops
Both machines are 7-in-1 units: Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
- The Griddle Test: I used the 12-inch flat top on the IG601 to make a full breakfast platter. I did four large pancakes and two eggs simultaneously. The heat distribution is impressively even – no “cold spots” in the corners. It interlocks with the grate, so it gets that same direct heat.
- The Air Fry Test: I used the 4-quart crisper basket in the IG651 to make fries while I grilled burgers on the grate. Wait – actually, you have to swap the plates. One thing to keep in mind is that while it is an air fryer, you aren’t air frying and grilling at the exact same time on the same surface. However, the air crisping is incredibly fast because of the “cyclonic air” when the hood is down.
- The “Hood Up” Difference: Both models allow for hood-up cooking. This is huge for things like grilled cheese or fajitas where you want to keep an eye on the sear without steaming the food.
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Maintenance: The “Easy to Clean” Claim
Ninja claims these parts are dishwasher safe, and technically, they are. The PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic coating is very slick. After a heavy session of BBQ ribs on the IG601, the griddle plate rinsed off with surprisingly little effort.
However, the IG651 has the added task of cleaning the thermometer. It’s a small, stainless steel probe that needs a hand-wash. The real challenge for both is the “Splatter Shield.” This is a mesh screen that protects the heating elements in the hood. If you don’t pop it out and scrub it after every few uses, it will accumulate grease and start to smoke. Fortunately, it’s easy to remove, and I’ve found that soaking it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes does most of the work for you.
Ninja IG601 (The Direct Griller) Indoor Grill
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Pros:
- Direct High Heat: The 500°F grate provides a restaurant-quality sear.
- Versatility: The flat-top griddle adds a whole new dimension (pancakes, eggs, fajitas).
- Value: Usually cheaper than the smart version while offering the same heat power.
- Simplicity: No wires or probes to manage; just turn it on and cook.
Cons:
- Manual Monitoring: Easy to overcook meat if you aren’t paying attention.
- No Doneness Presets: You have to know your own temperatures and times.
Ninja IG651 (The Smart Professional) Indoor Grill
- SMART INDOOR GRILL & AIR FRYER COMBO: The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is an all-in-one indoor electric grill and air...
Pros:
- Zero Guesswork: The Smart Thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time.
- Multi-Tasking: You can walk away from the grill; it will alert you when it’s done.
- 9 Doneness Levels: Offers more precision than even most professional chefs.
- Integrated Tech: The thermometer is part of the system, not a separate gadget.
Cons:
- Price: The “Smart” technology adds a premium to the cost.
- Extra Cleaning: The probe is one more thing to wash and store.
The Verdict: Which Ninja Foodi XL Should You Choose?
After a month of intensive indoor grilling, my conclusion is that the decision rests on your confidence as a cook.
I recommend the Ninja IG601 if: You are an experienced griller who prefers to be “hands-on.” If you already own a favorite instant-read thermometer and don’t feel the need for an integrated system, the IG601 gives you all the searing power and griddle space for a better price. It is the perfect choice for the “instinctive” cook.
I recommend the Ninja IG651 if: You want the highest probability of success with zero stress. If you’ve ever ruined an expensive set of steaks or struggle with the timing of thick-cut pork chops, the Smart Cook System is a revelation. It turns a great grill into a foolproof cooking station. For busy families who want “set-and-forget” precision, this is the one.
My Personal Choice: I am keeping the Ninja IG651. The integrated thermometer has saved me from overcooking chicken breasts more times than I can count. Being able to set the grill to “Medium-Rare” for a steak and then go finish the salad without worrying about the timing is a level of convenience I didn’t know I needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does it really replace an outdoor grill?
For searing steaks, burgers, and hot dogs, absolutely. The 500°F powered grate creates those classic grill marks and char. However, you won’t get that specific “smoky” flavor that comes from wood or charcoal. It’s the best indoor substitute I’ve ever used, though.
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Is it actually “smoke-free”?
Ninja calls it a “Smoke Control System.” In my experience, it is about 90% smoke-free. If you are grilling fatty meats at very high heat, you will see a little bit of steam/smoke, but it is nothing like a traditional stovetop pan-sear. The splatter shield and cool-air zone do an excellent job of keeping the air clear.
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Can I use the griddle and the grill grate at the same time?
No. The plates are designed to be swapped out. You can either use the Grill Grate, the Flat Top Griddle, or the Air Fry Basket. You cannot fit two of them in the machine simultaneously.
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How many steaks can I fit on the XL grate?
The “XL” designation is accurate. I was able to fit six standard New York Strip steaks on the grate at once. It is definitely large enough to cook a main course for a family of six.
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Is the air fryer as good as a standalone Ninja Air Fryer?
Yes. Because it uses the same “cyclonic air” technology found in their dedicated air fryers, the results are identical. The 4-quart capacity is plenty for a large side of fries or a batch of wings.
