Choosing between two top-performing indoor grills can feel like standing in front of a buffet line—you want to try it all, but eventually, you have to pick one plate. That’s exactly how I felt when I put the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill and the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Grill/Griddle Combo to the test in my own kitchen.
Both promise smarter cooking, versatile functions, and reduced smoke, but they don’t serve up the same exact experience. After spending time with each model, cooking everything from steaks to pancakes, I have a clear sense of where each shines. Let’s break it down.
Key Difference Between Ninja DG551 and IG651 Smart Grill
The main difference is versatility and power.
- The Ninja DG551 is a traditional indoor grill and air fryer combo designed for easy grilling with smart temperature control.
- The Ninja IG651, on the other hand, adds a flat top BBQ griddle and independent direct-heating elements, giving it stronger searing power and more flexibility—perfect if you want to go beyond grilling.
So, if you’re purely after a reliable indoor grill with air frying, the DG551 does the job. If you want a grill that doubles as a griddle with extra firepower, the IG651 is worth the upgrade.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for...
Ninja DG551 vs IG651 Comparison Table
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja IG651 |
| Dimensions | 11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H | 15.7″D x 17.4″W x 7″H |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) | 7-in-1 (Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) |
| Smart Cook System | Yes (4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels) | Yes (Enhanced with Pro Power Grate) |
| Unique Feature | Cyclonic Grilling Technology | 12” Flat Top BBQ Griddle + Direct Heat Searing |
| Smoke Control System | Yes | Yes |
| Capacity | Grill grate fits mains and sides | Grill grate + larger flat top for pancakes, nachos, sandwiches |
| Wattage | 1760W | 1760W (with independent heating) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe ceramic-coated parts | Dishwasher safe ceramic-coated parts |
| Weight | 25 lbs | Slightly lighter, more compact height |
| Included Accessories | Grill Grate, Crisper Basket, Pot, Thermometer, Cleaning Brush, Recipe Book | Grill Grate, Flat Top BBQ Griddle, Crisper Basket, Thermometer, Quick Start Guide |
| Check On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build
The DG551 looks sleek in its black and silver finish, but it’s a little bulkier in height, taking up more vertical counter space. The IG651 surprised me with its flatter, more compact design despite being wider. Both feel premium and sturdy, but the IG651 earns points for its flat griddle attachment—a real game-changer if you like variety.
If you’re tight on vertical space, the IG651 fits better under cabinets.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for...
Ease of Use
Both grills come with the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which I found incredibly handy. No more second-guessing whether the chicken is cooked through—the preset doneness levels make life easier.
That said, the IG651’s dual cooking modes (hood up or down) gave me more control. I could sear burgers directly with the hood up, then finish them off with even air circulation by closing it. The DG551 sticks to the traditional hood-down approach, which works fine but feels less versatile after you’ve tried the IG651.
Cooking Functions and Performance
The DG551’s 6-in-1 system covered my basic needs—grilling salmon, air frying fries, roasting veggies, and even dehydrating apple slices. Everything came out with that signature char-grilled flavor thanks to Cyclonic Grilling Technology.
But when I switched to the IG651, the difference was clear. The independently powered grill grate reaches intense searing temperatures, and the 12” BBQ griddle opens up a world of recipes the DG551 simply can’t do. Pancakes on a grill? Yes. A nacho platter? Absolutely. The IG651 basically transforms into an indoor BBQ setup.
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for...
Smoke Control System
Both models do a commendable job at smoke reduction. I tested them with marinated steak and bacon (the real smoke culprits), and while you still get some aroma, it didn’t set off my smoke alarm. The combination of splatter shields, cool-air zones, and temperature control keeps smoke manageable in both.
Capacity
Capacity is where the IG651 pulls ahead. The DG551 handles up to 6 steaks, which is good enough for small families. But the IG651’s griddle space means you can whip up six pancakes at once or four sandwiches—a big win for group cooking.
Cleaning
Both models have ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts, which is a lifesaver. The DG551 includes a cleaning brush, while the IG651’s griddle plate and grill grate pop out easily for quick rinsing. In practice, I didn’t notice a huge difference in cleanup effort.
Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart Indoor Grill
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air...
Pros:
- Reliable 6-in-1 functions
- Great grilling flavor with cyclonic air
- Smart thermometer makes doneness foolproof
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Solid build with recipe book included
Cons:
- Bulkier vertical design
- No griddle option
- Less powerful searing than IG651
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo
- NINJA'S MOST POWERFUL GRILL: 500F independently powered grill grate creates direct, edge-to-edge high-heat searing for...
Pros:
- 7-in-1 with flat top griddle (pancakes, sandwiches, nachos)
- Hood up or down cooking for more flexibility
- Stronger searing with independent heating element
- Same Smart Thermometer system as DG551
- Compact height, fits better under cabinets
- Great for larger families or entertaining
Cons:
- Slightly wider footprint
- Fewer included accessories (no recipe book, fewer extras)
- Learning curve with griddle settings
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for a straightforward indoor grill that can air fry, roast, and deliver consistently delicious results without fuss, the Ninja DG551 is a fantastic pick. It does everything it promises and is perfect for someone who wants reliable performance at a slightly lower price point.
But if you want more versatility, stronger searing power, and the option to cook things a traditional grill can’t handle, the Ninja IG651 is worth the upgrade. For me, the addition of the griddle and hood-up cooking turned it into more than just a grill—it’s practically an all-in-one indoor BBQ station.
My Recommendation:
Go with the IG651 if you cook for families or enjoy experimenting with different recipes. Stick with the DG551 if your focus is simple, everyday grilling with air frying convenience.
Either way, you’re getting one of the best indoor grills on the market.
