If you’re in the market for a versatile indoor grill, chances are you’ve come across the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551. Both models promise smokeless grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, and more, all while giving your food that perfect char-grilled flavor. But with so many similarities, choosing between them can be tricky.
I’ve had the chance to test both, and while they share the same 500°F cyclonic grilling technology, smart thermometer, and 6-in-1 cooking functions, there are subtle differences that could make one a better fit for your needs. Whether it’s design updates, cooking performance, or ease of use, I’ll break everything down in a way that actually helps you decide.
In this detailed comparison, I’ll go over real-world performance, smart features, cleaning convenience, and overall value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one suits your kitchen best. Let’s dive in!
Ninja DG551 vs FG551 – Quick Comparison Table
To make things easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551. Both are highly capable indoor grills with similar features, but there are a few key differences that set them apart.
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
| Product Type | 2nd Generation Smart XL Indoor Grill | Original Smart XL Indoor Grill |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Smart Thermometer | Yes (Foodi Smart Thermometer) | Yes (Foodi Smart Thermometer) |
| Cyclonic Grilling Technology | Yes (500°F Cyclonic Air) | Yes (500°F Cyclonic Air) |
| Smoke Control System | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Capacity | Fits up to 6 steaks, 24 hot dogs | Fits up to 6 steaks, 24 hot dogs |
| Wattage | 1760W | 1760W |
| Voltage | 120V | 110V |
| Material | Ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot | Stainless steel body with ceramic-coated accessories |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe grill grate, basket, and pot | Dishwasher-safe grill grate, basket, and pot |
| Product Dimensions | 11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H | 15.75″D x 16.54″W x 11.1″H |
| Weight | 23.4 lbs | 22.4 lbs |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2020 |
| Customer Ratings | ⭐ 4.6/5 (1,500+ reviews) | ⭐ 4.7/5 (14,500+ reviews) |
| Best For | Users looking for an updated design with the same functions as FG551 | Users who want a tried-and-tested indoor grill with thousands of positive reviews |
| Price & Value | Typically priced slightly higher due to its newer design | Usually more affordable with nearly identical features |
Key Takeaways:
- The DG551 is a newer version of the FG551, with a redesigned look but nearly identical functionality.
- The FG551 has been on the market longer, with higher user ratings and a proven track record.
- Both models cook the same way, with smart thermometers, high heat grilling, and smoke control.
- The DG551 may cost slightly more, but the difference is mainly in design, not performance.
Next, let’s take a closer look at each model, so you can decide which one is right for you!
Ninja DG551 Review – My Honest Take After Using It
The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is the updated version of the FG551, bringing the same great features with a sleeker design. It’s packed with grilling power, air frying capability, and a smart thermometer, making it an excellent all-in-one countertop appliance. After using it extensively, here’s my honest breakdown of how it performs in real-world cooking.
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Ninja DG551 feels well-built and premium. The exterior has a modern black and silver finish, giving it a sleek, high-end look that fits well in any kitchen. The controls are intuitive, and the digital display is bright and easy to read.
Size-wise, it’s 11.1 inches deep, 15.7 inches wide, and 16 inches high, making it slightly taller than the FG551. This doesn’t make a huge difference in storage, but if you have limited counter space, it’s something to consider.
The ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot feel sturdy and resist sticking, which is great for durability. The overall construction is solid, and the appliance doesn’t feel flimsy at all.
Key takeaway: The DG551 looks more refined compared to the FG551 but maintains the same rugged durability.
Cooking Performance
I tested the DG551 on steaks, chicken, vegetables, and even frozen foods, and it delivered outstanding results every time. Here’s why:
- 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology – This is the game-changer. The combination of high direct heat from the grill plate and super-hot circulating air ensures an even cook with perfect char marks.
- Smart Thermometer Accuracy – With 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels, I could grill my steak to medium-rare perfection without guessing. No more overcooked or undercooked meat!
- Frozen-to-Grilled Feature – This is super convenient. I threw in frozen chicken breasts, and they went from solid ice to juicy and grilled in under 25 minutes—no thawing required.
- Air Fryer Functionality – It’s not just a grill. The air fry mode delivered crispy, golden fries with way less oil than deep frying.
Overall, the DG551 excels at grilling but is also a great multi-cooker for air frying, roasting, baking, and broiling.
Key takeaway: The DG551 grills just as well as an outdoor BBQ and handles frozen foods effortlessly.
Smart Features & Ease of Use
The Foodi Smart Thermometer is one of the best features of the DG551. It lets you set your preferred doneness, and the grill adjusts automatically, so there’s no guesswork. If you struggle with cooking meat perfectly, this feature alone makes the DG551 worth it.
Other ease-of-use features I loved:
- Simple digital controls – The touch buttons are responsive, and switching between functions is effortless.
- Preheat time is fast – It takes about 5 minutes to get up to grilling temperature.
- No need for flipping – Thanks to the hot air circulation, food cooks evenly on all sides without having to turn it.
- Smoke Control System – It actually works! The splatter shield and cool-air zone minimize smoke, so my kitchen didn’t get fogged up.
Key takeaway: The smart thermometer eliminates cooking guesswork, and the smoke control keeps your kitchen air clean.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the DG551 is surprisingly easy. The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot all have a ceramic coating, so food doesn’t stick too much.
- Dishwasher-safe parts – I love that everything except the main unit is dishwasher safe.
- Splatter shield helps – It reduces grease buildup, so there’s less scrubbing after cooking fatty meats like bacon.
- Cleaning brush included – A small but useful tool for scraping off any stubborn residue.
After grilling a steak and some veggies, I let the parts cool down, gave them a quick rinse, and popped them into the dishwasher. Effortless.
Key takeaway: Cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe parts.
Price & Value for Money
The Ninja DG551 is slightly pricier than the FG551, but the difference is mostly in design rather than functionality. If you already own the FG551, upgrading isn’t really necessary unless you want the newer design.
However, if you’re buying your first Ninja indoor grill, the DG551 is still a great investment because it combines grilling, air frying, baking, and roasting into one appliance.
- Pros: You’re getting a high-performance grill with smart cooking technology, an air fryer, and dishwasher-safe parts—all in one.
- Cons: It’s bulky, so if you have a small kitchen, this might not be the best choice.
Key takeaway: The DG551 is worth it if you want an updated design with the same excellent cooking features as the FG551.
Ninja FG551 Review – My Experience with This Indoor Grill
The Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is a powerful all-in-one appliance that grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. It’s one of Ninja’s best-selling models, and after using it extensively, I can see why. It combines high heat, smart cooking technology, and a built-in thermometer, making it easy to cook restaurant-quality meals at home.
So, how well does it really perform? Here’s my detailed breakdown based on real-world use.
Design & Build Quality
The FG551 has a bold, modern design with a black and silver exterior that looks sleek but also feels sturdy and durable. It has a rugged build and a slightly industrial look, which I personally don’t mind, as it feels like a premium appliance.
Size-wise, it measures 15.75 inches deep, 16.54 inches wide, and 11.1 inches high, which is compact enough for most countertops but still big enough to cook for a family. Despite its large cooking capacity, it doesn’t take up too much space compared to other indoor grills.
The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot all have a ceramic nonstick coating, making them durable and easy to clean. The overall construction feels solid, and the lid opens and closes smoothly, without feeling flimsy.
Key takeaway: The FG551 is well-built, sturdy, and compact enough for most kitchens while offering a spacious cooking surface.
Cooking Performance
Cooking with the FG551 is where things get exciting. I tested it with steaks, salmon, chicken, and frozen foods, and it delivered exceptional results every time.
- 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology – This ensures even cooking by circulating super-hot air around the food while searing it on the grill grate. I got perfect grill marks on steaks, and my chicken was juicy with crispy skin.
- Smart Thermometer Accuracy – The dual-sensor thermometer tracks internal temperature in two places, making sure the food cooks evenly. This was a game-changer for getting perfectly medium-rare steaks without overcooking.
- Frozen-to-Grill Function – Just like the DG551, the FG551 can cook frozen foods without defrosting. I tested it with frozen chicken breasts and burger patties, and they came out juicy and evenly cooked in under 25 minutes.
- Air Frying Performance – The air crisp mode worked just as well as a standalone air fryer. I made crispy French fries, wings, and onion rings, all with minimal oil.
Key takeaway: The FG551 delivers restaurant-quality grilling and air frying, even with frozen foods.
Smart Features & Ease of Use
One of the best things about the FG551 is how effortless it makes cooking.
- Foodi Smart Thermometer – No more guessing or cutting into meat to check doneness. The smart thermometer monitors internal temperature and lets you choose from 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels.
- Simple Controls & Fast Preheating – The digital control panel is user-friendly, and the grill heats up in about 5 minutes, which is much faster than a traditional grill.
- No Flipping Required – The cyclonic air technology ensures food cooks evenly on all sides, so I didn’t have to constantly check or flip my food.
- Smoke Control System – One of my biggest concerns with indoor grilling was smoke, but the FG551’s built-in smoke control system actually worked. My kitchen stayed smoke-free, even when grilling high-fat meats like burgers.
Key takeaway: The FG551 makes grilling easy and foolproof, thanks to its smart thermometer and advanced heating system.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up after cooking is usually my least favorite part, but the FG551 made it relatively hassle-free.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts – The grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are dishwasher safe, which saves a lot of time.
- Ceramic Nonstick Coating – Food doesn’t stick much, so handwashing is easy with just warm water and soap.
- Splatter Shield Helps Reduce Grease Buildup – I still had to wipe down the inside after cooking fatty meats, but it wasn’t too bad.
- Cleaning Brush Included – Great for scraping off any stuck-on bits from the grill grate.
Compared to traditional grills, the FG551 is so much easier to clean. The ceramic coating really helps, and the fact that parts are dishwasher safe is a huge plus.
Key takeaway: Cleaning is quick and easy, especially with the nonstick ceramic coating and dishwasher-safe parts.
Price & Value for Money
The FG551 is slightly cheaper than the DG551, but both grills offer the same core features. The main difference is that the DG551 has a newer, sleeker design, but functionally, they are almost identical.
For the price, the FG551 is a fantastic investment if you want a smart indoor grill with air frying capabilities.
- Pros: You get a high-performance indoor grill, smart thermometer, and air fryer all in one.
- Cons: It’s not the cheapest indoor grill, but it offers premium features that justify the price.
Key takeaway: The FG551 is slightly more affordable than the DG551, but you’re not sacrificing performance.
Pros & Cons – At a Glance
Both the Ninja DG551 and FG551 are powerful indoor grills with impressive features, but each has its own advantages and minor drawbacks. Here’s a quick pros and cons breakdown to help you decide.
Ninja DG551 Pros:
- Updated, sleeker design – Looks more modern compared to the FG551.
- Same powerful cooking performance – 500°F cyclonic grilling for perfect searing.
- Smart Cook System with Foodi Smart Thermometer – Achieve perfect doneness with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels.
- 6-in-1 versatility – Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
- Frozen-to-grilled feature – Cooks meat from frozen in under 25 minutes.
- Easy to clean – Dishwasher-safe nonstick ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot.
- Effective smoke control system – Reduces indoor smoke significantly.
Ninja DG551 Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than the FG551 without major functional differences.
- Taller design – Might be a tighter fit under low kitchen cabinets.
Ninja FG551 Pros:
- More affordable – Provides the same performance at a lower price.
- Same Smart Cook System – Built-in thermometer ensures perfect cooking.
- Powerful grilling performance – 500°F cyclonic grilling for restaurant-quality results.
- 6-in-1 functionality – Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
- Frozen-to-grilled feature – No need to thaw meats before cooking.
- Dishwasher-safe parts – Nonstick ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot for easy cleanup.
- Smoke control system – Keeps smoke to a minimum while grilling indoors.
Ninja FG551 Cons:
- Older design – Bulkier and not as modern-looking as the DG551.
- Same technology as DG551 – No new features despite the price difference.
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Ninja DG551 vs FG551 – Which One is Better?
If you’re considering Ninja’s Smart XL indoor grills, the DG551 and FG551 are two of the best options on the market. Both offer 6-in-1 functionality, high-powered grilling, and smart temperature control, but which one is the better choice?
After testing both models, I found that they are nearly identical in performance, with only minor design and feature updates setting them apart. Let’s compare them across key factors to help you decide.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the DG551 and FG551 look very similar, but there are some key differences in their exterior design and build materials.
Size & Dimensions
- DG551: 11.1”D x 15.7”W x 16”H
- FG551: 15.75”D x 16.54”W x 11.1”H
Both grills are compact enough for a countertop, but the DG551 is slightly taller, while the FG551 is a bit wider and deeper.
Exterior & Build Materials
- DG551: Features an updated, more modern design with a sleeker look.
- FG551: Has a more industrial, rugged appearance, but still feels solid and well-built.
Grill Components
Both models come with a 9” x 12” ceramic-coated grill grate, a 4-quart crisper basket, and a 4-quart cooking pot, all of which are PTFE/PFOA-free and dishwasher safe.
Which One is Better?
The DG551 has a slight edge in aesthetics, with its sleeker, second-generation design, but build quality is the same on both. If you care about a more modern look, go for the DG551.
Cooking Performance
Since both models use 500°F cyclonic air grilling technology, their cooking performance is nearly identical.
Grilling & Searing
- Both DG551 and FG551 produce restaurant-quality grill marks and juicy meats thanks to the high heat and even air circulation.
- Frozen-to-Grill Function works great on both, letting you cook meats straight from frozen in under 25 minutes.
Air Frying & Other Cooking Modes
Both models offer:
- Air Crisp – Makes crispy fries, wings, and more with up to 75% less fat.
- Roast & Bake – Perfect for chicken, potatoes, or even desserts.
- Broil & Dehydrate – Great for caramelizing meats or making homemade dried fruits/jerky.
Which One is Better?
Both models deliver equally outstanding cooking performance. No difference here.
Smart Features & Technology
This is where Ninja grills shine—they make indoor grilling effortless with built-in smart technology.
Smart Cook System & Thermometer
- DG551 & FG551: Both have a Foodi Smart Thermometer with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels, ensuring perfectly cooked meats without guesswork.
- DG551 Advantage: Ninja labels the DG551 as a “2nd generation” model, but in reality, the smart thermometer functions the same as in the FG551.
Smoke Control System
Both models include:
- Temperature-controlled grill grate
- Splatter shield
- Cool air zone
This ensures minimal smoke when grilling, even at high temperatures.
Which One is Better?
There’s no major functional difference in smart features—both models include the same Smart Cook System and thermometer.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
Both the DG551 and FG551 are user-friendly, with a simple digital control panel and quick preheating (about 5 minutes).
Cleaning Convenience
- Both models have dishwasher-safe parts, including:
- Grill grate
- Crisper basket
- Cooking pot
- Both have a nonstick ceramic coating, which makes manual cleaning easy.
- The included cleaning brush helps remove any stubborn residue.
Which One is Better?
No difference—both are equally easy to clean.
Price & Value for Money
The FG551 is slightly cheaper than the DG551, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Current Price Comparison (Subject to Change)
- DG551: Slightly more expensive, mainly due to its updated design.
- FG551: More affordable, yet offers identical cooking performance.
Which One is Better?
If you want the best value for money, the FG551 wins since it delivers the same performance for a lower price. However, if you prefer a newer design, the DG551 might be worth the small extra cost.
FAQs About Ninja DG551 vs FG551
Here are some of the most common questions about the Ninja DG551 vs FG551 to help you make an informed decision.
What is the main difference between the Ninja DG551 and FG551?
The biggest difference is the design. The DG551 has a sleeker, updated look, while the FG551 retains the older, bulkier design. Both models have identical features, cooking functions, and performance, so it’s mainly an aesthetic upgrade.
Do both models have the Foodi Smart Thermometer?
Yes, both the DG551 and FG551 include the Foodi Smart Thermometer, which allows you to cook food to your preferred doneness with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels.
Is there a difference in cooking performance?
No, both models deliver identical cooking performance. They have the same wattage (1,760W), same temperature range (up to 500°F), and the same Smart Cook System.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both models are equally easy to clean. They come with dishwasher-safe, nonstick ceramic-coated grill grates, crisper baskets, and cooking pots.
Does the smoke control system work well?
Yes, both the DG551 and FG551 have an effective smoke control system that includes a temperature-controlled grill grate, splatter shield, and cool-air zone to keep smoke levels low.
Can I cook frozen food directly on the grill?
Yes! Both models have a Frozen-to-Grilled feature, allowing you to cook frozen meats without defrosting in under 25 minutes.
Which one is more budget-friendly?
The Ninja FG551 is typically cheaper than the DG551, making it the better choice if you’re looking to save money while getting the same features and performance.
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Final Verdict – Which Ninja Indoor Grill Should You Buy?
After testing both the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551, I can confidently say that both are excellent indoor grills. They deliver top-notch grilling performance, come with air frying capabilities, and include Ninja’s Smart Cook System with a Foodi Smart Thermometer for precise cooking. However, the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and budget.
Go for the Ninja DG551 if:
- You prefer a sleeker, more modern design.
- You want a newer model that might have slight refinements.
- You don’t mind paying a bit extra for the updated look.
Choose the Ninja FG551 if:
- You want the same features at a lower price.
- You don’t mind a bulkier design as long as the performance is identical.
- You’re looking for a well-reviewed, time-tested model.
My Honest Recommendation
If you’re budget-conscious, the FG551 is the smarter buy because it offers the exact same cooking features at a more affordable price. However, if you prefer a more refined design, then the DG551 is worth considering.At the end of the day, both models cook food exceptionally well, so you really can’t go wrong with either. Just pick the one that fits your style and budget!
