Ninja FG551 vs DG551 [The Ultimate Smart Indoor Grill Comparison In 2025]

Are you tired of battling the weather to enjoy a perfectly grilled steak? Or perhaps you live in an apartment where outdoor grilling isn’t an option? Ninja’s indoor grills have revolutionized the way we enjoy grilled foods year-round, bringing the delicious char-grilled flavor indoors without the smoke. Today, we’re comparing two popular models – the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill FG551 and its successor, the second-generation DG551.

Both of these versatile kitchen appliances promise to deliver excellent grilling results alongside multiple cooking functions. But which one deserves a spot on your countertop? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison of these two Ninja powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison Table: FG551 vs DG551

Feature	Ninja FG551	Ninja DG551
Price	Check Latest Price	Check Latest Price
Generation	First generation	Second generation
Dimensions	15.75″D x 16.54″W x 11.1″H	11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H
Cooking Functions	6 (Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate)	6 (Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate)
Smart Thermometer	4 smart cook settings	4 protein settings with 9 doneness levels
Grilling Technology	500°F Cyclonic Air Technology	500°F Cyclonic Air Technology
Smoke Control	Basic smoke control system	Enhanced smoke control with splatter shield
Cleaning	Manual cleaning recommended	Dishwasher-safe parts
Material	Standard coating	Ceramic coating
Air Fry Capacity	4-quart basket	4-quart basket
Wattage	Not specified in data	1760 watts
Best For	Budget-conscious buyers seeking versatility	Frequent grillers who value ease of cleaning

Ninja FG551 Review

Design and Build Quality

The Ninja FG551 boasts a sleek black and silver design that would complement any modern kitchen. With dimensions of 15.75″D x 16.54″W x 11.1″H, it’s slightly larger than a small microwave, which means you’ll need to allocate sufficient counter space. The unit features a durable construction with high-quality materials that ensure longevity.

The control panel is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a digital display that makes it easy to select between the various cooking functions. The grill grate, air fry basket, and other removable components are well-built and designed for efficient cooking.

Smart Cooking Technology

One of the FG551’s standout features is its Foodi Smart Thermometer. This innovative technology allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food in real-time, ensuring perfect doneness every time. With four smart cook settings, you can easily program the grill to cook your food exactly how you like it, whether that’s a rare steak or well-done chicken.

The 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology is another impressive feature, creating the high heat necessary for achieving those coveted grill marks and authentic grilled flavor. This technology ensures even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.

Cooking Performance and Versatility

The FG551 excels at cooking a variety of foods to perfection. Users report particularly impressive results when cooking meats, with pork chops that “melt in your mouth” and chicken that comes out “juicy and delicious.” The air frying function also performs admirably, producing crispy potato wedges and other fried favorites.

With six cooking functions (grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate), this appliance offers versatility that extends well beyond grilling. The temperature range is wide enough to accommodate various cooking methods, making it a true multi-functional appliance.

Smoke Control System

A common concern with indoor grilling is smoke. The FG551 addresses this with its Smoke-Control System, which works effectively when used properly. The key is following the instructions regarding oil usage – light coating rather than excessive amounts. Regular cleaning of the circular smoke screen is also essential for maintaining a smokeless experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Excellent cooking results, especially for meats
2. Versatile with six different cooking functions
3. Smart thermometer for precise cooking
4. Effective smoke control when used properly

Con:

1. Cleaning can be somewhat tedious without a dishwasher

Ninja DG551 Review

Design Improvements

The DG551 represents the second generation of Ninja’s indoor grill line, featuring an updated, sleeker design while maintaining similar dimensions to its predecessor at 11.1″D x 15.7″W x 16″H. The black and silver color scheme remains, but with refined aesthetics that give it a more premium appearance.

One notable improvement in the DG551 is that its parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup significantly easier compared to the FG551. The ceramic coating on cooking surfaces also contributes to better food release and easier cleaning.

Enhanced Smart Cooking System

The DG551 takes the smart cooking experience a step further with its improved Foodi Smart Thermometer. This updated system offers more precise temperature control with 4 protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels from rare to well-done, providing more flexibility than the FG551.

The touch-button interface eliminates guesswork and makes achieving perfect results easier than ever. Like its predecessor, it maintains the powerful 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology for authentic char-grilled results.

Performance Enhancements

Users consistently praise the DG551’s grilling capabilities, with many noting that it produces results even better than traditional outdoor grills. The improved smoke control system effectively keeps smoke out of the kitchen when proper grilling practices are followed.

The air frying function continues to impress, with the 4-quart crisper basket providing ample space for cooking with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying. The versatility remains a key selling point, with the same six cooking functions as the FG551.

Improved Smoke Management

The DG551 features an enhanced smoke control system that combines temperature-controlled grill grates, a splatter shield, and a cool-air zone to significantly reduce smoke. Users report minimal to no smoke when following the recommended practices, such as using high smoke-point oils like avocado oil.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleaning
2. Enhanced smart thermometer with more customizable settings
3. Improved smoke control system
4. High-quality, durable construction with ceramic coating

Con:

1. Premium price point compared to other indoor grills

FG551 vs DG551: Detailed Comparison

Cooking Technology and Performance

Both models utilize Ninja’s 500°F Cyclonic Grilling Technology to deliver authentic char-grilled results. However, the DG551’s updated smart thermometer system provides more precise control with 9 customizable doneness levels compared to the FG551’s 4 smart cook settings.

In terms of cooking performance, both models excel at grilling meats and air frying. The DG551 may have a slight edge in consistency due to its improved temperature control, but both deliver excellent results that rival outdoor grilling.

Design and Usability

While similar in size, the DG551 features a more refined design and improved user interface. Both units offer intuitive controls, but the DG551’s touch-button system feels more responsive and modern.

The most significant usability difference lies in cleanup – the DG551’s dishwasher-safe parts represent a substantial improvement over the FG551, which users noted could be “a bit of a chore” to clean manually.

Smoke Control Efficiency

Both models employ smoke control systems, but the DG551’s updated system appears more effective at minimizing smoke. The FG551 requires more vigilant maintenance of the smoke screen to maintain smokeless operation, while the DG551’s improved system functions well with less frequent maintenance.

It’s worth noting that both models require proper oil usage and cooking practices to minimize smoke, with high smoke-point oils like avocado oil recommended for best results.

Versatility and Capacity

The cooking capacity and versatility are comparable between the two models, with both offering the same six cooking functions. The XL capacity of both units is sufficient for family meals, with enough space to cook multiple items simultaneously.

The 4-quart air fry basket in both models provides ample room for air frying, and the grill surface accommodates multiple proteins or vegetables at once.

Value and Price Consideration

While the DG551 offers notable improvements in design, cleaning ease, and temperature precision, these enhancements come at a premium price point. The FG551 provides excellent value for shoppers seeking multi-functionality without the highest price tag.

For those who grill frequently or particularly value ease of cleaning, the DG551’s improvements may justify the higher investment. However, the FG551 remains a solid choice for occasional users who prioritize versatility at a more moderate price.

Final Verdict

Both the Ninja FG551 and DG551 deliver on their promises of bringing outdoor grilling indoors without the smoke. They offer impressive versatility with six cooking functions and produce excellent results across various food types.

For buyers prioritizing ease of maintenance and the most precise temperature control, the second-generation DG551 is the superior choice with its dishwasher-safe parts and enhanced smart thermometer system. The ceramic coating and improved smoke control are also significant advantages for frequent users.

However, the FG551 remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget or occasional users who don’t mind the more involved cleaning process. It still delivers excellent cooking results, particularly for meats, and offers the same versatility as its newer counterpart.

Your choice ultimately depends on how frequently you’ll use the appliance and whether the DG551’s improvements in cleaning ease and temperature precision justify its higher price tag for your specific needs. Whichever model you choose, you’ll be enjoying delicious grilled foods year-round, regardless of weather or living situation.