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Last Updated: October 2026 | By zynuvo
Craving a charcoal-grilled steak in the middle of a rainstorm? Or perhaps a diner-style pancake breakfast without five different pans to clean? In this Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro review, we dive into a 7-in-1 beast that claims to bring the outdoor BBQ experience onto your countertop. If you’ve struggled with undercooked meats or smoky kitchens, this “Smart” grill promises to eliminate the guesswork. We evaluate if its Pro Power Grate and integrated thermometer hold up on paper or if it’s just another bulky gadget taking up space.
Is the Ninja IG651 the best indoor grill for steaks?
Yes, on paper, the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro is one of the strongest indoor grills for precision steak cooking in 2026, because it pairs a 500°F Pro Power Grate with an integrated Smart Thermometer. It is a strong choice for meat enthusiasts who demand outdoor quality with indoor convenience.
⚡ Zynuvo Quick Verdict: Ninja IG651
- ⭐ Top Pick For: Precision grilling and family-sized griddling.
- 🚀 Key Strength: 7-in-1 versatility with an integrated Smart Thermometer.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe nonstick plates and splat guard.
How We Researched This Review
We did not test this product ourselves. This review is based on the manufacturer’s specifications and documentation. See how we research products on our About page.
Table of Contents
Ninja IG651: Product Overview
The Ninja Foodi IG651 is more than a grill; it’s a full-service culinary station. Unlike the original Ninja grills, this XL Pro model features a flat-top griddle plate and a Pro Power Grate that can be used with the hood open or closed. It targets the “Smart Home” chef with its Leave-in Thermometer, which monitors food in real-time. Whether you are air frying a batch of wings or searing a thick tomahawk steak, the IG651 utilizes “Cyclonic Grilling Technology” to circulate 500°F air around your food for uniform cooking.
Key Features & Smart Pro Benefits
- 7-in-1 Functionality: Grill, Griddle, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
- Smart Cook System: 4 smart protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels. The thermometer beeps when your steak reaches the doneness you set.
- Pro Power Grate: An independently powered heating element provides edge-to-edge high heat for those elusive “outdoor” grill marks.
- Flat Top Griddle: Swaps in to cook eggs, bacon, or smash burgers without needing a separate skillet.
In-Depth Performance Analysis: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
The core value of our Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro review lies in understanding its thermal recovery. Most indoor grills lose heat the moment you flip the hood. The IG651’s “Pro” element is independently powered, so on paper it keeps heating even during open-hood griddling. This is the difference between a “steamed” burger and a “seared” burger. The Smart Thermometer can act as a confidence builder for novice cooks, helping prevent the over-drying of expensive cuts of salmon and beef.
Smoke management is another frontier where the IG651 looks strong on paper. By using a temperature-controlled grill grate and a mesh splat guard, it reduces smoke significantly more than open-pan searing. However, if you are cooking high-fat proteins like bacon at max temp, some vapor is inevitable. Compared to single-function air fryers like the Ninja AF141, the IG651 is a much larger commitment in terms of counter space, but it effectively replaces three separate appliances.
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power | 1760 Watts |
| Max Temp | 500°F (Searing Mode) |
| Capacity | XL (Fits 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs) |
| Functions | 7-in-1 (Grill, Griddle, Air Fry, Dehydrate, etc.) |
| Included | Smart Thermometer, Griddle, Grill Grate, Crisper Basket |
Pros & Cons: The Honest Truth
- Smart Thermometer with 9 customizable doneness levels.
- Hood-open griddling is a game-changer for breakfast.
- Virtually eliminates the need for an outdoor grill.
- Large footprint; requires deep countertops.
- Multiple accessories require storage space.
Competitor Comparison: XL Indoor Grills
| Model | Max Temp | Key Function | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja IG651 | 500°F | Grill/Griddle Combo | Variety Cooks | View Amazon |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 400°F | Air Fry/Dehydrate | Crispy Sides | Read Review |
Deep-Dive Buyer’s Guide: Decision Criteria
When investing in a premium unit like the Ninja IG651, prioritize wattage over aesthetics. A high-wattage element (1700W+) is necessary to maintain consistent heat across a large surface area. Without it, your “grilled” food will likely be gray and soggy. Secondly, look at Accessory Integration. The IG651 is unique because the griddle plate and grill grate are not just “inserts”—they are part of the heating ecosystem. Avoid red flags like “plastic hinges” or units without a removable splat guard.
💡 Pro Tip: The “Thermometer” Secret
For the most accurate read, always insert the thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bone or fat pockets. This helps the Ninja Smart System calculate the “carryover” cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the IG651 handle smoke? It uses a combination of a splat guard and a cool-air fan to keep smoke inside the unit. It is significantly cleaner than stove-top searing but may produce vapor when cooking high-fat items like bacon.
2. Can I use the griddle for pancakes? Yes! The flat-top griddle plate is perfect for eggs, pancakes, and smash burgers. It works with the hood open for traditional flipping.
3. Is the Ninja IG651 dishwasher safe? Most removable parts, including the grill grate, griddle, crisper basket, and splat guard, are top-rack dishwasher safe.
4. Can I fit a whole chicken? While it’s an “XL” grill, the height is limited. It’s best suited for spatchcocked (flattened) chickens or pieces rather than a whole upright bird.
Final Verdict: Is the Ninja IG651 Worth the Money?
On paper, the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro is one of the strongest multi-functional indoor grills on the market for 2026, because it pairs a 500°F Pro Power Grate and a flat-top griddle with a built-in Smart Thermometer. While it requires a dedicated spot on your counter, the sheer variety of meals it handles—from morning eggs to midnight ribeyes—justifies its footprint. If you are a precision cook who values exact steak doneness above all else, this is a strong investment on paper.
