Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill Review: Sear-Restaurant Marks, Air Fry Crisp, and Foolproof Doneness
What if you could grill steakhouse-quality ribeyes, air fry hand-cut fries, and roast salmon with perfect doneness—all in one countertop machine? The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill promises exactly that, pairing high-heat searing with a built-in Foodi Smart Thermometer so your food hits the precise temperature you want, without guesswork.
Smart Thermometer
Family-Size XL Surface
Product Overview
The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL brings outdoor-grade searing indoors, backed by rapid convection for crisp, evenly cooked results. With six core functions—Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate—it consolidates multiple appliances into a single countertop powerhouse. The bundled Foodi Smart Thermometer integrates doneness presets, so you can cook steak from rare to well-done without slicing to “peek.”
If you’re upgrading from an older Ninja grill or a basic air fryer, the DG551’s doneness control and XL cooking surface are the standout differences you’ll notice on day one.
Prefer a portable glass air fryer instead? Check our in-depth review of the Ninja Crispi FN101BF (5-in-1). Want split-basket flexibility? See the Ninja DoubleStack XL Smart 2-Basket SL451 or the Philips Dual Basket 3000 Series. For multi-mode microwaving, here’s our take on the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Convection Microwave. Budget-friendly mini? DASH Tasti-Crisp 2.6 Qt review.
Key Features & Benefits
1) Smart Thermometer = Set Doneness, Walk Away
The Foodi Smart Thermometer integrates with the control panel to track internal temperature and carryover. Choose a preset (e.g., Medium-Rare Beef), insert the probe, and the grill times the finish, sounding when your target is reached. It’s like an in-lid sous-chef for doneness.
2) True Grill Sear with Cyclonic Airflow
Unlike conventional air fryers that mimic baking, the DG551 pairs a heated grill grate with high-velocity air to produce authentic sear marks and a Maillard crust. Burgers and chicken thighs get that outdoor-style char, even in winter.
3) XL Capacity for Family Meals
Cook multiple steaks, salmon fillets, or a sheet of chicken wings in one batch. The interior height accommodates thick cuts, yet the footprint fits most countertops.
4) 6-in-1 Versatility Saves Space
- Grill: High-heat sear with adjustable temp zones.
- Air Fry: Crisp fries, nuggets, veggies with far less oil.
- Roast: Whole cauliflower, pork tenderloin, sheet-pan dinners.
- Bake: Quick breads, brownies, and small casseroles.
- Broil: Finish steaks or melt cheese perfectly.
- Dehydrate: Fruit chips, jerky, crunchy garlic slices.
5) Cleanup That Encourages Daily Use
Nonstick surfaces and a removable splatter shield simplify cleanup. Many parts are dishwasher-safe (basket, grill grate), so you won’t dread using it on weeknights.
6) Intuitive Panel & Presets
The display guides you: preheat, add food, flip when needed, rest if using the thermometer. The interface reduces errors and shortens your learning curve.
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In-Depth Analysis & Real-World Use
Searing Steaks to Your Target Doneness
Steaks are the DG551’s victory lap. Preheat on Grill High, oil the grate lightly, season generously, and place with the thermometer in the thickest part. The grill notifies you to flip, then finishes at your preset (e.g., 130–135°F for medium-rare). The carryover algorithm ensures your steak rests into perfection rather than overshooting.
Air Frying That Rivals Standalone Units
Fries come out with snap—especially with a 3-minute preheat and a single spoon of oil. Cauliflower florets blister nicely, and breaded chicken balances crunch with juicy interior. Because airflow is strong, avoid crowding; two batches often outperform one overloaded attempt.
Weeknight Workhorse: Roast, Bake & Broil
Sheet-pan sausages with peppers, miso-glazed salmon, or roasted broccoli all benefit from the DG551’s heat concentration. Baking cornbread or banana bread yields even rise thanks to steady convection. Broiling cheese on casseroles delivers bubbly browning without a full oven preheat.
Dehydrate for Snacks & Garnishes
Thin apple slices, zucchini chips, or citrus wheels for cocktails—set and forget. It’s not a commercial dehydrator, but for small-batch snacking and garnishes it’s a pleasant bonus mode.
Noise, Smell & Venting
Like any indoor grill, it moves air. The fan is audible but not disruptive to conversation. Fatty cuts will trigger some smoke; the splatter shield and high-temp filters help, but crack a window if rendering bacon or marbled steak.
Durability & Build
The hinge feels sturdy, and the control panel has a clean tactility. The probe cable resists heat well; treat it like any thermometer—avoid kinks and hand-wash the tip to extend life. The nonstick holds up if you use silicone or wooden tools.
Learning Curve & Repeatability
The DG551 shines after two or three meals when you dial in your timings. Because the thermometer takes center stage, repeatability is high. Your third steak tastes like your best steak—consistently.
Who Will Love It (and Who Won’t)
- Great for: Families wanting grill flavor year-round; steak lovers; meal preppers; apartment dwellers without balconies.
- Maybe skip: If you already own a large outdoor grill and a premium air fryer and you rarely cook indoors, the overlap may be too high.
Bottom line: The DG551 is a “use-it-every-week” appliance that justifies its countertop footprint with true sear performance and a stress-saving smart probe.
Specifications
| Model | Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL, 6-in-1 Indoor Grill |
|---|---|
| Functions | Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Thermometer | Foodi Smart Thermometer with doneness presets |
| Capacity | Family-size XL grill surface; fits multiple steaks or fillets |
| Cleanup | Removable parts; nonstick surfaces; splatter shield; dishwasher-friendly components |
| What’s in the Box | Indoor Grill Base & Lid, Grill Grate, Crisper Basket, Smart Thermometer, Splatter Shield, Manuals |
| Best For | Steaks, burgers, chicken thighs, salmon, roasted veggies, fries |
| Footprint | Countertop XL appliance—measure your space before buying |
| Brand | Ninja (SharkNinja) |
| Where to Buy | Amazon (Affiliate) |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Buyer Reviews: What Owners Love (and Don’t)
Owners rave about steakhouse marks and juicy centers using the probe presets.
Fries, Brussels sprouts, and wings get crispy fast without heating the whole kitchen.
Removable parts and the splatter shield make post-dinner cleanup less of a chore.
Some report smoke on high-fat cooks—vent and trim excess fat for best results.
Great capacity, but measure your counter and cabinet clearance first.
Probe-guided doneness delivers repeatable results across proteins.
Tip: For a neutral overview of Air Fryer technology and benefits, see Air Fryer (Wikipedia).
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Why Pick It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja DG551 (This Model) | Smart thermometer, authentic grill sear, 6-in-1 flexibility. | Steak and mixed-mode weeknight meals. |
| Ninja DoubleStack XL SL451 | Two baskets + stacking: cook up to four foods independently. | Families wanting simultaneous mains and sides. |
| Philips Dual Basket 3000 Series | Auto-Sync for coordinating finish times across baskets. | Mixed snacks and two-dish dinners. |
| BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave | Microwave + convection + air fry in one cavity. | Small kitchens needing a microwave first, fryer second. |
| DASH Tasti-Crisp 2.6 Qt | Ultra-compact and affordable countertop crisping. | Dorms, studios, or secondary quick-crisp needs. |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an Indoor Grill-Air Fryer Combo
1) Doneness Control vs. Manual Thermometer
Probe-guided systems like the DG551 shorten the learning curve and reduce overcooking. If you’re comfortable with a standalone instant-read, you may not need built-in guidance—but it’s hard to beat the convenience.
2) Grill Power & Airflow
Look for a heated grate plus powerful convection. This pairing creates sear and crisp simultaneously. Some “grill” lids lack a real grate and behave like ovens—fine for baking, poor for steak.
3) Capacity vs. Counter Space
XL surfaces feed families but need clearance to open the lid. Measure the spot you plan to use (and store) the unit.
4) Cleanup Workflow
Dishwasher-friendly baskets and removable splatter shields encourage daily use. If cleanup is a chore, you’ll use it less.
5) Modes You’ll Actually Use
More isn’t always better. Prioritize the modes that match your weekly menu. For most households, Grill, Air Fry, Roast, and Broil cover 90% of needs.
Setup & First Cook Checklist
- Unbox, wash removable parts, wipe the interior.
- Run a quick burn-off cycle to remove factory residues.
- Preheat on Grill for 10 minutes before your first sear.
- Use high-smoke-point oils (avocado, refined canola).
- Trim excess fat to minimize smoke.
Recipe Starters
Grill High. Season balls of ground beef, press, 2–3 min per side. Cheese at the end, toasted buns in residual heat.
Roast 390°F ≈ 8–12 min depending on thickness. Use the probe for a silky medium finish.
Air Fry 390°F 12–15 min, shake halfway. Toss with buffalo + a dot of butter; broil 1–2 min to finish.
Seasonal Trends: When Demand Spikes
Search interest for indoor grills and air fryers tends to climb in late fall through winter, when outdoor grilling slows but comfort-food cravings rise. Expect another bump around New Year’s resolutions as households pursue healthier cooking with less oil.
Practical takeaway: if you’re shopping for a gift, order earlier in Q4 to avoid stock swings. If you’re buying for yourself, set a price alert and pounce during holiday promos.
FAQ: Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL
Does the Ninja DG551 smoke indoors?
It can with high-fat foods or sauces. Preheat properly, trim fat, use high-smoke-point oil, and ventilate. The splatter shield helps, and routine cleaning reduces residue smoke.
What’s special about the Foodi Smart Thermometer?
It integrates with the control panel to monitor internal temperature and supports doneness presets for beef, pork, poultry, and fish. It automates timing and reduces guesswork.
Can it replace a traditional oven?
For small to medium dishes, yes. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and dehydrates. For very large bakes or holiday roasts, you may still prefer a full-size oven.
Is cleanup really easier than pan-searing?
For most meals, yes. The grill grate and basket are removable, and many parts are dishwasher-friendly. Wipe the lid and splatter shield regularly to prevent buildup.
What’s the difference between DG551 and older Ninja grills?
The DG551 emphasizes the Smart Thermometer integration and XL capacity, delivering more reliable doneness and better throughput for families compared to earlier models.
Can I bake desserts in the DG551?
Absolutely. Quick breads, brownies, and small cakes do well thanks to even convection. Use the Bake mode and check doneness with a toothpick.
Is it good for apartment living?
Yes—many owners use it in apartments. Keep it under a hood or near a window for steaks and bacon, and be mindful of counter clearance.
Final Verdict
If you want true indoor grill flavor plus the convenience of air frying, the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL leads the category. The integrated thermometer delivers restaurant-style doneness without stress, and the 6-in-1 modes keep weeknights varied. It occupies real counter space, but it earns its keep by replacing multiple gadgets and producing convincing grill results year-round.
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Engagement: Comment below—which feature matters most to you: smart thermometer, sear power, or air-fry crisp?
More Looks at the Ninja DG551
Further Reading
- How air fryers work (convection & Maillard): Maillard Reaction – Wikipedia
- Food thermometer basics: Food Thermometer – Wikipedia
- Compare with other kitchen all-in-ones:
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Review,
Philips Dual Basket 3000 Review,
Ninja Crispi FN101BF Review.
