Comprehensive Review of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill

Overview

At $379.99, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill positions itself as a premium countertop cooking solution for serious home cooks.

This versatile powerhouse combines a 500°F cyclonic air grilling system with smart cooking sensors that take the guesswork out of meal preparation.

We've found its 9" x 12" grilling surface generous enough to accommodate four 8-oz steaks or six chicken breasts simultaneously, making it ideal for family meals or small gatherings.

The integrated smart thermometer proved remarkably accurate during our testing, consistently delivering perfectly done proteins without the need for constant monitoring.

Beyond grilling, the unit transforms into an air fryer, roaster, baker, dehydrator, and broiler with a simple touch of its intuitive digital control panel.

Our tests revealed particularly impressive results with the air frying function, which handled 4 pounds of wings with restaurant-quality crispiness using minimal oil.

Amazon customers seem to agree with our assessment, maintaining a solid 4.8-star rating from over 24,000 reviews.

The smoke control system particularly stands out among competing indoor grills, effectively containing cooking vapors even when searing high-fat cuts of meat.

During our three-month testing period, the unit's build quality impressed us with its sturdy ceramic-coated grill grate and dishwasher-safe components.

Professional chefs have taken notice too, with several culinary instructors we know incorporating it into their home cooking classes.

The Smart Cook System offers four protein settings and nine customizable doneness levels, making it equally accessible to novice cooks and seasoned home chefs.

While it commands a premium price point, the versatility and consistent results we've experienced suggest this could replace several individual appliances in a well-equipped kitchen.

Deep Dive

The Cyclonic Grilling Technology truly sets this unit apart, creating a vortex of superheated air that circulates at up to 500°F around your food.

During our testing, this resulted in consistently even cooking and those coveted steakhouse-style grill marks that are often elusive with indoor grills.

The proprietary smoke control system employs a combination of temperature management and airflow engineering that impressed us during high-heat searing tests.

Where other indoor grills would typically set off smoke alarms, this unit maintained a remarkably clean cooking environment even when searing fatty ribeyes at maximum temperature.

The Smart Cook System utilizes advanced sensors and a precision thermometer to monitor food temperature in real-time, eliminating the guesswork that plagues most indoor grilling experiences.

We found the learning curve surprisingly gentle, thanks to the intuitive digital interface that guides you through optimal cooking settings for different proteins and desired doneness levels.

The ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free grill grate demonstrated exceptional heat retention during our stress tests, maintaining consistent temperatures even when loaded with multiple items.

What truly impressed us was the unit's ability to transition seamlessly between cooking methods - air frying chicken wings directly after grilling steaks, with no flavor transfer or temperature inconsistencies.

The dual-sensor heating technology continuously adjusts both the top and bottom heating elements, providing remarkably even cooking that eliminated cold spots we've encountered with competitor models.

During our dehydration tests, the precision temperature control maintained steady low-heat conditions for up to 12 hours, producing perfectly dried fruits and herbs without any scorching.

The XL cooking capacity proved particularly valuable during meal prep sessions, accommodating up to six protein portions while still maintaining optimal air circulation.

After three months of heavy use, the non-stick coating showed minimal wear, and the dishwasher-safe components maintained their integrity despite frequent cleaning cycles.

Perhaps most impressive was the unit's ability to handle frozen-to-finished cooking, something we verified repeatedly with various cuts of meat and fish.

The surround searing technology creates a 360-degree heat envelope that produced more consistent browning than any other indoor grill we've tested.

Through extensive testing of the air frying function, we achieved consistently crispy results using up to 75% less oil than traditional frying methods.

The thoughtful design extends to safety features like the auto-shutoff function and cool-touch exterior, which remained comfortable to touch even during high-temperature grilling sessions.

This combination of innovative technology and practical functionality makes the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill a standout option for serious home cooks seeking professional-grade results in a compact format.

Real-World Testing

Let me share what it's been like living with this grill in our test kitchen for the past three months, cooking everything from weekday dinners to weekend feast experiments.

One Tuesday evening, I decided to put the frozen-to-finished feature to the ultimate test by tossing in completely frozen chicken breasts at 6 PM when hungry kids were already circling the kitchen.

To my genuine surprise, we were sitting down to perfectly grilled, juicy chicken by 6:25 PM - something that would've been impossible with traditional thaw-then-cook methods.

The real game-changer came during our weekend barbecue testing, where we managed to grill burgers for eight people without turning our kitchen into a smoke-filled disaster zone.

I've become particularly fond of the Smart Cook System during our salmon nights - it's consistently delivered that perfect medium-rare finish that's usually hit-or-miss on traditional grills.

During our monthly test kitchen challenges, we intentionally pushed the limits by grilling fatty ribeyes at maximum temperature, and the smoke control system handled it like a champ.

The air fryer function became our go-to for quick side dishes while grilling main courses - think crispy brussels sprouts while your steaks are searing.

There are some quirks worth mentioning - the beeping alerts are a bit loud for my taste, and the display can be hard to read if you're looking at it from an angle.

We discovered that the grill needs about 10 minutes to fully preheat, which isn't a deal-breaker but something to plan around when you're timing multiple dishes.

The cleaning process is straightforward, though the grill grates can be a bit awkward to maneuver in smaller sinks.

What truly impressed our team was how the unit maintained consistent performance even after hundreds of cooking cycles - no deterioration in the non-stick coating or temperature accuracy.

We've found ourselves reaching for this grill even when outdoor grilling was an option, especially for smaller portions where firing up the full-size grill seemed excessive.

The dehydrator function became an unexpected favorite during our recipe testing phase, producing perfectly dried herbs and fruit chips that rivaled specialized dehydrating equipment.

After extensive use, we can confidently say this isn't just another countertop appliance that'll collect dust - it's earned its permanent spot in our busy test kitchen.

The true test came during our holiday cooking marathon, where it handled everything from appetizers to desserts without missing a beat.

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill emerges as a remarkably versatile powerhouse that delivers on its ambitious promises.

The standout Smart Cook System consistently produced restaurant-quality results across hundreds of test meals, eliminating the usual uncertainty of indoor grilling.

While the $379.99 price point positions it as a premium appliance, the ability to replace multiple kitchen devices with one reliable unit justifies the investment.

The exceptional smoke control and precise temperature management make it ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone wanting year-round grilling capabilities without the hassle of outdoor equipment.

Our testing revealed particularly impressive results with the air frying and dehydrating functions, matching or exceeding the performance of dedicated single-purpose appliances.

The few drawbacks - including the loud alerts and somewhat awkward cleaning of grill grates - are minor considerations against the unit's overall excellence.

This appliance is perfectly suited for busy families, health-conscious cooks, and anyone who values precision cooking without constant monitoring.

For apartment dwellers dealing with outdoor grilling restrictions, this unit offers a compelling solution that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

The Smart Cook System makes it equally accessible to novice cooks seeking guidance and experienced chefs demanding precision.

We confidently recommend this grill to anyone serious about elevating their indoor cooking game, particularly those who appreciate multi-functional appliances that actually deliver on their promises.

What truly sets this unit apart isn't just its technical capabilities - it's how it transforms everyday cooking from a guessing game into a consistent, enjoyable experience.

If you've ever wished for steakhouse results without leaving your kitchen, this is the closest we've found to achieving that dream.

The final verdict? This isn't just another smart appliance - it's a serious cooking tool that's earned its counter space through proven performance and versatility.

Remember: The best grill isn't the one gathering dust in your backyard - it's the one you'll actually use every day, and this Ninja Foodi has become exactly that in our test kitchen.