Quick Overview
- #1 Best for Precision Temperature-Controlled Indoor Grilling - Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver
- #2 Best for Versatile High-Heat Indoor Grilling - Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill, 14'', Electric Grill, For Steak, Burgers, Salmon, Veggies, and More, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe, 500F, Even Cooking, Silver, GR101
- #3 Best for Precision Indoor Cooking with Smart Thermometer - Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil & Dehydrate, Smart Thermometer, Black/Silver
- #4 Best for Rapid Indoor Grilling from Frozen - Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate - Black/Silver
- #5 Best for High-Heat Multi-Zone Precision Grilling - Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo
- Indoor Grills Comparison Table
Craving perfectly grilled steaks and char-marked vegetables, but trapped indoors by weather, space constraints, or apartment living?
Indoor grilling technology has evolved dramatically, and Ninja stands at the forefront of this revolution with their innovative smokeless grill lineup.
As part of the Gadget Gourmets Review Team, we've spent countless hours testing every model in Ninja's indoor grill collection, from their compact countertop units to their premium smart-enabled systems.
These versatile cooking powerhouses promise to deliver authentic grilling results without the smoke, combining traditional grilling with modern features like air frying, roasting, and smart temperature control.
Our comprehensive evaluation process included rigorous real-world testing - searing steaks, grilling delicate fish, and even tackling weekend pancake sessions on their griddle surfaces.
We measured everything from heat distribution and smoke production to cleaning ease and storage practicality, ensuring our findings reflect real household usage scenarios.
The Ninja indoor grill series represents a significant investment in your culinary arsenal, so we're breaking down each model's strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
Our detailed analysis will help you navigate through Ninja's feature-rich lineup to find the perfect match for your cooking style and kitchen space.
Let's dive into our hands-on experience with these innovative cooking systems, starting with their flagship model, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle.
#1 Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, & Dehydrate, Foodi Smart Thermometer, 2nd Generation, Black/Silver
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more with this versatile kitchen companion
Product information
$299.99 $219.95
Product Review Score
4.22 out of 5 stars
19 reviewsProduct links
Perfect cooking results every time became our new normal after extensively testing the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1, thanks to its innovative smart thermometer that eliminated the guesswork from grilling steaks, chicken, and fish to the exact desired doneness.
During our month-long testing period, we were consistently impressed by how this versatile powerhouse handled everything from air-fried wings to dehydrated fruit chips, but what truly stood out was when we hosted an indoor BBQ during a thunderstorm - the smoke control system kept our kitchen fresh while we grilled juicy burgers for 12 people without missing a beat.
The ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe components made cleanup a breeze after our extensive testing sessions, though we recommend hand washing the grill grate to maintain its non-stick properties longer - a small trade-off for an appliance that effectively replaces six different cooking devices in our test kitchen.
Pros
- ✅ 6-in-1 Multi-Functionality: Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate.
- ✅ Precise Temperature Control: Foodi Smart Thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
- ✅ Less Fat Air Frying: Up to 75% less fat than deep frying.
- ✅ Smoke Control System: Reduces smoke, keeping the kitchen fresh.
- ✅ Easy Cleaning: Ceramic-coated, removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Cons
- ❌ Large Footprint: Takes significant counter space despite its versatility.
- ❌ Complex Operation: Multiple functions can make the interface and usage more complicated.
💡 Final Verdict
After weeks of rigorous testing, we can confidently say the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 has revolutionized our indoor grilling game, perfectly searing steaks with steakhouse precision while its smart thermometer hits the exact doneness every single time – we especially loved how it saved our neighborhood BBQ during an unexpected downpour by effortlessly grilling 15 burgers indoors with virtually no smoke.
The ability to seamlessly switch between air frying crispy wings, roasting a whole chicken, and dehydrating fresh fruit makes this versatile powerhouse worth every inch of counter space it occupies, though we did need to rearrange our test kitchen to accommodate its substantial footprint.
#2 Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill, 14'', Electric Grill, For Steak, Burgers, Salmon, Veggies, and More, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe, 500F, Even Cooking, Silver, GR101
Ninja 14” Electric Griddle and Indoor Grill
Cook delicious meals with ease using the versatile Ninja 14-inch Electric Griddle and Indoor Grill
Product information
$149.95
Product Review Score
4.69 out of 5 stars
24 reviewsProduct links
Versatility meets precision in this Ninja indoor grill-griddle combo, which our team found particularly impressive for its ability to maintain consistent 500°F heat across the entire 14-inch cooking surface, delivering restaurant-quality sear marks on steaks while being equally capable of creating perfectly golden pancakes.
During our month-long testing period, we were genuinely impressed when we hosted a Sunday brunch for eight people and effortlessly kept up with demand, thanks to the edge-to-edge heating that allowed us to cook six pancakes simultaneously while keeping earlier batches warm on the lower-heat zone.
The interchangeable grill and griddle plates proved to be this appliance's standout feature, transforming from a serious steak-searing machine to a breakfast champion in seconds, while the nonstick surface and dishwasher-safe components made post-cooking cleanup remarkably simple.
Pros
- ✅ Versatile Cooking: Grill, sear, and cook various dishes.
- ✅ High Temperature: Up to 500F for optimal cooking.
- ✅ Nonstick Surface: Easy to clean and prevents food sticking.
- ✅ Edge-To-Edge Cooking: Even heat distribution across the surface.
- ✅ Hassle-Free Cleanup: Dishwasher safe and easy to wipe down.
Cons
- ❌ Large Size: Requires significant kitchen counter space.
- ❌ Smoke Generation: Despite low smoke feature, can still generate some smoke.
💡 Final Verdict
After extensive testing of this versatile Ninja appliance, we're convinced its true dual-functionality as both a high-performance grill and precision griddle makes it an exceptional value for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
The edge-to-edge heating technology consistently impressed our team during our three-week testing period, particularly when we managed to simultaneously sear six perfectly-marked ribeyes at 500°F for a dinner party, while the nonstick surface's remarkable durability proved itself through dozens of cooking sessions without a single stuck pancake or burger.
While grilling indoors typically raises ventilation concerns, we found the unit's smoke control features worked admirably well in our test kitchen, though we still recommend using it near a window or under a hood fan for optimal results.
We're particularly impressed by how the quick-release plates and dishwasher-safe components transformed cleanup from a dreaded chore into a simple 30-second task, making this grill-griddle combo a practical choice for busy households who don't want to sacrifice quality for convenience.
#3 Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil & Dehydrate, Smart Thermometer, Black/Silver
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Cook your favorite meals to perfection with this versatile indoor grill that's perfect for any kitchen
Product information
$279.99
Product Review Score
4.62 out of 5 stars
230 reviewsProduct links
Smart temperature control transformed our grilling experience with this Ninja Foodi XL, as our testing team achieved perfectly done steaks every time using the dual-sensor thermometer that eliminated all guesswork.
During our month-long testing period, we were particularly impressed when we hosted a dinner party and effortlessly grilled six salmon fillets to different doneness levels simultaneously, while the smoke control system kept our kitchen remarkably clear - something our traditional grill tests never managed.
The versatile 6-in-1 functionality proved invaluable in our test kitchen, from air-frying crispy wings to dehydrating fruit chips, though we found ourselves repeatedly drawn to the excellent grilling performance that delivered consistent restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Pros
- ✅ 6-in-1 Functionality: Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate in one appliance.
- ✅ Smart Thermometer: Dual sensor for accurate temperature monitoring and perfect doneness.
- ✅ Large Capacity: Fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once.
- ✅ Smoke Control System: Keeps the kitchen free from excess smoke.
- ✅ Quick Cooking: Transforms frozen foods to char-grilled in under 25 minutes.
Cons
- ❌ Complex Setup: Multiple components and settings may require time to master.
- ❌ Cleaning Brush Required: Though the grill grate is dishwasher-safe, some parts need manual cleaning.
💡 Final Verdict
After extensive testing of the Ninja Foodi Smart XL, we're convinced it's the ultimate countertop solution for achieving authentic grilled results indoors, particularly when paired with its game-changing smart thermometer that consistently delivered perfectly cooked proteins in our trials.
We've grilled, air-fried, and roasted countless meals over our testing period, and the standout moment came when we effortlessly prepared a complete dinner party spread - simultaneously grilling marinated chicken while air-frying vegetables and roasting potatoes - all while the smoke control system kept our test kitchen remarkably clear and comfortable.
#4 Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with 4-quart Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate - Black/Silver
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer
Experience the perfect blend of grilling and air frying for delicious meals right in your kitchen
Product information
$219.99
Product Review Score
4.46 out of 5 stars
90 reviewsProduct links
Powerful cyclonic grilling technology brought restaurant-quality results to our countertop as we tested the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill, consistently producing perfectly seared steaks and crispy air-fried sides with minimal smoke thanks to its innovative ventilation system.
During our month-long testing period, we were particularly impressed when we transformed a completely frozen chicken breast into a beautifully char-grilled dinner in just 20 minutes - something that would typically require hours of thawing and traditional grilling time.
The versatile 6-in-1 functionality proved invaluable in our test kitchen, where we used it daily for everything from dehydrating fruit chips to roasting vegetables, though we found the 4-quart capacity means you'll need to cook in batches for larger families.
Pros
- ✅ 6-in-1 Functionality: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate.
- ✅ Cyclonic Grilling Technology: Surround searing with 500°F cyclonic air.
- ✅ Less Fat Air Frying: Up to 75% less fat compared to deep frying.
- ✅ Quick Cooking: Transform frozen foods to char-grilled in under 25 minutes.
- ✅ Easy Cleaning: PTFE/PFOA-free, nonstick, ceramic-coated grill grate and accessories.
Cons
- ❌ Limited Space for Large Dishes: 4-quart capacity may not be sufficient for large meals.
- ❌ High Energy Consumption: 1760 watts, which could increase energy costs.
💡 Final Verdict
Powerful cyclonic grilling technology and versatile 6-in-1 functionality make this Ninja Foodi a standout countertop powerhouse, consistently delivering restaurant-quality results during our extensive testing period.
After grilling dozens of meals and watching a frozen chicken breast transform into a perfectly char-grilled dinner in just 20 minutes, we're convinced this smart indoor grill is an ideal solution for year-round grilling enthusiasts who value convenience without compromising on authentic flavor and professional searing capabilities, though larger families might need to cook in batches due to the 4-quart capacity.
#5 Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro Grill & Griddle 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill
Enjoy delicious grilled meals year-round with this versatile indoor grill that simplifies cooking and cleanup
Product information
$529.99
Product Review Score
4.36 out of 5 stars
184 reviewsProduct links
The independently powered 500°F heating elements in Ninja's Smart XL Pro Grill delivered the most impressive indoor searing we've tested, producing steakhouse-quality results that genuinely rivaled outdoor grilling during our month-long evaluation.
When our team used the Smart Cook System to prepare a mixed grill of salmon, chicken, and vegetables for a staff lunch, each protein reached its ideal doneness simultaneously - a feat that would typically require constant monitoring and temperature checking on traditional grills.
The versatility of this 7-in-1 powerhouse truly shines in daily use, as we've air-fried crispy wings, grilled juicy steaks, and even dehydrated fruit for healthy snacks, all while the built-in smoke control system kept our test kitchen remarkably clear - making it an exceptional choice for serious home cooks who want maximum functionality in a single appliance.
Pros
- ✅ 7-in-1 Versatility: Multiple cooking modes including grill, roast, broil, bake, BBQ griddle, air crisp, and dehydrate.
- ✅ High-Heat Searing: Heating element rated up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for high-heat searing.
- ✅ Even Heat Distribution: Independently powered grill plates for edge-to-edge heat.
- ✅ Smart Cook System: Perfectly cooks proteins to desired doneness with thermometer.
- ✅ Easy Cleanup: Nonstick components are dishwasher safe.
Cons
- ❌ Large Footprint: Requires significant kitchen space due to its size and multiple components.
- ❌ Complex Operation: Multiple functions and settings may require some learning and adjustment time.
💡 Final Verdict
The 7-in-1 versatility and 500°F high-heat searing capabilities of this Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro made it our team's top choice for indoor grilling after extensively testing multiple units in our test kitchen.
After grilling countless steaks, seafood, and vegetables over our three-month testing period, we're consistently impressed by how the Smart Cook System takes the guesswork out of achieving the perfect doneness – we especially loved using it to simultaneously cook salmon to medium and chicken to well-done during our weekly meal prep sessions, something that would be challenging even on a professional outdoor grill.
Ninja Indoor Grill Features Comparison
Product | Cooking Surface Size | Temperature Control Settings | Heat Distribution Technology | Smoke Control Features | Cooking Modes/Functions | Grill Grate Material | Ease of Cleaning | Preheat Time | Safety Features | Wattage/Power Consumption | Included Accessories | Cooking Performance | Multi-Use Capabilities | Preset Cooking Programs | Durability and Build Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
108 square inches | Variable temperature control | Hot cyclonic air and 500°F grill grate | Temperature-control grill grate, splatter shield, cool-air zone | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | Ceramic-coated | Dishwasher safe, non-stick | 10 minutes | Continuous internal temperature monitoring, smoke control system | 1760 watts | Grill Grate, Cooking Pot, Crisper Basket, Smart Thermometer, Cleaning Brush, Splatter Shield, 15 Recipe Booklet | 6 cooking functions, 75% less fat than deep-frying | XL family-sized capacity | 4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels | Stainless steel body, ceramic-coated components | |
168 square inches | Up to 500°F, temperature adjustable | Edge-to-edge even heating | Perforated mesh lid, high walls, grease catches | High-heat grilling, searing, griddling, smokeless grilling | Nonstick aluminum, stainless steel | Nonstick, removable, dishwasher-safe | 10 minutes | Non-touch hot surfaces, use protective hot pads | 1450 watts | Ninja Sizzle Base, Grill Plate, Griddle Plate, Splatter Lid, Quick Start Guide | Reaches 500°F maximum heat, edge-to-edge even heating | Interchangeable grill and griddle plates | None | Durable materials, nonstick plates, stainless steel lid | |
108 square inches | Variable temperature control | 500°F hot cyclonic air and grill grate | Temperature-control grill grate, splatter shield, cool-air zone | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | Ceramic-coated | Dishwasher safe, non-stick | 10 minutes | Smoke control system, cool-air zone | 1760 watts | Grill Grate, Crisper Basket, Cooking Pot, Smart Thermometer, Cleaning Brush, Recipe Book, Splatter Shield | 6 cooking functions, 75% less fat than deep-frying | XL family-sized capacity | 4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels | Sturdy materials, ceramic-coated parts | |
100-108 square inches | Variable temperature control | Cyclonic air technology, 500°F hot cyclonic air and grill grate | Temperature-controlled grill grate, splatter shield, cool-air zone | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | High-density grill grate, PTFE/PFOA-free, nonstick, ceramic-coated | Dishwasher safe, non-stick | 8 minutes | Virtually smoke-free, temperature sensing grill plate | 1760 watts | Grill Grate, Cooking Pot, Crisper Basket, Cleaning Brush, 15 Recipe Booklet, Splatter Shield | 6 cooking functions, 75% less fat than deep-frying | XL family-sized capacity | 4 protein settings, 9 doneness levels | Solid build, durable, ceramic-coated components | |
Grill grate: 9 x 13 inches, Griddle: 12 inches, Crisper basket: 4 quarts | Variable temperature control | 500°F cyclonic air and grill grate, edge-to-edge high heat | Temperature-controlled grill grate, splatter shield, cool-air zone | Grill, BBQ Griddle, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate | Hard anodized aluminum | Dishwasher safe, non-stick | 10 minutes | Temperature-controlled grill grate, smoke control system | 1760 W or 1766 W | None | 7 cooking functions, 75% less fat air frying | XL family-sized capacity | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, BBQ Griddle | Stainless Steel, ceramic nonstick coating |