Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill FG551 review

About the Ninja FG551

The FG551 is a six-function countertop appliance. The grill uses a lid that closes over the food, and the same unit switches to air crisp, bake, roast, broil and dehydrate. The grate fits up to six steaks, and a 4-quart air fry basket comes with it.

A thermometer is built in. You choose a protein and a doneness level, and the grill works toward that target, so you don't judge a steak by eye. The grate, the basket and the cooking pot can go in the dishwasher.

It is big. The page lists it at over 22 pounds, and one retail summary gives a heavier figure, so plan on a permanent spot rather than a cupboard you lift it out of. Ninja's support site lists a splatter shield for this grill family, and its guidance is to clean it after each use.

What owners report about the Ninja FG551

Little owner feedback for this exact model was readable to us, so this section is short and limited to what we found.

Owners in retailer Q&A and summaries describe the non-stick grate and the removable parts as easy to wash, and the dishwasher-safe parts get praise. The splatter shield is the part that needs the most attention: owners soak it and scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge.

The complaints are about bulk. Owners say it is hard to move and takes a lot of counter space, and some report uneven cooking when the unit isn't level. A few mention inconsistent quality between units and patchy customer service. We found no solid pattern on how it holds up after a year or more.

Who the Ninja FG551 suits

It suits a household that cooks steaks, burgers or chicken indoors and wants an air fryer in the same box. The thermometer helps if you tend to over- or undercook meat. You need a permanent spot on the counter and a vent fan for fatty cuts.

Look elsewhere if your counter is small or you want to put the machine away after each use. The Weber Lumin Compact Electric Grill is built for tight spaces. If you want a lighter, cheaper grill without air frying, the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill is the simpler option. For real wood smoke, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker is the one to look at.

Questions about the Ninja FG551