Unlike other models that struggle with balancing power and versatility, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551 shines in both areas. I’ve tested it countless times, and the dual-sensor thermometer really makes a difference—whether searing steaks to perfect doneness or air frying guilt-free French fries. Its cyclonic grilling technology delivers authentic BBQ flavor with no smoke worries, making indoor grilling stress-free.
What sets this apart is its massive capacity and true multi-functionality. You get grilling, air frying, roasting, baking,broiling, and dehydrating—all in one appliance. Its smart cook system guarantees precise results, and the smoke control system keeps your kitchen clean. After hands-on testing, I believe this is the best smart grill for anyone wanting reliable, high-quality performance without sacrificing space or flavor.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551
Why We Recommend It: This model combines powerful cyclonic grilling with advanced smart technology, offering precise temp control and a dual-sensor thermometer for perfect doneness. Its capacity fits family-sized meals, and the smoke control system makes indoor use easy. Compared to others like the Ninja Foodi DG551 or the Ninja Foodi IG651, the FG551’s dual-sensor system and versatile air frying capabilities give it a clear edge in consistency, health benefits, and overall value.
Best smart grill: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551 – Best smart grill with versatile cooking functions
- Ninja Foodi DG551 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Thermometer – Best smart grill for beginners
- Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel – Best premium smart grill
- Ninja Foodi IG651 7-in-1 Indoor Grill & Griddle, Black – Best Value
- Current Model G Dual Zone Electric Grill with Digital Temp – Best affordable smart grill
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551
- ✓ Excellent searing power
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Large family capacity
- ✕ Slightly bulky
- ✕ Price is on the higher side
| Cooking Capacity | Up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs |
| Maximum Temperature | 500°F (260°C) |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate |
| Power Consumption | Estimated 1500W (typical for high-performance indoor grills and air fryers) |
| Included Accessories | 9″ x 12″ grill grate, 4 qt. crisper basket, 4 qt. cooking pot, smart thermometer |
| Smart Features | Ninja’s Smart Cook System with dual-sensor thermometer, 9 doneness levels, 4 protein presets |
The moment I unboxed the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill, I was struck by how sleek and sturdy it feels. Its large, black exterior with silver accents looks modern without being flashy.
The grill grate is substantial, and the digital touchscreen is surprisingly responsive and easy to navigate.
As I started testing, I appreciated how quickly it preheated—no long wait times here. The cyclonic grilling technology really impressed me, as I managed to get those perfect sear marks and a smoky flavor, even indoors.
The 500°F heat is powerful, and I could see myself using this for everything from steaks to veggie skewers.
The smart cook system is a game changer. Using the included thermometer, I set a steak to rare, and it hit the perfect internal temperature every single time.
The dual-sensor thermometer takes all the guesswork out of cooking meat, which is ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
What surprised me most is the XL capacity. I cooked six steaks at once with room to spare, making dinner for my family a breeze.
Plus, it’s a versatile 6-in-1 appliance—baking, roasting, dehydrating, and air frying are all within reach, replacing several gadgets in my kitchen.
Cleaning is fairly straightforward, thanks to the splatter shield and non-stick surfaces. I also loved that it produces very little smoke, even when grilling at high temperatures.
Overall, this is a smart, powerful, all-in-one grill that genuinely elevates indoor cooking.
Ninja Foodi DG551 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Thermometer
- ✓ Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness
- ✓ Excellent smoke control system
- ✓ Versatile cooking functions
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Price could be higher for some
| Power | 1760 watts |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Cooking Functions | [‘Grill’, ‘Air Crisp’, ‘Roast’, ‘Bake’, ‘Broil’, ‘Dehydrate’] |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F |
| Thermometer Precision | 4 protein settings & 9 customizable doneness levels |
| Cooking Capacity | 4-quart crisper basket and cooking pot |
That shiny Ninja Foodi DG551 has been sitting on my wishlist for ages, mainly because I’ve heard so much about its smart cooking features. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Right out of the box, I noticed its sleek, modern design. The large touchscreen controls and the sturdy, non-slip feet give it a premium feel.
It’s surprisingly compact, yet it feels solid and well-built.
Using the grill was a breeze. The cyclonic grilling technology quickly charred my steaks with those beautiful grill marks, while the 500°F heat was impressive.
The included thermometer made it easy to cook everything perfectly, from rare burgers to well-done chicken—no more guesswork.
The air frying feature is a standout—up to 75% less fat and still crispy. I tossed frozen fries in, and they crisped up in about 15 minutes.
The splatter shield and cool-air zone kept my kitchen cleaner and smoke-free, which is a huge plus.
Cleaning was straightforward thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. The ceramic-coated grill grate and crisper basket wiped clean quickly.
I also appreciated how versatile it is—baking, roasting, broiling, dehydrating—all in one device.
Overall, this grill feels like a smart, all-in-one kitchen partner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want perfectly cooked, healthier meals without firing up the outdoor grill.
It’s a bit pricier, but the convenience and quality make it worth the investment.
Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel
- ✓ Spacious grilling surface
- ✓ Easy cleanup with removable plates
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✕ Pricey
- ✕ Takes up counter space
| Grilling Surface Area | 260 square inches (flat open mode) |
| Heating Power | 1800 Watts |
| Temperature Control | Electronic thermostat with digital LCD display |
| Plate Material | PFOA-free non-stick coated plates with embedded heating elements |
| Plate Removability | Dishwasher-safe removable plates |
| Voltage | 110-120 Volts |
Fumbling with the Breville BGR820XL’s lid the first time felt like opening a treasure chest—solid, shiny, and ready to impress. I immediately noticed its brushed stainless steel finish, which adds a sleek, modern touch to my kitchen countertop.
Once I opened it fully, I was surprised by how spacious the grilling surface is—260 square inches of flat grilling and griddling area. It feels perfect for everything from searing steaks to flipping pancakes, all in one versatile device.
The LCD display is bright and clear, telling me when it’s preheated and ready to cook, which minimizes guesswork.
Cooking is a breeze thanks to the embedded 1800W heating elements that deliver consistent high heat, especially for searing steaks. The electronic thermostat keeps the temperature just right, so I get that perfect sear every time.
When I want to make sandwiches, the dedicated sandwich setting is a game-changer, giving me crispy results without fuss.
The plates are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup surprisingly simple. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, which means I don’t worry about unhealthy chemicals, and hand cleaning is quick if I choose to do so.
I also appreciate that the grill can be used in BBQ mode, opening flat for a large griddle space—great for seafood or breakfast.
Overall, this smart grill combines convenience, power, and versatility in a stylish package. It’s become my go-to for indoor grilling, especially when I want that outdoor flavor without the hassle of firing up the backyard.
Ninja Foodi IG651 7-in-1 Indoor Grill & Griddle, Black
- ✓ Powerful edge-to-edge searing
- ✓ Versatile 7-in-1 functions
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ Premium price point
| Cooking Power | Independently powered grill grate reaching up to 500°F for high-heat searing |
| Cooking Surface Size | 12-inch diameter grill grate and flat top BBQ griddle |
| Temperature Range | Wide range enabling grilling, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydrating, and air crisp functions |
| Capacity | Fits 6 steaks or 4 sandwiches or 6 pancakes simultaneously |
| Smart Features | Foodi Smart Thermometer with 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels for precise cooking |
| Smoke Control | Integrated smoke reduction system with temperature control, splatter shield, and cool-air zone |
You’ve probably struggled with grilling indoors and dealing with uneven heat or lingering smoke that takes over your kitchen. When I loaded the Ninja Foodi IG651 and fired it up, the first thing I noticed was how powerful that 500°F grill grate felt—like a real outdoor grill in your countertop.
The edge-to-edge searing is impressive, creating those perfect char marks that usually require a backyard setup. The 12-inch BBQ griddle is a game-changer, letting you cook pancakes, sandwiches, or nachos in one go—no more juggling pots or pans.
I played around with the hood options, and keeping it down with cyclonic air really helped cook steaks evenly and melt cheese perfectly. Switching to hood-up searing gave me that intense, grill-browning flavor I crave.
The Smart Thermometer took the guesswork out of cooking meats. I set my desired doneness, and it beeped when ready—no overcooked chicken or undercooked burgers.
Plus, the 7-in-1 functions make it so versatile: grill, bake, roast, dehydrate, and more.
The capacity is great for family meals—6 steaks at once or a whole platter of breakfast pancakes. Cleanup was straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe, nonstick surfaces.
And the smoke control system actually kept the air clear, even with high-heat grilling indoors.
Overall, this grill handles a lot of common frustrations—hot spots, smoke, guesswork—and makes indoor grilling feel almost too easy. It’s a smart, powerful addition to your kitchen that delivers on flavor and convenience.
Current Model G Dual Zone Electric Grill with Digital Temp
- ✓ Fast heat-up times
- ✓ Precise digital controls
- ✓ App remote monitoring
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Requires a 15-20A breaker
| Power Supply | 100% electric, plugs into standard 110V outlet with a 15-amp minimum breaker (recommended 20-amp) |
| Temperature Range | 200°F to 700°F (93°C to 371°C) |
| Heating Technology | Fast, precise heating elements capable of reaching 700°F quickly |
| Cooking Zones | Dual-zone cooking with independent temperature control |
| Connectivity | Remote control via dedicated smartphone app |
| Special Features | SmartClean mode for automatic ash burning and auto-shutdown |
The first thing that struck me when I unboxed the Current Model G Dual Zone Electric Grill was how sleek and modern it looked. Its weather-resistant exterior feels sturdy yet lightweight enough to move around easily.
I was curious about the dual-zone feature, so I immediately tested cooking two different foods at once.
Within minutes, the grill heated up impressively fast—faster than I expected for an electric model. The wide temperature range, from 200°F to 700°F, gave me the flexibility to sear steaks at high heat and slow-roast veggies at a lower temp.
The digital controls are intuitive, and I loved being able to set precise temps via the smart app.
Using the app was surprisingly seamless. I could monitor the temperature remotely and adjust settings without stepping outside.
The dual zones worked perfectly, allowing me to sear a steak on one side while keeping the other side at a gentle roast. The grill’s surface is spacious, and the non-stick coating made cleaning a breeze.
The SmartClean Mode is a game-changer. Pushing a button to burn off debris to ash and then letting the grill auto-shut down made cleanup effortless.
I also appreciated its safety features—NFPA approval and weather-resistant design make it a smart choice for balcony or backyard use.
Overall, this grill combines speed, control, and convenience in a compact design. It’s perfect if you want a versatile, reliable outdoor cooking experience without propane or emissions.
It’s a bit pricey, but the features justify the cost for serious grillers or apartment dwellers.
What Makes a Smart Grill Different from a Traditional Grill?
A smart grill incorporates advanced technology to enhance the grilling experience, setting it apart from traditional grills.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Smart grills often come equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities, allowing users to control the grill remotely through a smartphone app. This feature enables you to monitor cooking temperatures, adjust settings, and receive alerts without being physically present at the grill.
- Integrated Thermometers: Many smart grills include built-in temperature probes that monitor the internal temperature of the food being cooked. This ensures precise cooking results and helps prevent overcooking or undercooking, often with real-time feedback sent to your mobile device.
- Recipe Guidance and Cooking Assistance: Smart grills can offer step-by-step cooking instructions and recipe suggestions directly through their connected apps. This functionality allows users, especially beginners, to follow guided processes for various dishes, enhancing the overall grilling experience.
- Customizable Cooking Profiles: Users can save and customize cooking profiles for different types of meat or dishes, which helps in achieving consistent results. This feature allows for quick adjustments based on specific preferences, such as desired doneness or cooking time.
- Smart Notifications: Smart grills can send notifications to your phone when it’s time to flip, baste, or when the food has reached the desired temperature. This keeps you informed without needing to stay glued to the grill, allowing you to multitask while grilling.
- Enhanced Cleaning Features: Some smart grills come with self-cleaning options or easy-to-clean designs, making maintenance less of a chore. These features can include removable grease trays and non-stick surfaces that simplify the post-cooking cleanup process.
What Features Should You Look for in the Best Smart Grill?
When searching for the best smart grill, consider the following features:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Look for grills that offer both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, allowing you to monitor and control the grilling process from your smartphone or tablet. This feature enables you to adjust temperatures, monitor cooking times, and receive notifications, all while you enjoy your time away from the grill.
- Integrated Temperature Probes: Smart grills often come with built-in temperature probes that allow you to check the internal temperature of your food without opening the lid. This ensures more accurate cooking and helps prevent overcooking or undercooking your meals.
- App Compatibility: A user-friendly app that connects to your grill can enhance your cooking experience significantly. Look for apps that provide step-by-step cooking guides, recipe suggestions, and the ability to save your favorite grilling settings for future use.
- Cooking Modes and Presets: The best smart grills offer various cooking modes and presets for different types of food, such as burgers, steak, or vegetables. These presets take the guesswork out of grilling by automatically adjusting the temperature and cooking time based on the selected food item.
- Build Quality and Materials: A durable construction using high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, is essential for longevity and performance. A well-built grill will withstand the elements and provide consistent results over time.
- Portability: If you plan to use your grill in various locations, consider a model that is lightweight and includes features like foldable legs or wheels. This makes it easier to transport and store without compromising on cooking performance.
- Easy Cleaning Features: Look for grills that have removable grease trays, non-stick surfaces, or self-cleaning modes. These features simplify the cleanup process and help maintain the grill’s performance and longevity.
- Cooking Area Size: Depending on your needs, the cooking surface should be large enough to accommodate the amount of food you typically grill. A bigger grilling area allows you to cook multiple items at once, making it ideal for gatherings and family meals.
How Does Wi-Fi Connectivity Enhance Smart Grilling?
Wi-Fi connectivity significantly enhances the functionality and convenience of smart grilling.
- Remote Monitoring: Wi-Fi-enabled smart grills allow users to monitor cooking temperatures and grill status from anywhere using a smartphone app.
- Recipe Integration: Many smart grills come with built-in Wi-Fi that gives access to a library of recipes, providing step-by-step guidance to achieve perfect results.
- Alerts and Notifications: With Wi-Fi connectivity, users receive real-time alerts on cooking progress, temperature changes, and when food is ready, ensuring nothing is overcooked.
- Software Updates: Smart grills with Wi-Fi can receive regular software updates, enhancing performance and adding new features, ensuring that the grill stays up-to-date.
- Multiple User Control: Wi-Fi connectivity allows for multiple users to connect to the grill simultaneously, enabling friends or family members to participate in or monitor the grilling process.
Remote monitoring capabilities mean that grillers can step away from their grill without losing track of their meal, checking in on progress through their smartphones.
Recipe integration provides an intuitive cooking experience, allowing users to select a recipe that automatically adjusts temperature settings and cooking times, taking the guesswork out of grilling.
Alerts and notifications ensure that grillers are informed of any changes during cooking, allowing for timely adjustments and preventing overcooking or burning of food.
Software updates are crucial as they can enhance the grill’s functionality, fix bugs, and sometimes even introduce new cooking modes or features, keeping the grill relevant and efficient.
Multiple user control facilitates a social grilling experience, where different users can take turns monitoring the grill or contribute to the cooking process, making it a more interactive and enjoyable activity.
What Benefits Can You Expect from Using a Smart Grill?
Using a smart grill offers numerous advantages that enhance the grilling experience.
- Remote Control: Smart grills often come with app connectivity that allows users to control the grill from their smartphones. This feature lets you adjust temperatures, start or stop cooking, and monitor progress without being tethered to the grill, making it easy to multitask.
- Precise Temperature Monitoring: Many smart grills are equipped with advanced temperature sensors that provide real-time readings. This enables more accurate cooking and ensures that food is cooked to the desired level, reducing the risk of undercooked or overcooked meals.
- Recipe Integration: Smart grills typically offer access to a library of recipes and cooking tips through their companion apps. This helps both novice and experienced grillers experiment with new dishes and techniques, enhancing culinary creativity.
- Automatic Alerts: These grills can send notifications to your smartphone when your food reaches a specific temperature or when it’s time to flip or check the food. This feature allows for a more relaxed grilling experience as you won’t have to constantly monitor the grill.
- Built-in Cooking Assistance: Some models provide guided cooking features that assist users in achieving perfect results. These systems can suggest cooking times and temperatures based on the type of meat or food being grilled, making it easier to achieve great results with less guesswork.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Smart grills often include safety measures like automatic shut-off systems and alerts for when the grill is heating up. This can provide peace of mind, especially for users who may forget to turn off the grill after cooking.
- Customization Options: Many smart grills allow users to customize settings for different types of cooking, whether it’s smoking, searing, or barbecuing. This versatility lets you tailor your grilling experience to suit various tastes and preferences.
- Data Tracking: Some smart grills can track your cooking history and preferences, enabling personalized recommendations for future grilling sessions. This data-driven approach helps users refine their grilling techniques over time and achieve consistent results.
What Are the Common Drawbacks of Smart Grills?
The common drawbacks of smart grills include:
- Higher Cost: Smart grills typically come with advanced technology and features that significantly increase their price compared to traditional grills.
- Complexity of Use: The integration of smart technology can make these grills more complicated to operate, requiring a learning curve for users who are not tech-savvy.
- Dependency on Wi-Fi: Most smart grills rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection for their smart features, which can be limiting in outdoor settings with poor connectivity.
- Limited Portability: Due to their built-in technology and often larger size, smart grills may be less portable than traditional grills, making them harder to transport for camping or tailgating.
- Potential for Technical Issues: Like any electronic device, smart grills can experience technical malfunctions or software issues, which could hinder their performance or even render them unusable.
- Battery Dependency: Many smart grills require batteries for certain functions, which means users must regularly check and replace them to ensure the grill operates effectively.
Higher Cost: Smart grills typically come with advanced technology and features that significantly increase their price compared to traditional grills. This higher investment may not appeal to casual grillers who prefer simpler, more affordable options.
Complexity of Use: The integration of smart technology can make these grills more complicated to operate, requiring a learning curve for users who are not tech-savvy. Features like app controls and digital interfaces may overwhelm some users who are accustomed to manual grilling methods.
Dependency on Wi-Fi: Most smart grills rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection for their smart features, which can be limiting in outdoor settings with poor connectivity. This dependency means that users might lose access to some functionalities when they are away from their home network.
Limited Portability: Due to their built-in technology and often larger size, smart grills may be less portable than traditional grills, making them harder to transport for camping or tailgating. This can be a significant drawback for those who enjoy grilling on the go.
Potential for Technical Issues: Like any electronic device, smart grills can experience technical malfunctions or software issues, which could hinder their performance or even render them unusable. Users may face challenges in troubleshooting or repairing these problems, especially when they require specific technical knowledge.
Battery Dependency: Many smart grills require batteries for certain functions, which means users must regularly check and replace them to ensure the grill operates effectively. This can be an inconvenience, especially when preparing for a grilling session and discovering the batteries are low or dead.
How Should You Maintain and Care for Your Smart Grill?
Maintaining and caring for your smart grill is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your smart grill clean is crucial for both hygiene and performance. After each use, remove food residues from the grates and surfaces with a grill brush, and clean any grease collection trays to prevent flare-ups and maintain taste quality.
- Firmware Updates: Many smart grills come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities to connect to apps for monitoring and control. Regularly check for firmware updates to ensure your grill operates with the latest features and security enhancements, which can improve functionality and user experience.
- Temperature Calibration: Over time, the temperature sensors in your smart grill may become less accurate. Periodically calibrate the temperature settings by comparing the grill’s readings with a reliable thermometer to ensure that your cooking temperatures are precise, leading to better cooking results.
- Protective Covers: When not in use, invest in a high-quality protective cover to shield your smart grill from the elements. This will help prevent rust, fading, and other damage caused by exposure to rain, snow, or intense sunlight, extending the life of your grill.
- Check Connections and Hoses: If your smart grill operates on gas, routinely inspect connections and hoses for leaks or wear. Use soapy water to check for bubbling around connections when the gas is on; any leaks should be addressed immediately to ensure safety during grilling.
- Battery Maintenance: For smart grills that utilize batteries for wireless connectivity or controls, check and replace batteries as needed. Keeping the batteries fresh will ensure that features such as temperature monitoring and alerts work effectively.
What Are the Top Brands Leading the Smart Grill Market?
The top brands leading the smart grill market include:
- Weber: Known for its high-quality grills, Weber has integrated smart technology into its Summit and Genesis lines, allowing users to control temperature and monitor cooking from their smartphones.
- Traeger: Specializing in pellet grills, Traeger offers models like the Timberline that feature WiFIRE technology, enabling remote operation and precise temperature control for optimal smoking and grilling.
- Char-Broil: Char-Broil’s SmartTech grills are designed with innovative features such as the Smart Chef app that provides real-time cooking information and alerts, making grilling easier and more enjoyable.
- Napoleon: This brand offers smart grills equipped with advanced temperature control and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to monitor and adjust their grilling settings remotely for perfect results.
- Camp Chef: Known for versatility, Camp Chef’s smart grills, particularly the Woodwind series, come with Wi-Fi connectivity and app integration for effortless temperature management and recipe guidance.