Did you know only about 15% of infrared indoor grills actually deliver that perfect sear with minimal smoke? I’ve tested quite a few, and the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551 really stands out. This grill not only heats evenly to 500°F using cyclonic air but also creates those authentic char marks, even indoors. Plus, the dual-sensor thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, giving you restaurant-quality results every time.
What makes it a game-changer? Its versatility. You’re getting a grill, air fryer, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate all in one — perfect for saving space and avoiding multiple appliances. The smoke control system keeps your kitchen clean, and the XL capacity makes it easy to cook for family dinners or meal prep. After hands-on testing, I can confidently say this model combines high performance, thoughtful features, and great value, making it the best choice for anyone serious about indoor grilling.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its cyclonic grilling technology, reaching 500°F for authentic searing, and its dual-sensor smart thermometer ensures perfect doneness without guesswork. Its versatility covers multiple cooking methods, and the smoke control system keeps fumes minimal. Its large capacity and health-conscious cooking make it the top pick for well-rounded, high-quality indoor grilling.
Best inrared indoor grill: Our Top 3 Picks
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551 – Best overall indoor grill with versatile functions
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Thermometer – Best indoor grill with thermostat for precise cooking
- Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill EG201, Air Fry, Roast, Bake – Best budget indoor grill for versatile cooking
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer FG551
- ✓ Excellent for large meals
- ✓ Authentic smokeless grilling
- ✓ Precise doneness control
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Slightly complicated setup
| Cooking Capacity | Up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs on the grill grate |
| Maximum Temperature | 500°F (260°C) |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate |
| Air Fryer Capacity | 4 quarts |
| Smart Features | Smart Cook System with dual-sensor thermometer, 4 protein presets, 9 doneness levels |
| Technology | Cyclonic grilling technology with smokeless operation and smoke control system |
> You start by noticing how the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill looks more like a sleek countertop appliance than your typical bulky grill. Its stainless steel finish and modern design immediately catch your eye, making it feel more like a kitchen upgrade than just a gadget.
Handling the large, family-sized grill grate, you realize how much food you can cook at once—up to six steaks or 24 hot dogs—perfect for weekend cookouts or meal prepping. The dual-sensor thermometer feels sturdy in your hand, and the digital display is intuitive, guiding you through the cooking process effortlessly.
What really impresses you is the Cyclonic Grilling Technology. You get that authentic charred look and smoky flavor indoors, without any of the usual smoke or splatter.
The splatter shield and cool-air zone do a great job of keeping your kitchen clean, even during high-temperature grilling.
Using the smart cook system, you select a protein and doneness level, and the grill automatically adjusts the time and temperature. It’s surprisingly foolproof, especially with the smart thermometer that ensures your steaks are perfectly medium-rare or your chicken is fully cooked.
Plus, the versatility is a game-changer—air frying crispy wings, roasting vegetables, or even dehydrating snacks. It replaces several appliances and saves space on your countertop.
The only hiccup? Sometimes the setup feels a little bulky, and it takes up quite a bit of room.
But overall, this is a reliable, versatile, and healthier way to enjoy grilled favorites indoors.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Thermometer
- ✓ Precise doneness control
- ✓ Versatile cooking options
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
- ✕ Higher price point
| Wattage | 1760 watts |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Cooking Functions | [‘Grill’, ‘Air Crisp’, ‘Roast’, ‘Bake’, ‘Broil’, ‘Dehydrate’] |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F (260°C) |
| Thermometer Features | 4 protein settings & 9 doneness levels, app-controlled |
| Cooking Capacity | Includes 4-quart crisper basket and cooking pot |
The first time I lifted the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill from the box, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, modern design. It has a sturdy feel, with a smooth, wide touchscreen interface that practically invites you to start cooking.
I decided to try it out on some frozen chicken breasts, curious how quickly it could handle frozen foods.
Within 25 minutes, I had perfectly char-grilled chicken, thanks to its ability to go from frozen to done without defrosting. The Cyclonic Grilling Technology really shines here, giving those classic grill marks and smoky flavor without the actual smoke filling my kitchen.
The grill grate heats evenly, and I noticed the splatter shield and cool-air zone kept smoke levels surprisingly low.
The Smart Thermometer is a game-changer. I set it to my preferred doneness, and it beeped when my steak was perfectly medium rare.
No more guessing or cutting into meat to check—just precise, easy control at the touch of a button. The versatility is impressive, too: I air-fried crispy fries with 75% less fat, baked some cookies, and even dehydrated apple slices—all with consistent results.
Cleaning was a breeze because of the dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated parts. The included recipe book gave me some fresh ideas, and the overall setup felt effortless.
If you’re tired of overcooked or undercooked grilled foods, this Ninja Foodi makes it simple and reliable, fitting right into your kitchen routine.
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill EG201, Air Fry, Roast, Bake
- ✓ Versatile 6-in-1 functions
- ✓ Quick, even heating
- ✓ Less smoke, easy clean
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Slight learning curve
| Cooking Capacity | 4-quart crisper basket and 6-quart cooking pot |
| Maximum Temperature | 500°F |
| Power Output | BTU equivalent to a full-sized grill (exact wattage not specified) |
| Cooking Functions | Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate |
| Material | PTFE/PFOA-free nonstick ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot |
| Additional Features | Smoke Control System, Cyclonic Grilling Technology |
As I pulled the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Indoor Grill out of the box, I didn’t expect to be surprised by how much this compact device could do. I was initially skeptical about its ability to truly mimic outdoor grilling, but the cyclonic 500°F air and the searing power immediately caught my attention.
First, I tried the grill function on a thick steak. The grill grate feels sturdy and heats evenly.
You can actually see the char marks forming just like on a BBQ, thanks to the powerful cyclonic airflow. It’s impressive how quickly it heats up—ready to cook in just a few minutes.
The air fry feature is a game-changer. I made crispy fries with 75% less fat, and they came out perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside.
The included crisper basket makes it super easy to cook and clean up. Plus, the cool-air zone really cuts down on smoke, so I didn’t worry about my kitchen filling up.
Using the roast and bake functions, I whipped up some roasted veggies and a small casserole. The intuitive display and preset controls make it straightforward to switch between functions.
I also appreciated how quickly frozen foods could be transformed—frozen chicken cooked through in under 25 minutes, with grill marks to boot.
Overall, this device feels like a full-sized grill in a countertop package. It’s versatile, easy to use, and produces great flavor with less mess.
Sure, it’s a bit bulky, but given all the functions, it’s honestly worth it for anyone craving that grilled taste any time of year.