Ninja DG551 vs FG551: Which Grill Should You Choose? (November 2026)

On this page (6 sections)

1. Ninja DG551 vs FG551: what can you confirm?
2. How do their cooking capacities compare?
3. Which model makes more sense for your cooking?
4. Are the FG551 and DG551 accessories compatible?
5. What should you check before choosing?
6. Ninja DG551 vs FG551: which should you choose?

Choose the DG551 if its documented 6-in-1 functions and Smart Thermometer fit your cooking; choose the FG551 only after confirming its exact features and included parts. In this Ninja DG551 vs FG551 comparison, the available details confirm the DG551 specifications, but don't provide a matching FG551 feature list for a complete model-to-model comparison.

That means the DG551 is easier to assess from the information here. Its six modes, thermometer, grill grate and listed capacity give you concrete features to compare against the FG551 you are considering.

Both model numbers appear in accessory compatibility details for some liners. That can help with cleanup planning, but it doesn't mean every part or appliance feature is shared.

For a broader shortlist, see our best Ninja indoor grill picks.

Ninja DG551 vs FG551: what can you confirm?

The DG551 is confirmed as a six-function Smart XL grill; the FG551 needs a model-specific check before you compare feature by feature. The useful starting point is to write down what matters most to you, then verify those items against the exact FG551 unit.

The DG551 combines grilling with air crisping, roasting, baking, broiling and dehydrating. Its Smart Cook System includes a thermometer, and the grill comes with a 9 x 12 inch grate and 4 quart crisper basket.

The available details identify the other appliance as the FG551 in accessory compatibility information, including the Croask splatter shield. They don't confirm the FG551's complete function list, dimensions, included cooking parts or thermometer setup.

Does the FG551 match the DG551's cooking modes?

Don't assume the FG551 has every DG551 function unless the exact FG551 details confirm it. Check whether it includes the modes you expect to use, especially if air frying or dehydrating is a deciding factor.

A model number can be a useful starting point, but the appliance name alone doesn't fill in a missing comparison. Look for the model number on the appliance or packaging, then compare it with the manual and the exact configuration being offered.

This distinction matters when you want one machine for more than grilling. A feature you plan to use weekly is worth confirming before you compare accessories or choose a model.

What does the DG551 Smart Thermometer do?

The DG551's Smart Thermometer offers 4 protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels. That makes it a specific feature to weigh if you want guided cooking for different proteins.

The thermometer doesn't remove the need to follow safe food handling guidance. It gives you a way to choose a protein setting and doneness level, while your cooking choices and the appliance instructions still matter.

If you're leaning toward this model, our Ninja Foodi Smart XL grill and air fryer review covers the DG551's listed functions and parts. Read it alongside the exact FG551 details if you want a more complete comparison.

How do their cooking capacities compare?

The DG551's grill grate is 9 x 12 inches, and Ninja describes it as fitting up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs. A matching FG551 capacity figure isn't confirmed here, so don't use those DG551 numbers as a capacity claim for both models.

The number of pieces that fit depends on their size and how you arrange them. A large steak takes more grate space than a small hot dog, and crowding can change how food cooks.

The DG551 also includes a 4 quart crisper basket and a 4 quart cooking pot. Those parts support functions beyond grilling, though the exact setup you need depends on what you plan to make.

How much counter space should you allow?

Measure your available counter area against the exact model's dimensions before choosing. The DG551 measures 15.7 inches deep, 11.1 inches wide and 16 inches high.

Those figures describe the DG551 cabinet, not the open space you need around it. Follow the appliance manual's placement and ventilation guidance, and account for clearance to lift the lid or remove hot parts.

No matching FG551 dimensions are confirmed here. Check those measurements before assuming the FG551 has the same footprint or will fit the same shelf.

Which model makes more sense for your cooking?

Choose by the functions you can verify and will use, rather than by the model numbers alone. The DG551 has a clear feature set here, while the FG551 requires checking the exact model details.

The DG551 is a practical match if you want multiple cooking modes, a thermometer and an XL grate. Its grill, air crisp, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate options cover different cooking tasks in one countertop appliance.

The FG551 may suit you if you have already confirmed that its functions and parts match your needs. Verify its cooking modes, included accessories, dimensions and thermometer details before comparing it with the DG551.

If you're deciding between grilling and air frying as your main use, our guide to indoor grill vs air fryer can help you weigh the cooking style. The DG551 includes both grill and Air Crisp functions, but that doesn't mean every buyer needs both.

Choose the DG551 when its listed features fit

The DG551 is the clearer choice if you want a documented 6-in-1 appliance. Its Smart Cook System, thermometer and listed grill capacity give you specific features to match against your routine.

It includes a grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot, thermometer, cleaning brush and recipe book. Those included parts make it easier to understand the DG551 setup before you buy.

The appliance weighs 25 pounds, so consider where you'll store it and whether you want to leave it on the counter. Its removable ceramic-coated grate, basket and pot are dishwasher safe.

Consider the FG551 after checking its exact configuration

The FG551 can be a reasonable choice if you confirm the cooking modes and parts you want on that exact model. Accessory fit information alone can't tell you the full appliance feature set.

Check whether the FG551 package includes the parts you expect and whether its dimensions fit your kitchen. If a thermometer, particular cooking mode or grill capacity matters to you, verify that point directly.

For cooking instructions that apply to the Foodi grill you own, see our guide on how to use a Ninja Foodi grill. Follow the manual for your exact model, since controls and steps can vary by appliance.

Are the FG551 and DG551 accessories compatible?

Some accessories name both the FG551 and DG551, but compatibility is specific to each accessory. Treat each item's model list as its own fit check rather than assuming that one shared accessory confirms a shared appliance design.

The BYKITCHEN liners name FG551, DG551, IG651 and IG601 compatibility. They have a bowl shape intended to help contain residue and are described as heat safe up to 450°F.

The Ecfvtp liners also name FG551 and DG551, along with IG601 and IG651. Their instructions say to keep the paper weighted with food and not to put empty liners in during preheating.

The Croask splatter shield is described for the FG551 and measures 7.68 inches in diameter. Its fine mesh is intended to catch splashes and help keep the heating element clean.

If you want to compare cooking surfaces and add-ons, our guide to Ninja Foodi grills with a griddle explains which models include a griddle. Don't infer griddle compatibility from a liner or splatter screen fit.

What should you check before choosing?

Confirm the exact model, its functions, included parts and dimensions before deciding. Those checks answer the main questions this comparison can't settle about the FG551.

1. Match the model number on the appliance or box to the model details you are reviewing.
2. Compare the cooking modes you expect to use, such as Air Crisp or Dehydrate.
3. Confirm the included grill grate, crisper basket, cooking pot and thermometer, if those parts matter to you.
4. Compare the appliance dimensions with your counter space and storage plan.
5. Check accessory compatibility one item at a time.

These steps help avoid treating similar names as proof that two configurations are identical. They also make it easier to see whether the DG551's confirmed feature set gives you something the FG551 you are considering does not.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

Ninja DG551 vs FG551: which should you choose?

Pick the DG551 if its confirmed six functions, Smart Thermometer and XL capacity meet your needs; pick the FG551 after checking its exact features and package. The key decision is whether the model you choose has the cooking modes and parts you plan to use.

The DG551 is the easier choice to assess from the details available here. The FG551 comparison remains incomplete until you confirm its feature list, dimensions and included parts for the specific configuration you want.

FAQ schema and related links can help you continue comparing the models, but the final check is the exact appliance manual and model information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ninja DG551 and FG551?

The confirmed details here identify the DG551 as a 6-in-1 indoor grill with a Smart Cook System, thermometer, 9 x 12 inch grill grate and 4 quart crisper basket. A matching FG551 specification list isn't available here, so check the exact FG551 functions, included parts and dimensions before treating the models as interchangeable.

Does the Ninja DG551 have more cooking functions than the FG551?

The DG551 has six named functions: Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil and Dehydrate. Without a verified FG551 function list, there isn't enough information here to say which model has more modes; compare the manuals or exact model details before choosing by function count.

Are Ninja FG551 and DG551 accessories interchangeable?

Some accessories name both models as compatible, including the BYKITCHEN and Ecfvtp rectangular liners. The Croask splatter shield here names FG551 compatibility.

Check each accessory's exact fit details and your appliance model before ordering, since compatibility for one accessory doesn't confirm compatibility for all.

How large is the Ninja DG551 grill grate?

The DG551 includes a 9 x 12 inch grill grate. Ninja describes its XL capacity as fitting up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs at once, but food size and arrangement affect what fits in practice.