Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 Indoor Grill Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 suits larger meals and cooks that benefit from thermometer guidance. Its 6-in-1 functions add air crisping and oven-style modes, but its countertop footprint calls for careful measuring.
On this page (9 sections)
- The Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 at a glance
- How does the DG551 thermometer help with cooking?
- Is the DG551 large enough for family meals?
- What can you cook with its six functions?
- How does the DG551 compare with other Ninja Foodi models?
- Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL easy to clean?
- Who should choose the DG551?
- What should you know before buying an indoor grill?
- Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 worth considering?
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 is an indoor grill and air fryer for larger meals with thermometer-guided doneness. Its grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, and its six functions add options for cooking beyond grilling.
The trade-off is a substantial countertop appliance with several included parts to store and clean. We compared its listed features with two other Ninja Foodi models to clarify which kind of cook benefits most from the DG551.
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 at a glance
The DG551 combines a family-size grill grate, a Smart Cook System thermometer and six cooking functions. It is most compelling if you expect to use both the grill and the extra modes.
Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill: Best for larger meals with probe control
- Fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs
- Foodi Smart Thermometer
- 6 cooking functions
- 15.7 x 11.1 x 16 in
A smart indoor grill for households cooking larger meals and wanting a thermometer with protein settings and customizable doneness levels. Its six functions also cover air crisping and several oven-style tasks.
Pros
- Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs
- Thermometer has 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels
- Six cooking functions
- Dishwasher-safe removable cooking parts
Cons
- Needs room for a 15.7 x 11.1 in base and 16 in height
- The thermometer and added modes may be unnecessary for simple grilling
What the Smart XL name means for this model
The Smart XL label points to two useful features: the grill grate fits a larger batch, and the Foodi Smart Thermometer helps guide doneness. The thermometer includes 4 protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels.
Ninja describes the DG551 as an updated design with the same functions and benefits. Its main cooking functions are Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil and Dehydrate.
How does the DG551 thermometer help with cooking?
The Foodi Smart Thermometer gives you preset and customizable doneness choices for cooking with more guidance. It can be useful when you want the appliance to track food temperature instead of relying only on a timer.
There are 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels, from rare to well-done. Those controls make the most sense if you cook proteins often and want to choose a target rather than estimate doneness by time.
A probe does not make food handling or thermometer placement irrelevant. Follow the appliance instructions for inserting and using it, and use safe food-handling practices for the ingredients you're cooking.
If you already own a reliable instant-read thermometer and usually cook simple batches, consider whether the built-in system adds enough value to justify the larger multi-function unit. For probe use and setup steps, see our guide to how to use a Ninja Foodi grill.
Is the DG551 large enough for family meals?
The DG551 is designed for larger grilling batches, with a grate that fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs. That capacity can help when you're cooking for several people or want to make mains and sides in one session.
Capacity depends on food shape and spacing, so treat those figures as maximum fit examples rather than a promise for every meal. Thick cuts, crowded food or different ingredient sizes can change how much fits comfortably.
The included grill grate measures 9 x 12 inches. The appliance itself measures 15.7 inches deep, 11.1 inches wide and 16 inches high, so check counter space and overhead clearance before setting it up.
Think about where the cooking pot, crisper basket, thermometer and cleaning brush will live between uses. A unit can fit the counter and still be awkward if its removable parts have no convenient storage spot.
What can you cook with its six functions?
The DG551's six functions cover grilling, air crisping and several oven-style tasks. That range may help if you want one appliance to handle different meals across the week.
| Function | What it does for your cooking |
|---|---|
| Grill | Cooks food on the grill grate with cyclonic air and a 500°F grate |
| Air Crisp | Uses the included 4-qt crisper basket for air-frying foods |
| Roast | Adds a roasting mode for larger or denser foods |
| Bake | Provides a baking option in the appliance |
| Broil | Adds a direct high-heat cooking mode |
| Dehydrate | Supports drying foods |
Ninja says the appliance uses 500°F cyclonic air and a 500°F grill grate to cook or char food. The brand also says its smoke-control system combines grilling practices, a temperature-controlled grate, a splatter shield and a cool-air zone to reduce smoke.
These features do not mean you should expect a completely smoke-free kitchen. Use the appliance as directed, keep the splatter shield clean and allow for ventilation while cooking.
For a broader comparison of cooking methods, our indoor grill vs air fryer guide explains which appliance type suits different meals.
How does the DG551 compare with other Ninja Foodi models?
The DG551, FG551 and AG301 all combine indoor grilling with other cooking functions, but the Smart models include a thermometer system. The AG301 is a five-function XL model without a Smart Cook thermometer in its listed features.
Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 Indoor Grill: Best for a similar smart-grill setup
- Fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs
- Smart Cook System thermometer
- 6 cooking functions
- 4 qt capacity
A closely related 6-in-1 Smart Cook option with a thermometer and room for larger grilling batches. Compare the model and dimensions with the DG551 before choosing between them.
Pros
- Thermometer uses 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels
- Grill grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs
- Grill, air fry, roast, bake, broil and dehydrate
Cons
- Its measurements differ from the DG551
- The overlapping functions make model comparison important
The B089TQ82WT model is another Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 Indoor Grill, with a Smart Cook System and a grill grate sized for up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs. Its listed dimensions differ from the DG551, so verify the model number and fit before choosing.
Ninja® Foodi® 5-in-1 XL Indoor Grill: Best for XL grilling without a smart probe
- 5 cooking functions
- 500°F cyclonic air and grill grate
- 4 qt crisper basket
- 6 qt cooking pot
A five-function XL alternative for shoppers who want grilling and air frying without the Smart Cook thermometer system. It also roasts, bakes and dehydrates.
Pros
- Five countertop cooking functions
- Cyclonic air and a 500°F grill grate
- Dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated cooking parts
Cons
- No Smart Cook thermometer is specified
- One fewer cooking function than the DG551
The AG301 has five functions: Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Dehydrate. It includes a 6-qt cooking pot, a 4-qt crisper basket and a 10 x 10 inch grill grate, making it a distinct option if the thermometer isn't important to you.
See our best Ninja indoor grill and air fryer comparison for more context across the brand's grill and air-fryer combinations.
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL easy to clean?
The removable cooking parts are dishwasher safe, according to Ninja. The DG551 has a ceramic-coated grill grate, crisper basket and cooking pot, along with a cleaning brush.
Removable parts make cleanup more manageable than scrubbing a fixed cooking surface, but they still need room in your dishwasher and cabinets. Let parts cool and follow Ninja's care instructions before cleaning.
The splatter shield is part of the smoke-control setup, so regular cleaning matters for both upkeep and cooking. Check the manual for cleaning steps and which parts should stay out of water.
Who should choose the DG551?
Choose the DG551 if you cook larger batches, want thermometer guidance and will use more than one cooking mode. For ideas on using the grill, browse Ninja indoor grill recipes.
Its grill capacity and six functions make it suited to households that want one countertop appliance for varied meals.
It may be more appliance than you need if you mainly grill a small portion at a time. A simpler grill or a standalone air fryer can take less space if you won't use the thermometer and extra modes.
The DG551's footprint and accessories also deserve a practical check. Measure your available counter area, overhead space and storage room for the cooking parts before deciding.
For a wider look at the brand's lineup, compare our best Ninja indoor grills. If steaks are your main reason for buying, our guide to the best indoor grills for steaks focuses on that use.
What should you know before buying an indoor grill?
An indoor grill uses electric heat on a countertop, while a stovetop grill pan sits over a burner. The DG551 adds circulating cyclonic air and multiple cooking modes, so it serves a broader role than a pan.
Review how indoor electric grills work to understand the general setup, heat and cleanup trade-offs. If you prefer cooking at the table and sharing several small portions, consider the different format of electric Korean BBQ grills for home.
The DG551 weighs 25 pounds, so plan to leave it in place or have a suitable spot to store it. Its listed size and weight matter as much as its cooking features if you need to move it after each meal.
Is the Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 worth considering?
The DG551 is worth considering when larger grill batches and thermometer control solve a real cooking need. Its 6-in-1 setup adds flexibility, but it also asks for counter space and storage for multiple parts.
Pick the DG551 for larger meals and guided doneness, the FG551 if you want an XL grill with five functions but no specified Smart Cook thermometer, or a simpler appliance if you won't use the extra modes. Compare the best Ninja indoor grill and air fryer options before settling on a model.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 do?
The DG551 grills, air crisps, roasts, bakes, broils and dehydrates. It combines those functions with a Smart Cook System thermometer that has 4 protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels, so it may suit households that want guided cooking as well as a grill.
How much can the Ninja Foodi Smart XL grill hold?
Ninja says the DG551 grill grate fits up to 6 steaks or 24 hot dogs, with room for mains and sides. The actual batch depends on food size and arrangement, so think about the meals you usually make and whether you want to cook everything at once.
Does the Ninja Foodi Smart XL DG551 have an air fryer?
Yes. Air Crisp is one of its six functions, alongside Grill, Roast, Bake, Broil and Dehydrate.
It includes a 4-qt crisper basket, so you can use the appliance for crisping foods as well as grilling.
Is the DG551 different from the FG551?
The DG551 is the Smart XL version with a listed size of 15.7 x 11.1 x 16 inches and a weight of 25 pounds. The FG551 is another Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 model; compare exact model details and dimensions before buying because their measurements differ.
