If you’re shopping for a versatile indoor grill that replaces multiple kitchen appliances — grilling, air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating — Ninja’s Foodi Smart XL lineup stands out. Two of the most popular options are the Ninja DG551 (2nd Generation) and the Ninja FG551 (original generation). Both promise great results, but there are meaningful differences that can help you decide which model deserves a spot on your countertop. In this comparison, we break down features, performance, ease of use, and value so you know exactly why we recommend the Ninja DG551 as the best choice for most home cooks in 2026.
The Ninja DG551 is the smarter pick for everyday cooking because it adds refined controls, an improved Smart Cook System, and enhanced precision compared with the FG551 — giving you better consistent results and a more intuitive experience overall.
Why Do I Recommend Ninja DG551?
- More Precise Smart Cook System: The DG551 builds on Ninja’s Smart Cook System with its Foodi Smart Thermometer and lets you achieve ideal doneness levels quickly and accurately — from rare to well done — which is especially handy when cooking meats like steak, chicken, or pork.
- Improved Grilling & Even Cooking: In real-world testing and user feedback, the DG551 heats more evenly with fewer hot spots than the FG551. That means juicier, more consistent results whether you’re grilling steaks, burgers, or veggies.
- Faster Temperature Response: Users report that the DG551’s thermometer is a bit quicker and more responsive, leading to more reliable finishes on proteins and baked foods.
- Easy Cleanup: Like the FG551, the DG551 has dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated parts, including the grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot — a big help for low-maintenance cleanup after meals.
- Versatility with Six Functions: Both models shine with 6-in-1 versatility — Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate — letting you prepare everything from char-grilled steaks to air-fried fries and dried snacks all in one countertop machine.
Detailed Comparison & Recommendation
| Feature | Ninja DG551 (2nd Gen) | Ninja FG551 (1st Gen) | Which Is Best & Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Cook System & Thermometer | Advanced & precise | Good but slightly less responsive | DG551 – better temperature control |
| Doneness Levels | 9+ customizable levels | Fewer preset levels | DG551 – more control over results |
| Cooking Functions | 6-in-1 (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) | Same 6-in-1 set | Tie – equal versatility |
| Heat Evenness | More even, consistent cooking | Slightly less consistent | DG551 – improved results |
| Size & Capacity | XL size | XL size | Tie – same family-friendly size |
| Ease of Use | Clearer controls | Simple but less refined | DG551 – easier precision cooking |
| Best For | Precise daily-use cooking | Solid everyday grill | DG551 – more reliable for frequent cooks |
| Check Best Seller | Check Best Seller Offers |
What Is the Major Difference Between Ninja DG551 vs FG551?
- The core similarities between the two are the 6-in-1 functionality — Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate — and the overall design philosophy of delivering smoker-style flavor indoors with minimal smoke.
- The biggest practical differences lie mainly in:
- Smart Cooking Precision: The DG551’s thermometer reads temperature more responsively and offers more doneness control.
- Evenness of Cooking: Users note more uniform heat distribution and grill marks with the DG551 versus the FG551.
- Updated Generation Design: As a newer model, the DG551 also brings slightly refined controls and interface adjustments compared with the older FG551.
What Users Are Saying
| Aspect | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 |
|---|---|---|
| Grilling Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – even and flavorful results | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – reliable but slightly less even |
| Thermometer Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – precise & quick readings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – good but slower |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – excellent 6-in-1 functions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – same functions |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – intuitive controls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – simple but older interface |
| Cleanup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – dishwasher-safe parts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – dishwasher-safe parts |
| Recommended Best Seller |
Fair Advice to Consider
- You want the best temperature control and precision results: Go with Ninja DG551 for its improved thermometer and doneness settings.
- You want solid grilling + air fry performance at a slightly lower price: The FG551 still gives you excellent 6-in-1 versatility.
- You cook for family-sized meals frequently: Both grills handle large portions well, but the DG551’s consistency gives it an edge for repeat use.
- You want easy cleanup: Both have removable dishwasher-safe parts.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ninja DG551 | Ninja FG551 | Winner & Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermometer | Yes, improved | Yes | DG551 – faster, more accurate |
| Doneness Control | Advanced levels | Basic levels | DG551 – finer cooking control |
| 6-in-1 Functions | ✔ | ✔ | Tie – same versatility |
| Heat Distribution | More even | Good | DG551 – more consistent grill marks |
| Ease of Use | Slightly refined | Simple | DG551 – easier precision |
| Check Best Seller | Check Best Seller Offers |
Quick Summary
Both the Ninja DG551 and Ninja FG551 offer excellent 6-in-1 multi-function grilling performance (Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate) and smart thermometer technology that takes the guesswork out of doneness. The DG551 builds on the FG551’s strong foundation by adding more precise doneness control, finer temperature responsiveness, even heat distribution, and an overall more refined cooking experience, making it the better choice for everyday home cooks who want reliable, consistent results.
FAQs
Can both models grill steaks and air fry at the same time?
Yes — both handle multi-function cooking, letting you grill mains while air frying sides for full meals.
Are the parts dishwasher safe?
Yes — the removable grill grate, crisper basket, and cooking pot are dishwasher safe on both models.
Do these grills help you skip defrosting?
Yes — both can cook from frozen to char-grilled in under about 25 minutes.
Final Verdict
Ninja DG551 — Best Overall 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
For precision, consistency, refined doneness control, and reliable everyday performance, the DG551 is the superior choice in 2026. Ninja FG551 — Great Option at a Value
Still a strong multifunctional indoor grill with excellent versatility, especially if you want a slightly lower price on earlier stock.