We will be reviewing & comparing the top 4 Best Ninja Foodi grill models: the Ninja IG601 vs IG651 vs FG551 vs AG301. These grills make it easy to cook foods quickly by eliminating the need for air fryers and pans.
Thus, you can minimize the kitchen space for cooking appliances. That’s the bomb! All options in today’s rundown have their distinct merits and greatness, spreading the far-out grilling experience.
If you’re searching for versatile and high-end Ninja Foodi grills, don’t skip this post. Presumably, one of them can meet your needs at an affordable price.
After reading this Best Ninja Foodi Grills Review, you can make a better purchase. Each of these items gives you an idea of what they excel in and what makes them better than their competitors.
Top 4 Best Ninja Foodi Grill Comparison Chart
Before getting to the in-depth review of each grill. Don’t miss out on this summary chart. We will compare Ninja Foodi indoor grills of 4 best-sellers: IG601, IG651, FG551, and AG301:
Models | Ninja IG601 | Ninja IG651 | Ninja FG551 | Ninja AG301 |
XL Grill Grate | Available | Available | Available | |
Functions | 7 functions: Griddle, Bake, Dehydrate, Grill, Air Crisp, Broil, and Roast | 7 functions: Griddle, Grill, Roast, Bake, Air Crisp, Broil, and Dehydrate | 6 functions: Grill, Roast, Air Crisp, Broil, Bake, and Dehydrate | 5 functions: Grill, Roast, Air Crisp, Bake, and Dehydrate |
Capacity | 4 quarts | 4 quarts | 4 quarts | 6 quarts |
Smart Thermometer | Available | Available | ||
Cyclonic Grilling Technology | Available | Available | Available | Available |
Virtually Smokeless | Available | Available | Available | Available |
Nonstick Ceramic-coated | Available | Available | Available | Available |
What Included | 1. Quick start guide 2. 9″ x 13″ grill grate (ceramic coating, nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free) 3. 12″ flat top BBQ griddle with PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic coating, and nonstick 4. 4-qt crisper basket with ceramic coating, nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free | 1. Quick start guide 2. 9″ x 13″ grill grate (PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic coating, nonstick) 3. 12″ flat top BBQ griddle with PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic coating, and nonstick 4. 4-qt crisper basket with ceramic coating, nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free 5. Smart Thermometer | 1. XL 9″ x 12″ grill grate (PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic-coated) 2. 4-qt crisper basket with ceramic coating, nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free 3. 4-qt cooking pot (PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic coating, and nonstick) 4. Smart Thermometer 5. Chef-created 15-recipe book 6. Cleaning brush | 1. 10″ x 10″ grill grate (nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic-coated) 2. 4-qt crisper basket (nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic-coated) 3. 6-qt cooking pot (PTFE/PFOA-free, ceramic-coated, nonstick) 4. Smart thermometer 5. Chef-created 15-recipe book 6. Cleaning brush |
Transform Frozen Foods To Char-Grilled | Available | Available | Available | Available |
Dishwasher-safe Components | Available | Available | Available | Available |
BPA Free | Available | Available | Available | Available |
Color | Silver/Black | Silver/Black | Silver/Black | Silver/Black |
Dimensions (W x D x H) (inch) | 15.7 x 17.4 x 11.63 | 15.7 x 17.4 x 7 | 15.7 x 16.54 x 11.05 | 14.9 x 14.9 x 11 |
Wattage | 1760 | 1760 | 1760 | 1760 |
Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Related article: Best Air Fryer Grill Combo
The Difference Between Ninja IG601 Vs IG651
Both Ninja grills are the perfect choices for any home. They are flexible, well-cooked, and cutting-edge. You are lucky if you have a well-furnished kitchen with all the necessary appliances for making food.
IG601 and IG651 have 7 cooking programs, working flexibly in multiple recipes. Overall, these two Ninja grills have only a few differences.
The IG651 costs a bit more than the IG601, yet it seems more versatile, convenient, and excellent.
IG651 has an intelligent thermometer, thus monitoring the cooking time and temperature automatically. Meanwhile, IG601 doesn’t have this built-in technology, requiring your supervision during cooking.
Both Ninja’s IG grills offer you various cooking modes.
The Difference Between Ninja FG551 vs IG651
First off, the Ninja FG551 is slightly cheaper than the IG651. Nonetheless, Ninja FG551 offers more control buttons for practical monitoring functions, temperatures, and other settings, while IG651 has fewer buttons beside a dial wheel.
Ninja IG651 has 7 functions, covering an additional one more than the other. In other words, FG551 features only 6 cooking modes.
It does not matter with the lid opening for IG651 while cooking, yet a closed lid is compulsory in FG551.
Furthermore, the FG551 has a side-by-side interface style, showing the current and target temperature, helping you track the cooking process better.
In contrast, the IG651 has stacked screens, showing the temperature in its first display and the set time in the second.
Lastly, the FG551 is a bit lighter and more portable than the other.
FG551 has one less cooking function than IG651. Source: Amazon
The Difference Between Ninja FG551 vs AG301
In general, the Ninja FG551 is a bit more affordable than the AG301.
Both are stainless steel, but the FG551 looks better and more stylish, heavier, and broader, blending well in many kitchen decors.
Regarding the basket capacity, FG551 has a smaller cooking pot that fits only 4 quarts of food. Meanwhile, the AG301 can serve more people while processing up to 6 quarts at the same time.
You can rest assured to host a small party of 6-7 people.
While using AG301, you must babysit the cooking process to avoid overcooking. On the other hand, FG551 does it automatically, notably the broiling feature, thanks to the smart thermometer. It does wonders in controlling the temperature.
FG551 comes with a recipe book with 20 dishes in total, while the second one has only 15 recipes.
AG301 comes with a 15-recipe book.
Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo Review
Ninja IG651 is the best overall among the 4 items. Its griddle capacity is what makes it outstanding. The grill works with no smoke released.
IG651 is versatile with 7 cooking functions: dehydrate, roast, bake, broil, grill, air crisp, and BBQ griddle.
It will give you a restaurant-quality grilling experience owing to the outstanding stripe and heating ability. It may also substitute an air fryer if needed.
Beyond that, one thing any medium-rare lovers adore is an integrated meat thermometer inside the grill, making Steak and prime rib more delectable than ever.
The grill also does a bang-up job with other protein types. The cooking space inside fits 6 steaks at the same time.
Of note, it’s comfortable, as IG651 will inform you as soon as the temperature you set is reached. You can implement other tasks during grilling without worries.
IG651 has the magic to spice your dishes up with direct heat. Things will be done with ease with a unique and delicious smell.
However, remember that this grill costs you a bit more than others (most expensive in today’s comparison) with no cooking pots available. Its thermometer also doesn’t work on meat below the freezing point.
Take a closer look at Ninja Foodi IG651.
Pros
- Virtually smokeless
- Can air fry
- It fits 6 steaks at the same time
- Direct heating
- Conventional stripe grill marks
Cons
- No cooking pots inside
- High cost
- The thermometer won’t work on meat below freezing.
Ninja IG601 Foodi XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill Combo Review
Like IG651, Ninja IG601 offers 7 cooking modes: bake, roast, dehydrate, broil, crisp air, BBQ griddle, and grill. How about the air fry function? Ninja IG601 does the trick.
Its structure allows the heat to be delivered efficiently. The cooking time is thus shortened. With the help of Ninja IG601, you can have a flawless and yummy charred beef party with your fellas.
The pro-powered grate adapts to any big holiday party, offering a far-out grilling experience all year round.
It’s easy to use with the time and temperature buttons. You don’t need to control them by yourself.
IG601 never allows the smoke to contaminate your cooking area, thanks to the virtually smoke-free feature.
Regarding assembly, an IG601 box contains 3 parts: the crisper basket, the pro grill grate, and the pro-flat-top/BBQ griddle.
However, IG601 doesn’t come with any probe thermometer. The foods inside sometimes slide down during cooking and often require ample space on the countertop.
IG601 can be a game-changer for cooking strategies.
Pros
- Slightly cheaper than the IG651
- Leave’s signature grill marks
- Virtually smoke-free
- 7 cooking programs, can air fry
- Many accessories included
Cons
- No probe thermometer
- Require substantial space on the countertop
- Foods sometimes slide down
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill Review
Give it a try with the second-best Ninja indoor grill or FG551 (after IG651). It’s undoubtedly a go-to option owing to an integrated thermometer and modern design. It runs well as an air fryer rather than a griddle.
FG551 offers 6 cooking modes for you to experience: broil, bake, grill, roast, dehydrate, and air crisp.Â
The best thing about FG551 is its low price, perhaps. So, it’s the most budget-friendly option on today’s list. Still, the value of FG551 is no way falling behind.
Of note, it’s easy to use, effective, and mess-free, cooking your meals tasty and delectable.Â
It crisps up fried chicken and vegetables easily in one countertop unit or sears meaty aromas rapidly, thanks to its advanced technology. Not to mention, 500°F cyclonic air can have things done flawlessly on the grate.Â
Thanks to the air fry crisp, your French fries are very healthy, with a fat content of 75% lower than the conventional method.
All massive fans of the entire era will enjoy the Foodi Smart Thermometer. You can achieve the entire doneness with 9 customizable cooking levels and 9 flexible protein settings.
The spacious grill grate allows you to cook up to 24 hot dogs simultaneously. It’s fascinating to any get-together and party table.
If you wish for a smokeless grill, FG551 makes your dream come true due to the exclusive grill. Additionally, the thermometer and dual sensors work together to transform foods from frozen to char-grilled within 25 minutes only.
Regarding its drawbacks, some may dislike its curved grill marks (not the traditional stripes) and indirect heat. No BBQ Griddly function is available, as well.
Ninja FG551 is at a lower cost compared to IG651
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- 9 customized doneness levels
- Virtually smokeless
- Reduce 75% of fat content
- Clever thermometer system
Cons
- Curved grill marks
- No BBQ Griddle function
- Indirect heating
Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill
If you head for the most space among these 4 choices, Ninja AG301 is for you with dimensions of 14.9 x 14.9 x 11.02 inches. It’s genuinely an indoor grill with a classic design. Â
AG301 offers 5 cooking programs: air fry, grill, roast, bake and dehydrate. It inspires your creativity due to its versatility in countless recipes. A multi-cooker at a low price sounds fantastic.
It’s time-saving as the grill’s preheat speed is faster than regular grills. Notably, the crisper basket will save you up to 40%. It’s also a space-saving option, fitting small apartments and a limited cooking area.Â
The 500°F cyclonic air will brush up the meal aromas amazingly. Not to mention, its air fry crisp mitigates up to 75% fat compared to deep-frying.Â
Its durability, nonstick ceramic coating, and dishwasher-safe parts make it one of the safest grills in your kitchen.
Albeit small, AG301 performs exceptionally as a high-powered appliance for your kitchen. Specifically, it’s the only option (among the 4) coming with a 6-quart capacity, promising to cater for 6-7 people at once.
Regarding its demerits, there is no thermometer inside. The cooking process also causes noise due to the running fans.
Ninja AG301 has 5 cooking functions in total.
Pros
- Compact design, best fit for small apartments
- Large capacity of 6 quarts
- Fast preheat speed
- Direct heating
- Time-saving
Cons
- Only 5 cooking functions
- No smart thermometer
- The fan is a bit noisy.
The Winner
Now that you have grabbed the overview and comparison of the 4 Best Ninja Foodi Grills: Ninja IG601 vs IG651 vs FG551 vs AG301.
By and large, the champion is perhaps the Ninja IG651 with the title of the best overall. Still, the others are at lower costs that you should also consider.Â
Genuinely, what you pick is up to your preferences and finances.
Hopefully, this short article can satisfy your desires. Don’t forget to share it with your adorable guys.Â