Regarding versatile kitchen appliances, Ninja has established itself as a leader, offering innovative tools that make home cooking a breeze. As someone who loves experimenting with kitchen gadgets, I’ve found that Ninja products often balance performance, convenience, and cutting-edge technology. Among their lineup, the Ninja DG551 and FG551 grills are two standout models that bring the joy of grilling indoors. If you’re trying to decide which one to buy, let’s dive into the details to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Why I Love Ninja Appliances
A few years ago, I discovered Ninja’s indoor grills while searching for a way to enjoy barbecue-style meals without stepping outside during colder months. My first Ninja grill transformed how I cooked—the ease of grilling chicken to perfection or searing steaks with restaurant-quality results was unmatched.
Since then, I’ve kept an eye on their innovations, and the DG551 and FG551 are two models I’ve had the pleasure of testing. Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned to make your decision easier.
Feature Comparison: Ninja DG551 vs FG551
- Design and Build
- Ninja DG551: The DG551, or the Foodi Smart XL Grill, is slightly larger and offers a more spacious cooking area. Its sleek, modern design includes a digital display and intuitive controls. The larger footprint makes it ideal for families or those who love entertaining guests.
- Ninja FG551: The FG551, known as the Foodi Smart Grill, has a more compact design, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or households with limited counter space. It retains the premium feel but is more portable.
- Cooking Capacity
- DG551: With a larger cooking surface, the DG551 can handle up to six steaks or 24 hot dogs at once, making it the go-to option for larger families.
- FG551: While slightly smaller, the FG551 can still grill four steaks or 15 hot dogs, which is sufficient for couples or small families.
- Smart Thermometer Technology
Both models feature Ninja’s Smart Cook System with a built-in thermometer, but there are slight differences:
- DG551: The Smart Thermometer offers advanced customization with multiple protein presets and doneness levels. It’s a game-changer for cooking meats to precise temperatures without guesswork.
- FG551: While equipped with the Smart Thermometer, it’s slightly less advanced in customization options than the DG551.
- Cooking Modes
Both grills come with multiple cooking functions, but the DG551 has a slight edge:
- DG551: Its expanded versatility includes grilling, air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and broiling. It can replace several kitchen appliances.
- FG551: This grill offers grilling, air frying, baking, roasting, and broiling but lacks the dehydrating function, which may only be a deal-breaker if you’re a fan of homemade dried snacks.
- Price Point
- DG551: As the larger and more feature-rich model, the DG551 comes at a higher price point.
- FG551: This is a more budget-friendly option to enjoy indoor grilling without breaking the bank.
Real-Life Usage: How They Perform in the Kitchen
Scenario 1: Grilling Steaks
I grilled New York strip steaks for a family dinner when testing both models. The DG551’s larger cooking surface allowed me to cook all the steaks simultaneously, and the Smart Thermometer ensured they were perfectly medium-rare. The FG551 delivered equally delicious results but required two batches due to its smaller size.
Scenario 2: Air Frying Wings
Both grills excelled at air frying—crispy, golden chicken wings with minimal oil. However, the DG551’s larger capacity made it easier to prepare enough wings for a party in one go. For smaller gatherings, the FG551 was more than capable.
Scenario 3: Versatility in Cooking
The DG551’s dehydrating function was a pleasant surprise. I made a batch of beef jerky, which turned out tender and flavorful. The FG551 lacks this feature, but its broiling and air frying modes were excellent for everyday cooking tasks like toasting bagels or roasting vegetables.
Practical Considerations: Which Model is Right for You?
Here are some tips to help you choose:
- Space Constraints
The FG551’s compact design makes it a better fit for those with limited counter space. Its smaller footprint is ideal for apartments or kitchens with minimal storage.
- Cooking for Larger Groups
The DG551’s larger capacity and additional features will save you time and effort if you frequently cook for a large family or host gatherings.
- Budget
The FG551 is more affordable, making it perfect for those who want Ninja’s grilling technology without the premium price tag. If you’re willing to invest more, the DG551’s enhanced features and capacity are worth it.
- Specific Cooking Needs
The DG551’s dehydrating function is great for those who enjoy making homemade snacks. If this isn’t a priority, the FG551’s cooking modes are sufficient for most meals.
Conclusion
The Ninja DG551 and FG551 are excellent indoor grills that deliver exceptional performance, making them valuable additions to any kitchen. Here’s how I’d summarize their strengths:
- Choose the Ninja DG551 if you need a grill with a larger cooking surface, more advanced Smart Thermometer features, and additional functions like dehydrating. It’s ideal for larger households or those who love experimenting with recipes.
- Opt for the Ninja FG551 if you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly option that still delivers high-quality grilling and air-frying performance. It’s perfect for smaller households or occasional grillers.
No matter which model you choose, both grills bring the joy of outdoor grilling indoors with the added convenience of multifunctionality. Happy cooking!